MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Talk:Rhyming Omnicon fanboys

2026-05-05T19:53:17Z

StarGayCybertron:

:I was rewatching the first episode these guys show up in and I think the red Omnicon might be voiced by Gabe Kouth, because he sounds similar to Orko from 2002 He-Man. Unfortunately, I don't think there's any way of confirming this since Gabe Kouth passed away a while ago.-[[User:StarGayCybertron|StarGayCybertron]] 15:42, 6 March 2026 (UTC)
::EDIT: I noticed someone has made a page for [[Gabe Khouth]] but I want to clarify that I have no way of confirming anything about him voicing the red guy. Gabe Khouth is unfortunately no longer with us and I was only guessing because of the similar voice the red guy had to Orko. Unless someone has actual evidence to confirm my theory, I don't think we should be crediting Gabe Khouth on this page. [[User:StarGayCybertron|StarGayCybertron]] 20:52, 5 May 2026 (BST)

Talk:Rhyming Omnicon fanboys

2026-05-05T19:52:45Z

StarGayCybertron:

:I was rewatching the first episode these guys show up in and I think the red Omnicon might be voiced by Gabe Kouth, because he sounds similar to Orko from 2002 He-Man. Unfortunately, I don't think there's any way of confirming this since Gabe Kouth passed away a while ago.-[[User:StarGayCybertron|StarGayCybertron]] 15:42, 6 March 2026 (UTC)
::EDIT: I noticed someone has made a page for [[Gabe Kouth]] but I want to clarify that I have no way of confirming anything about him voicing the red guy. Gabe Kouth is unfortunately no longer with us and I was only guessing because of the similar voice the red guy had to Orko. Unless someone has actual evidence to confirm my theory, I don't think we should be crediting Gabe Kouth on this page. [[User:StarGayCybertron|StarGayCybertron]] 20:52, 5 May 2026 (BST)

User talk:AutovoltGTS

2026-05-05T19:15:07Z

StarGayCybertron:

{{previewbutton}}

== Copying stuff ==

Hi! Please don't copy and paste directly from Wikipedia—it's specifically in our [[Transformers Wiki:Policies|policies]]. Sourcing info from there is fine, but you should at least reword it to not be a direct copy (and it's kinda a giveaway if you leave in the [1] and ? footnote marks. :) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:28, 20 October 2012 (EDT)

==Recent notes==
Kindly stop adding notes to pages that are just lists of TF VA's that were in that specific piece of media, we work to keep that kind of trivia off our actor pages as is. [[User:McBaggins|McBaggins]] ([[User talk:McBaggins|talk]]) 22:55, 5 August 2022 (EDT)

==Voice actors==
Hello! I do not know how it works in LatAm but I would suggest to wait for the theatrical release of the film before adding foreign voice actors, since the trailers are dubbed way before the films and some voices often change between the trailer and the final release, at least in France that's what sometimes happens... --[[User:SoundSky|SoundSky]] ([[User talk:SoundSky|talk]]) 02:42, 9 December 2022 (EST)
:Hello, please remember that message above, do not update characters and voice actors pages before the theatrical release of the films please. I know that these two you changed will most likely be the definitive French voice actors but there is still a risk. It still happens a lot in France between trailers and release. --[[User:SoundSky|SoundSky]] ([[User talk:SoundSky|talk]]) 11:35, 29 May 2023 (EDT)

=="alumni"==
If you're going to add VA notes to character pages, please don't use the plural form of "alumnus" (or "alumna") if you're only going to list one person. [[User:Saix|Saix]] ([[User talk:Saix|talk]]) 12:52, 18 May 2023 (EDT)
{{correctenglish}}

==Voice actor roles==
Please stop adding so many more roles to every voice actor's page. We try to limit examples of actors' non-Transformers work to only five or six. -- [[User:Cyberlink420|Cyberlink420]] ([[User talk:Cyberlink420|talk]]) 08:38, 25 November 2025 (EST)

=Gabe Kouth=
Hi, I noticed you made a post for the late Gabe Kouth after you saw my note on the [[Rhyming Omnicon fanboys]] talk page. I'm a bit confused because I never said that Kouth voiced the red one, I just thought it might be him because his voice sounded kinda like Orko's but obviously couldn't confirm anything because unfortunately the guy died a few years ago. Is there something you've been able to confirm? Because I noticed you posted a lot of voice actor trivia and you are based in Canada. Just wanting to clarify because I don't want to accidentally spread misinformation basued on a theory. --[[User:StarGayCybertron|StarGayCybertron]] ([[User talk:StarGayCybertron|talk]]) 20:14, 5 May 2026 (BST)

Bumblebee (Movie)/toys

2026-04-25T18:43:45Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Studio Series */ Added a little write up of his new toy.

{{disambig2|[[Bumblebee (Movie)]] toys|[[Bumblebee (film)|''Bumblebee'' movie]] toys|Transformers: Bumblebee (toyline)}}
{{suite}}
'''[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]''' is the star of a [[Live-action film series|multibillion-dollar film franchise]], and as such has an ungodly amount of toys and memorabilia!

Seriously, he's probably got more than [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] by now.

He is one of two characters (the other being [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]]) to have at least one toy in every size class.

[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Notes|Even ''Hasbro'' admits that the amount of toys 'Bee has is ridiculous.]]

==''Transformers'' (2007)==
===Legends Class toys===
[[File:Bumblebeemovielegends.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It's not a fiesta with racing stripes... it's a fiesta OF racing stripes!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Legends Class, 2007)
**''TakaraTomy name:'' '''EZ Collection Bumblebee'''
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Legends Bumblebee transforms into a yellow 1976 Chevrolet Camaro. Being a highly simplified toy of a highly complex design, Legends-class Bumblebee does not replicate the appearance of the [[robot mode]] very well and has very limited articulation, detail and paint applications. Due to his simplified transformation, his hands are exposed on the vehicle bumper, and due to how the arms are molded, the headlights make the robot mode appear to be wielding a pair of guns. On the other hand, he's pocket-sized and inexpensive, perfect for the younger set. The toy has a sculpted rear window, but it's not painted like the other windows; the racing stripes just extend over it.

:The toy was also released in two different ways in Japan: the Hasbro version was initially released as a giveaway for the customers who purchased the Movie toys worth 3000 yen in the Transformers First Impact 0602 event held in Ikebukuro Toys"R"Us store at midnight [[June 2]]nd, with the package completely unchanged with the exception of the sticker covering the back to identify that this was a giveaway. The toy was also later released as part of the blind-packed EZ Collection lineup, distributed via TakaraTomy's subsidiary Subarudo.

:He was later redecoed into [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Legends Class toys|Cliffjumper]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/LegendsBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Legends Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CostcoPrimeBonus}}
[[File:2007MovieOptimusPrimeCostCoBonusPack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Somewhat surprisingly scale-accurate.]]
*'''Optimus Prime bonus pack''' ([[Costco]] exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

:A Costco exclusive special pack of Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#CostcoPrimeBonus|Optimus Prime]] with Legends Class Bumblebee and [[Jazz (Movie)#CostcoPrimeBonus|Autobot Jazz]] as bonus figures. None of the three toys are changed from their respective original releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|BftAS}}
[[File:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The classic G1 cast...plus Barricade.]]
*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (Toys'R'Us exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

:A Toys'R'Us exclusive, this six-pack of Legends class figures contains unmodified toys of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#BftAS|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)#TRULegendsPack|Jazz]], Bumblebee, [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#BftAS|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#BftAS|Starscream]], and [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#BftAS|Barricade]].

{{-}}{{anchor|EZScanning}}
[[File:Movie Bumblebee Scanning EZ.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Honey Bee.]]
*'''Bumblebee Scanning Version''' (''Hyper Hobby'' magazine exclusive freebie, 2007)

:A Japanese-exclusive version of the Legends Bumblebee toy, Bumblebee Scanning Version (バンブルビー　スキャニング Ver.) uses transparent plastics for his yellow parts. He was available as a freebie for the September 2007 issue of the ''Hyper Hobby'' magazine. The toy itself is almost entirely unpainted, save for some metallic blue for his eyes, and silver for his face and for the tampographed Autobot symbol on his chest.

:At least some unsold units (often with (or without) the box and without the magazine) were available in some Hobby Shop dealers in Asia. Fortunately, they're sold at a similar price to current Legion Class figures.

{{-}}{{anchor|EZMetallic}}
[[File:TF-2007-EZ-Collection-Metallic-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You know you know you want me.]]
*'''Bumblebee Metallic Version''' (Tsutaya Records exclusive EZ collection variant, 2007)

:Bumblebee Metallic Version (バンブルビーメタリック Ver.) was a Japanese-exclusive metallic redeco of Legends Class Bumblebee included with purchase of the 2007 Movie DVD at Tsutaya Records stores. It should be noted that this figure was also the first mold to feature painted rear windows.

{{-}}{{anchor|Allspark2pack}}
[[File:TF2007-Allspark-Battles-Legends-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bee stings.]]
*'''Bumblebee vs. Scorponok''' (Legends Allspark Battles two-pack, 2008)

:As part of the ''Allspark Battles'' Legends two-packs, a slightly redecoed Legends Class Bumblebee, now sporting "battle damage" paint applications (which had taken cues to the Deluxe Class figure below) and painted rear windows, comes with an all-new Legends [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] figure.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/LegendsBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on AllSpark Battles Bumblebee on TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Deluxe Class toys===
[[File:TF07-Classic-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|These used cars are fully loaded! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:Movie Deluxe 1974 Bumblebee JPtoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Never seen so much translucent plastic in all my life. (''TakaraTomy version pictued'')]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class Classic Camaro, 2007)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''MA-03'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[June 2]], 2007
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles, left and right spring-loaded missile launchers
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Alex Kubalsky]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Part of the second wave of [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|''Transformers'']] Deluxe Class figures, the first Deluxe Class version of Bumblebee transforms into a yellow {{w|Second-generation Chevrolet Camaro|1976 Chevrolet Camaro}} with a quite reasonable level of sculpted detail. In contrast to the other Deluxe-class car Transformers in the toyline, he does not have clear windows, instead opting for opaque yellow plastic with painted metallic blue.

:Bumblebee is armed with two shoulder-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers (inspired by the shoulder-mounted missile launchers he uses to fight Brawl/Devastator in the movie), which also double as hand-held weapons or can be mounted on ports on the undersides of his elbows. His legs and chest [[Automorph Technology|Automorph]] during transformation.

:The initial release of the toy featured even tabs for the Automorph gimmick; oddly, Hasbro later decided to [[retool]] the feature so the tab would be uneven.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=29613 Original Allspark thread about the retool of Bumblebee's Automorph gimmick]</ref> This resulted in many reported cases of the tab snapping during transformation. Press the button or you'll break him and you'll be transforming his front car hood manually. The retooled Automorph gimmick would be used for all subsequent versions of the mold, including a small number of Japanese releases, and the breakage problem wouldn't be fixed until the UK exclusive "Towed to Safety" two-pack and the Target exclusive "Evolution of a Hero" two-pack.

:One of the more unfortunate results of the car hood's automorph feature, leaves the front of the car form not staying together properly over time. While it may not happen to every release of the figure, it's definitely something to keep an eye out for.

:Packaging photos and early [[Prototype|test shots]] of Hasbro's Bumblebee featured transparent blue plastic windows and missile parts. However, the final Hasbro production toy has opaque yellow plastic with metallic blue paint. The [[TakaraTomy]] release of Bumblebee retains the transparent blue plastic parts, with yellow paint for the outer car shell. As a consequence, the missiles, which are on the same sprue, are also made of clear blue plastic, just like the early prototype seen in the Hasbro stock photos for the toy. He also uses the retooled version of the mold with the fixed Automorph gimmick. The original Hasbro mold (complete with opaque windows) also saw release in Japan 10 years later, as part of an Amazon Japan exclusive 3-pack (see below).

:The packaging used for the Japanese release is the same as for the Hasbro version, with the exception of additional stickers identifying it as a Japanese market release.

:The toy appears to be partially based on an early character study of Bumblebee by [[Don Figueroa]], particularly his feet.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=A VERY early character study of BB for the first #Transformers movie.|link=https://twitter.com/SketchyFig/status/1524542496847458304|name=Don Figueroa|site:Twitter|year=2022|month=May|day=12}}</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Deluxe-class Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FirstEncounter}}
[[File:Bumblebee Barricade deluxeboxset.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Go ahead, make my day!"]]
*'''Bumblebee vs. Barricade: First Encounter''' (Deluxe two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles, left and right spring-loaded missile launchers

:This battle pack contains the 1976 Camaro Deluxe Class Bumblebee and the Deluxe Class [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Barricade]]/[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] figures, based upon their confrontation as seen in the movie. The box features a diorama-style background from a movie scene, but the toys themselves are unchanged from their original carded releases.

:The set originally retailed for only slightly less than buying the two individual toys. However, for a short while, it was about the only way to ''get'' Bumblebee in the first place, thanks to the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|toy drought]] following the movie's record-smashing opening.

{{-}}{{anchor|LawsonMetallic}}
[[File:Lawson-exclusive-deluxe-bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|right|thumb|The name "Goldcam" just doesn't have the same ring to it...
Hey they can't all be winners.]]
*'''Bumblebee Limited Metallic Color Version''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles, left and right spring-loaded missile launchers

:A redeco of the Japanese version of the Classic Camaro Bumblebee sculpt, Bumblebee Limited Metallic Color Version (バンブルビー限定メタリックカラー Ver., ''Bumblebee Gentei Metallic Color Ver.'') was exclusively available with the purchase of a ticket for the movie in Japanese Lawson stores. It retained the clear blue windows and missiles of the standard Japanese release, but it is unclear if this release used the uneven Automorph gimmick from the second run. Unlike most of his Classic Camaro mold mates, this Bumblebee is practically spotless.

{{-}}{{anchor|TowedToSafety}}
[[File:Movie TowedtoSafety toys.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Sadly, All Spark Insurance doesn't cover towing charges.]]
*'''Towed to Safety''' (Deluxe two-pack, UK 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles, left and right spring-loaded missile launchers

:This set features an unaltered Deluxe Class [[Longarm (Movie)#TowedToSafety|Longarm]] figure and a Deluxe Class 1976 Camaro Bumblebee figure. The window box features a diorama background of the battle in [[Mission City]] (basically the same packaging inner tray from the "Bumblebee vs. Barricade: First Encounter" pack). As is generally the case with the European releases of the Movie toys, the pictures on the front of the box show the robot mode toys instead of an artist's depiction of their faces.

:For this two-pack, Hasbro slightly retooled Bumblebee's Automorph gimmick again, adding another small tab that finally resolved the breakage issues that had plagued the previous variation of the mold.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38149 Allspark thread about the second retool of Bumblebee's Automorph gimmick]</ref>

:This pack has only been confirmed to have been released in the United Kingdom.

{{-}}{{anchor|TF2007ConceptCamaro}}
[[File:TF07-Concept-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Nu-uh! You don't want none of this!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''New Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''MA-10'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[August 9]], 2007
**''Accessories:'' [[Plasma cannon]]
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Alex Kubalsky]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released in the fourth wave of Deluxes, the second Deluxe Class Bumblebee toy shares no parts with the previous version and transforms into the {{w|Fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro|concept vehicle for the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro}}. Maintaining the high standard for car accuracy in the movie line, Bumblebee is very faithful to the real-life vehicle, featuring clear blue windows in contrast to the opaque windows seen in both his previous Deluxe class toy and the Ultimate Bumblebee toy.

:Bumblebee features two [[Automorph Technology|Automorphing]] gimmicks during transformation: ''(a)'' swinging his hood down into robot mode position also moves his arms up and ''(b)'', swinging his feet down will move the rear fenders up and behind his calves, as well as swinging the rear windows to his inner calves in a spring-loaded action. Unusually, this version of Bumblebee is much more accurate to the CGI design than either the older-model Deluxe OR the Ultimate figure, with the chest properly articulating in a fairly Movie-accurate manner. He's also slightly taller than most of the other Deluxe Class figures.

:Bumblebee features a superb range of articulation, with ball joints in his shoulders, neck, torso, wrists and upper legs, with ratcheting and swivels making up the remaining joints. Instead of the rather inaccurate missile launchers from the 1976 Camaro toy, '09 Bumblebee comes with a mostly accurate version of his plasma cannon as it appears in the movie, but for added play value, it can Automorph into an energy blade by opening up the halves of the gun barrel and swinging them back. The cannon can be held in either of his hands. Depending on how tight the shoulder ball joints are, posing his arms can be troublesome as they're jointed with the front wheel/car doors/wings. If the converting Plasma Cannon is removed from his vehicle form, the spring-loaded windows may become slightly dislodged unless you press both sides of the vehicle rear to counter this.

:Depending on the individual quality control, his pair of yellow shoulder panels tend to pop off occasionally. Care should be taken while transforming the front clear window piece: At least one of the protruding panels can snap off if not done carefully.

:Contrary to popular opinion, the yellow pieces on the back of Bumblebee's feet are ''not'' supposed to be heel spurs, nor have they been mis-assembled. They are supposed to fold up to emulate the detail found on the CGI design. His robot mode stock photo is mistransformed; the chest hood blocks can be flipped up for better accuracy. This mistransformation is common to all of his redecoes/retools below.

:A running change version of this sculpt adds sculpted pupils to Bumblebee's eyes. A ''second'' running change adds tabs to the hip panels, which makes the [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] hold together better.<ref name="conceptvariant">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=144325 TFW2005 thread about the retool for the second Deluxe Bumblebee toy]</ref> Initially this was believed to be a variant for the Japanese market; however, later shipments of the Hasbro toy featured those changes as well, as did all subsequent versions of the sculpt.

:This sculpt was also used to make "Allspark Power" [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Cliffjumper]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/ConceptBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Concept Camaro Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|evoofhero}}
[[File:Movie Bumblebee Evolutionofahero.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey, look, Concept Camaro, now ''you're'' the piece o' crap.]]
*'''Evolution of a Hero''' (Target exclusive two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles, left and right spring-loaded missile launchers, Plasma cannon

:A Target exclusive, this figure multi-pack contains an unchanged Deluxe-class 1976 Bumblebee and an exclusive "battle damaged" 2009 Camaro Concept Bumblebee. Even though the 2009 figure is supposed to represent Bumblebee's damaged state as he appeared during the final battle in the movie, oddly enough the "damage" paint decos do not appear to extend to his legs, restricting themselves to his upper torso and car roof/door parts. Maybe they didn't bother because they thought you'd take them off like in the movie. Go figure.

:The Classic Camaro Bumblebee toy included in this package features the same "fixed" Automorph gimmick also found on the version included in the UK exclusive "Towed to Safety" two-pack. In addition, the Automorph button on the hood ''finally'' sports the painted pinstripes that had been missing on ''all'' previous releases of the sculpt.

:This two-pack was available as a Target exclusive in the USA, as a Zellers exclusive in Canada (in English-only packaging), as a Tesco exclusive in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and as an exclusive to stores that were members of either the Idee + Spiel or Vedes trade associations (which were cooperating at the time) in Germany. All international versions came in English-only US-style packaging, but lacked the "Only at Target" sticker.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Target76Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Evolution of a Hero '76 Camaro Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/TargetBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Evolution of a Hero Concept Camaro Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BeePrimePack}}
[[File:Movietoy bee and optimus 2pk.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee and Optimus Prime''' (two-pack, Hong Kong/UK/Australia/France 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Plasma cannon

:A two-pack, containing an unchanged Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#BeePrimePack|Optimus Prime]] and an equally unchanged Deluxe Class Concept Camaro Bumblebee. The two-pack was available as a mass retail release in Hong Kong, as an Argos exclusive in the United Kingdom, as a Kmart exclusive in Australia, and with undetermined distribution in France.

{{-}}{{anchor|AllSparkPower}}
[[File:MovieTargetAllsparkDeluxeBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bumblebee just went neon. For Playskool, see the Cyber Slammers version.]]
*'''All Spark-Enhanced Bumblebee''' (Target Exclusive Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Plasma cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

:This Target exclusive features the Deluxe Class Bumblebee in unique cylindrical packaging, with the only difference from his standard release being that key robot mode parts are highlighted in "AllSpark Blue" for no other reason than [[to sell toys]].

: This toy was also sold exclusively at The Warehouse in [[New Zealand]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/AllsparkBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on AllSpark Enhanced Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TF2007Stealth}}
[[File:Movie Deluxe StealthBumblebee toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bumblebee, as he appears in [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Bizarro World]].]]
*'''Stealth Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class Concept Camaro, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Plasma cannon

:Stealth Bumblebee is an extensive redeco and minor retool of the Deluxe Class Concept Camaro Bumblebee toy. The redeco itself is unusual in that the yellow parts are still cast in yellow plastic, but painted black. Other color differences include changing the robot mode body parts from black to gray and adding bright blue ''AllSpark Power'' decos.

:The head has also been retooled to reflect Bumblebee's 'battle mask' as seen in the Movie. The "mask" does not flip up to reveal his head. Bummer.

:Downloadable content for the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Xbox 360/PS3 version of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' game]] features this deco as an alternate skin for Bumblebee.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/StealthBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Stealth Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Premium}}
[[File:MovieDeluxePremiumBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' ("Premium Series" Deluxe Class Concept Camaro, 2008)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Battle Mode Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''MA-22'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[May 22]], 2008
**''Accessories:'' Plasma cannon

:This [[redeco]] of Stealth Bumblebee (featuring the "battle mask" head) features a similar deco as the Screen Battles version of the Concept Camaro sculpt in terms of plastic colours. However, as part of the "[[Premium Series]]", all of his outer car body panels have been coated in a metallic yellow paint job, and he features several very intricate additional [[paint operation]]s such as the rear [[license plate]] in vehicle mode (in addition to the one on the robot mode belly), a silver gas cap, red turn signals, gray inner shins, gold front and rear Chevrolet logos, silver details on the shoulder pieces, a black rear bumper and additional black pinstripes for the racing stripes. Meanwhile, the Autobot symbol on his forehead is basically a painted red square.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/PremiumBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Premium Series Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ACG2008}}
[[File:ACG-HK-2008-Transformers-Commemorative-Box-Set.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Transformers Commemorative Box Set (Autobots)''' (2008)

:Released an an exclusive for Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong (ACG, also known as Ani-Con) 2008, The ''Premium Series'' Bumblebee toy is released without any changes along with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#PremiumLeader|''Premium'' Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Movie)#Premium|''Premium'' Jazz'']], [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#VoyagerPremium|''Premium'' Ironhide]], and a [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|regular Ratchet]]. The toys are packaged with a synthetic, leather-like box, and it comes with a sheet of Certificate of Authenticity.

:The boxsets are limited to 100 pieces.

{{-}}{{anchor|Legacy}}
[[File:WMTheLegacyOfBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Featuring Whitebread Edition Bumblebee, Limey Edition Bumblebee, and ''Animated'' Edition Bumblebee. (What'd you '''think''' we were gonna say?)]]
*'''The Legacy of Bumblebee''' (Deluxe class multi-pack, 2008)

:A Walmart [[exclusive]] three pack, ''The Legacy of Bumblebee'' collector's set comes with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|''Classics'']], Movie Deluxe Concept Camaro ([[Premium Series]]) and ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] figures. While the ''Movie'' and ''Animated'' Bumblebees are identical to their original, single carded releases, the ''Classics'' Bumblebee has been redecoed to more closely resemble his ''Movie'' and ''Animated'' counterparts, changing his white stripes to black, and his grey/silver plastic to yellow, similarly to ''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bumble.
{{-}}

===''Screen Battles''===
{{anchor|CaptureofBumblebee}}
[[File:TF-2007-Screen-Battles-Capture-of-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You'll never take me alive!]]
*'''Capture of Bumblebee''' (Screen Battles diorama pack, 2007)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''SB-04'''
**''Accessories:'' Plasma cannon

:A more [[show-accuracy|screen-accurate]] [[redeco]] of Camaro Concept Deluxe Class Bumblebee, with all of the black plastic and paint operations (sans the racing stripes and the grille mesh) changed to gray. In addition, the translucent parts are now an ever-so-slightly greener shade of blue. The only other change is the addition of a new [[tampograph]]ed red Autobot symbol on his forehead. Unfortunately, his racing stripes aren't added with black border pinstripes.

:This ''Screen Battles'' pack (or "Battle Scenes" in Europe) also includes non-[[articulation|poseable]] [[Slug figure|figurines]] of [[Sector Seven]] agent [[Seymour Simmons]] and two Sector Seven soldiers; one carrying a cryo-freezing cannon and one carrying a grenade launcher.

:This set comes in a special window box featuring a diorama background of the scene in which Bumblebee is captured by Sector Seven forces.

:According to details listed in an official checklist on Hasbro's website,<ref name="checklist">[http://web.archive.org/web/20080920112933/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=Collectors/Checklist Hasbro checklist] featuring Screen Battles sets with additional extras</ref> this pack was originally supposed to feature "ice soldiers" (plural), in addition to an "S7 agent" and an "S7 soldier". Apparently, the budget ultimately only allowed for one. The grenade launcher-wielding S7 soldier also looks conspicuously like [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]] colored as a Sector Seven soldier (it's possible that the figure had originally been intended for the Screen Battles "Desert Attack" pack with [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], which was supposed to contain ''four'' soldier figures according to the same Hasbro checklist<ref name="checklist"/>).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/ScreenBattlesBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Capture of Bumblebee Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FinalStand}}
[[File:Movie ScreenBattles FinalStand1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Half a bee, philosophically/ Must, ipso facto, half not be./ But half the bee has got to be/ Vis-a-vis, its entity. D'you see?"]]
*'''Final Stand''' (Screen Battles, 2007)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''SB-02'''

:This ''Screen Battles'' pack (or "Battle Scenes" in Europe) comes with an altered [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] toy and a posable, non-transforming, battle-damaged Bumblebee. Despite being in the same scale, this figurine utilizes none of the parts of the ''Robot Replicas'' toy. This set comes in a special window box featuring a diorama background of the battle in Mission City.

:The Bumblebee figure oddly does not feature the character's distinctive car door "wings" on his back. However, keen [[customizing|customizers]] can easily rectify this by slicing the "Robot Replicas" version's wings off and whittling their connecting plastic into simple posts that very handily plug into large holes in the tires on Final Stand 'Bee's back. In fact, these holes almost seem designed to accommodate a missing part. (Considering how all the other Screen Battles sets were apparently originally intended to feature more, or at least more elaborate, accessory figures based on their entries in an official checklist on Hasbro's website,<ref name="checklist"/> this seems indeed very plausible.)

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/ScreenBattlesFSBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on "Final Stand" Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Ultimate===
[[File:Ultimate Bumblebee toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|All those extras and they couldn't make me more accurate than the deluxe class toy.]]
*'''Ultimate Bumblebee''' (Ultimate Class, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Missile

:The first Ultimate Class toy, this version of Bumblebee is similar in size to Supreme Class figures and transforms into a large 2009 concept Camaro. The toy features [[Battery-powered motor|animatronic movement]] in robot mode (flapping wings, moving arms and a rotating head) and light-up eyes and headlights, activated by the movement or sounds made by the person playing with the toy, or by pressing his buttons, which also activate an obscene number of interactive electronic sound effects. Oddly enough, despite being mute for most of the movie, Bumblebee has a wide range of phrases. His chest button yields various phrases and a new version of the ''Transformers'' theme tune, while a button on his side produces blaster noises, more speech, and musical samples, including four different ones from Devo's "Whip It." This button also causes the toy to raise its cannon-arm and automatically fire a missile. Playing with the toy by moving it will make him repeat various phrases and samples activated by other features, as well as crashing battle noises, but when he is left idle, more unique phrases will be uttered inquiring where everyone has gone, as well as radio snippets to the same effect, before the toy eventually deactivates. Pressing any button will bring him back online with a cheerful shout.

:Transforming the toy between modes is accompanied by the classic transformation noise, and if left unattended between modes, it will make stalling engine noises, car horn and a car alarm sounds. Once in car mode, new electronics are unlocked, beginning with the sound of an engine starting up. The chest button now activates the car's horn, and rolling the figure along will create an accelerating noise that increases the faster the toy is moved. More unique musical snippets will play as the car rolls along; when the rolling stops, brake lights activate and the tires screech. Yet more sounds are produced when Bumblebee is rolled backwards, and the car mode also features different crashing battle noises to the robot mode.

:All of the toy's features can be turned off by a switch, and it has an additional "Try Me" mode which allows you to hear various sounds from the toy's various functions just by pressing the chest button.

:The toy is mistransformed in the package, and all promo photos of the figure made the same mistake, presenting the car hood as a solid block resting on Bumblebee's chest. In reality, it splits up into five separate pieces to fold and collapse into a more movie-like appearance.

:In the holiday season, Wal-Mart carried an exclusive "Bonus Buy" version of the toy, which had the Deluxe [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] and [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] toys added as freebies. Costco also carried an exclusive version, with the 3" [[Titanium Series]] version of Bumblebee packed in. However, it did not include the display stand.

:The projectile included with this figure is the same mold included with several [[Attacktix]] figures like the [[Decepticlone]], Omnicon, Vehicle Mode [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], and a few others.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/UltimateBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Ultimate Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|titaniumcostco}}
[[File:TF 2007 Costco Ultimate Bumblebee bonus pack.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb]]
*'''Ultimate Bumblebee bonus pack''' (Costco exclusive two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' TBA

:A [[Costco]] [[exclusive]] special pack of Ultimate Bumblebee with [[Titanium Series]] Bumblebee ([[#Titanium Series|see below]]) as a bonus figure. Neither toy is changed from its respective original release.

{{-}}{{anchor|BeeValuePack}}
*'''Ultimate Bumblebee Bonus Value pack''' (Wal*Mart exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:''

:A [[Walmart]] exclusive special pack of Ultimate Bumblebee with Deluxe Class [[Brawl (Movie)#BeeValuePack|Decepticon Brawl]] and [[Scorponok (Movie)#BeeValuePack|Scorponok]] as bonus figures. None of the three toys are changed from their respective original releases.
{{-}}

===''Fast Action Battlers''===
[[File:Bumblebeemoviefab.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Fast and actiony. You know, for the kids!]]
*'''Plasma Punch Bumblebee''' (Fast Action Battler, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Plasma Bolt
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:[[Fast Action Battlers]] Bumblebee transforms from concept Camaro to robot with a considerably simpler transformation than the standard deluxe toy, intended for the slightly younger set. His main "gimmick" is a spring-loaded missile launcher in his right arm. As is also the case with Ultimate Bumblebee, the toy is mis-transformed in the package, and all promo photos of the figure make the same mistake, presenting the car hood as a solid block. In reality, the chest/bumper consists of two rotating pieces which can pivot down so as to more accurately emulate the appearance in the movie.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/FABBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Plasma Punch Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FABRallyRocket}}
[[File:FAB Rally Rocket BB.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It's Buckaroo Banzai! The latest issue!]]
*'''Rally Rocket Bumblebee''' (Fast Action Battler, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Plasma Bolt

:A redeco of Plasma Punch Bumblebee, with the usual Camaro striping now replaced with black colored paint details on upper section of the rear windows, the car roof & front hood, and both halves of each legs are now entirely painted black (due to the half of the leg pieces being swapped with the same grey used for his shoulders). Other deco differences include the crotch being painted silver, and the details on the majority of the body are now replaced with a greener shade of grey, and the turquoise unpaintable joints in now molded in lighter teal. In addition, the left forearm & his head (due to being molded in the same light brown-ish grey) is also painted yellow. Rally Rocket Bumblebee also features a tampograph decal based on his alliterative nickname "BB", with the first "B" letter reversed.

: As is also the case with the original [[Fast Action Battlers]] Bumblebee, the hood in his stock photos is misrepresented as a solid brick.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/FABBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Rally Rocket Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Cyber Slammers''===
[[File:Bumblebeemoviecyberslammer.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|A Battlecharger for the new millennium.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Classic Camaro Cyber Slammer, 2007)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro), [[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Cyber Slammers Bumblebee is an amazingly cute 1976 Camaro that transforms into an amazingly cute Autobot buddy of human characters. "Slam" his robot mode down into car mode and he rolls along for a while, then snaps back up into robot mode.

: This toy was also made available during the 2007 holiday season as a freebie "Bonus Buy" packaged with Cyber Stompin' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]] at Wal-Mart stores.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/CySlamBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Cyber Slammers Classic Camaro Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CyberSlammerConcept}}
[[File:Movie Bumblebee CamaroConcept CyberSlammer.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And so, Bumblebee rejoins the Throttlebots.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Concept Camaro Cyber Slammer, 2007)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro), [[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:The second [[Cyber Slammers]] Bumblebee figure toy transforms into a Concept Camaro and shares no parts with the previous Cyber Slammers Bumblebee figure. Like all Cyber Slammers, the toy features motorized action. When you push down on the car, it zooms forward, then pops up into robot mode! Sure to please the toddler you brought with you to the PG-13 movie. Like most Cyber Slammers, Bumblebee manages to cram most of his vehicle mode's major details into a compact, super-deformed version of that mode.

: This toy was later redecoed into [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Cyber Slammers|Cliffjumper]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/CySlamConceptBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Cyber Slammers Concept Camaro Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Trans-Scanning''===
[[File:Movie TranScanning Bumblebee toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (2008)
**''ID number:'' '''TS-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Display stand, set of Camaro mode armor, set of protoform armor, open-palmed hands
{{toydesigner|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: [[Trans-scan]]ning Bumblebee is a Japanese-exclusive figure with many interchangeable parts. At its most basic, the figure is a spindly skeleton referred to as a "[[core body]]". To this skeleton, two sets of armor pieces can be attached to create one of two forms for Bumblebee: his [[protoform]] mode or his Earth mode.

: The protoform mode consists of eight pieces of metallic orange plastic that plug into the arms, chest, pelvis and legs of the figure. With these pieces attached, the figure can be transform into his meteor-like "entry mode". This mode can be mounted on a three-piece stand that comes with the figure, allowing you to display it in mid-plummet.

:Bumblebee's Earth mode, meanwhile, is made up of many armor pieces that form a rather [[Kibble|kibbly]] robot mode, which can then transform into a licensed Camaro concept. Compared to the overly simple transformation of the protoform mode, his car mode's transformation can be described as an abominable, unintuitive, parts-massaging ''mess''.

: Bumblebee also includes a pair of interchangeable, open-palmed hands that can be swapped out for the clenched fists that are in place in-package. The Core Body mold was re-used for the simultaneously released Trans-Scanning [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]] figure.
{{-}}

===''Robot Replicas''===
[[File:Movie RobotReplica Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Heli-pack not included]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Robot Replicas, 2007)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)}}

: As part of the [[Robot Replicas]] sub-line, this version of concept-Camaro Bumblebee is a non-transforming action figure that hews very close to the movie's CGI model. It features joints similar to the [[Revoltech]] toys, plus his right forearm can be replaced with his blaster-arm (or any other arm attachments from other Robot Replicas, which could lead to some fun Frankensteins). For some reason, he's closer to orange than his normal yellow.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/RRBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Robot Replicas Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Micro IR Transformers Cars''===
[[File:Movie Bumblebee MircroIR.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Drives and shoots!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (2007)

: Made by [[RadioShack]] under license from [[Hasbro]] and [[DreamWorks]]. The three-function infrared remote, in Bumblebee's signature colors, gives you control of the car with forward and reverse turn movement. More than just a car styled after the Movie character, the car also transforms to robot mode. The top of the gun-shaped IR remote's barrel serves as a display stand. The tip of the gun barrel can also be unscrewed, revealing a pen (!) inside.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/RSBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Micro IR Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Titanium Series''==
[[File:Bumblebeemoviets3.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Special feature: Can't talk, just like the real Bumblebee!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Robot Masters, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Movie-style Autobot sigil display stand

: This Bumblebee is a three-inch tall painted mini-statue of his 1976 Camaro body form. He features die-cast in his torso and thighs, and he has swivel joints at the shoulders, head and waist. Oh, and he comes with a Movie-style Autobot logo base to stand on.

: This item was also packed in with [[#Ultimate|Ultimate Bumblebee]] as a [[#titaniumcostco|Costco-exclusive set]].

: This mold was later used to make ''Titanium Series'' [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Titanium Series|Cliffjumper]] for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
{{--}}

==''Revenge of the Fallen''==
===Legends Class toys===
[[File:ROTF Legends Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb| Designed for the impulse buyer in all of us.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Legends, 2009)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''EZ-03'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends class Bumblebee is based upon the updated Camaro Concept featured in the movie (unlike the 2007 Legends class Bumblebee which was based on the 1976 Camaro). Compared to the previous Movie Legends, he has better, more accurate detailing and proportions (or as accurate as can be obtained at this [[size class|price point]]).

:The [[:File:ROTF Legends Bumblebee HTS.jpg|second batch of stock photos of the toy]], which depict a [[prototype|(pre-)production sample]], show it in a much brighter shade of yellow plastic than it was released as. It's possible that this was simply the result of an excessive alteration of the hue settings during the digital enhancement of those photos, though.

:There are a few problems on the toy's vehicle mode: Probably due to tolerances, there are difficulties for perfectly aligning the wings/side windows with the legs/rear windows during transformation, though several samples does not seem to have this issue. In terms of deco, Bumblebee's face paint quality varies from figure-to-figure: Due to how the eyes are painted to emulate the mechanical optics; the central blue "eyeball" (especially the left one) is ''slightly'' lopsided. The forehead is often messily painted.

:In Malaysia, this toy is also one of the four Legends Classes to be released as promotional merchandise for the Petronas Gas Station. He can be obtained starting from the 26th of June (2 days are the movie's premiere), via RM30 ($7.04) worth of gas or RM15 ($3.52) worth of foods and items in the Mesra Shop.

:This mold was used as the basis for the non-toy character [[Saitama Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/LegBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsRecon}}
[[File:ROTF-toy Legends ReconBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Surely he will blend into the crowd with this look!]]
*'''Recon Bumblebee''' (Legends, 2009)

:Recon Bumblebee is a redeco of the regular Legends-class Bumblebee, featuring new details such as different stripes, a pattern on his doors and an Autobot insignia on his hood.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/LegReconBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Recon Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsStealthJDVD}}
[[File:ROTF-toy BumblebeeStealthJDVD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| The [[Exclusive|special edition]], only available in [[Japan]], is LESS detailed?!]]
*'''Stealth Bumblebee''' (Legends, December 2009)

:TakaraTomy's Stealth Bumblebee (ステルスバンブルビー) was available [[exclusive]]ly with standard ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' DVDs purchased at various stores in Japan. It uses the same paint layout as the normal ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bumblebee, but with its colors inverted.
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsClearJDVD}}
[[File:ROTFDVD Tsutaya clearBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Bumblepee.]]
*'''Bumblebee Clear Version''' (Legends, December 2009)

:Bumblebee Clear Version (バンブルビークリアＶｅｒ.) is made partly from translucent yellow plastic, but uses the same opaque black plastic and paint applications as the first mass-retail Bumblebee, and with the painted vehicle front bumper used from the other releases of the mold. He is only available with ''Revenge of the Fallen'' DVDs purchased at Tsutaya stores in Japan, and only comes with the transforming Bumblebee DVD-case version.
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsStealth}}
[[File:ROTF-toy Legends StealthBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Beezarro.]]
*'''Stealth Bumblebee''' (Legends, 2010)

:Stealth Bumblebee is another redeco that inverts Bumblebee's colors, giving him yellow stripes on a black body. Unlike TakaraTomy's Stealth Bumblebee, however, it uses a new paint operation layout, different from the original ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bumblebee.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/LegStealthBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Stealth Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsVsShadowStriker}}
[[File:ROTF-toy Legends 2packBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|More Legends Bumblebee! MORE!]]
*'''Bumblebee vs Shadow Striker''' (Legends two-pack, 2010)

:The Bumblebee mold was given new paint applications for this two-pack with [[Shadow Striker (ROTF)|Shadow Striker]], such as [[cyberglyphics]] on his doors. The two-pack was exclusive to [[Target]] stores and eligible for the "N.E.S.T. Global Alliance" promotion.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/TargetLegBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on two-pack Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{-}}

===Deluxe Class toys===
{{anchor|ROTFdeluxe}}[[File:TF-ROTF-Deluxe-Class-Preview-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Yes, you're buying this mold again. Surprise!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''RA-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Pulse Missile

:Released as part of a "preview" [[wave]] of the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Deluxe Class assortment alongside [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys|Soundwave]], Bumblebee is a relatively major retool of the Camaro Concept Bumblebee mold, featuring a new vehicle front end, hood and wheels to reflect the changes to the prop vehicle used in the movie; and in robot mode has a new, more accurate head sculpt... that just so happens to have some very creepy painted eyes but still, it's accurate nonetheless. Also, the paint on the door knobs, the gas lid, and the sculpted "Camaro" is omitted.

:His right arm has also been replaced by an all-new sculpt which substitutes the hand and the hand-held converting plasma cannon/blade weapon from the previous version for a built-in plasma cannon with a spring-loaded firing gimmick for the included missile. If one wishes to use the normal right arm, one must pop off the plasma cannon arm and replace it with the normal forearm from the Screen Battles figure (the only one with the accurate gray color), though the window must be replaced with the same translucent blue piece by unscrewing it.

:The instructions still depict him having the head from the 2007 Concept Camaro mold. Both the prototype and stock photos do not have his waist armor rotated into position in robot mode, while the later stock photo does not show the chest pieces being folded up. Due to the omission of the converting Plasma Cannon that holds the rear windows in position, the pieces may not align properly if the lower thighs/vehicle rear is not transformed properly during the robot-to-vehicle conversion.

:The initial production run included a missile that was slightly too long for the slot inside the arm, so it either has to be slightly cut down to fit or the cannon must be swiveled outwards to accommodate the missile. This was fixed by a [[variant|running change]] that saw the missile slightly shortened.<ref name="missile1">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/revenge-of-the-fallen/bumblebee/1757/ Seibertron.com gallery of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' "Preview" Bumblebee], depicting the early version with a slightly too long missile.</ref><ref name="missile2">[http://www.bwtf.com/toyreviews/rotf/deluxe/bumblebee/ BWTF review of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' "Preview" Bumblebee], depicting the later version with a missile that fits in without a problem.</ref><ref name="missile3">[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/09movie/ra03bumblebee.html Autobase Aichi gallery of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' "Preview" Bumblebee], featuring a comparison of both versions of the missile.</ref> The corrected version was also released in other markets such as Japan and Europe. Also, instead of having movie accurate gray colored "toe" sections on his feet like the later 2007 figures, his toes are ''painted'' yellow ...on top of yellow plastic. Oookay...

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Cannon}}
[[File:ROTFtoy-CannonBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|New from the ass up!]]
[[File:ROTF-Deluxe-Cannon-Bee-transparent-windows.jpg|right|200px|thumb|For those who just needed to see Bee's awkward and painful stretching routine.]]
*'''Cannon Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''RA-14'''
{{toydesigner|[[Alex Kubalsky]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:This heavy retool of Bumblebee changes the entire upper half of the robot mode, and thus half of the car, to newly designed parts (essentially, only the legs are recycled from ''Movie'' Concept Camaro Bumblebee and the previous ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bumblebee; everything else is an entirely new sculpt), including more articulated arms with open palms, less obstructive vehicle [[kibble]], a differently transforming chest, and two flip-out (non-firing) missile launcher racks behind his head. Interestingly, his arms can be detached and easily popped onto the original mold, resulting in a more [[show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] robot mode, though this sacrifices transformation. This extensive retooling results in a car interior with seats and a crude dashboard, but the windows are so opaque that these new details can't easily be seen. A [[variant]] with clear blue windows was released in later shipments.<ref name="cannonbee">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/revenge-of-the-fallen/cannon-bumblebee/1855/2/92/ Comparison between both versions of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Cannon Bumblebee.]</ref>

:His "heels" are assembled backwards, which keeps them from being folded up against the back of the shins. Disappointingly, his chest cannot deform like the previous releases of this mold (or his Fast Action Battler).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/CannonBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Cannon Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Alliance}}
[[File:ROTF NEST Battle Pack Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Yeah, [[Fandom|we're]] going to get one of [[Redeco|these]] every few waves.]]
*'''Alliance Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''RA-27'''
**''Accessories:'' Pulse Missile

:Alliance Bumblebee is a [[redeco]] of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Preview Bumblebee. He now has several black thick black stripes across the hood and roof, stripes and [[NEST]] logos across the doors and side fender panels. He also has black arms, legs, and torso to match this new color scheme, instead of the more accurate grey colors seen in the previous release and Cannon Bumblebee. The yellow shoulder pieces are now pinned in place.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/AllianceBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Alliance Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VsSoundwave}}
[[File:ROTFtoy-BumblebeeNESTAlliance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Blame it on kids... [[Walmart]]... [[Target]]... [[Hasbro]]... okay blame EVERYONE.]]
*'''Battlefield Bumblebee Vs. Infiltration Soundwave NEST set''' (Deluxe 2-pack, 2009)

:A minor redeco and retool Cannon Bumblebee that replaces the head sculpt with the much smaller battle mask head previously used by Stealth Bumblebee and Premium Bumblebee from the 2007 movie line. The base plastic colors and matching paint colors are virtually identical to those of Cannon Bumblebee, as are the [[Paint operation|paint masks]] for the most part. Aside from the head, the only differences are different paint choices in the abdominal section (the license plate, the sculpted cylinders above the license plate and the crotch plate below the gas cap), the front sides of the shoulder cannons (painted black on Cannon Bumblebee, painted red on Battlefield Bumblebee) and a different size and placement for the [[tampograph]]ed Autobot [[insignia|logo]] (on the side of Cannon Bumblebee's left shoulder cannon panel, on the front end of Battlefield Bumblebee's vehicle mode hood/robot mode chest).

:Battlefield Bumblebee was only available in a two-pack with a redecoed [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Infiltration|Soundwave]], named "Infiltration Soundwave". The North American version of the two-pack also included a "Mission Guide" catalog and ordering form for the mail-in exclusive [[Ravage (ROTF)#ReconRavage|Recon Ravage]], a "starter sticker" for said ordering form, and a "N.E.S.T. Global Alliance" iron-on patch. Two additional stickers from specially-marked NEST Global Alliance products and $4.95 shipping are required for the promotion. International versions of the two-pack were only available without all these extras, while Recon Ravage was available in several other markets as a retailer exclusive.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/BattlefieldBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Battlefield Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|PrimeBee2Pack}}
[[File:ROTF-2010-2-Pack-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm helping Daddy!]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Bumblebee''' (Two-pack, 2010)

:An unchanged version of ''Movie'' Deluxe-Class "[[Premium Series]]" Bumblebee was released in a two-pack, alongside an unchanged version of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Voyager-Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#PrimeBee2Pack|Optimus Prime]]. This two-pack has been confirmed to have been released in Malaysia and was apparently also sold in Indonesia and India.

:As for the Bumblebee figure, he features pinned shoulder panels used for the Alliance Bumblebee release above. It was unclear if he retains the original metallic paint job from the ''Premium Series'' figure.

:Like his pack-in mate Optimus Prime, a near-identical [[knockoff]] of the 2-pack has been making the rounds since the 2-pack's release, with Bumblebee being the dead giveaway, as he comes with additional yellow paint on the lower "jaws", the uneven gray (and the forehead's red) paint on the helmet, and unpinned shoulder panels. The forearm's sculpted parts seem to be a little thinner than the original's.
{{-}}

===''Human Alliance''===
{{anchor|ROTFHumanAlliance}}[[File:ROTF HumanAlliance Bumblebee&Sam.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|NOT a headmaster.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' / '''Sam Witwicky''' (Human Alliance, 2009)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''RA-21'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Human Alliance Bumblebee comes with a posable figure of [[Sam Witwicky]] that can fit inside in Bumblebee's vehicle mode (plugging into his seat via a small hole in his back) and drive him. In robot mode, Bumblebee's vehicle mode seats end up on his arms, and Sam can sit in either of them; the seat on Bumblebee's right has a headrest that can fold down to look slightly less conspicuous in robot mode, while the seat on Bumblebee's left arm features a pair of cannons which flip over Sam's shoulders, offering him some offensive hardware to protect his rather precarious position. These cannons can also be flipped down further to form some over-the-shoulder restraints. Sam can also stand on a platform that flips out from the small of Bumblebee's back (again, via peg-holes on his feet), manning a small non-firing cannon that flips out over Bumblebee's right shoulder. Finally, Bumblebee's left palm also contains a peg, meaning Sam can securely stand or sit in his big buddy's hand. Bumblebee himself features a spring-loaded cannon for his right arm, which can fire the two missiles the figure comes with, a flip-out double-barreled silver cannon that points over his head, and a functional flip-down battle mask. Much like the rest of his Human Alliance brethren, Bumblebee is roughly the same size as an ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' toy, being slightly taller than ''Alternators'' [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] in robot mode.

:[[File:Human Alliance Bumblebee Prototype.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|left|Modders, vindicated by the prototype.]]
:According to TakaraTomy's images of the resin [[prototype]] as well as Bumblebee's CG design, the retail toy's lower legs are on the wrong sides of his body, making the details inverted. Since the instructions reflect this assembly, this [[design change]] was made possibly because the prototype design could cause the waist section to be rather difficult to transform for children. The toy's original design can still be [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/243649-human-alliance-bumblebee-leg-mod.html approximated by disassembling his crotch and reassembling the legs backwards.] However, this makes the thigh details inverted. Swapping only the lower legs will cause him unable to transform into vehicle mode.

:Bumblebee is also available in smaller & compact packaging, released exclusively in Asian and Australian markets.<ref>[https://twitter.com/FigureGunplaFan/status/1142466636525346817 The Asia/Australia exclusive compact packaging variant, taken from a Hobby shop in Asia]</ref>

:As with the rest of the Human Alliance figures, Bumblebee is a frequent victim of being [[Knockoff|counterfeited]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/HABumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Human Alliance Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Ultimate===
[[File:ROTF UltimateBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb| Now available in expensive.]]
*''' Ultimate Bumblebee Battle Charged''' (Ultimate, 2009)

:''Revenge of the Fallen's'' Ultimate Bumblebee is a retool of the 2007 version, with new rims, hood, front fenders. He also features a new, more accurate head sculpt with a battle mask. This time, his sound chip plays [[Stan Bush]]'s "[[The Touch]]".
{{-}}

===''Fast Action Battlers''===
[[File:ROTF FAB Pulse Blast Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| Faster and Actiony-er... you know, for the kids!]]
*'''Pulse Blast Bumblebee''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Plasma Bolt

:Pulse Blast Bumblebee is a retool of 2007's Plasma Punch Bumblebee, with updated vehicle mode parts to reflect the changes in the prop Camaro vehicle, along with a new, more accurate head sculpt. Like the 2007's Plasma Punch photo, stock photographs by Hasbro neglect to tilt the car front fender panels.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/FABBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Pulse Blast Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SandAttack}}
[[File:ROTF FAB Sand Attack Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| [[Darth Vader|I don't like sand... it's so coarse and rough]].]]
*'''Sand Attack Bumblebee''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Plasma Bolt

:Sand Attack Bumblebee is a redeco of Plasma Punch Bumblebee, not using the retooled parts of Pulse Blast Bumblebee. The deco itself consists of a sand-blasted-like camouflage pattern, or alternatively, a sand-worn appearance. The stock photography finally shows the front fenders tilted correctly.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/FABSandAttackBumbleebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Sand Attack Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Gravity Bots''===
[[File:ROTF GravityBot Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| The evolution of Jumpstarters!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Gravity Bot, 2009)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''GB-02'''
{{toydesigner|[[Alex Androski]] (deco artist)}}

:Plonk him down. Lift him up. Plonk him down. Lift him up. This addictive toy transforms automatically when stood up (vehicle to robot), or placed on his back (robot to vehicle). A switch underneath his feet or his car mode releases the transformation — so the toy can be played with in relatively stable modes if held in the air, or just rolling along the ground.

:Because gravity is the powering force in the transformation there's no motors to wear out or batteries to use up when playing with the toy. Which is good, because you will be transforming him no less than nine million times.

:Bumblebee features dumpy proportions and low movie accuracy (no door wings here), forced upon the toy to accommodate the [[Gravity Bot]]s transformation gimmick. His robot mode has no articulation, not even head. But at least he has big feet! Or legs... or whatever the heck they are. Stump? At least he has a big stump.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/GBBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Gravity Bots Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|Gravity Bolt}}
[[File:ROTF GravityBots BoltBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Hasbro, once again showing their uncreativity.]]
*'''Bolt Bumblebee''' (Gravity Bot, 2009)
{{toydesigner|[[Alex Androski]] (deco artist)}}

: A [[redeco]] of Gravity Bots Bumblebee in a predominantly black colour scheme that recalls 2008's Stealth Bumblebee redeco of the Deluxe class Bumblebee toy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/GBBoltBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Gravity Bots Bolt Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Battle Chargers''===
[[File:ROTF Battle Chargers Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You know, you shouldn't think too hard about this.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Battle Charger, 2009)

:Part of the [[Robot Powered Machines]] subline, Battle Charger Bumblebee is a [[super-deformed]] Concept Camaro with a [[pull-back motor]]. When pulled back and let go, the car's roof flips open and Bumblebee's equally cutesified robot mode pops out.

{{-}}{{anchor|StealthBC}}
[[File:ROTF BattleChargers StealthBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Or this. Bumblebee giving birth to himself can wreck your mind.]]
*'''Stealth Bumblebee''' (Battle Charger, 2009)

:A redeco of Battle Charger Bumblebee in yellow-on-black. Again.
{{-}}

===''Robot Replicas''===
[[File:ROTF-toy RobotReplicas Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85| Bumblebee played around with [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] in high school.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Robot Replicas, 2009)

:''Revenge of the Fallen'' ''[[Robot Replicas|Robot Replica]]'' Bumblebee is an all-new sculpt with (arguably) better proportions and more sculpted detail than first movie ''Robot Replica'' Bumblebee. ("Arguably" because he has a tiny head.) Unlike the first movie ''Robot Replica'' Bumblebee, he comes with a permanent cannon arm without a replacement hand arm. His [[license plate]] is also considerably smaller than that of the first movie ''Robot Replica'' Bumblebee and features no detail aside from a red line evocative of a California license plate.

:Bizarrely, his chest still features detail from the front end of the first movie Bumblebee's Concept (standard model) Camaro [[alternate mode]] (notably the fog lights) as compared to the ZL1 model's front end used for most ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bumblebee toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/RRBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Robot Replicas Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{--}}

===''Power Bots''===
[[File:ROTF PowerBots Bumblebee.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Hello, I'm Bumblebee, and [[JaAm|my shoulders hurt.]]]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Power Bot, 2009)
:This non-transformable bot features electronic light-piping and a pressable Autobot insignia. What happens when this insignia is, say, pressed? Bumblebee "says" any of about half a dozen phrases pieced together from radio broadcasts, just like in [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|the movie]].

{{-}}

==''Transformers'' (2010)==
===Legends Class toys===
[[File:TF2010-toy Legends Cyberfire Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| Impulse Buying Evolved.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Cyberfire Bumblebee''' (Legends, 2010)}}</ul>

: This redeco of Legends class ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bumblebee features a paint deco inspired by ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], with some extra livery on the sides.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/CyberfireBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Cyberfire Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{-}}

===Deluxe Class toys===
{{anchor|BattleBlade}}[[File:TF2010-toy Deluxe Battle Blade Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| About freaking time, Hasbro. ''(Hasbro Version Pictured)''']]
[[File:Transformers-2010-AA-02-Battle-Blade-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''(TakaraTomy Version Pictured)'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Battle Blade Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''AA-02'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' Bumblebee features a much more accurate and articulated sculpt in robot mode compared to previous versions of Deluxe class Camaro Concept versions of the character, with the [[transformation scheme]] taking many cues from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Human Alliance Bumblebee, scaled down to Deluxe size, while using an [[Automorph Technology|Automorph]] design for the leg transformation directly based on the original Deluxe Class Concept Camaro Bumblebee.

: His right forearm can transform into his signature plasma cannon, though due to how the parts were distributed on the plastic sprues during production, the cannon barrel is yellow rather than grey. The left arm-guard has a flip-out axe made of translucent blue plastic, representing the axe weapon Bumblebee uses in the [[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' video games]], which itself may have been based upon the electrical [[Stinger (weapon)|stinger]] that was once considered as a melee weapon for Bumblebee in the first movie. The axe is spring-loaded, activated by a button on his arm-guard. This version of Movie Bumblebee also features a flip-down battle mask, very similar in function to Human Alliance Bumblebee.

: His head has a tendency to pop off during transformation. The space at the front of the collar would give him ''just'' enough clearance to pass his head through... if it was not for the small plastic flap (the one with the [[Autobot]] symbol) on his chest, which tends to push and squeeze the head out enough that the tension causes the head to pop and fly out from his ball-jointed neck.

: Stock photos show that the axe was originally made in such a way that the blade was mounted on a rod and could be rotated downwards, but this was changed entirely for unknown reasons (possibly fragility). As a result, the blade is mounted upside-down.

: The Japanese ''[[Autobot Alliance]]'' release features marginally darker pearlescent yellow plastic and an altered shade of yellow paint to match.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/BattleBladeBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Battle Blade Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SpecialEditionBattleBlades}}
[[File:Transformers2010 Deluxe SpecialEditionBattleBladesBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=.66|Bitchin' Camaro.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Special Edition Battle Blade Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2010)}}</ul>

:As part of their "Transformers 'Fan of the Year' Competition" at the Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong (ACGHK) material-entertainment fair 2010, Hasbro Hong Kong offered a one-of-a-kind [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] Battle Blade Bumblebee for whomever happened to spend the most money purchasing Transformers products at Hasbro's booth over the course of the fair. The figure is presented in a wood and perspex display case.

{{-}}{{anchor|CrashLandingAttack}}
[[File:TargetCrashLandingAttackBumblebeeThrust.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Bumblebee walks down to Electric Avenue, then takes Thrust lower.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Crash Landing Attack''' (Multi-pack, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Pulse Missile"

: A [[redeco]] of the first ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe class Bumblebee, this version is fluorescent yellow and blue, possibly as an [[homage]] to ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]]'s colors in the old [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comics]] by [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] (due to the limited color palette [[Nelson Yomtov]] was working with). The car doors and hood feature a new deco of overlaid black and silver streaks, as well as a solid black stripe down the middle with a large silver Autobot symbol on the front.

: This version of the mold uses the pinned shoulders introduced in [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Alliance|Alliance Bumblebee]].

: Bee is packaged with a redeco of [[Thrust (Movie)|Thrust]], in a [[Target]] exclusive set.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/TargetBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Crash Landing Attack Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BombingRunBattle}}
[[File:WMBombRunBattleBumblebeeGrindor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Hasbro, you tease. Give us a [[Wasp]]!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Bombing Run Battle''' (Multi-pack, 2010)}}</ul>

: A redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Cannon Bumblebee in a brighter yellow with dark pine green replacing the former toy's metallic teal. The windows are cast in transparent green plastic with green trim and the outsides of his arms are also painted green. Additionally, there is a green stripe running across and between the fenders on each side with green accents on the face and helmet as well. The face has been painted silver and lacks the pupils of the previous deco. His thumbs are now black and the tailpipes have been painted gunmetal. The tiny Autobot symbol by the driver's side door has been replaced with a larger white one on the right rear window.

: He came packaged with a Legends-class desert-themed redeco of [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]], in a [[Walmart]] exclusive set.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/WMBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Bombing Run Battle Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|RampageAmongTheRuins}}
[[File:TF2010toy-RampageAmongtheRuinsStock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Both of you Deceptichops will pay for scratching up this paintjob AND my headlights!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Rampage Among The Ruins''' (Multi-pack, 2010)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:Essentially a redeco of "Bombing Run Battle" Bumblebee (using the same shade of yellow plastic) but using the head of the [[#VsSoundwave|Battlefield Bumblebee]]. All of the green parts have been replaced with a chocolate brown (including the tires), with brown stripes over his eyes which run across the top of his battle helmet. The thumbs and insides of his upper arms are also painted brown. The windows are clear and un-tinted. He has a brown "wash" over his lower arms and on his doors to simulate caked on dirt or mud. There are also silver "scratches" on both doors as well as the driver's side of the hood. He has a tiny black-on-white Autobot symbol on his lower abdomen. Unlike previous versions of this mold, the rear lights, tailpipes, and lower front headlights are unpainted.

:He was packaged with redecoes of [[Rampage (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys 2|Rampage]] and [[Ravage (ROTF)#RampageAmongTheRuins|Ravage]], available exclusively at US/Canadian [[Toys"R"Us]] stores.
{{picsneeded|Images of the actual toy itself}}
{{-}}

===''Human Alliance''===
[[File:TF2010 Human Alliance Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| The Evolution of Repacking!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Bumblebee / Sam Witwicky''' (Human Alliance, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: This is an unchanged rerelease of the [[#Human Alliance|first Human Alliance Bumblebee]] toy, now in new gold ''Transformers'' packaging.

: What ''has'' changed is he now comes with an all-new (and smaller) posable figure of [[Sam Witwicky#Transformers (2010)|Sam Witwicky]], based on his outfit in the final act of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' film.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/HABumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on 2010 Human Alliance Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Battle Ops===
[[File:TF-2010-Battle-Ops-Bumblebee.JPEG|thumb|upright=1.66|''Pull de ringks!'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Battle Ops Bumblebee''' (Battle Ops Class, 2010)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: Battle Ops Bumblebee is a larger-than-contemporary-Leader-Class figure, and features both "guardian" and "warrior" robot modes, which changes weapons and sound effects. His head has a flip-down battle mask, and his right arm converts into a plasma cannon automatically when his arm is raised. The cannon arm has limited articulation due to the gimmick, but features a small translucent-blue hand which telescopes out of the cannon when not in use. He also is armed with two non-firing light-up shoulder/hood missile launchers which can be deployed in either mode; though not mentioned in the instructions, the missile launchers can be collapsed on the back in robot mode. A plastic ring attached on the right cannon arm allows activation through a "TRY ME!" opening in the package; it must be removed before using the toy.

: As revealed at the Hasbro designers panel at [[BotCon 2010]], an easter egg is hidden in Battle Ops Bumblebee's electronics: when in vehicle mode, pressing down on the front left end of the vehicle (or pushing the front left wheel up) thrice will play the first verse of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''Transformers'']] [[theme song]], and three subsequent presses will play the second verse. Unfortunately, it only repeats the first two verses.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleOpsCostco}}
[[File:TF2010 BattleOps Bumblebee Costco.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Battle Ops Bumblebee''' (Multi-pack, 2010)}}</ul>

: A [[Costco]]-[[exclusive]] [[redeco]] of the Bumblebee figure above, this release is advertised as having a "Limited Edition metallic finish!", being cast in gray plastic and painted over in metallic gold, and with his hand being cast in colorless clear plastic, making him very similar to his ''Masterpiece'' figure. Additionally, the tip of his cannon is [[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]].

: He also comes with two "Great Value" toys: an unchanged Legends Class [[Mudflap (ROTF)#BattleOpsCostco|Mudflap]] figure, and a "Premium" vacuum-metallized gold redeco of Bumblebee's own ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Class figure.

: Canada received both English and French versions of this release - bizarrely, the French release is available in places outside Quebec such as Vancouver and even Alberta.

:The figure should be handled with considerable care, as the dark gray metallic plastic used in joints in the torso and legs tends to become [[Gold Plastic Syndrome|brittle]] over time.
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{-}}

===''Activators''===
[[File:TF2010-toy Activators Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| Expect redecoes... LOTS of redecoes.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Activator, 2010)
{{toydesigner|[[Lenny Panzica]] (Hasbro)}}

:''[[Activators]]'' Bumblebee is a small and simple toy with cutesified proportions. By pressing a button on his vehicle mode roof, he [[autotransformation|autotransforms]] into robot mode. Due to his transformation scheme, ''Activators'' Bumblebee is sort of a shellformer, as the Camaro parts hanged on his lower leg, forearms, and on the back.

:The stock photo of the figure is slightly mistransformed; the heels aren't folded down.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/ActBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Activators Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ActivatorsRallyRumble}}
[[File:TF2010-toy RallyRumbleBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|'''Many'''... okay, just one. But it's the thought that counts.]]
*'''Rally Rumble Bumblebee''' (Activator, 2010)

:A redeco of ''Activators'' Bumblebee with a black hood and rally-themed markings. His yellow plastic is distinctly... ''yellower'' than his usual orangey yellow color.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/ActRRBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Rally Rumble Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==''Animated''==
{{anchor|LegendsSpecialColor}}
[[File:TF-ROTF-EZ-Collection-Bumblebee-Special-Color.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Gold, but not [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 2|chromed]].]]
*'''Bumblebee Lamé Yellow Ver.''' (EZ Collection, 2010)
**''Release date'': [[April 24]] 2010
**''ID number:'' '''EZ-23'''

:Yes, you read that right. Bumblebee Lamé Yellow Ver. (バンブルビーラメイエロー Ver.) was only available blindpacked as part of TakaraTomy's ''[[EZ Collection]]'' Vol. 3, under the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' banner. It is cast in a metallic lamé yellow color.

:The toy had a preliminary name: Bumblebee Tokubetsu Color (バンブルビー特別カラー, "Bumblebee Special Color").
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{-}}

==''Masterpiece Movie Series''==
{{anchor|Masterpiece}}{{anchor|MPM2}}
[[File:Masterpiece Movie Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.77|thumb|Don't expect any of the new Movie Masterpiece molds to be made anytime soo...]]
*'''Bumblebee''' ([[December 25]], [[2010]])
**''Movie'': '''''Revenge of the Fallen'''''<ref>Not outright stated on the box, but the box design behind the front flap is made to look like the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline packaging.</ref>
**''ID number'': '''MPM-2'''
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>Interview with designer [[Shogo Hasui]], ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece Official Guide]]''. [http://news.tfw2005.com/2014/08/03/takaratomy-staff-interview-shogo-hasui-on-masterpiece-180877 Translated interview on TFW2005.com]</ref>

:''[[Transformers: Masterpiece Movie Series|Masterpiece Movie Series]]'' Bumblebee is a redeco of [[#Battle Ops|Battle Ops Bumblebee]]. Unlike the Hasbro version, he features a very extensive paint job, including chromed rims, and features no yellow plastic despite his appearance. Instead, all of his yellow parts are painted over gray plastic to make it as [[Show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] as possible. Among other notable plastic color changes, the [[TakaraTomy]] version features a clear colorless right hand (instead of translucent blue). The Hong Kong release of the toy features a shiny metallic gold finish instead.

:The box flap features the quote "''Angels will rain down like visitors from heaven!''" from the first movie.

:Beginning in March, ''Masterpiece'' Bumblebee was involved in two different [[campaign item|promotional giveaways]] in Japan. Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera stores offered the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] [[Mini-Con|Micron]] [[Spoilsport#United|Spoilsport]] with the purchase of ''Masterpiece'' Bumblebee, while, [[Toys"R"Us]] offered the Targetmaster Micron [[Caliburst (G1)#United|Caliburst]] with purchase.

{{-}}{{anchor|MasterpieceMPM3}}{{anchor|MPM3}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Movie-Masterpiece-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.77|thumb|Wait, never mind.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' ([[2017]])
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''<ref>The packaging actually features a "10 Years" logo, in reference to the anniversary of the first film.</ref>
**''ID number'': '''MPM-3'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[July 29]], 2017
**''Accessories'': Removable "[[Plasma cannon#Masterpiece|Stinger Blaster]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref name=MPM3interview>Interview with designer Yuya Onishi, [http://web.archive.org/web/20170806055340/https://www.gmjapan.co.jp/mailmag/chevrolet/2017-jun2/ Chevrolet Japan News Letter, 2017/06/22] (archive link)</ref>

:After 7 years, the second ''Masterpiece Movie Series'' Bumblebee is its own dedicated mold rather than a redeco and is also based upon his body from the first live-action film. Does it convert? Does it ever!

:As usual, he transforms from a roughly Voyager-sized robot that scales with the [[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Generation 1 ''Masterpiece'']] Autobot Cars. He, however, does NOT turn into the Concept Camaro seen in the first live-action movie, but rather the production model 2010 Camaro SS. His yellow is also inaccurate: The MPM is cast in Rally Yellow, and not the PBC-30 Sunrise that is used in the film. The latter inaccuracy is possibly due to licensing restrictions, as PBC-30 is not a factory option. His right hand can be replaced with a Stinger Blaster, which can be stored on his back or underneath the vehicle mode. He also features die-cast parts on his lower legs and feet, which was done to appease overseas fans.<ref name=MPM3interview/>

:Some units feature misassembled waist tabs. Although stock photos show his tire rims being painted silver, the actual product has tire rims painted in Chevy's Midnight Silver, which was used as an optional paint for the 2010 Camaros.

:The Japanese release omits the paint applications on the eyes to allow for light piping, and it features less dark shading on the blaster weapon. As with most TakaraTomy toys, it also uses black screws over unpainted screws.

:In the United States, Canada, Australia, and Hasbro's Asian markets, ''Masterpiece Movie Series'' Bumblebee was exclusively available from [[Toys"R"Us]], as was TakaraTomy's Japanese release. He was also initially released in the Transformers Atrium Fair in Takashimaya B2 Atrium located at Singapore, limited to 300 pieces. In Spain, meanwhile, he saw a wider release, being at least available via the Spanish subsidiaries of [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and Carrefour, as well as the department store chain El Corte Inglés. It's currently unknown if he was also available in stores or limited to online purchases. In Greece, he was officially available via at least one toy store chain, aptly named simply "Toys-Shop", but again might have been available only online.

:It would later be redecoed as part of ''[[#40th Selection|40th Selection]]''.

{{-}}{{anchor|MasterpieceMPM7}}{{anchor|MPM7}}
[[File:Masterpiece-MPM7-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee''' ([[2018]]/[[2020]])
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''ID number'': '''MPM-7'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[October 27]], 2018
**''Accessories'': Removable "Battle Mask", removable scalp, "Stinger Blaster", "Stinger Sword"
{{toydesigner|[[Ryan Glantz]] (instruction designer)<ref>[https://ryanglantz.com/portfolio-item/instruction-sets/ Ryan Glantz Portfolio - Instruction Sets]</ref>}}

:This iteration of ''Masterpiece Movie Series'' Bumblebee is based on his appearance in his [[Bumblebee (film)|titular film]], transforming into a Volkswagen Beetle. Due to being designed alongside the film, he is based on his outdated concept design, most prominently featuring door-wings not on the final design.

:For accessories, he comes with a battle mask that swaps out with his scalp, a Stinger Blaster that slots over either hand, and a Stinger Sword that attaches to either forearm. The accessories can be stored on the robot's back, and combine together to attach to the rear bumper in vehicle mode. As an additional gimmick, the headlights on his chest can be lifted up to reveal missile racks.

:In the United States, he was available only on [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]. He later saw re-release as a [[Target]] exclusive, coinciding with ''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' (though not branded as part of it).
{{--}}

==''EZ Collection Real''==
[[File:TF-EZ-Collection-Real-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.33|thumb|I have painted <s>rims and</s> front bumper. Buy me ''again''!]]
*'''Bumblebee (Real Color Ver)''' ([[2011]])
*'''Bumblebee (Metallic Color Ver)''' ([[2011]])

:Released as part of The blindpacked EZ Collection Real by TakaraTomy's "TakaraTomy A.R.T.S", this Bumblebee is a redeco of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Class figure. Unlike the stock photo, the Autobot insignia on his right leg is omitted. Like all land-based vehicles in this line, He features an extra paint applications on the wheels rims, which is only seen in the stock photo compared to the final product, which is left bare due to being molded with unpaintable plastic.

:Like his EZ Collection Real brethren, Bumblebee comes with two different variants: The "Real Color" features a flat shade on the plastic colors and paint, while the "Metallic Color" features metallic paint and plastic instead.

{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{--}}

==''Dark of the Moon''==
===''Cyberverse''===
[[File:DOTM CyberverseLegion Bumblebee toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|He doesn't have gorilla arms now!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Cyberverse Legion, 2011)
**''Series / Number:'' '''1 / 001'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''CV08'''
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro), [[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]] Legion Class toys, Bumblebee transforms into a customized 2011 Camaro Concept. His right hand is sculpted as his Plasma Cannon, while his left hand has the ability to hold onto Cyberverse [[C joint|3 mm post]] weapons and interact with Cyberverse playsets.

:The final toy differs from promotional photos by being cast in a different color of plastic similar to previous releases of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] sculpt, while the promotional photos depict him in a lighter hue of yellow. Amusingly, this has already happened before and in almost the exact same way. History tends to repeat itself, folks.

:This mold was also used to make other versions of Bumblebee (see below).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/LegBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Cyberverse Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CyberverseActionSet}}
[[File:DOTM CyberverseActionSet Bumblebee toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Bumblebee is a weapons junkie now? This is insane!]]
*'''Bumblebee Mobile Battle Bunker''' (Cyberverse Action Set, 2011)
**''Series / Number:'' '''1 / 001'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''CV02'''
**''Accessories:'' [[jet pack]], turret, [[missile]], backdrop
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro), [[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the first wave of ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Action Sets, this slightly redecoed version of DOTM Cyberverse Legion Class Bumblebee cast in a non-metallic, more orange-ish shade of yellow plastic, now with NEST markings on his doors and nothing in particular on his roof. Bumblebee comes in a set with the [[Mobile Battle Bunker]], as well as a jetpack with hinged wings which can clip onto Bumblebee's back in robot mode.

:Like the other action sets, this set's packaging includes a cardboard display backdrop. This time, it is of [[:File:Explosionfactory.jpg|an industrial area]], with a power plant of some sort in the background, with storage tanks to the sides. Oh, and there's fire and explosions ''everywhere''.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/MBBBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Mobile Battle Bunker Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BeeStarscream}}
[[File:DOTMCyberverseBumblebeeStarscreamPack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Since when were hatchbacks "ancient Cybertronian war vehicles"?]]
*'''Bumblebee / Starscream''' (Cyberverse 4-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece rifle

:[[Exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]]'s Mission Earth series, this four pack contains two Bumblebee and two Starscream Cyberverse Legion toys. Cybertronian Bumblebee is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Bumblebee]], done up in live-action movie Bumblebee-style colors, while the other Bumblebee is a paint-heavy redeco of Bolt Bumblebee (see below), partially cast in translucent plastic and painted with a grid pattern to simulate a [[trans-scan]] effect. This Bumblebee also comes with a redecoed version of ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (MW)|Skywarp]]'s [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Machine Wars|gun]], which can be held in his newly retooled right hand. (This weapon is also depicted on Starscream's side of the instructions, confusing matters of ownership a bit.)

:Care must be taken while rolling Cybertronian Bumblebee's vehicle: pushing down while moving the vehicle forward can chip the paint underneath the hip section.

:The Bumblebees come packed with a [[retool]] of [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|''Transformers'']] Legends Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#BeeStarscream|Starscream]] and a redeco of ''Legends of [[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]].

:An early name for this set was "Cyberverse Evolution", which is still used by some websites (including the Australian and United Kingdom Toys"R"Us sites), but that name does not appear anywhere on the packaging.

:The [[stock photography|stock photo]] used for the [[packaging]] (which depicts a hand-painted prototype) shows him lacking the retooled hand. The other stock photo (see the image to the right), which depicts a pre-production sample, does show the retooled hand, but has the weapon's handle plugged into a conveniently fitting slot on his ''other'' arm for whatever reason.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/TRULegBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Mission Earth Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/TRUCybBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Mission Earth Cybertronian Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{UniverseLegendsBumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BeeSoundwaveRodimus}}
[[File:TF-DOTM-Walmart-BSR-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Well at least it's not another shade of yellow?]]
*'''Bumblebee / Soundwave''' with '''Rodimus''' (Cyberverse 3-pack, 2011)
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:Available exclusively at [[Walmart]] in a three pack with [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Cyberverse|Soundwave]] and [[Hot Rod (DOTM)|Rodimus]], this gold and silver Cyberverse Bumblebee is a redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends class Bumblebee, and lacks the newly tooled hand of the Target-exclusive Cyberverse Bumblebee and 011 Bumblebee (see below).

:This three-pack was also available as an Asda exclusive in the United Kingdom and from Rossmann stores in Germany and Auchan stores in Hungary and Italy. Of note is that the [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]] does ''not'' market Rodimus as a "bonus figure" (presumably so stores can charge full price for three toys), and his window lacks the yellow edges highlighting him as a special feature, despite still being separated from Bumblebee and Soundwave, who share a common window like in the US version. Despite this, Rodimus still doesn't get a mention on the back of the packaging, which only features a one-sentence "bio" about Bumblebee planning to bring down Soundwave in twelve different languages.

:All versions of the packaging also lack any logos that label the toys as Cyberverse products.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/WMLegBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on three-pack Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BoltBumblebee}}
[[File:DOTM CyberverseLegion BoltBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I don't know ''who'' keyed me, but I'll find them. Oh yes.]]
*'''Bumblebee'''/'''Bolt Bumblebee''' (Cyberverse Legion, 2011)
**''Series / Number:'' '''1 / 011'''
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:Part of the second wave of ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Legion Class toys, (Bolt) Bumblebee is a retool of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends class Bumblebee with a new right hand that enables him to hold Cyberverse accessories and interact with Cyberverse playsets.

:Whereas the [[stock photography|stock photos]] depicted on the back of his packaging (which feature a hand-painted [[prototype]]) correctly show him with only a Cyberverse-compatible right hand and an unchanged left hand, the other set of stock photos (which feature a pre-production sample) depicts him with ''two'' retooled hands. Whereas the version with the new right hand was redecoed for several store-exclusive multi-packs, no version available in stores has featured the new ''left'' hand thus far.

:Although the toy is listed as "Bolt Bumblebee" on the official Hasbro website, the United States version and early releases of the [[multilingual packaging|European version]] simply use the name "Bumblebee" everywhere on the packaging, and the "Bolt" prefix was apparently only added as a [[variant|running change]] for later shipments of the European version.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/LegBoltBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Bolt Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|TargetCyberverseVs}}
[[File:TF-DOTM-Target-Cyberverse-2-pack-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bee demonstrates an example of the typical youth where after one drink too many, you end up deciding to get some tattoos without much thought.]]
*'''Bumblebee vs Megatron''' (Cyberverse 2-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' Two-piece blaster

:Exclusive to [[Target]], this Cyberverse Bumblebee is a redeco of Bolt Bumblebee. His right new hand enables him to hold his accompanying blaster (which originates from [[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]] [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]/[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]). Bumblebee comes packed with a [[Motormaster (G1)|Generation 1 Motormaster]]-inspired redeco of Cyberverse Commander [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#TargetCyberverseVs|Megatron]].

:The [[stock photography|stock photo]] on the back of the [[packaging]] shows him as mirrored, and thus depicts him with a retooled ''left'' hand, as well as flipped connecting pegs on his legs.

:This set also sold in Turkey as a {{w|Carrefour}} exclusive.
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{MWMirageMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|TVKunCyberverseVersion}}
[[File:TF-DOTM-TV-Kun-Bumblebee-Cyberverse-Version.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Bumble''pee'' Cyberverse Version... we are so sorry.]]
*'''Bumblebee Cyberverse Version''' (''TV-Kun'' magazine exclusive Cyberverse variant, September 2011)

:Bundled exclusively with the September 2011 edition of ''TV-Kun'' magazine, the redundantly-named "Bumblebee Cyberverse Version" is a translucent yellow and opaque black redeco of Bolt Bumblebee. Possessing minimal paint operations, the toy instead includes a sticker-sheet for the stripes, window tinting, and Autobot symbol (not applied in this photo).
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LegionStealth}}
[[File:DOTM Cyberverse Legion StealthBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|When attending formal events, it is important to inspect one's attire and see if everything is tidy and comfortable, and to make certain that nothing has been forgotten... such as one's trousers.]]
*'''Bumblebee'''/'''Stealth Bumblebee''' (Cyberverse Legion, 2011)
**''Series / Number:'' '''1 / 015'''
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:Part of the third wave of ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Legion Class toys, this toy is a [[black redeco]] of his ''Dark of the Moon'' mold. His deco consists of the first two-thirds of his vehicle being cast in black, with painted yellow stripes on the hood and sides, and the rear third of his vehicle being an unpainted metallic yellow, giving the appearance of the stripes extending out from the back. His headlights and most of his windshields are painted a metallic blue, his crotch is painted silver, and he has a gold Autobot insignia on the tip of his hood.

:The yellow paint operations on the black plastic parts and the shade of yellow used for the unpainted yellow plastic parts clash so much that even [[Ben Yee]], who is usually ''very'' generous with his toy reviews, rated this redeco as sub-par.<ref name="stealthyee">[http://www.bwtf.com/toyreviews/dotm/legion/bumblebee-black/ BWTF review of ''Cyberverse'' Legion Class "Black" Bumblebee]</ref>

:While this toy is listed as Stealth Bumblebee on the Hasbro website and named as such on the [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]], the "Stealth" prefix did not appear on the American packaging for some time. A [[variant|running change]] remedied this, adding the prefix to the American packaging in later runs.

{{-}}{{anchor|CybertronianWarriors}}
[[File:TRUCybertronianWarriors4Pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|My folks drove it up here from the Bahamas.]]
*'''Cybertronian Warriors Pack''' (Cyberverse multi-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' jetpack, turret, missile
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: Commemorating a hilarious and probably very expensive moment of stupidity on the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' set wherein a {{w|Metropolitan Police Department|Metropolitan Police Department}} SUV was hit by a Bumblebee stunt car during filming, Bumblebee is a [[redeco]] of his Action Set toy (which uses his first ''Dark of the Moon'' Legion-Class figure) and is painted to hilariously have damage in the front of his vehicle mode. His [[Mobile Battle Bunker#CybertronianWarriors|Mobile Battle Bunker]] has been redecoed to be gray and had the jetpack slightly retooled.

: He was packaged in a Toys"R"Us-exclusive multi-pack with redecoed versions of [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#CybertronianWarriors|Ironhide]], [[Crankcase (DOTM)#CybertronianWarriors|Crankcase]] (in a deco based on the aforementioned police SUV), and [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#CybertronianWarriors|Barricade]]. With matching paint jobs (the dark grayish black and bronze are near perfect matches), it appears as if the Bunker was intended to go with the included Ironhide more so than the included Bumblebee.

{{-}}{{anchor|Ultimategift}}
[[File:DOTMUGCVLBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|You forgot your pants again, 'Bee.]]
*'''Ultimate Gift Set''' (Cyberverse multi-pack, 2011)
: Yet another "stealth"-themed redeco of his ''Dark of the Moon'' Bumblebee mold, he features a reversed yellow and black deco on the robot chest/car hood-windows combination with the chest featuring a new deco pattern, the door kibble on his arms are now painted entirely yellow, and additional black paint applications on the legs/vehicle back.

: He comes in a Walmart-exclusive 5-pack with redecos of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Ultimategift|Optimus Prime]], [[Powerglide (DOTM)#Ultimategift|Powerglide]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)#Ultimategift|Sideswipe]], and [[Crowbar#Ultimategift|Crowbar]].
{{-}}

===Deluxe Class toys===
[[File:DOTM MechtechDeluxe Bumblebee toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Well, his Attacktix toy got cancelled. He's gotta have ''something.'']]
*'''Bumblebee''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/[[Plasma cannon|Plasma Cannon]]
{{toydesigner|[[Takio Ejima]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxe Class figures, Bumblebee transforms into a customized 2011 Camaro Concept. Bumblebee comes with a [[MechTech]] weapon which is a "Blaster" weapon, which opens up into a larger "Plasma Cannon" when its lever is pulled, but it springs back into its original position once the lever is released. The MechTech weapon can be held in his hands, attach via [[5 mm post|5 mm pegholes]]/MechTech ports on his forearms, or plug in a "concealed" 5 mm peg hole on the vehicle mode's roof. Two extraneous 5 mm peg holes are also located on his vehicle mode hood flap and can be flipped up and used in robot mode to shoulder-mount weapons beside his head. Additionally, [[C joint]] bars are sculpted into Bumblebee's forearms. His pair of hands features poseable fingers (albeit 4+1), and it can be formed into a 5 mm compatible hand if adjusted properly.

:Bumblebee can form a semi-Stealth Force configuration by lifting up the rear half of his roof, exposing concealed cannons sculpted in translucent blue plastic. Also of note in vehicle mode is the sculpted Camaro SS badging near the doors, which doesn't appear on any other ''Dark of the Moon'' Bumblebee toy or the prop vehicles used for filming.

:Just like his CG robot model, his [[package art]] depicts his racing stripes being pinstripe-bordered despite his toy no longer having it. Whoops.

:Bumblebee is currently being sold in Universal theme parks in new packaging based on the ride. He is advertised as a Universal Studios Exclusive, molded in slightly different colors compared to his original widespread release, and also has some gold paint on his knees that the original did not have. This mold was also used to make ''Movie The Best'' [[Laserbeak (DOTM)#Movie The Best|Laserbeak]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm More info on MechTech Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BBMechTechHolder}}
[[File:DOTM MechTechDeluxe Bumblebee MechtechHolder.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Let's be honest, that card holder didn't persuade anyone outside of Japan to buy this.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' & '''MechTech Holder''' (MechTech Deluxe, [[May 14]], 2011)
**''ID number:'' '''DA05'''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/Plasma Cannon

:The Japanese release of ''Dark of the Moon'' Bumblebee is packed with a "MechTech Holder", a device for storing the [[MechTech Wars]] collectible cards included with every Japanese ''Dark Side Moon'' mainline toy. Both Bumblebee and the MechTech Holder are packed into a Voyager class-sized box, with an accompanying increase in retail price. Obviously, he comes with his own MechTech Wars character card and transparent MechTech weapon card.

{{-}}{{anchor|SilverBee}}
[[File:DOTM MechTechDeluxe LuckyDraw SilverBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|This is the silverest Bee we ever seen!]]
*'''Silver Bumblebee''' (MechTech Deluxe, [[May 13]]-[[May 14]], 2011)
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/Plasma Cannon

:Also known as Special Edition Bumblebee, this is a silver [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] version of ''Dark of the Moon'' MechTech Deluxe Bumblebee, presented in a perspex case.

:These toys were available as the [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] prize for the ''Transformers'' Midnight Madness event at major [[Toys"R"Us]] stores in mainland [[China]], Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and Thailand between May 13 and May 14, 2011. One was also offered as a raffle prize, along with two [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Supreme Class toys|Jetwing Optimus Prime]] and two [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Ultimate|Ultimate Optimus Prime]] toys, on the final ''Dark of the Moon'' toy launch event in Robinson's Galleria in the Philippines between July 9 and 10.

{{-}}{{anchor|NitroBee}}
[[File:DOTM MechTechDeluxe NitroBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Bumblebee's attempt to join the Wreckers.]]
*'''Nitro Bumblebee''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''DA18'''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Cybertronian Boost Engine/Plasma Cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro)|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:Available in the third wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxe Class figures, Nitro Bumblebee features booster engines, armor plating and other Stealth Force-like design elements sculpted onto his vehicle mode. Like the Leader Class toy, he features sculpted (but unpainted) "900 STRA" [[license plate]]s in both modes, making it the first time the license plate used for the car props from all three movies is used for a Deluxe Class toy.

:He comes with a MechTech Boost Engine, which converts into a Plasma Cannon when the lever is pulled, and although it is similar in function and appearance to [[Skids (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys 3|Skids]]'s MechTech blaster, it is a new mold. He features five MechTech ports in vehicle mode: one on the hood, two of the roof and two behind his rear wheels. In robot mode, both of his arms have one MechTech port each, and the ports from vehicle mode can still be used.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/NitroBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More info on Nitro Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|WalmartRace}}
[[File:DOTM Deluxe Walmart Bumblebee toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Man, I've got about as much fanwank on me as your average episode of [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]].]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' Plasma Cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:This [[Walmart]]-[[exclusive]] Bumblebee (also sold at Sainsbury's stores in the United Kingdom) is a redeco of the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 ''Transformers'']] Deluxe Class Concept Camaro Bumblebee, with the standard production model Chevrolet Camaro front end as compared to the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' ZL1 version and the first reuse of the 2007 mold, both hands and the hand-held [[plasma cannon]]/energy blade weapon. However, he ''does'' have the retooled shoulder panels that are held in place with screws (first introduced with ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Alliance Bumblebee).

:Bumblebee features many different ''Transformers'' [[insignia]]s from across different continuities, namely; [[:File:Ancient Autobot Symbol.png|Generation 1 Prehistory Autobot]], [[:File:Minicon symbol.png|Armada Mini-Con]], [[:File:Sumdac Systems.PNG|Animated Sumdac Systems]], [[:File:Playschool Go-Bots G.png|Playschool Go-Bot]], [[S.T.A.R.S.]], "FLY [[Omega Supreme (disambiguation)|Ω SUPREME]]", [[G.B. Blackrock|"Black Rock"]], [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|"Maccadam's"]], [[:File:Dinobots symbol.png|the Beast Machines Dinobots Symbol]], and the number [[1984|84]], all in addition to his live-action movie Autobot insignia.

:The [[stock photography|stock photos]] on the back of his packaging are quite strange, depicting a significantly different deco, with the primary color for his vehicle mode gradually fading from yellow to red towards the bottom, and parts of his abdomen sporting the same red color. In addition, his handheld weapon's blade sports a clear blue color. The final toy, by contrast, features no red at all, and his blade is cast in clear black plastic. Furthermore, the stock photos depict his eyes as bright blue, whereas the final toy's eyes are painted black. On top of that, the stock photos contradict ''each other'', with the photo of his robot mode depicting clear blue windows, whereas the photo of his vehicle mode depicts opaque ''black'' windows.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/WMBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More info on Walmart Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Daredevil}}
[[File:DOTM AutobotDaredevilSquad toys.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|For having a [[Tech Spec|Courage stat]] of ten, he sure is yellow on the inside.]]
*'''Autobot Daredevil Squad''' (Multi-pack, 2011)
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:Exclusive to [[Kmart]] stores in the USA (and to [[Canadian Tire]] stores in Canada), the Autobot Daredevil Squad Bumblebee is another redeco of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[#Cannon|Cannon Bumblebee]] as part of, for some reason, the [[Human Alliance]] play pattern. The packaging puts emphasis on Backfire's "handheld cannon" mode, which this particular Bumblebee isn't really designed to hold.

:He comes packaged with a redeco of Human Alliance [[Sam Witwicky#Daredevil|Sam Witwicky]], a redeco of [[Backfire (TF 2010)#Daredevil|Backfire]], and an Autobot Alliance patch.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/KMBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More info on Daredevil Squad Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Cyberglyph}}
[[File:DOTM Deluxe Target Clear Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Whatever happens in Vegas, stays on Photobucket.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2011)
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:Released as part of [[Target]]'s exclusive range of Deluxe class redecoes, this version of Cannon Bumblebee has had all of his yellow plastic cast in a translucent yellow, and is covered in opaque yellow [[Cyberglyphics]].

:As with the other [[Target]] [[exclusive]] "Cyberglyph" redecos ([[Space Case (DOTM)#Dark of the Moon|Space Case]], [[Arcee (Movie)#Cyberglyph|Arcee]] and [[Jazz (Movie)#Dark of the Moon|Autobot Jazz]]), he comes with a comic book by [[IDW Publishing]], ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''.

: He was also made available in Canada as a Zellers exclusive, in New Zealand as a Farmers exclusive (both in English-only US-style packaging minus the "only at Target" sticker), in the United Kingdom as a Tesco exclusive, and in Germany as a Müller exclusive (both in typical [[multilingual packaging|multilingual European packaging]] including a multilingual comic).

:His [[package art]] has the same error as his first Dark of the Moon Deluxe figure, namely his racing stripes being depicted as pinstripe-bordered despite this toy lacking it. Whoops again.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/TargetBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More info on "Cyberglyph" Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|DOTMDeluxeCyberfire}}
[[File:DOTM MechTechDeluxe CyberfireBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Ghost Rider|VENGEANCE!]]]]
*'''Cyberfire Bumblebee''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/Plasma Cannon

:A redeco of ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe-class Bumblebee, he is now black with yellow detailing and features electricity patterns on his car body. His clear parts are now a reddish orange. His blaster is unchanged.

:Interestingly, while his [[package art]] correctly depicts his deco applied to his body, (complete with his evil-looking red-orange eyes) the deco seems to be incorrectly applied to his ''Nitro Bumblebee'' head.

:His distinctly, well, ''evil'' look led to fans frequently referring to him as "Murderbee".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/CyberfireBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More info on Cyberfire Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ScanSeries}}
[[File:DOTM Deluxe Scan Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Seen here mere moments before turning completely into stone.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' Pulse Missile
{{toydesigner|[[Sam Smith]] (Hasbro)|[[Andrew Scribner]] and [[Mark Maher]] (deco)}}

:This redeco of Deluxe class ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bumblebee is [[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]]'s Mission Earth: The Scan Series, to represent him [[trans-scan]]ning his vehicle mode. As such, nearly all of his vehicle mode parts (and thus, most of his robot mode) are cast in translucent clear plastic, with the rear of his vehicle mode being left unpainted, the middle having painted scan lines, and the front having a heavy amount of [[paint operation]]s in order to cover the clear plastic.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/TRUBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More info on Scan Series Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TritaniumBee}}
[[File:DOTM Deluxe LuckyDraw TritaniumBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|This is awarded for first place in the "Who Has The Most Bumblebees" contest.]]
*'''Tritanium Bumblebee''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/Plasma Cannon

:This gold [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum metallized]] version of MechTech Deluxe Class ''Dark of the Moon'' Bumblebee was Prize A in [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''Dark of the Moon'' [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] campaign. The campaign began on [[May 14]] 2011, and one could have entered by entering two barcode numbers from MechTech character cards (packed with Japanese ''Dark of the Moon'' figures) into the TakaraTomy ''Transformers'' website. This toy was limited to 10 pieces. The toy also comes with a congratulations note with an adorably drawn Legion Class Bumblebee by designer [[Hisao Nishimoto]], and a ''huge'' Autobot decal.

:Unlike the stock photo shown here, the final product's joints parts still remained un-chromed due to being molded with [[unpaintable plastic]].

::*''[https://robonin.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-453.html More info on Tritanium Bumblebee at the Robo NIN blog]''

{{-}}{{anchor|StreetsideBotBrawl}}
[[File:DOTMDXBumblebeeStreetsideBotBrawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|WHEN I KILLED YOUR BROTHER, I LOOKED JUST. LIKE. THIIIIIIS!]]
*'''Streetside Bot Brawl''' (Multi-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/Plasma Cannon

:Part of the [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive "Streetside Bot Brawl" three-pack, this battle-damaged redeco of the initial ''Dark of the Moon'' Bumblebee toy was sold with a grey and purple redeco of ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager-Class [[Shockwave (Movie)#StreetsideBotBrawl|Shockwave]] and a battle-damaged redeco of ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager-Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#StreetsideBotBrawl|Optimus Prime]]. He now comes with a redeco of [[Skids (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys 3|Skids]]'s MechTech Blaster, which converts into a double-barreled Plasma Cannon when the scope is pulled.

: His weapon was also redecoed into the weapon of [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#SpecialistRatchet|Specialist Ratchet]].

:This version of deluxe Bumblebee has been found as a single packed figure in Toys"R"Us (possibly only in the UK at the time of writing) with his original Mechtech weapon. The packaging is identical to the wave 1 release.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/TRUSBBBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More info on Streetside Bot Brawl Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LeaderSentinelDeluxeNitroBee}}
*'''Leader Class Sentinel Prime and Bonus Value Deluxe Class Nitro Bumblebee''' (Two-pack, 2011?)
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Cybertronian Boost Engine/Plasma Cannon

: As the name implies, this Walmart-exclusive [[giftset]] would have contained a ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class [[#NitroBee|Nitro Bumblebee figure]] and a ''Dark of the Moon'' Leader Class [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)#LeaderSentinelDeluxeNitroBee|Sentinel Prime figure]]. They would have been unchanged from their individual releases. The existence of this unreleased set was revealed by an eBay auction after the DOTM toyline was effectively over.

{{canceledtoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|NeoScanning}}
[[File:DOTMNeoScanningBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I probably had a few more international customers than the guy with the card dispenser, but not many.]]
*'''Neo-Scanning Bumblebee''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''ID number:''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Blaster/Plasma Cannon

:A redeco of ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe-class Bumblebee, Neo-Scanning Bumblebee (ネオスキャニングバンブルビー) is a bright, real-world accurate rally yellow and metallic grey Japanese-market exclusive. Initially made available for sale at [http://www.e-hobbymagazine.com/english/eren/2785.html the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show], it was later released to mass retail across Japan.
{{-}}

===Leader Class toys===
{{anchor|DOTMleadeR}}[[File:DOTM MechtechLeader Bumblebee toy.jpg|thumb|upright=2.8|Bulky Bumblebeef over here may not show it, but his back hurts. ''SO MUCH.'']]
*'''Bumblebee''' (MechTech Leader, 2011)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Power Armed Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': '''[[May 14|05-14]], [[2017]]
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''DA-01'''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech backpack
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}
{{listen
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|DOTM-Mechtech-Bumblebee-Backpack-Sounds.ogg
|Sound Chip Sounds from this toy.
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: Released in the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Leader Class figures, this version of Bumblebee is smaller than his previous Leader-sized incarnations and, ''technically'', is his first Leader-class toy. Along with the update to his Dark of the Moon form, this is also the first toy to feature a (sculpted) "900 STRA" [[license plate]] (the one used for the prop cars for all three movies). Being different in proportions to his other toys, this Bumblebee seems to have inspired his later "[[#NitroBee|Nitro Bumblebee]]" toy, having a much bulkier torso and smaller arms, with the entire hood pieces being deformed into his chest.

: The main gimmick is that he comes with a ''massive'' MechTech backpack, which hooks onto his back window/back, and is the sole electronic component of the toy. It resembles a [[jet pack|jet-pack]], and features missile pods and a cannon, all of which emit lights and sounds when pressed, and can be positioned for either robot or vehicle mode. Pressing the missile pod housings will emit orange lights and play the sound of a barrage of missiles being launched while pressing the cannon will prop up a targeting sight, emit green lights, and play the sound of the cannon deploying/charging and firing a powerful-sounding blast. The weapons can be deployed/retracted when the brown panel on the top-left of the backpack is slid, making the [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] in the process (with an additional mechanical impact sound after deploying). There are a total of five MechTech ports and four [[C joint]] bars on the backpack, with a port and bar on each missile pod, a port on the side of the cannon barrel, a port on the sliding panel, a port on the top-center of the backpack, and a bar on top of each battery compartment.

: Bumblebee can also transform into his [[Stealth Force]] attack vehicle mode, wherein his hood portions split forward and open, his doors open and hinge up, his robot arms swing out from the sides to aim, his plasma cannon extends, and his backpack is attached and deployed, with dedicated pegs to help secure his doors, arms, and shoulders. Finally, like a few other Bumblebee toys, he also features a flip-down battle mask.

: Unfortunately, while Bumblebee has rotational leg [[articulation]], they're ''below'' the knees, limiting their usefulness. Even more unfortunately, while he's perfectly stable on his own, plugging in his backpack in robot mode will make him ''very'' back-heavy, resulting in significant balance issues and limitation of poseability due to his [[Ratchet (mechanism)|ratchet joint]]s not being strong enough to handle the additional weight on one side. Posing him to lean forwards or posing his legs further to his back may remedy this.

: His secondary stock photos are slightly mistransformed: his shoulder collars are not folded out. Ironically; this mistranformation ''also allows'' the head to move slightly freely.

{{-}}{{anchor|LeaderBeeDeluxeScream}}
*'''Leader Class Bumblebee and Bonus Value Deluxe Class Starscream''' (Two-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' MechTech backpack

: As the name implies, this Walmart-exclusive giftset contains a ''Dark of the Moon'' Leader Class Bumblebee figure and a ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#LeaderBeeDeluxeScream|Starscream figure]]. They are unchanged from their individual releases.
{{-}}

===''Human Alliance''===
[[File:DOTM HumanAlliance Bumblebee Sam.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Third time in a row the stock photographer neglected to properly transform his knees.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' / '''Sam Witwicky''' (Human Alliance, 2011)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:''
**''Accessories:'' 2 missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:A redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bumblebee, in a Stealth Bumblebee-inspired color scheme, with even more robot mode yellow than usual. The included Sam Witwicky figure is largely unchanged from the original ''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, and rather than using the usual "4NZZ454" [[license plate]], this one's license plates sport the word BEE with the Autobot sigil next to it.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/HABumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on ''Dark of the Moon'' Human Alliance Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Robo Power''===
====''Activators''====
{{anchor|DOTMActivators}}
[[File:DOTM Activators Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (2011)
{{toydesigner|[[Lenny Panzica]] (Hasbro)}}

:As with other Dark of the Moon Activators toys, this Bumblebee figure (released under the [[Robo Power]] subline) is a very simple one-step transformation toy. Transformation consists of positioning him on the large blue section to the rear of his vehicle mode and pressing down, causing his components to shift around and reveal his robot parts; from there, one just has to rotate out his arms. Transformation back to vehicle mode is done by reversing the steps.

:Bumblebee was packaged in vehicle mode on an open, bubble-less card and tied down with twist-ties around the body of his truck form so that he couldn't be transformed in package.

:[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/110058-question-robo-power-activators/ At least one report] has surfaced of a brand-new figure missing one of the locking tabs that work the spring-loaded transformation mechanism, leaving the figure unable to transform properly. Although most likely a one-off incident as no other cases are known to have happened, care should still be taken.

{{-}}{{anchor|ReconActivators}}
[[File:DOTM Activators ReconBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Recon Bumblebee''' (2011)
{{toydesigner|[[Lenny Panzica]] (Hasbro)}}

:Released as part of third wave of the ''Dark of the Moon'' Activators, Recon Bumblebee is a redeco of the Activator figure above, in ''YET ANOTHER'' example of him getting a "stealth mode" redeco.

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

====''Bash Bots''====
[[File:TF-DOTM-Bash-Bots-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bumblebee Vs Megatron''' (2011)
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''Bash Bots'' Bumblebee is a small, rock-em-sock-em-styled toy that transforms from a super-deformed Camaro into a robot by pulling or pushing the lever below it's built-in stand. He & his stand can connect with any Bash Bots to fight with, especially the included Megatron.
{{-}}

====''Go-Bots''====
[[File:DOTM Go-Bots Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (2011)

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

====''Revving Robots''====
[[File:DOTM RevvingRobots Bumblebee.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (2011)
''Revving Robots'' Bumblebee is a toy that was designed for younger children and thus lacks transformation. Bumblebee has four points of articulation, the shoulders and hips. Pressing his Autobot symbol causes him to speak one of several prerecorded phrases that change actors mid sentence to invoke the sense that he was talking via his radio. Pushing up the blue shoulder pad activates his stinger blaster, causing it to spin and make blaster sounds. The toy was released alongside ''Revving Robots'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]].
{{-}}

====''Robo Fighters''====
[[File:DOTM Robofighters Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (2011)

:Robo Fighters Bumblebee is a non-transforming figure with five points of [[articulation]]. Pressing a button on his chest causes his chest armor to extend as cannons pop out of his torso.

{{-}}{{anchor|EliteGuard}}
[[File:DOTM Robofighters Elite Guard Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Elite Guard Bumblebee''' (2011)

:Elite Guard Bumblebee is a redeco/retool of the Robo Fighters toy above, featuring a new battle mask head.
{{--}}

==''Kre-O''==
{{note|Listed here are the sets that are very definitely "movie" Bumblebees. There are several more that are more ambiguous mashups, which can be found at [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#Toys]].}}

[[File:KREO-Bumblebeelarge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
* '''Bumblebee''' (2011)
**''Set number'': '''36421'''
** ''Pieces'': '''336'''
** ''Kreons'': Bumblebee, Red Alert, Driver
** ''Accessories'': Missile, small pistol

: The larger Bumblebee ''[[Kre-O]]'' kit is based on the [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee of the live-action films]], though with the face of the [[Bumblebee (G1)|Generation 1 character]] inside a movie-style helmet. He rebuilds into a sports car that can seat two [[Kreon]] figures, and has a spring-loaded missile launcher.

: He comes with three [[Kreon]]s; a Bumblebee based very much on [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Generation 1 Bumblebee]], [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Red Alert]], and an unnamed "Driver" with black hair and a gray shirt who we guess is meant to kinda sorta be a [[Sam Witwicky]]-like dude if you squint.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Kre-OBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Universal4pack}}
[[File:KreO-toy Bumblebee Universal4pack.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Who's the better prankster? Only [[you]] can decide!]]
*'''Kreon 4-pack''' (Kreon 4-pack, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''A9370'''
**''Kreons'': Bumblebee, [[Evac (Ride)#Kre-O|Evac]] (pre-2020 sets), [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Kre-O|Megatron]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Universal4pack|Optimus Prime]], [[N.E.S.T. Sentry]] (2020 release)
**''Accessories'': Blaster

:Available exclusively at the gift shop for "[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D]]" at [[Universal|Universal Studios]] theme parks, this set features a Bumblebee Kreon based on the first three live-action movies, aka "the version of Bumblebee that there's a giant costumed performer of at the park that guests can get their pictures taken with". After several years of only being available at the park proper, the 4-pack was eventually added to Universal's online store.

: In 2015(?), a new production run of the set was made using the revamped 2015-style Kreon bodies, among a few other small changes, including sharper tampographs with thinner linework. This set would later see slight production changes; the only notable change to Bee is that his tampographs have gone back to thicker lines and being a bit sloppier, something that happened to all of the figures in the set.

: In 2020, the set was revamped ''again'', removing Evac and replacing him with the [[N.E.S.T. Sentry]]. The other figures in the set are unchanged from their thicker-tampograph 2015-body versions.

{{-}}
===''Age of Extinction''===
{{anchor|CellBlockBreakout}}
[[File:KreO-toy Bumblebee AOE CellBlock.jpg|thumb|250px]]
*'''Cell Block Breakout''' (2014)
**''Set number'': '''A6951'''
**''Pieces'': '''135'''
**''Kreons'': [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#CellBlockBreakout|Evasion mode Optimus Prime]], Bumblebee, [[Vehicon (Kre-O)#CellBlockBreakout|Vehicon]].
**''Accessories'': Rifle

:The "[[Cell Block Breakout]]" Bumblebee Kreon is based on his Camaro SS design from the first part of the ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' movie.

: This set also includes a buildable [[Dinobot (Kre-O subgroup)|Dinobot]] beast [[Strafe (AOE)#Kre-O|Strafe]].

{{-}}{{anchor|GalvatronFactoryBattle}}
[[File:KreO-toy Bumblebee AOE GalvFacotry.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Sure, replacing their backpacks with magnets is funny, until he pays his own price.]]
*'''Galvatron Factory Battle''' (2014)
**''Set number'': '''A6952'''
**''Pieces'': '''388'''
**''Kreons'': Bumblebee, [[Dr. Littleman]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#GalvatronFactoryBattle|Optimus Prime]], [[Vehicon (Kre-O)#GalvatronFactoryBattle|Vehicon]], 2 KSI workers.
**''Accessories'': Blaster

:"[[Galvatron Factory Battle]]" Bumblebee is based on his 2014 Camaro design. He comes with a ferrous-metal backpack, which can be attached to the magnetic crane in the factory playset, or any of the other magnets used through the line (or any other magnets you happen to have lying around, magnetism isn't ''that'' picky). He comes with a new-style robo-blaster with multiple clip-bars and posts to build off of.

:This set also includes a buildable [[Dinobot (Kre-O subgroup)|Dinobot]] raptor and a [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#GalvatronFactoryBattle|Galvatron]] super-robot.

{{-}}{{anchor|GrimlockUnleashed}}
[[File:KreO-Toy BumblebeeGrimlockUnleashed.jpg|thumb|250px|Unknown to him, this was actually Ratchet's healing gun.]]
* '''Grimlock Unleashed''' (Kre-O set, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''A8600'''
**''Pieces'': '''333'''
**''Kreons'': Bumblebee, [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#GrimlockUnleashed|Galvatron]], [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#GrimlockUnleashed|Grimlock]], [[Lockdown (ROTF)#GrimlockUnleashed|Lockdown]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#GrimlockUnleashed|Optimus Prime]]
**''Accessories'': Blaster

: Available in the "[[Grimlock Unleashed]]" set, this version of Bumblebee has slight differences from the "Galvatron Factory Battle" Kreon: he has a different facial expression, and his torso tampographs feature bits of "battle damage". He carries a large black blaster rifle rather than the new pistol style, and lacks the metal backpack.

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomAOE}}
[[File:KreO-toy Bumblebee AOE Custom.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Now he's gonna slag that one scrapheap that made a prank by chroming his favorite yellow helmet.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Custom Kreon, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''A9229'''
**''Pieces'': '''30'''
**''Accessories'': Rack, blaster, double barreled gun, club, wing-pack, extra body parts

:Part of the Collection 2 of the ''Age of Extinction'' [[Custom Kreon]]s, this Bumblebee comes with a buildable parts rack on which to hang/store his many many extra pieces. His "normal" helmet is chromed, plus he comes with an extra clear-plastic helmet, torso and legs. He also has a pair of extra arms (originally from the ''Kre-O Battleship'' aliens) plus a spare hand, as well as a buildable chainsaw-club. Like the Custom Kreon Optimus Prime, he also comes with an extra [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Wheeljack]]-style wing-pack.

{{-}}{{anchor|SilverKnight}}
[[File:KreO-toy Bumblebee AOE SilverKnight.jpg|250px|thumb|"in the nameth of Primus, i wilt prank thou!"]]
*'''Silver Knight Autobots''' (2014)
**''Set number'': '''A8602'''
**''Kreons'': Bumblebee, [[Crosshairs (AOE)#SilverKnight|Crosshairs]], [[Drift (AOE)#SilverKnight|Drift]], [[Hound (Movie)#SilverKnight|Hound]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#SilverKnight|Optimus Prime]]
**''Accessories'': Claymore

:Silver Knight Bumblebee is a redeco of the Age of Extinction Bumblebee Kreon, with much of his plastic now in metallic silver and pewter. He comes with a large sword (from the ''Kre-O Dungeons & Dragons'' series) rather than a blaster.

: This five-pack of Kreons was not released in the US or Canada, only seeing release in various Asian markets.

{{-}}{{anchor|DecepticonReplicator}}
[[File:KreO-Toy DecepticonReplicator-set.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Let's face it, you're not buying this set for the Bumblebee.]]
*'''Decepticon Replicator''' (2014)
**''Set number'': '''A8601'''
**''Kreons'': Bumblebee, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#DecepticonReplicator|Optimus Prime]], [[Nemesis Prime (AOE)#Kre-O|Nemesis Prime]], [[Stinger (AOE)#Kre-O|Stinger]], Scientist
**''Accessories'': Blaster

:The "[[Decepticon Replicator]]" Bumblebee Kreon is identical to the one from the "Galvatron Factory Battle" set, only missing the magnet backpack and carrying a black blaster instead of copper.

: This set was not made available in US or Canadian markets, seemingly only hitting stores in Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, and China. It was specifically sold at the "[[Transformers Exhibition]]" event in Kaohsiung, Taiwan from [[July 11]] to [[July 20]].
{{--}}

==''Movie Trilogy Series''==
[[File:MovieTrilogyBumblebee.jpg|thumb|The only toy from this series whose cancellation made you ''happy''.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2012)
:''[[Movie Trilogy Series]]'' Bumblebee is a redeco of ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Bumblebee. Like the rest of the Movie Trilogy Series, its release was cancelled.

:Don't even expect him being reissued for Takara's ''Movie Advanced Series'' anyway.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''EZ Collection Gum''==
*'''Bumblebee''' (EZ Collection Gum)

:Released as part of the blindpacked ''EZ Collection Gum'' series, this Bumblebee is a redeco of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Class figure, with added paint operations on the bumper.

{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{--}}

==''Age of Extinction''==
===''Robots in Disguise'' (2014)===
{{anchor|Flip&Change}}
[[File:AoE flip and change Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|''I don't really know just where my head's at I don't really know what it's about So I flip out And I like to flip out'']]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Flip & Change, 2014)

:Part of the second wave of Flip & Change assortment, this roughly Voyager-sized Bumblebee toy is a simplified version of his 2014 Camaro body that can auto-transform from vehicle to robot by pulling out the arms first and then flip the figure over itself. He features articulation on his arms, and features 5 mm compatible hands.

:Bumblebee shares a transformation scheme with his fellow Flip & Changers, Lockdown and Drift.

{{-}}{{anchor|OneStepChanger}}
[[File:TF-AOE-1-Step-Changer-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey im right over u do u see me? Im the bee flapping my wings here! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:Lost Age LA-03 Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|(''TakaraTomy version pictured'')]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (One-Step Changers, 2014)
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''LA03'''
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

:The One-Step Bumblebee features a 2014 Camaro Concept [[alternate mode]] and a more unique and complex transformation compared to the other One-Steps. Also unlike other One-Step Changers, his transformation has ''three'' steps; you are required to flip out his fists and rotate his forearms after changing to robot mode...which the Hasbro stock photographer neglected to do anyway.

:The Japanese release of Bumblebee features some slight deco changes such as a painted grill and bumper.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/OSCBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on One-Step Changer Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|OneStepCollection}}
[[File:AOE-One-Step-Collection.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Transformers: Age of Extinction'' Collection''' (One-Step Changer six-pack, 2014)

:The "Transformers: Age of Extinction Collection" set includes an unchanged One-Step Changer Bumblebee, packed with an equally unchanged Drift, Lockdown, Grimlock, Slug & the included One-Step Silver Knight Optimus Prime toy.

{{-}}{{anchor|OneStepHighOctane}}
[[File:AoE 1-step High Octane Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''High Octane Bumblebee''' (One-Step Changers, 2014)
*'''Battle Command Optimus Prime & Bumblebee Strongest Tag Set''' ([[October 18|10-18-]]2014)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''LA-14'''
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

:A new mold of the One-Step Changer Bumblebee, he transforms into a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS, and he features a molded right arm cannon and a left arm sword. Bumblebee shares his transformation with [[Drift (AOE)#One Step Changers|Drift]], [[Prowl (Movie)#Age of Extinction|Prowl]] and [[Rollbar (AOE)#OneStepChanger|Rollbar]].

:The Japanese release of the toy is completely unchanged, and it was bundled with the re-released Battle Command Optimus Prime, as part of the "''Battle Command Optimus Prime & Bumblebee Strongest Tag Team''" set.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/OSCHighOctaneBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on One-Step Changer High Octane Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Mega1Step}}
[[File:Hasbro-mega-1-step-bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Mega 1-Step Bumblebee / Mega Flip Bumblebee''' (2014)
**''Accessories'': disc

: A large transforming toy of Bumblebee making use of the "Flip & Change" switchblade-like technology (similar to Drift's). The toy features a shuriken-esque disc, which can be fired from his right hand via pressure fire.

:Bumblebee has two packaging variants: he is either released in open, bubble-less card in robot mode or boxed packaging in vehicle mode. Whereas the version in English-only packaging (released in the United States and Australia) is named "Mega 1-Step Bumblebee", the European release in [[multilingual packaging]] is named "Mega Flip Bumblebee".

{{anchor|Walmart1StepBonus}}
[[File:AOE Mega 1-Step Mega Flip Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|left|200px|International bot of mystery, known by many names.]]
:A Walmart exclusive version of the Mega 1-Step Bumblebee figure that includes a "bonus value" [[Stinger (AOE)#Walmart1StepBonus|Legion Class Decepticon Stinger]] figure. Both figures are unchanged from their original single releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|PowerBattler}}
[[File:AOE PowerBattlers Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Bumblebee got new workout tips from [[X-Brawn]].]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Power Battler, 2014)

:Based on his 2014 Camaro body, Power Battlers Bumblebee is a simplified figure around the Deluxe class in size and he features a "Power Punch!" gimmick in robot mode, which is triggered by twisting his torso to the left.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/PBBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Power Battler Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|HighOctanePowerBattler}}
[[File:Power-battler-high-octane-bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''High Octane Bumblebee''' (Power Battler, 2014)

:Power Battler High Octane Bumblebee is based on his appearance in the first half of the film and transforms into a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS. He also includes a "Cannon Blast!" action feature which can be activated in robot mode by squeezing his legs together, swinging around his arm cannon to firing position.

:As a [[tail-ender]] for the Power Battlers assortment, High Octane Bumblebee eventually fell victim to "tail end of the line" syndrome, and wasn't officially released until ''much'' later than initially planned, not helped by a {{w|International Longshore and Warehouse Union#2014–2015 negotiation|massive slowdown at US West Coast docks caused by union action}}. Thus far, High Octane Bumblebee has only been available in Hasbro's Asian markets, from online retailers and discount stores like Ross, T.J.Maxx, and Five Below.

{{-}}{{anchor|Dino Sparkers}}
[[File:AoE dino sparker Bumblebee and Strafe.jpg|thumb||upright=1.66|Totally what your kid is begging for.]]
*'''Bumblebee & Strafe''' (Dino Sparkers, 2014)
{{toydesigner|[[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist)}}

:Dino Sparkers Bumblebee is a static, non-transforming, non-articulated black-colored minifigure riding a clear version of [[Strafe (AOE)#Dino Sparkers|Strafe]] that you can pull back and go. This toy features a [[sparking gimmick]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/DSBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Dino Sparker Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TitanHero}}
*'''Bumblebee''' (Titan Heroes, 2014)

:Titan Heroes Bumblebee is a massive 12-inch figure of Bumblebee... which is extremely simplified and has a mere five points of articulation. As if all the relatively simplified toys in this section aren't enough.
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
====Legion Class toys====
{{anchor|WalmartScenePack}}
[[File:AoE Wal-Mart 3-pack legion Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|<s>Knock Out</s> Stinger would be utterly shocked if Bee shows his entire horsepower just to kill him in close range.]]
*'''Bumblebee vs. Decepticon Stinger with Strafe''' (Scene Pack, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' Blaster
{{toydesigner|[[Ramon Campos]] (Hasbro)}}

: Bumblebee is a redeco of ''Dark of the Moon'' ''Cyberverse'' Series 1 Bumblebee, available only in a "Scene Pack" with an unchanged Deluxe Class [[Strafe (AOE)#Generations|Strafe]] and a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]] Cyberverse'' Series 2 [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] as [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]]. Bumblebee includes the ''Cyberverse'' Series 2 weapon based on [[Bumblebee (WFC)|''Prime'' Bumblebee]]'s wrist blaster in clear red, which he can wield in his left hand.

:This three-pack was available exclusively at Walmart stores in the United States, at Asda stores in the United Kingdom, at Müller drug stores in Germany, and at Auchan stores in Italy. Along with Stinger, a number of loose Bumblebees (often without his blaster) is later dumped at several Hobby Shops in Asia.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/WM3pkBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on ''Age of Extinction'' Scene Pack Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|WalmartLegion}}
[[File:AoE Wal-Mart legion Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I changed my vehicle paint job. Buy me again!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Legion, 2014)
{{toydesigner|[[Ramon Campos]] (Hasbro)}}

: Legion Class Bumblebee is a single-carded redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Class Bumblebee in his 2014 Camaro detailing, but does not use the ''Cyberverse'' Bumblebee/Bolt Bumblebee's retooled hand. He is released as an exclusive at Walmart stores in the United States, at Asda stores in the United Kingdom and at Müller drug stores in Germany.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/WMLegBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on ''Age of Extinction'' Legion Class Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}

{{-}}{{anchor|WalmartBWmold}}
[[File:AoE Wal-Mart 2-pack legion Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Who you're calling [[Cyberbee]]?]]
*'''Bumblebee & Dinobot Strafe''' (Two-Pack, 2014)
{{toydesigner|[[Ramon Campos]] (Hasbro)}}

: Another, slightly different, redeco of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Class Bumblebee, available only in a two-pack with a redeco of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Terrorsaur (BW)#Beast Wars|Terrorsaur]] as [[Strafe (AOE)#WalmartBWmold|Strafe]]. The only deco differences are the brighter yellow plastic, the extended stripe on the vehicle mode's rear quarter panels, a white face paint, and a black Autobot insignia on his right arm. This two-pack was exclusively available at Walmart stores in the United States and at Asda stores in the United Kingdom.

:Considering this is the '''19th''' use of the mold, this has to suffer from mold degradation. It has to.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/WM2pkBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on ''Age of Extinction'' 2-pack Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
{{anchor|HighOctaneDeluxe}}
[[File:DeluxeAOEHighOctaneBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|For the first time in history, this color scheme is actually ''canon''. Just wait for the yellow redeco. ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:TF-AOE-AD04-Classic-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Still waiting for the yellow redeco here, Takara. ''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
*'''High Octane Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2014)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Classic Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''AD04'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (deco, TakaraTomy)}}

: High Octane Bumblebee is based on the character's initial black-colored appearance that he sports for the first half of [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|''Age of Extinction'']], being colored similarly to multiple 'Stealth Bumblebee' decoes of past. He transforms into a customized 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS, and sports a pressure-fired missile launcher attached to his right arm.

: The Japanese release of the toy is called "Classic Bumblebee" and features slightly different paint applications.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/HOBumblebee/bumblebee.html More information on ''Age of Extinction'' Deluxe Class High Octane Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldHighOctaneDeluxe}}
[[File:Real-robot-battle-gold-AOE-bee.jpg|thumb|I'm gold and I know it|upright=1.67]]
*'''Kinmekki Bumblebee''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Missile

: A gold-plated (金メッキ, ''kin mekki'') redeco of the High Octane Bumblebee figure, this toy was a prize for a winner in Japan's "Real Robot Battle" event.

::*''[http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/event/2014/11/realrobot.html More information on Deluxe Gold plated Bumblebee at Takaratomy.jp (Japanese)]'

{{-}}{{anchor|SilverChromeHighOctaneDeluxe}}
[[File:Transformers-Age-of-Extinction-Silver-Chrome-High-Octane-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Bitchin' Vintage Crap.]]
*'''Chrome Bumblebee''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Missile

: A vacuum metalized redeco of the High Octane Bumblebee figure, featuring silver chrome on ''both'' of his paintable and ''unpaintable'' plastics unlike the Kinmekki Bumblebee figure above. this toy was a prize for the highest spenders at the AoE toyline launch celebrations in Asia.

{{-}}{{anchor|TRUEvolution}}
[[File:TRU-Evolution-2-pack-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Admit it, you bought this for the other [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generations|Bee]].]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Evolution 2-Pack, 2014)
**'''22 OF 30'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[August 3|8-3]], 2014
**''Accessories:'' 2 throwing stars

: Available only at [[Toys"R"Us]] stores in the US, Canada, the UK and Germany, this two-pack contains a Deluxe Class Bumblebee based on the new form he acquires part way through the ''Age of Extinction'' film, transforming into a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro concept. He includes two 'fake kibble' hubcaps, which can be screen-accurately mounted on his back, removed and held as throwing star weapons, or store underneath his vehicle mode. Additionally, his right forearm features a flip-out cannon, and his head sports a flip down battle mask (which is inaccurate to the actual battle mask in the film). The car windows on his forearms can be flipped down to represent the missile launchers he uses in the movie. Bumblebee cannot transform into vehicle mode with his Shurikens pegged on his back.

: The two-pack also includes a 'Classic' Bumblebee [[redeco]]ed from the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generations|Legends Class Bumblebee]], cast in a slightly lighter yellow with blue headlights and taillights and armed with a black and yellow redeco of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Jolt (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys 3|Deluxe Jolt]]'s [[MechTech]] weapon. In most regions, this pack was released ahead of the ''Age of Extinction'' Deluxe figure's single-carded release.

: The two-pack was one of the three Evolution 2-packs available as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in Japan, with no changes to the figures themselves. The box features Japanese translated versions of the English text on the front and a sticker on the back confirming that this was a Japanese release. Take note that this was also the first Japanese release of the 2014 Camaro Bumblebee mold, 7 days ''before'' its ''Movie Advanced'' Series release (seen below).

{{-}}{{anchor|2014Deluxe}}
[[File:AoE now & then Bumblebee 2014.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Stinger's yellow [[knockoff]]. ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Takara-tomy-movie-advanced-new-bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You bought the Evolution 2-pack already? Oh well. Time to buy me again. ''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2014)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''New Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''AD27'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 throwing stars
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro), [[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (deco, TakaraTomy)}}

:This individual release of the Bumblebee is an unchanged version of the figure from the Evolution two-pack. He still includes the two throwing stars and the flip out cannon and flip down battle mask. Some variants are more of a yellow color than the original orange-ish yellow color. The Japanese release of the toy, released as part of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)#Movie Advanced Series|Movie Advanced Series]]'' lineup (7 days after the original Hasbro Bumblebee mold from the Evolution 2-pack Bumblebee released in Japan), features paint operations on his robot mode's arms, thighs, & his eyes...although this neuters the light-piping gimmick.

:Most promotional images featuring this figure (like the one above), except the ones from Takara, have Bumblebee mistransformed, with his shoulders not folded down correctly and his front bumper/grille not folded down into his chest.

:The mold was later redecoed as Movie Advanced Series [[Stinger (AOE)#Movie Advanced Series|Stinger]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on ''Age of Extinction'' Deluxe Class Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|AOEPlatinumEdition}}
[[File:TF-AoE-Platinum-Edition-Autobots-United-Deluxe-Class-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Like the Takara release, but ''even better'' in every way.]]
*'''Autobots United 5 Pack''' (Platinum Edition, 2014)
**''Accessories:'' 2 throwing stars

:''Platinum Edition'' Bumblebee is an extensively redecoed version of the second Deluxe Bumblebee figure. While the figure shares very similar paint operations from the ''Movie Advanced Series'' release of the figure, Bumblebee features extra paint apps on the wheel rims, toes, spoilers, some chest details, and other vehicle mode detailing, while the light-piping gimmick on the eyes is retained instead of painted over. Some other altered decos from the ''Movie Advanced Series'' includes replacing the black toes into gunmetal.

:Bumblebee was released as a BBTS shared exclusive "Autobots United" set along with screen-accurate redecos of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Drift (AOE)|Drift]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]].
{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
{{anchor|MABattleBlade}}
[[File:Lost Age AD-08 Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|What do you mean I'm a Voyager now?|upright=1.67]]
*'''Battle Blade Bumblebee''' (<s>Deluxe</s> Voyager, 2014)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''AD08'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (deco artist)}}

: A toy exclusive to Takara's 'Movie Advanced' line, this Bumblebee is a redeco of [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers (2010)'']] Battle Blade Bumblebee. This toy combines with some unpainted yellow robot parts and has metallic yellow paint on most of his car shells/body parts...resulting in weird, two-tone yellow colors in robot mode. Other than this, the paint masks are ''completely identical'' to the original mold, with an exception of the flip-out cannon & his blade, which is chromed. Because of the gradual downsizing of deluxe figures after 2011, this Bumblebee was released as a Voyager Class figure despite its original release being a Deluxe Class figure.
{{-}}

====Leader Class toys====
[[File:AoE leader Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|To save some money, Bumblebee decides to change his paint job on his previous body.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Leader Class, 2014)

:Leader Class Bumblebee is a redeco of the ''Dark of the Moon'' Leader Class Mechtech Bumblebee figure, omitting the MechTech backpack for cost reasons, and features a deco pattern similar to his appearance in ''Age of Extinction''. And of course, as a redeco of the Leader Class toy, Bumblebee can attach to said backpack. He shipped in solid cases, not part of the regular ''Age of Extinction'' Leader assortment. The stock photo on his packaging is a color-swapped version of the original prototype photo, lacking the backpack.

:While Bumblebee was available at general retail in some countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, he was a store [[exclusive]] in other markets such as the United States (at [[Costco]]), the United Kingdom (at [[Smyths]]), Canada (shared exclusive between Costco and Canadian Tire stores) and Germany (at Rossmann drug stores).
{{--}}

==''Construct-Bots''==
[[File:ConstructBots_DinobotRidersBumblebee.jpg|300px|thumb|right]]
*'''Dinobot Riders Bumblebee''' (Age of Extinction, 2014)
**''Pieces: '''18'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:Part of the first wave of Dinobot Riders toys, Bumblebee turns into a little car-thing. He includes a gun based on his on-screen counterpart.

:His nominal Dinobot steed is [[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]]. Like most Construct Bots figures, Bumblebee's rubber ball joints can harden over time, which prevents smooth posing.

{{-}}
[[File:ConstructBots_DinobotWarriosBumblebee_Nosedive.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Back from summer.]]
*'''Dinobot Warriors Bumblebee & Nosedive Dino''' (Age of Extinction, 2014)
**''Pieces: '''61'''
: Dinobot Warriors Bumblebee is based on ''Age of Extinction'' Bumblebee. He, of course, turns into a car and comes with a gun with detachable blade as well as [[Nosedive]], a ''Pteranodon'' robot. Nosedive that can turn into an armor for Bumblebee.

{{-}}
[[File:ConstructBots_WalmartBumblebee.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Has the spiky insignia before [[Quillfire (RID)|Quillfire]] is a thing.]]
*'''Bumblebee vs. Decepticon Stinger with Strafe''' (Walmart exclusive, 2014)
**''Pieces: '''44'''
{{toydesigner|[[Ramon Campos]] (Hasbro)}}

: This [[Walmart]] exclusive Bumblebee is a redeco of the Dinobot Riders one, with a more [[show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] color scheme in robot mode and battle damage in vehicle mode. He comes with [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] and a redeco of [[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]].
{{--}}

==''Q-Transformers''==
[[File:QTransformers Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (2014)
**''ID number:'' '''QT-02E'''

:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Bumblebee transforms from a [[super deformed]] 2014 Camaro Concept to a cute little robot. This version was sold as an exclusive at Transformers Expo months before the proper release of the toyline.

:This mold would have been retooled to make [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]], but that release was cancelled.

{{-}}
*'''Bumblebee''' ([[December 26|12-26]]-2014)
**''ID number:'' '''QT-02'''

:The mass retail release of ''Q-Transformers'' Bumblebee is cast in a more orange shade of yellow than the Transformers Expo exclusive version.

{{-}}{{anchor|QTclear}}
[[File:QTransformers Clear Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
*'''Clear Bumblebee''' ([[December 26|12-26]]-2014)
**''ID number:'' '''QT-02E'''

:This clear plastic redeco of Bumblebee was given away to customers who bought 5 or more ''Q-Transformers'' toys through Toys"R"Us Japan. It was limited to 3000 pieces.

{{-}}{{anchor|QTshirei}}
[[File:QTransformers QT24 Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Anybody else getting [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] vibes?]]
*'''Bumblebee (Shirei, sasugassu!)''' ([[July 25|7-25]]-2015, [[January 30|1-30]]-2016)
**''ID numbers:'' '''QT-24''', '''QTF-02'''

:This Bumblebee is a new mold that matches the character's more cartoony and simplified appearance in the ''[[Q-Transformers (cartoon)|Q-Transformers]]'' cartoon. The added "Shirei, sasugassu!" on his name means "As expected of the commander!" (司令、さすがっす!) said in a flippant kinda way. This line was given as one of Bumblebee's catchphrases in his profile for the ''Q-Transformers'' cartoon.

:This toy was re-released with a new ID number as part of the second ''Q-Transformers'' series.

{{-}}{{anchor|QTProtagonists}}
*'''Q-Transformers Protagonists 3-Figure Set''' (1-30-2016)
**''ID number:'' '''QTFS-01 '''

:The second Bumblebee toy was also sold in a three-pack with fellow cartoon main characters [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Q-Transformers|Optimus Prime]] and [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Q-Transformers|Lockdown]]. They come with a cardboard backdrop to be displayed on that depicts a typical service area of a Japanese expressway, much like the real locations the characters stand around in in the cartoon.

:Although usually sold in Japanese markets, some department stores in Asia had sold the set as well.
{{--}}

==''Movie The Best''==
[[File:Transformers-Movie-MB-02-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|This version of the mold was released as part of the 10th anniversary series with a gatling gun, but no premium paint operations? You have failed us yet again, Takara!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, [[February 4|2-4]], [[2017]])
**''ID number'': '''MB-02'''
**''Accessories'': Gatling Cannon

:Released as part of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Movie The Best]]'' toyline to conclude the 10th anniversary of the [[live-action film series]], this Bumblebee is a redeco of his ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class toy, with a Gatling Cannon accessory that originally came with ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe Class [[Leadfoot (DOTM)#Deluxe Class toys|Leadfoot]]. While the entire deco is basically an orange-yellow plastic version of the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#NeoScanning|Neo-Scanning Bumblebee]] toy, this figure also features a small new paint operation consists of adding some gold paint on the knee details.

{{-}}{{anchor|MB10}}
[[File:TF-Movie-The-Best-MB-10-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Dino Ride Strafe & Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, [[March 25|3-25]]-2017)
**''ID number'': '''MB-09'''
:This reissue of ''Generations'' Age of Extinction Strafe comes with a new poseable-but-not-transformable Bumblebee mini figure, standing a wee bit taller than a ''Titans Return'' Titan Master.

{{-}}{{anchor|MB18}}
[[File:TF-Movie-the-Best-MB-18-War-Hammer-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Yup. I traded extra paint apps for a hammer.]]
*'''War Hammer Bumblebee''' ([[March 24|3-24]]-[[2018]])
**''ID number'': '''MB-18'''
**''Accessories'': Removable Stinger Blaster, Hammer

:This Bumblebee is a ''slight'' redeco of the second [[#ThirdTLKDeluxe|''The Last Knight Premier Edition'' Deluxe Class figure]], with darker yellow plastic and paint seen in the first ''Movie The Best'' figure above. He also sports some tooling changes: Notably, the arm cannon is a different tooling that is the mirror opposite of the version available with the original release, and thus it is designed to attach to the ''right'' arm instead of the left one. Less notable is the addition of a [[C joint|3 mm peg]] to the right forearm to make it a mirror opposite of its left counterpart, allowing it to be attached to the back while the cannon is attached to the arm. Additionally, he comes with a new hammer accessory (hence the name) based on the hammer Bee used during his fight with Nemesis Prime in ''The Last Knight''. The Hammer can also be stored onto the rear hip, or onto Bumblebee's vehicle spoiler, mounted along with the Stinger Blaster. All the new pieces are made from the same tooling, resulting in slightly mismatched forearms, with the new right one made of gray plastic painted orange and silver while the left one is made of orange plastic with silver paint.

{{-}}{{anchor|ArmGunBB}}
[[File:Movie-The-Best-MB-EX-Arm-Cannon-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Arm Gun Bumblebee''' ([[March 23|03-23]]-[[2019]])
**''ID number'': '''MB-EX'''
**''Accessories'': Clawed Plasma cannon

:Arm Gun Bumblebee is a redeco/slight retool of the [[#2014Deluxe|''Age of Extinction'' Bumblebee]] figure, featuring a new flip-out right hand which also doubles as a 5 mm port and a flip-out cannon, and he comes with a new [[Death-lock pincer|Clawed Plasma Cannon]] which can be wielded by his right hand, or mount onto his vehicle mode. While the paint applications are identical to the (second) Takara release of the figure, Bumblebee also features a brighter yellow paint & plastic previously used for his ''The Last Knight'' toys, features additional paint operations on the rocker panels, the headlights are now brighter blue, and the windows are now smoke gray. Stock photos for his robot mode are mistransformed: his shoulder armors are not folded down.

:This toy was released as an exclusive for Toys"R"Us Japan.
{{--}}

==''The Last Knight''==
===''Turbo Changers''===
{{anchor|TurboChanger}}
[[File:TF-TLK-One-Step-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It's the Opposite Day for Hasbro & Takara! (''No, seriously. This is the TakaraTomy stock photo.'')]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (1-Step Turbo Changer, 2017)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Speed Change Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TLK-06'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[April 29|04-29]], 2017

:1-Step Turbo Changer Bumblebee is a redeco of the ''Age of Extinction'' One-Step Changer sculpt, transforming from a <s>2017</s> 2014 Concept Camaro with 2017 Camaro detailing. Like his wavemate Optimus Prime, he features minimal paint operations. As with all of the Turbo Changers, Bumblebee features a nearly invisible tampograph on his vehicle front, which can be revealed with [[Dragonstorm#MegaTurboChanger|Mega Turbo Changer Dragonstorm]]'s UV-powered Cyberfire gimmick.

{{-}}{{anchor|AutobotsUnite2Pack}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Turbo-Changer-2-pack-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee & Autobot Hot Rod''' (1-Step Turbo Changer 2-pack, 2017)

:This Bumblebee is another redeco of the ''Age of Extinction'' One-Step Changer sculpt with a large yellow Autobot insiginia on his black hood, and a "personal" insignia on both doors that's ''literally'' a Bee. Unlike the general retail 1-Step Turbo Changer, he doesn't have a hidden symbol that can be revealed via UV light.

:This 1-Step Bumblebee was part of the exclusive ''Autobots Unite'' subline imprint, available only in a 2-pack with a redeco of 1-Step Turbo Changer [[Hot Rod (DOTM)#TurboChanger|Autobot Hot Rod]]. For the United States, the 2-pack was announced to be excusive to [[Walmart]], but was ultimately only available via Walmart's online store, and was found at discounter Ross around the same time. Internationally, the 2-pack was also available via other exclusive venues, namely Asda in the United Kingdom; Prisma in Finland; Walmart in Mexico; Bart Smit and Intertoys (owned by the same parent company) in the Netherlands; Intertoys in Germany; and ICA Hemma in Sweden.

{{-}}{{anchor|BigWTurboChanger6Pack}}
[[File:TF-TLK-RtS-Turbo-Changer-6-pack-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''1-Step Turbo Changer "Reveal the Shield" 6 Pack''' (2017)
**''Accessories'': Axe, Club, 2 spear-like weapons, Scimitar, Shield

:This Bumblebee is ''yet another'' redeco of the figure above, featuring red wheels and a Tech Spec-esque pattern on his chest/front vehicle hood which can be decoded with his transparent red weapons, which are molded in a sprue similar to the ones used for the Arms Microns kits & ''Robots in Disguise (2015)'' Mini-Con figures. He can use any weapons included in this set, although his primary weapon is a club.

{{-}}{{anchor|KnightArmorTurboChanger}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Knight-Armor-Turbo-Changer-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:TF-TLK-TC-02-Big-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Knight Armor Turbo Changer, 2017/2018)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Big Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TC-02'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[February 3|02-03]], 2018

:Part of the first wave of Transformers: The Last Knight Knight Armor Turbo changers, Knight Armor Bumblebee transforms into a modified yellow and black Chevrolet Camaro, by pulling his front vehicle/shoulder parts, although you have to convert him back to a vehicle manually. Bumblebee also features a "Knight Armor" gimmick, which involves pressing the button on his upper chest to activate his spring-loaded battle mask. He's also one of the first few toys released that feature Bumblebee's featured alt mode from the movie.

:The TakaraTomy release of the figure features extensive paint applications to resemble his on-screen appearances, and his pop-out mask is now vacuum metallized gold with some flat black details.
{{-}}

===''Flip N' Change''===
[[File:TF-TLK-Walmart-FnC-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Flip N' Change, 2017)

:This Bumblebee is a Walmart-exclusive redeco of the first Flip N' Change figure, featuring new vehicle mode details based on the 2017 Concept Camaro.
{{-}}

===''Tiny Turbo Changers''===
{{anchor|TinyTurboChanger}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Tiny-Turbo-Changers-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Tiny Turbo Changers, 2017)
**''Series'': '''1''' & '''2'''
**''Bag Code'': '''E'''

:[[Tiny Turbo Changers]] Bumblebee is a small, stumpy, soft-plastic [[blindpacking|blind-bagged]] mini-figure that changes from robot to a Concept Camaro 2016 with just a few simple steps. He features hands that are compatible with ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' weapons and other 3 mm post accessories. Like all Tiny Turbo Changers, his vehicle-mode tires do not spin, sorry. His legs are attached backwards in package. However, his legs can be easily dismantled from the hood/feet & the waist, flipping the legs backwards, and reassembled.

:Despite bearing the Concept Camaro 2016-ish vehicle mode, his robot mode sculpt and paint applications resemble his appearance in ''Age of Extinction''.

:He and the [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#TinyTurboChanger|Optimus Prime]] were available in the first two series of the line, with no noteworthy changes between releases – even Bumblebee's misassembled legs and their bag codes remain unchanged. Their instruction books were, however, updated to say "Series 2". This Bumblebee was released with minor deco changes in Series 3 (see the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Movie Edition|''Movie Edition'' entry]] below).

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[[File:TLK-toy TTC-BumblebeeKS.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Rejected prototype for [[Transformers: Crossovers]] Punisher.]]
*'''Knight Strike Bumblebee''' (Tiny Turbo Changers, 2017)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Bag Code'': '''L'''

:Released in wave 1 alongside the normal-colored version, this version of Tiny Turbo Changer Bumblebee is a stealth-themed redeco of the figure above. His legs are on the right way around!

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[[File:TLK-toy TTC-Bumblebee3pack.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Blooderbee]]
*'''Optimus Prime / Steelbane / Bumblebee''' (3-pack, 2017)
**''Accessories'': "Autobot" weapons sprue (2 swords, flail-axe, left shield-half), "Decepticon" weapons sprue (2 cutlasses, knife, right shield-half)

:Released as part of the [[Target]]-[[exclusive]] ''Reveal The Shield'' subline, this Tiny Turbo Changer 3-pack contains a [[redeco]]ed [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#RtSTinyTurbo3pack|Optimus Prime]] and Bumblebee (in their first non-blindpacked release) and a new [[Steelbane#TinyTurboChanger|Steelbane]] figure. This version of Bumblebee features red wheels & [[Tech Spec]]-esque patterns on his forehead and robot mode chest, though the ''real'' decoding is on his vehicle mode hood, which when seen through the attached clear-red weapons (or similar plastic device) reveals... an Autobot symbol. Woo.

:His legs are backwards again.

:Despite being a store-exclusive, the 3-pack containing this figure absolutely choked Target store shelves thanks to their [[shelfwarmer|inability to sell]], and were still available in plentiful numbers two years after the film's release.
{{-}}

===''Titan Changers''===
[[File:TF-TLK-Titan-Changers-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|His chest is [[wikia:kamenrider:Michihiko Zaizen|Doctor Pac Man]]'s face. Unsee that.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Titan Changers, 2017)

:''Titan Changer'' Bumblebee is an all-new mold, and the first Movie Bumblebee toy to receive a Titan Changer treatment along with Optimus Prime. Compared to most Titan Changers, Bumblebee's transformation scheme is ''very'' simplistic, with his entire robot mode hidden underneath the vehicle mode.
{{-}}

===''Allspark Tech''===
[[File:TF-TLK-Allspark-Tech-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''Rescue Bots: A Michael Bay film.'']]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Allspark Tech, 2017)

:''Allspark Tech'' Bumblebee transforms from a ''Rescue Bots''-styled robot into a deformed Concept Camaro and back. His chest also features a cavity for the electronic Allspark Cube, which gives him different sound effects for his robot & vehicle modes.
{{-}}

===Legion Class toys===
{{anchor|Legion}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Legion-Class-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|As bees die off in the real world, ''these'' Bees are doing just fine!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Legion Class, 2017)

:''The Last Knight'' Legion Class Bumblebee is a redeco of the ''Cyberverse'' Bumblebee figure, featuring vehicle detailing based on the 2017 Concept Camaro. For some reason, the rest of his window paint apps are omitted.

:The figure's instruction sheet erroneously shows the images and the manual of the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys 2|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Class toy]].

:In 29th August to 29th September, the entire 1st wave of ''The Last Knight'' Legion Class figures that ''massively'' shelfwarmed in Malaysia's Toys"R"Us stores were sold as a giveaway item for the customers who purchased ''The Last Knight'' toys in a price of RM200 (approx $46) in a single receipt.

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[[File:TF-TLK-Mission-to-Cybertron-Legion-Class-2-pack-HR&B-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Autobot Hot Rod & Bumblebee''' (Legion Class 2-pack, 2017)

:This Bumblebee is a ''slight'' redeco of the toy above. While the paint mask is identical to the toy above, The other deco changes are the front window, which was replaced with light blue, and the black paint on the hip section is removed.

:This figure was only available in a two-pack with [[Hot Rod (DOTM)#MtCWalmart2pack|Hot Rod]], under the ''Autobots Unite'' subline imprint. This set was ''intended'' to be [[exclusive]] to [[Walmart]] stores in the United States, but although it ''was'' stocked by the Walmart US online store, it supposedly never actually made it to brick and mortar Walmart stores, instead ending up at US discount retailers, primarily Ross stores. Internationally, it was available in Hong Kong (possibly as a non-exclusive general retail release), at Walmart's subsidiary Asda in the United Kingdom, as a Prisma exclusive in Finland, and as a Walmart exclusive in Mexico. It was also listed at the websites of Dutch retailers Bart Smit and Intertoys (owned by the same parent company), but again, it's unsure if it was ever actually released in the Netherlands.

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[[File:TF-TLK-Mission-to-Cybertron-Legion-Class-2-pack-BvM-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee & Megatron''' (Legion Class 2-pack, 2017)

:Available with Megatron, Bumblebee is ''yet another'' redeco of the Cyberverse Legion Class figure, now sporting different paint apps. He also features several Cyberglyphics on his black stripes. Unlike the two Legion Class figures above, he ''finally'' sports paint applications on all of the windows. His cyberglyphs on his arms & both sides of his hood spell "BEE". Like most of the Mission to Cybertron figures, he and Megatron come with a collector card with cyberglyphs on one side with the reverse featuring a piece for the 6-part poster.

:His robot mode prototype photo is flipped, including the one shown in the packaging.
{{-}}

===''Premier Edition''===
{{anchor|FirstTLKDeluxe}}
[[File:TF-TLK-Deluxe-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You probably thought that I would appear like this in the beginning just like the previous flick.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2017)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TLK-01'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[April 29|04-29]], 2017
**''Accessories'': Two throwing stars
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

:Released as part of the ''Premier Edition'' subline, this Bumblebee is a redeco of the ''Generations Age of Extinction'' Bumblebee figure, transforming into a <s>2017</s> 2014 Chevrolet Camaro concept with the deco of the 2017 Camaro, while the robot mode's deco ''vaguely'' evokes his current appearance.

[[File:TF-TLK-Premier-Edition-Bumblebee-variants.jpg|left|230px|thumb|"I'll change my paint job so I can fool everyone that I changed into a new car!"]]
:Bumblebee was re-released in the second wave of the Premier Edition Deluxe line, and now features a black section on the car roof & the rear section of the vehicle shell. The easiest way to identify the variant is by looking at the bottom rear piece while the figure is in-package, as the black paint can be seen through the clear plastic. This variant also applies to the TakaraTomy release of the figure. Due to this, the initial variant became less common.

:TakaraTomy's stock photo of the robot mode figure was later used as a cutout "battle figure" included with Telebi Magazine's [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#TVMagazineEZ|Burning Megatron]].

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[[File:TF-TLK-Lucky-Draw-Battle-Damaged-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Toys R'Us "Midnight Madness" exclusive, Deluxe Class, 2017)
**''Accessories'': Two throwing stars

:Released as one of the prizes from the "Midnight Madness" event in an Toys R'Us in Singapore, this Bumblebee, released under the ''Premier Edition'' subline, is the deluxe figure above, which is a redeco of ''Age of Extinction Generations'' Bumblebee, but with battle damage paint all over it. In some countries like Malaysia, Bumblebee can be obtained by buying some ''The Last Knight'' and any other Transformers-related items in a fairly expensive price (RM350), and he will be given away individually, or along with Prime if you buy products equal to a more expensive price (RM700). This giveaway event was available from 12 May till 11 June 2017 and was available again on 30th June till 30th July.

:Apart from the weathering, this Bumblebee uses the painted rear vehicle shell variant.

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[[File:TF-TLK-Deluxe-2017-Camaro-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"You already bought the redeco? Too bad, because you have to buy me ''again''!"]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2017)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''New Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''TLK-22'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[September 16|09-16]], 2017
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

:This Deluxe Class Bumblebee transforms from a robot based on his appearance in ''The Last Knight'' into a 2017 Concept Camaro. He also comes with a "Stinger Blaster" arm cannon, which replaces his left arm. Both of the left arm parts can be stored underneath his rear robot mode hip.

:On many copies of this toy, the pegs securing the feet come undone easily, making the feet floppy, while some parts like the "wings" are prone to becoming detached. Despite what the instructions say, the left arm should be pulled sideways out of the joint instead of down to prevent breakage of the connection. On several occasions, the only way to secure the feet's pegs is by pressing the pieces together firmly. (Make sure the pieces are properly adjusted.)

:The TakaraTomy stock photo of the robot mode has the waist kibble slightly mistransformed.

:This mold was also slightly retooled (changing the replaceable gun arm from the left to the right arm) into [[#MB18|''Movie The Best'' War Hammer Bumblebee]] and was used to make [[#Studio_Series|''Studio Series'' Bumblebee]].
{{-}}

===''Turbo Change Series''===
*'''Bumblebee''' ([[April 21]], 2018)
**''ID number'': '''TC-05'''
:''Turbo Change Series'' Bumblebee is essentially a re-release of the Turbo Changer figure with new packaging. Like most of the wave's Turbo Changers, Bumblebee's pin on the leg is most likely to be restored for activating the second Battle Command Optimus Prime toy's gimmicks.

:In 2019, the toy was given away free for the school kids who attended the [https://art.parco.jp/parcomuseum/detail/?id=168 ”The World Of Transformers” Exhibition] held at the Parco Museum in Ikebukuro from March 15th to Monday, April 1st, 2019.

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[[File:TF-TLK-Turbo-Change-Series-TC-13-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys 5|Yup, called it]].]]
*'''Battle Command Optimus Prime - Strongest Commander Set''' (2018)
**''TakaraTomy ID Number'': '''TC-09'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[October 27]], 2018

:Released as part of the re-issued Optimus Prime set, this ''Turbo Change Series'' Bumblebee is a redeco of the [[#OneStepHighOctane|One-Step Changer High Octane figure]] in his usual yellow livery, and ironically; the first ever [[Black redeco|yellow redeco of the black vehicle]].

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[[File:TF-Turbo-Change-Series-TC-16-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hope my ''Generation 1''-ish body can convince them to buy One-steppers again!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Turbo Changer, 2018)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TC-16'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[December 27]], 2018

:This ''Turbo Change Series'' Bumblebee is an all-new mold based off his appearance in ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'', sharing the same transformation scheme with the [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys#One-Step Changers|first ''Robots in Disguise'' One-Step Changer Bumblebee]] toy.

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*'''Bumblebee''' (Turbo Changer, 2020)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TCM-01'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[July 30]], [[2020]]

:The Turbo Change Bumblebee included in the Battle Command Optimus Prime Strongest Commander Set is re-released individually as part of the "Turbo Change Movie" lineup.
{{-}}

==''Tribute''==
{{anchor|Tribute3Pack}}
[[File:TF-Tribute-Bumblebee-3-pack-box.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee Evolution 3-pack''' (Deluxe Class multi pack, 2017)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TLK-EX'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[September 30|09-30]], 2017
**''Accessories'': 2 projectiles (1977 Camaro Bumblebee), Missile (1967 Camaro Bumblebee), Detachable Arm Cannon (2016 Camaro Bumblebee)

:''[[Transformers Tribute]]'' Bumblebee Evolution 3-pack consists of redecos of [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|the first Deluxe Class Bumblebee figure from the 2007 Movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys 5|High Octane Bumblebee from ''Age of Extinction'']], and the most recent, [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#ThirdTLKDeluxe|second ''Premier Edition'' Bumblebee figure]]. The 3-pack features particularly unique packaging, modeled after a garage, complete with graffiti.

:For the 1977 Camaro Bumblebee figure, he uses the opaque windows from the Hasbro release and the fixed Automorph gimmick from the Towed to Safety and the Evolution of a Hero 2-packs. Paint operations on this Bumblebee are minimized compared to his original release, omitting the battle damage on the vehicle mode and some smaller details of his robot mode such as the blue stripes on his thighs and parts of his face. The Automorph button does not use the painted stripes from the Evolution of a Hero 2-pack.

:The 1967 Camaro Bumblebee figure keeps the paint layout of its original "High Octane" release, but features several plastic color differences: The yellow parts are changed from a darker, more orange-y tone to the same lighter shade of yellow plastic shared among all the figures in this set, with the yellow paint operations and tampographs in vehicle mode changed accordingly, all the charcoal-colored parts are replaced by black plastic, the missile (and all of the unpaintable plastic joints) is changed from black to yellow, the baby blue paint operations for the eyes are changed to a darker tone, and the fully transparent windows are now a slightly tinted translucent plastic.

:The 2017 Camaro Bumblebee figure also features smoky translucent plastic in his windows as opposed to the original's entirely transparent ones. The Hasbro stock photo for his robot mode still depicts him holding his arm cannon as a gun. This also applies to Takara's secondary stock photos. Speaking of Takara, his vehicle mode roof is also slightly mistransformed.

:The set also saw release as an Amazon Japan exclusive.

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{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:TF-Tribute-2007-Bumblebee.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"I might have been cleaning myself a bit too much on the face."]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:TF-Tribute-High-Octane-Bumblebee.jpg|right|thumb|250px|No yellow redeco? You failed us again, HasTak!]]
{{!}}style="background:transparent; border-right: 0px" valign="top"{{!}}
[[File:TF-Tribute-2016-Camaro-Bumblebee.jpg|right|thumb|250px|I have slightly smoked windows. Buy me again!]]
{{!}}}

{{-}}

==''Studio Series''==
[[File:StudioSeries-01-MV1-Deluxe-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|You bought the Tribute set already? Too bad.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, [[2018]])
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''01'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-01'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[April 28]], 2018
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster, "Police Chase" backdrop

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Studio Series]]'' Deluxe Class toys, Bumblebee transforms into a yellow 1977 Chevrolet Camaro based on his appearance in the first live-action ''Transformers'' movie in 22 steps. He recycles the engineering of [[#ThirdTLKDeluxe|''The Last Knight Premier Edition'' Bumblebee]] with all new parts, and is slightly smaller than said mold to fit in the new ''Studio Series'' scale. As a consequence of borrowing sculpting from the ''Premier Edition'' figure, this version of Bumblebee has some inaccuracies, including the arrows on top of his head, the panels on top of his shoulders, and the design of his forearms and thighs. Bumblebee uses a [[Kibble#"Faux-parts"|fake]] front grill on his robot mode chest, which the real grill slides over in vehicle mode. He also features rectangular holes on his lower front bumper, the rocker panels, the rear end of the front hood, and the lower valance, all meant for a [[#SS15|later release]].

:Bumblebee includes a cardboard backdrop display depicting his encounter with [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and a Stinger Blaster based on the one from the ''Premier Edition'' figure, though mirrored to accurately attach to the right arm like the [[#MB18|''Movie The Best'' War Hammer Bumblebee]] toy. This version replaces the forearm using a hex peg instead of swapping at the bicep joint. The blaster/forearm stores behind the waist when not in use. The blaster can be mounted onto the rear bumper in vehicle mode.

:Depending on the individual sample's quality control, Bumblebee has some problems with parts (notably the rear section of the vehicle) refusing to lock together and continually detaching from their proper position thanks to some tolerance issues. His lack of pins on the car roof, combined with said quality control issues, make the transformation ''absolute hell'' if followed by the instructions. Thankfully, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm921hDELGM ways] have been found to transform him to help remedy this problem. Also, be careful with the shin pieces as they can collide during transformation, scraping off the yellow paint.

:Bumblebee, along with the rest of Wave 1 Deluxes, was made available at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] following New York [[Toy Fair 2018]], two months ahead of the scheduled brick and mortar release. The second run of the toy features a running change that eventually amends the quality control issues that plagued the first run. The fixed version's date code is written as "80201". Sadly some copies carrying this code still have the QC issues from the original figure.
{{SS01BumblebeeMold}}

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[[File:TF-Studio-Series-Hasbro-TaoBao-exclusive-Battle-Damage-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Falls to pieces, just like the real Bumblebee!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Giveaway figure, 2018)
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''ID number'': '''01'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster, "Police Chase" backdrop

:This ''Studio Series'' Bumblebee is a redeco of the above figure, featuring ''mostly'' screen-accurate weathering on the vehicle shells; the back of the roof is missing a large rust spot and there is extra rust on the doors and back. He was an exclusive Lucky Draw prize in a contest only accessible to people who bought ''Studio Series'' figures on May 15th from Hasbro China's official TaoBao online shop. There were only 300 Bumblebees made, and he was packaged in vehicle mode. This release uses the second run of the toy.

:His official stock photos are mirrored, resulting in the blaster arm being on his left side.

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*'''Bumblebee''' (Giveaway figure, 2018)
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''ID number'': '''01'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster, "Police Chase" backdrop

:Released as a giveaway for Toys"R"Us Singapore, this ''Studio Series'' Bumblebee also features hand-painted weathering, though not screen accurate like TaoBao's or the later [[#SS27|Clunker Bumblebee]] toy, but instead opting for the usual paint wash as with previous giveaway figures. He could be obtained by purchasing 100 SGD (~US$73) of ''Power of the Primes'' and ''Studio Series'' products.

{{-}}{{anchor|SS15}}
[[File:Studio-Series-MVBB-Rebekah's-Garage-15-Bumblebee-with-Charlie.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Uh oh, ''spoiler'' alert!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Multi-pack, 2018)
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''ID number'': '''15'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster, bumper, 2 rocker panels, 2 spoilers, 2 hoods, [[Charlie Watson#Studio Series|Charlie Watson]] figurine, "Highway Freedom" backdrop

:This ''Studio Series'' Bumblebee is a redeco of the above ''Studio Series'' 01 toy, featuring new customizable parts (front bumper, rocker panels, two spoiler options, and two hood options) for his vehicle mode to evoke the look of a muscle car (while making use of the rectangular holes from the original toy), though they prevent him from fully transforming into robot mode while attached (with the exception of the car hoods). The set includes a Charlie Watson [[Slug figure|figurine]] wearing a shirt with the ''Bumblebee'' logo. Compared to the first ''Studio Series'' Bumblebee toy, he has a black front grill with extra yellow paint on his hands and shoulders, but loses the striping on the vehicle shells and chest, the silver on the feet and on the blaster's arm guard, and the paint on his torso flap. Instead, a vast sticker sheet is included with multiple different decals to customize the figure.

:This set was originally intended as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive and had the working name "Rebekah's Garage" (presumably the name of the originally intended backdrop scene; the general retail wave 3 figure listed below has a "Charlie's Garage" backdrop), but because of Toys"R"Us's bankruptcy, those plans were changed. After having been found at a single [[Target]] store in the United States before it was even officially announced, it was revealed as an alleged [[Entertainment Earth]] "exclusive", but was simultaneously also listed by competing online retailers such as [[BigBadToyStore]] and ToyWiz, in many instances still under the old working name. It ''was'' released as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in Canada, with store price tags featuring yet ''another'' working name, "Street Racer Set". Neither name can be found on the packaging, which simply calls the figure "Bumblebee" with no additional prefix or suffix, and the included backdrop is "Highway Freedom", depicting a scenic coastal drive.

:All stock photos of the toy's robot mode are mistransformed: his back kibble/car roof is not folded into his back. They also have his blaster jammed over his right hand instead of swapping out the arm. Best not to replicate this as it may damage the parts.

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[[File:Studio-Series-MV6-Deluxe-VW-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Bee's attempted G1 cosplay.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2018)
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''18'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-16'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[October 27]], 2018
**''Accessories'': Detachable Gatling Gun, arm blade, battle-mask face, "Charlie's Garage" backdrop

:Part of the third wave of ''Studio Series'' Deluxe Class toys, Bumblebee transforms from a robot based on the ''Bumblebee'' film into a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle and back! He is based on concept art for the film, and thus has numerous inaccurate details, most notably the large door wings that weren't present on the final design. At the time, he was one of the smallest Deluxes in ''Studio Series'', standing at the same height as [[Jazz (Movie)#Studio Series|Jazz]], due to his small stature in the ''Bumblebee'' film itself.

:He comes with a detachable right Gatling Gun arm, an arm blade that can be attached to either forearm, and a battle mask that can be switched out with his removable face. All his accessories can be attached to the underside of his car or to his back in robot mode, with the unused face hanging off one of his smaller door wings. Bumblebee cannot be transformed with his Gatling gun arm on. Also included is a backdrop showing Charlie’s garage.

:Like the first ''Studio Series'' Bumblebee, this figure also suffers from several design flaws exacerbated by potential quality control issues. Due to the tolerance-altering layers of paint involved, the connection between the face pieces and the back of the head can either be too tight or pop off easily, potentially causing paint chipping. Meanwhile, his vehicle mode's kibble has some minor tabbing issues, notably on the waist piece. His 5 mm-compatible hands are prone to popping out if rotated back too far, and his door wings in robot mode have a tendency to flop over time. However, a gradual running change seems to have fixed these errors almost entirely.

:The vehicle hood and roof that forms his backpack is meant to lock securely into a groove on his upper back in robot mode, but there are two tabs along his back that make this process ''very'' difficult and pose the risk of breaking the translucent plastic hinge that has to be forced over them during transformation. While the first tab, located on his waist, is required to store his gun arm, the second tab just below the groove can be sanded down to ease transformation.

:TakaraTomy stock photos of the figure are actually those of their [[#7NetBattleDamage|rusty redeco]] of the figure, as evidenced by the missing silver paint on his feet and remnants of the added rust deco that were not completely edited out. This also makes the photos an unintentional reveal of the [[#SS24|Then & Now Bumblebee]] figure. One of the robot mode stock photos is also slightly mistransformed: his chest pieces are not locked correctly.
{{SS18BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS19}}
[[File:Studio-Series-19-SDCC-Vol1-Bumblebee-set.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Feelin' like a Goldbug in the 80's.]]
*'''''Bumblebee'' Vol. 1 Retro Rock Garage''' (Multi-pack, [[July 19]], 2018)
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''19'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-EX'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[November 29]], 2018
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster, [[Dairu]] Mini-Cassette, [[Uruaz]] Mini-Cassette, Dairu's left and right "Wave Blasters", Uruaz's left and right "Cannon Guns"

:To commemorate the ''Bumblebee'' movie, this ''Studio Series'' Bumblebee is a redeco of the [[#Studio Series|1977 Camaro mold]] based on the 1978-81 Camaro Z28, featuring smokier windows, dark gold plastic, and gold painted vehicle parts. He also features a different vehicle striping with miniature ''Bumblebee'' logos and a "Z28" label. In addition, the set uses a lineup number of 19, the second Hasbro exclusive in ''Studio Series'' to possess a number after [[Thundercracker (Movie)#Studio Series|Thundercracker]]. This Bumblebee uses the second run of the mold, which appears to be much more stable than the initial retail release.

:The real selling point of this set is the addition of two ''Japanese-original'' Mini-Cassettes: [[Dairu#Toys|Dairu]] and [[Uruaz#Toys|Uruaz]], the first ever Hasbro releases of the molds.

:This set also bucks the typical ''Studio Series'' packaging design, having a special cassette-styled box inside of a decorated sleeve and omitting the line’s signature backdrop displays. The back of the sleeve lists [[User:BluJayWarrior/SSRetroSongReferences|Transformers-themed parodies]] of real song titles and amusingly includes a disclaimer saying “Product does not contain music”.

:This set debuted at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2018 and was later made available via Hasbro Toy Shop. It also saw later release at Paris Comic-Con 2018 and in Japan as Tokyo Comic Con 2018 and TakaraTomy Mall exclusives. In Taiwan, this set was available at general retail.
{{SS01BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS20}}
[[File:Studio-Series-20-Vol2-retro-Pop-Highway-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px|''Actually'' a gold Bug in the 80's.]]
*'''''Bumblebee'' Vol. 2 Retro Pop Highway''' (Multi-pack, 2018)
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''ID number'': '''20'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Gatling Gun, arm blade, battle-mask face, [[Uriad]] Mini-Cassette, [[Zauru]] Mini-Cassette, Uriad's left and right blasters, Zauru's left and right blasters

:To commemorate the ''Bumblebee'' movie, this ''Studio Series'' Bumblebee is a redeco of the above [[#SS18|Volkswagen Beetle mold]], featuring molded dark gold plastic and gold painted vehicle parts like the Retro Rock set. The sides of the car have black stripes that include the ''Bumblebee'' logo. There is also a silver stripe down his hood and a larger Autobot symbol on his head.

:This set also has the addition of two ''Japanese-original'' Mini-Cassettes: [[Uriad]], a color-swapped transparent redeco of [[Dairu#Toys|Dairu]], and [[Zauru]], a predeco of [[Uruaz#Toys|Uruaz]] in the original Zaur colors, requiring collectors who wanted the combined [[Legout]] in G1 colors to get both Retro Rock and Retro Pop sets.

:This set uses the same packaging style as the Retro Rock set instead of the typical ''Studio Series'' packaging. The back of the sleeve lists even more [[User:BluJayWarrior/SSRetroSongReferences|parody song titles]] and once again reminds you, “Product does not contain music”.

:This set was announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2018 as an Entertainment Earth exclusive, though it was also available through other online retailers like BigBadToyStore and ToyWiz and even showed up at [[GameStop]] stores in the United States.
{{SS18BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS24}}
[[File:TF-Studio-Series-SS-24-Then-and-Now-1967-VW-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I got rust in my car shells. Buy me again with my 2016 counterpart!]]
[[File:TF-SS-25-Then-and-Now-2016-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I got less paint on my arms and legs. Buy me again with my 1967 counterpart!]]
*'''Bumblebee Then & Now Two-Pack''' (Deluxe Class 2-pack, 2018/2021)
**''Alternate name'': '''Bumblebee 1967 Volkswagen Beetle / Bumblebee 2016 Chevrolet Camaro'''
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee / The Last Knight'''''
**''ID numbers'': '''24 / 25'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Gatling Gun, arm blade, battle-mask face, "California Hideout" backdrop / detachable Stinger Blaster, "London Escape" backdrop

:This ''Studio Series'' two-pack consists of 24 "Bumblebee 1967 Volkswagen Beetle", a redeco of the [[#SS18|Beetle mold]], and 25 "Bumblebee 2016 Chevrolet Camaro", a redeco of the second [[#ThirdTLKDeluxe|''Premier Edition'' mold]]. This Beetle Bumblebee features a number of rusty paint applications along the sides and front of the car and the silver paint operations are removed from his feet, which was previously seen in the TakaraTomy stock photo of the individual release. Additionally, the Autobot symbol on his non-battle mask face is larger. Deco omissions on the Camaro Bumblebee include the silver on the shins and shoulders. There is more black paint on the rocker panels and the front bumper.

:Both figures come with individual deluxe-sized backdrops, though they share one instruction sheet. The "California Hideout" backdrop is identical to the "Charlie's Garage" backdrop included with the first Beetle release. The Camaro Bumblebee’s backdrop depicts his chase through the streets of [[London]].

:The CG renders on the packaging depict the Beetle Bumblebee having silver paint on his feet, while the Camaro Bumblebee has the silver paint on his biceps, shins, and kneecaps.

:The name "Bumblebee Then & Now Two-Pack" comes from their BigBadToyStore listing<ref>''Studio Series'' Bumblebee Then & Now Two-Pack at [https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/VariationDetails/87393 BigBadToyStore]</ref> and display names at conventions. The final set only has the names of the individual figures.

:The set was initially exclusive to Target in the U.S., and later, BigBadToyStore. The Beetle Bumblebee figure was released as an exclusive for Japan's 7net site (see below). Target reissued the set in 2021.
{{SS18BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS26}}
[[File:Studio Series-MV5-Deluxe-Class-WWII-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|B.B. Blazkowicz.]]
*'''WWII Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, [[2019]])
**''Movie'': '''''The Last Knight'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''26'''
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''World War II Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-19'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[January 26]], 2019
**''Accessories'': Pistol, hammer, "WWII Flashback" backdrop

:Part of the fifth wave of ''Studio Series'' Deluxe Class toys, "WWII Bumblebee" is based on his appearance during [[World War II]] in ''The Last Knight''. Rather than transforming into the Mercedes-Benz car as seen in the movie, he transforms into an armored car as in [[Josh Nizzi]]'s concept art for the character — though it's a ''different'' armored car, being a {{W|Humber Light Reconnaissance Car}} rather than a {{w|Humber Scout Car}}! The vehicle parts feature a subtle olive paint wash. In a near-unnoticeable detail, the Autobot insignia can barely be seen on his forehead as it blends in ''too'' well with the green plastic.

:Bumblebee's Warhammer, based on the one used in World War II (and can double as a monotone version of the warhammer used in his fight against Optimus), doubles as a vehicle mode artillery barrel, with his handgun transforming into a top-mounted turret. While the turret base can be rotated, the pistol's handle is loose enough to swivel while mounted on, rendering the feature pointless. The hammer can be mounted on his robot back, and can be rotated to have the handle pointing upwards like in the movie. The gun has no designated storage in robot mode, but the backpack can be transformed into its vehicle mode configuration to store both weapons. The backdrop displays the Allied assault on a Nazi building. Bumblebee only comes with one gun despite wielding two of them in this scene.

:WWII Bumblebee also features a pseudo-[[Automorph Technology|Automorph gimmick]]: His front chest panel can be pushed up/down, extending/retracting his head. Due to his transformation scheme, WWII Bumblebee is a [[shellformer]], with the majority of the vehicle shells hanging on his rear. The kibble backpack also blocks the 3 mm hole for display stands unless it's slightly lifted up. In a rather baffling design flaw, the holes on the chest panel are seemingly meant to lock with the shoulder joints' tabs, but they are too far apart to be tabbed in. On the bright side, the arms are not easily dislodged further from the central body as the backpack holds the shoulder assembly in place.

:This mold was retooled into [[Hot Rod (DOTM)#Studio Series|WWII Hot Rod]].

{{-}}{{anchor|SS27}}
[[File:Studio-Series-MV1-Deluxe-Class-Clunker-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Now with custom-faded paint!]]
*'''Clunker Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2019)
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''27'''
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Rusty Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-23'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[March 23]], 2019
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster, "[[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo|Used Car Shopping]]" backdrop

:Part of the fifth wave of ''Studio Series'' Deluxe Class toys, "Clunker Bumblebee" is a redeco of the [[#Studio Series|''Studio Series'' 1977 Camaro Bumblebee]], sporting a deco representing the beat-up look he had when first found by Sam, and even comes with a backdrop of [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo]]!

:The deco seems to be based on the [[#SSTaoBao|Taobao giveaway figure]] (or perhaps, using the same slightly inaccurate reference), though not as finely detailed. Consequently, he is missing a large rust spot on the back of the roof and there is extra rust on the doors and back, among other differences. There are also other paint changes on this figure: his chest's stripes and stomach's paint apps are omitted like the [[#SS15|Charlie Watson multipack]], the rear vehicle stripes are shortened, and the Stinger Blaster is entirely coated in silver (except the pegs). Some yellow paint is omitted from his forearms and the painted pegs on the feet that connect with the thighs in vehicle mode are removed. The Autobot symbol on his forehead is also slightly narrower.

:This release of the mold finally adds pins for the car roof's midsection, which prevents it from falling off during transformation.
{{SS01BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|7NetBattleDamage}}
[[File:TF-BB-SS-EX-Rusty-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|A case of the blues]]
*'''1967 Rusty Bumblebee''' (Omni7 exclusive Deluxe Class, [[March 18]], 2019)
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''ID number'': '''SS-EX'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Gatling Gun, arm blade, battle-mask face, "Charlie’s Garage" backdrop

:''Studio Series'' 1967 Rusty Bumblebee is the TakaraTomy release of the [[#SS24|Beetle Bumblebee]] figure from the Bumblebee Then & Now Two-Pack, only as a single release in exclusive blue monochrome packaging, without the ''The Last Knight'' Camaro figure. The backdrop has been recolored in grayscale.

:Rusty Bumblebee could be bought from the 7net website, either alone or with an advanced movie ticket for the ''Bumblebee'' movie. Both options also included a circular acrylic keychain with Bumblebee’s face.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/official-images-of-first-ever-takara-studio-series-exclusive-ssex-1967-rusty-bumblebee/42455/ How to obtain SS-EX 1967 Rusty Bumblebee, Seibertron]</ref>
{{SS18BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS49}}
[[File:TF-Generations-Studio-Series-2007-Bumblebee.jpeg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Sorry I'm late, hit a little production traffic."]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2019/2024)
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''49'''
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''New Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-40'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[January 25]], [[2020]]
**''Accessories'': Stinger Blaster, "City Tunnel Switch" backdrop

:The fifth general retail Bumblebee figure in the ''Studio Series'' lineup, this Bumblebee represents his updated form in the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie and transforms in a whopping 39 steps, with some transformation cues taken from his ''Studio Series'' [[#Studio Series|1977 Camaro version]] and from the ''Dark of the Moon'' [[#NitroBee|Nitro Bumblebee]] mold. Like the [[#MPM3|''Masterpiece Movie'' figure]], this Bumblebee does not actually turn into his screen-accurate 2006 Camaro Concept, but rather a production 2010 Camaro, likely due to licensing. Notable differences are the shaping of the front bumper and the inclusion of an antenna on the roof.

:His head comes with a non-removable battle mask, which is on the same size ball joint as the original and Clunker versions of Bumblebee in this line, allowing you to easily swap the heads. Unlike the past ''Studio Series'' Camaro Bees, he has a Stinger Blaster that can simply be plugged into his hand, without the need to replace his arm. The blaster can be stored on the back of his robot or car mode. Because of the physical space needed to store the arms in vehicle mode, Bumblebee has a thin waist (with a front stomach panel to compensate) when viewed from the side. Though not depicted at right, his door-wings can be tilted upward to more accurately replicate their orientation in the movie. He comes with a cardboard backdrop display based on the tunnel interior where he scanned his new vehicle mode in ''Transformers''.

:This Bumblebee was reissued through Target in August 2024,<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/ss-49-bumblebee-on-target-com.1266254/ SS-49 Bumblee Reissue at Target]</ref> with Pulse orders beginning in early September.
{{SS49BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS57}}
[[File:TF-Studio-Series-Deluxe-Bumblebee-(Jeep).jpg|upright=1.8|thumb|[[Hound (Movie)|Hound]]'s little apprentice.]]
*'''Offroad Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, [[2020]])
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''57'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-48'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[April 25]], 2020
**''Accessories'': Gatling gun, "Canyon Attack" backdrop (1st version)
{{toydesigner|[[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the ninth wave of ''Studio Series'' Deluxe Class toys, "Offroad Bumblebee" transforms into a licensed Willys MB Jeep from the opening of ''Bumblebee''. He includes a blaster accessory that can clip over his right arm and onto his backpack for storage, as well as under the jeep mode. An alternate storage method is to fit it into a gap in his back; this way is still secure and avoids chipping the painted jeep hood. The cardboard backdrop display depicts his battle with [[Blitzwing (BB)|Blitzwing]].

:Despite the accuracy of most of the mold, the sculpt of the shoulders and thighs are for some reason based on those of the [[#SS18|VW Beetle mold]] instead of the film's Jeep design.

:This Bumblebee is capable of using the blade included with the VW Beetle mold and the more accurately shaped one from the later [[#SS100|''Rise of the Beasts'' mold]], as they all use the same arm ports.
{{SS57BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS70}}
[[File:SS70B-127StockPhotos.jpg|upright=1.8|thumb|[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|It's]] [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|twice]] [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Studio Series|now?!]]]]
*'''B-127''' (Deluxe Class, [[2021]])
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''70'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-65'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[June 26]], 2021
**''Accessories'': Gatling gun, "Cybertron Falls" backdrop (1st version)
{{toydesigner|[[Sam Smith]] (Hasbro)}}<ref>Sam Smith's [https://www.instagram.com/p/CcJ-uY3siwM/ Instagram post] about SS-70 B-127</ref>

:As was undeniably inevitable, ''Studio Series'' "B-127" is a retool/redeco of [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Studio Series|Cliffjumper]], the mold itself being a retool of the above Offroad Bumblebee mold. This figure is based on Bumblebee's Cybertronian form in the ''Bumblebee'' film, transforming into a yellow Cybertronian car. The arms, thighs, and pelvis are inaccurate to this version of the character as they are reused from Offroad Bumblebee, not to mention the lack of yellow paint on the shoulders and thighs. He features a battle mask head that can be swapped with Offroad Bee's unmasked head, though the yellow plastics between the two are slightly different shades.

:He comes with a redeco of the Gatling gun accessory with silver and gunmetal paint and a cardboard backdrop display depicting a war-torn Cybertron as it appears in the beginning of the film. The blaster stores under the canopy in alt mode and simply drops into a gap in the robot mode's backpack.

::''[https://www.instagram.com/p/CcJ-uY3siwM/ Designer commentary on SS-70 B-127 from Sam Smith on Instagram]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SS74}}
[[File:SS74-ROTF-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|What do you mean you've seen me? I'm brand new!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2021)
**''Movie'': '''''Revenge of the Fallen'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''74'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-68'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[August 7]], 2021
**''Accessories'': [[Sam Witwicky#SS74|Sam Witwicky]] figurine, Stinger Blaster, "[[Operation: Firestorm|Pyramid Desert Battle]]" backdrop (1st version)

:Part of the thirteenth wave of ''Studio Series'' Deluxe Class toys, this Bumblebee is a general retail re-release of the ''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' toy [[#BW74|below]] (though in all fairness, it's very likely this version was supposed to come out ''first'' had it not been for the sudden addition of the '86 figures to the ''Studio Series'' lineup). This figure, like his Buzzworthy release, is a slight recolor and remold of the above ''Studio Series'' 49 Bumblebee, with new wheels and front section of the car to reflect his 2010 Camaro Concept, a slightly resculpted blaster, and includes a static Sam Witwicky figurine. This version sports a more accurate orange-yellow color and new racing stripes, but also uses less accurate light gray plastic and silver paint applications, and has no paint on his feet. He is also conspicuously lacking black paint apps on the sides of his bumper, though this is more accurate to his robot mode. The box and cardboard backdrop depicting [[Operation: Firestorm]] are changed to the normal ''Studio Series'' graphics as opposed to ''Buzzworthy Bumblebee''. The box art reuses an old image of Bumblebee with his shoulder cannons, which are not included with this release.
{{SS49BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS77}}
[[File:SS77-NEST-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|"My name... is... [https://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/08/SS-TF-77-Bee-002.jpg Bumblbebee]."]]
*'''N.E.S.T. Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, [[2022]])
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''77'''
**''Accessories'': "[[NEST#SS77|mini figure]]", Gatling gun, "Canyon Attack" backdrop (1st version)
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy, original mold)}}<ref>Mark Maher's [https://www.instagram.com/p/C9ldTylMcv8/ Instagram post] about SS-77 N.E.S.T. Bumblebee</ref>

:''Studio Series'' "N.E.S.T. Bumblebee" is a desaturated gray and silver redeco of the above [[#SS57|Offroad Bumblebee]], with a nameless repack of the Sam Witwicky figure originally included with [[#BW74|74BB ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bumblebee]], which was meant to depict [[NEST]] personnel (dubbed "Officer Walken" by designer [[Mark Maher]]). Bumblebee also features clear green headlights and windows, and the Universal Studios version of the NEST/Autobot emblem on his hood. Though not based on the films, his color scheme of gray with subtle green highlights and an organization badge coincidentally evokes the [[#Daredevil|''Dark of the Moon'' Autobot Daredevil Squad Bumblebee]]. Maher envisioned this figure as being a drone built by NEST, but this is not reflected in the final product description.

:The seemingly odd choice for this figure's coloration is explained by the fact that it was originally intended for [[Transformers: Universal Studios|Universal Studios]]'s ''[[Transformers: The Ride – 3D]]'', just like "[[Megatron (Movie)/toys#SSUniversal|As Seen In Parks Megatron]]", but due to the global {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}, [[Universal]] had to temporarily close its theme parks. Looking for another outlet to release the two figures instead of waiting for the pandemic to be over, Hasbro made them both available as "shared exclusives" between several online retailers in the US, such as [[Hasbro Pulse]], [[BigBadToyStore]], or [[Entertainment Earth]]. While it was too late to completely redesign Megatron's packaging, N.E.S.T. Bumblebee was still in an early enough stage of development that Hasbro could change the packaging design and brand him as part of the ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' film, despite never sporting that color scheme in the film itself.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=That was handled by another designer, but it was intended to released as a universal parks aligned Nest vehicle to go along with their in park experience which is based on NEST not Sector 7. But I can understand the confusion, when it is a vehicle form that was used by Sector 7 in the BB film.|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/CcJ-uY3siwM/c/18135768532251958/r/17889173801623003/|name=Sam Smith|site=Instagram|year=2022|month=04|day=10}}</ref> At one point the figure was considered for a ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' release, with one [https://media.entertainmentearth.com/assets/images/b6bc6e82c7ba4a5db9f2679edef76c5bxl.jpg promotional image] retaining that branding.

:The official promotional render of the figure's packaging humorously misspells Bumblebee's name as '''Bumblbebee'''. It's only been ''37 years'', guys. (It's spelled correctly on the actual packaging.)

::''[https://www.instagram.com/p/C9ldTylMcv8/ Designer commentary on SS-77 N.E.S.T. Bumblebee from Mark Maher on Instagram]''
{{SS57BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS87}}
[[File:TF-Studio-Series-Deluxe-DOTM-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|More yellow than your body has room for.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2022/[[2025]])
**''Movie'': '''''Dark of the Moon'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''87'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-90'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[October 26]], 2022
**''Accessories'': Stinger Blaster, "Battle of Chicago" backdrop (1st version)
{{toydesigner|[[Sam Smith]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>Sam Smith's [https://www.instagram.com/p/CeARqe1snxc/ Instagram post] about SS-87 ''Dark of the Moon'' Bumblebee</ref>

:Part of the seventeenth wave of ''Studio Series'' Deluxe Class toys, Bumblebee is now based on his ''Dark of the Moon'' appearance. He's a significant, if subtle, retool of the [[#SS49|''Studio Series'' 49 mold]], featuring all new parts for his alt mode, except for the clear parts, roof, and door hinges, to accurately replicate his 2011 Camaro SS mode (and finally making the antenna on the roof accurate). In robot mode, he features a new armored faux chest and a slightly modified unmasked headsculpt, though it is lacking the usual Autobot symbol tampograph. He is missing the panels on top of his shoulders (ironically, they were inaccurately added to the [[#Studio Series|1977 Camaro mold]]) and the smaller wings are still made of his windows instead of the spoiler. He is also lacking paint on his feet, parts of his shoulders, and the rear vehicle stripes, in exchange for paint apps on his bumpers, roof, and chest. This is the first version of the mold to correctly leave the tops of the door windows unpainted. Bumblebee comes with yet another slightly resculpted Stinger Blaster, which can be handheld and stores on his back or on the rear of the car.

:Like the other ''Studio Series'' toys, the interior of the package forms a display backdrop, depicting the Battle of Chicago. Hasbro stock images and CG renders forgot to fold down his secondary wings, while the former also has his chest mistransformed. The box art actually depicts Bumblebee in his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' design, though it was a new render used to promote ''Dark of the Moon''.

:Bumblebee and his wavemates were revealed on [[May 10]], 2022, with preorders coming up the same day. Unusually for a modern ''Generations'' release, Bumblebee was revealed by [[TakaraTomy]] before [[Hasbro]], which usually unveils upcoming toys before or simultaneously with TakaraTomy.

:This Bumblebee was reissued through [[Walmart]] in September 2025, which was foreshadowed by the toy appearing on a new store display stand the month prior. Notably, this release adds a plastic window to the box that did not exist on the original.

::''[https://www.instagram.com/p/CeARqe1snxc/ Designer commentary on SS-87 ''Dark of the Moon'' Bumblebee from Sam Smith on Instagram]''
{{SS49BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SS15thAnniversary}}
[[File:TF-Studio-Series-TF2007-15th-Multipack-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|*Bumblebee waves hi, hoping you buy this instead of NFT’s.*]]
*'''''Transformers'' 15th Anniversary''' (Multi-pack, 2022)
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''ID number'': '''49'''
**''Accessories'': Stinger Blaster, "Autobots Arrival" reversible backdrop

:"15th Anniversary" Bumblebee is a redeco/retool of the ''Studio Series'' 49 figure, featuring altered paint applications and plastic color changes. He utilizes the unmasked head from the above ''Dark of the Moon'' version, this time with the Autobot tampograph added, as well as the racing stripes from the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' version. On this version, the black plastic has been replaced with light gray, the yellow and dark gray plastics are lighter, and the clear plastic is a much darker translucent black. The gunmetal paint operations and headlights are now silver. Notably, paint applications were removed from his feet, faux chest, arm guards, and most of his shoulders.

:Some owners have noted that this version has much looser joints, especially in the legs, possibly from [[Mold#Deterioration|mold degradation]].

:This figure comes in an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive 5-pack alongside redecoes of ''Studio Series'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#SS15thAnniversary|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#SS15thAnniversary|Ironhide]], [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#SS15thAnniversary|Ratchet]] and [[Jazz (Movie)#SS15thAnniversary|Jazz]], released to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the first live-action [[Transformers (film)|''Transformers'' film]]. The pack comes with a unique reversible backdrop depicting the alley where the Autobots first met Sam on one side and the exterior of Sam's house on the other. Like the ''Dark of the Moon'' version, stock photos and renders for this Bumblebee leave the secondary wings untransformed.

{{-}}{{anchor|SS100}}
[[File:TF-Studio-Series-SS-100-Deluxe-ROTB-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Rise of the ''Bee''asts]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, [[2023]])
**''Movie'': '''''Rise of the Beasts'''''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''100'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SS-103'''
**''Accessories'': Stinger Blaster, arm blade, "Volcano Showdown" backdrop
{{toydesigner|[[Sam Smith]] (Hasbro), [[Ittoku Kuwazu]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:The 100th numbered release in ''Studio Series'', this Deluxe Bumblebee is based on his appearance in ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]'', transforming into a licensed 1977 Camaro with off-road modifications. He has black stripes on the roof that are inaccurate to the movie and is missing the Autobot symbol on his forehead. In a rare move, this toy features separate clear pieces for the windows.

:He comes with his Stinger Blaster and an arm blade. The blaster clips over his right hand. The unpainted arm blade attaches to either arm and is compatible with past ''Studio Series [[#SS18|Bumblebee]]'' [[#SS57|movie]] [[#SS70|Bees]]. Both accessories can store on his wings in robot mode. In car mode, the sword stores underneath while the blaster attaches to the rear. His backdrop depicts the volcanic final battle. His instructions have a small error, it shows folding the light segments up for transformation, which is their robot mode position. They should be folded all the way down, and will then click to horizontal when you push the grill into place.

:According to Sam Smith, the blade was originally intended for an "alternate release" before being packed in with this one. The blade ultimately didn't appear in the movie itself, where Bee dual-wields blasters instead. The included blaster can be held in his left hand, albeit upside down and exposing the top of the hand. Ironically, the blaster is cast in yellow plastic painted over in gray, whereas it was still mostly yellow in the film. Though perhaps this is a moot point as this toy's blaster is still based on its ''Bumblebee'' design anyway.

:A [[variant]] of this Bumblebee was found with a more completely painted face in a darker silver, though this means his yellow cheeks have been inaccurately painted over as well. This variant became more common in later cases of the figure. The repack in Wave 22 no longer uses plastic-free packaging.

::''[https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl2WF0DsOGk/ Designer commentary on SS-100 ''Rise of the Beasts'' Bumblebee from Sam Smith on Instagram]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SSCore}}
[[File:Studio-Series-Core-Class-DOTM-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Laserbeak got it first? ''Laserbeak''?! This is a real low point. Yeah, this one hurts.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Core Class, 2023)
**''Movie'': '''''Dark of the Moon'''''
**''TakaraTomy ID Number'': '''SS-114'''
**''Accessory'': Cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Shuhei Umezu]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the seventh wave of ''[[Studio Series]]'' Core Class figures, Bumblebee is a retool of [[Laserbeak (DOTM)#SSCore|Laserbeak]] with a battle-masked head and additional tabs to lock his doors more securely in alt mode. He transforms into a licensed 2011 Concept Camaro and includes a [[Fire Blast effect]] compatible cannon that can be handheld or placed on the roof/robot's back.

:It would appear that this mold was partially based on the model of Deluxe Class [[#SS87|''Studio Series'' 87 Bumblebee]], as he retains the inner struts on the spoiler and the two slots on his rear bumper meant for the Deluxe's blaster, though at this scale they aren't compatible with anything.

:The packaging is decorated with artwork depicting the location in Chicago where Bee was nearly executed. The box art once again depicts his ''Revenge of the Fallen'' design rather than his ''Dark of the Moon'' one.

{{-}}{{anchor|SSEXCore}}
[[File:TF Studio Series SS-EX Core Bumblebee Yellow Clear Ver.jpeg|upright=1.66|thumb|My Bumblebee made out of frozen- uh, lemon juice]]
*'''Bumblebee Yellow Clear Ver.''' (Core Class, [[2024]])
**''Movie'': '''''Dark of the Moon'''''
**''TakaraTomy ID Number'': '''SS-EX'''
**''Accessory'': Cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Shuhei Umezu]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:A redeco of the above Core Class Bumblebee with the yellow plastic cast in clear. This figure was exclusive to the Transformers 40th Anniversary Expo in Japan. The packaging is in grayscale, similar to that of the Japan-exclusive [[Nemesis Prime (AOE)#Studio Series|SS-EX Nemesis Prime]].

{{-}}{{anchor|SS116}}
[[File:StudioSeriesDeluxe2025VWBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Three things are certain in life; death, taxes, and Bee's door wings.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, [[2025]])}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
:*''Hasbro ID Number'': '''116'''
:*''Accessories'': Gatling gun, arm blade, "Charlie's Garage" backdrop
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIKkqyZTVK0 Transformers presentation] at [[MCM London#2024|MCM London 2024]] with [[Evan Brooks]] and [[Russ Humphreys]] at the "Toys are Russ" YouTube channel</ref>

:Part of the twenty-seventh wave of ''Studio Series'' Deluxes, ''Studio Series'' 116 Bumblebee is a heavy retool of the [[#SS18|1967 VW Beetle mold]], retaining most of the car parts with an all-new robot mode that is more accurate to his on-screen appearance, though it still has the original toy's lankier proportions. While he still has the inaccurate door wings, they can now swivel down to be somewhat hidden from view. The retooling also results in the rear side windows being painted and the unfortunate removal of his waist rotation.

:He comes with new gatling gun and arm blade accessories closer to their final designs. The gun plugs in his right hand like recent ''Studio Series'' Bumblebees instead of swapping with the arm like on the original mold. The blade can be used on either arm, but this time is not compatible with the arm ports on the previous ''Bumblebee'' Bumblebees and vice versa. The weapons store by connecting together and tabbing into his behind in robot mode and on the rear bumper of the car. He reuses the "Charlie's Garage" backdrop.

:Like others in his wave, Bumblebee has conflicting ID numbers. His product description and stock photos use 117 (which was also given to his wavemate Hatchet), but 116 is the only number visible on the final product.

:Bumblebee was unveiled at the October 2024 MCM Comic Con London, where it was also revealed that this figure was in fact a formerly cancelled [[#BWnewVW|''Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' release]] from the same cancelled wave as his current wavemate, [[Hatchet (DOTM)#Studio Series|Hatchet]].<ref name=Oct2024MCMLondon>"SS Bee was also supposed to be in the same assortment as buzzworthy hound and hatchet"—[https://news.tfw2005.com/2024/10/26/mcm-comic-con-reveals-aoe-optimus-prime-wfc-ironhide-dotm-que-more-524645 MCM Comic Con Studio Series Reveals, TFW2005, 2024/10/26]</ref> However, an apparent issue with licensing contracts<ref>"He's just slightly delayed. This happened sometimes with licensed vehicles as we have to get all the contracts aligned, haha He's still coming."—[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/2025-studio-series-listings.1259521/page-841#post-23082429 Evan Brooks, Instagram DMs, 2025/02/05]</ref> resulted in Bumblebee being delayed and removed from the wave's case assortment. Originally meant for January 2025, most retailers began releasing the figure largely online in May, though a small number were found in stores before then.
{{SS18BumblebeeMold}}
{{--}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SSAOE}}
[[File:SS Deluxe AOE Bumblebee stock photo.jpg|250px|thumb|
After the battle of Mission City, Bee vowed to never skip leg day again.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, [[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''Age of Extinction'''''
:*''Accessories'': Blaster

:Part of the thirty-second wave of ''Studio Series'' Deluxes, Bumblebee is a new mold figure accurate to the character's appearance in ''Age of Extinction'', transforming into a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro. While he does not come with the shurikens of the previous figures of this design, he does come with his usual blaster which pegs into his arm.

{{toystub}}

{{comingsoontoy}}

==''Movie Edition''==
[[File:TTC-toy Movie-Edition-Series-3-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Tiny Turbo Changers, 2018)
**''Series'': '''3'''
**''Bag Code'': '''E'''

:Released as part of the third-series of the blind-packed [[Tiny Turbo Changers]] line, Bumblebee is minor redeco of his original Tiny Turbo Changers toy. In addition to featuring a slightly more orange shade of plastic, the black paint applied to his wheels has been expanded, now covering the bottom of the tires and the posts at the center of his front wheels. Additionally, he now features correctly-assembled legs right out of the packaging.

{{-}}{{anchor|S4TTC}}
[[File:Movie-Edition-Tiny-Turbo-Changers-Series-4-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Tiny Turbo Changers, 2018)
**''Series:'' '''4'''
**''Bag Code'': '''F'''

:Released in Series 4 of Tiny Turbo Changers, this Bumblebee is based off his appearance in the ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' movie and transforms into a fully licensed Volkswagen Beetle and back. He shares his transformation scheme with Tiny Turbo Changers Ironhide.

:This figures was redecoed into [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Movie Edition|Cliffjumper]] for Series 5 of the ''Movie Edition'' Tiny Turbo Changers.
{{-}}

==''Bumblebee''==
[[File:Bumblebee-Movie-Power-Charge-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px|When you open your heart to people and they just wanna hurt you.]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Power Charge, 2018)
**''TakaraTomy ID Number'': '''BB-01'''

:''[[Transformers: Bumblebee (toyline)|Bumblebee]]'' Power Charge Bumblebee is a roughly Leader-height (though much chunkier) figure that transforms into a very large licensed Volkswagen Beetle in 17 steps. He's surprisingly complex and posable, sharing many broad engineering tricks with his ''Studio Series'' and ''Masterpiece'' incarnations. The major gimmick of this toy is the "Power Charge Core", a large translucent blue drum in his chest that, when rotated, makes numerous lights and sounds. In robot mode, it plays radio clips, while in vehicle mode, it makes various engine noises. He also features a deployable battle mask and arm-blade.

{{-}}{{anchor|BBfilmTitanChanger}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Movie-Titan-Changer-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Yes, I have lost weight. Thanks for noticing!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Titan Changer, 2018)
:An all-new mold, this ''Bumblebee'' Titan Changer Bumblebee is based on his appearance in the 2007 movie and (vaguely) the last pre-credits scene in the film.

{{-}}{{anchor|BBfilmTitanChanger2016Camaro}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Titan-Changer-2016-Camaro-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|Hey, my face is up here!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Titan Changer, 2018)

:The [[#Titan Changer|''Last Knight'' Titan Changer]] Bumblebee toy is re-released with a new ''Bumblebee'' movie-themed packaging.

{{-}}{{anchor|MissionVision}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Mission-Vision-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Mission Vision, 2019)

:Released as part of the first and only wave of the Mission Vision subline, Bumblebee is a Voyager-sized toy that transforms into a 1967 Camaro. Like his <s>enemy</s> wavemate Shatter, Bumblebee features a slide viewer-like gimmick (activated with a switch molded on his right waist), which can be viewed on both robot and car modes. Activating the switch changes three different translucent targeting plates: Scout Vision, Bee Vision, and Autobot Vision. In terms of articulation, Bumblebee features rather sparse ball-jointed arms and unlike Shatter, he only has a right plasma cannon and an open left hand.

:This figure was initially solicited as a Nitro Series toy, but ended up being revealed as a Mission Vision figure instead.<ref>[https://geekdad.com/2018/07/exclusive-transformers-bumblebee-energon-igniters-movie-toys-revealed/ At the end of this Hasbro-endorsed article: "...the Nitro series will also have a Camaro ‘Bee."]</ref>
{{-}}

===''Greatest Hits''===
[[File:Bumblebee-Movie-Greatest-Hits-Music-FX-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Music FX Bumblebee''' (Target exclusive Music FX, 2018)

:''Bumblebee Greatest Hits'' Music FX Bumblebee is a retool of the above Titan Changer series Bumblebee, transforming into an earlier model Camaro and having built-in music and battle sound FX when you press his head or chest parts. When it comes to deco, half of his chest and the arms' silver paint operations are stripped off. As part of the ''Bumblebee Greatest Hits'' [[subline imprint]], he was exclusively available at Target stores in the United States, at Kmart stores in Australia, and at Argos stores (or possibly just the Argos website) in the United Kingdom.

{{-}}{{anchor|CassettePack}}
[[File:TF-BB-Movie-Bumblebee-Greatest-Hits-1-Step-Bumblebee.jpg|300px|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee Cassette Pack''' (Target exclusive 4-pack, 2018)

:Released as part of the ''Bumblebee Greatest Hits'' [[Target]]-exclusive Bumblebee Cassette Pack, Bumblebee is a redeco of the [[#OneStepHighOctane|High Octane One-Step Changer toy]] from ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]''.

:Bumblebee is bundled with [[Frenzy (Movie)#Bumblebee|Frenzy]], [[Buzzsaw (ROTF)#Toys|Buzzsaw]], and [[Howlback (BB)|Howlback]].
{{-}}

===''Energon Igniters''===
[[File:EnergonIgnitersSpeedBumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Anyone else feeling some 2007 nostalgia?|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeSpfUHqxG8 Sweet boy returns!]]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Speed Series, 2018)

:Released as part of ''Bumblebee'' Energon Igniter's Speed Series line, this Bumblebee is a Legends/Legion-sized mold that transforms from robot into a licensed Volkswagen Beetle in just a few steps, and he features 3 mm compatible hands. Bumblebee can also be attached to the Energon Igniters core, and due to the toy being lightweight, it can propel his vehicle mode forward very quickly. As the port is 5 mm compatible, Bumblebee can mount with other smaller weapons with the same post size, making him an efficient weapon-towing vehicle. Due to being used with transformation, Bumblebee features a pair of well-articulated legs, as long you don't mind the Energon Igniters port sticking out from his left knee. Apart from the sculpted Volkswagen symbol on his front hood, Bumblebee doesn't have any single Autobot insignia tampographed or sculpted on.

:The instructions tell you that his front window panel needs to be clicked back and forth during transformation, though the said panel is super tight to the point of being reinforced. However, with a little strength of pushing it down, The panel can freely click as intended.

:His robot mode stock photo is mistransformed: his feet are not flipped out in robot mode. This mold is also used to make [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Bumblebee|Cliffjumper]].

{{-}}{{anchor|SpeedCamaro}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Movie-Energon-Igniters-Speed-Camaro-Bumblebee.jpg|300px|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Speed Series, 2018)

:Based on Bumblebee's appearance in the 2007 movie and the pre-credits scene in the ''Bumblebee'' movie, this Speed Series Bumblebee now transforms into a 1977 Chevrolet Camaro. The figure's proportions and sculpted detail are significantly improved compared to his [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|first Legends Class figure]], though the new transformation leaves him with a faux chest and no trademark door-wings. His vehicle mode is largely unpainted, save for a single black paint app for the windshield and hood stripes. The black unpaintable patches on the car roof evoke roof stripes... even though this vehicle mode never ''had'' that detailing. He also features pinned wheels instead of the simple-assembly ones. In a surprisingly near-unnoticeable detail, the Autobot Insignia is sculpted on his fake chest. He shares a similar transformation scheme with ''Robots in Disguise (2015)'' Legion Class [[Sideswipe (RID 2015)#Legion Class|Sideswipe]].

:Due to minor [[Design flaw#Clipping issues|clipping issues]] and potentially a case of [[Design flaw#Inferior glue|inferior glue]], pulling out his arms/vehicle headlights while converting into robot mode with excessive force can snap his 3 mm hands from his arms. Thankfully, as the hands are separate pieces, you can glue them back on with relative ease. It is unknown how many copies suffer from this flaw. Also, stock photos of his robot mode depict his eyes being unpainted.

{{-}}{{anchor|TVKun2019Clear}}
[[File:TF-BB-TV-Magazine-Apr-2018-Energon-Charge-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Shiny Sweet Boy!]]
*'''Energon Charge Bumblebee''' (2019)
**''Release date'': [[February 28]], [[2018]]

:Energon Charge Bumblebee is a clear color redeco of the Volkswagen Beetle mold above, released as a freebie for the April 2019 issue of TV Magazine, along with a buildable paper Ryusoul Changer, Ryusoul Sword, Red Ryusoul, and a RyusoulRed mask from ''Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger'', and a ''Kamen Rider Buttobasoul'' Kamen Rider Geiz Medal. The redeco also marks the first Japanese release of the Speed Series mold.

:This release loosens the front window panel a little, allowing it to click freely. He is also able to attach to an Energon Igniters core, a feature that is not advertised but is fairly obvious given his status as a redeco.

{{-}}{{anchor|Power}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Energon-Igniters-Power-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Power Series, 2018)

:Released as part of the individually packed ''Bumblebee'' Energon Igniters Power Series, this Bumblebee is a Scout-sized mold that transforms from a robot based on his appearance in the 2007 movie into a 1977 Camaro in just a few steps. He also features a [[5 mm port|5 mm-compatible]] left hand, flip-out blaster and missile rack on both sides of his vehicle rear, a molded plasma cannon on his right hand, and a battle mask on his head. The cannon barrel on his right arm functions as a 3 mm port, allowing for the attachment of certain accessories to it. Bumblebee can also be attached to the Energon Igniters core to zip his vehicle mode forward. There is also a 5 mm port on the vehicle mode hood.

:His articulation in robot mode is rather sparse, limited mostly to his elbows.

:The central [[Stock photography|stock photo]] in the rear packaging depicts him having two 5 mm compatible hands, in contrast to the actual toy.

{{-}}{{anchor|PowerPlusVW}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Energon-Igniters-Power-Plus-VW-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Power Plus Series, 2018)
**''Accessories'': Igniter core

:Released as part of the ''Bumblebee'' Power Plus Series lineup, this Bumblebee figure is based on his appearance in the titular movie, and he converts into a Volkswagen Beetle in just a few steps. He is also packed with his own Igniter Core.

{{-}}{{anchor|PowerPlusCamaro}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Energon-Igniters-Power-Plus-Camaro-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Power Plus Series, 2018)
**''Accessories'': Igniter core

:A retool of the first Power Series toy, this ''Bumblebee'' Bumblebee now features a normal right hand and a non-masked head. As a Power Plus toy, he also comes with his own Igniter Core as well.

{{-}}{{anchor|NitroVW}}
[[File:Bumblebee-Energon-Igniters-Nitro-VW-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Nitro Series, 2018)

:Nitro Series Bumblebee is a Voyager-sized mold that converts from robot into a Volkswagen Beetle in just a few steps. Like most Energon Igniters, he comes with his own Igniter Core.

:This toy was one of the items released as part of Hasbro's Transformers 35th Anniversary promotional mailer box.<ref>https://news.tfw2005.com/2019/05/21/transformers-35th-anniversary-promo-box-in-hand-388546</ref>
{{-}}

===Legion Class toys===
{{anchor|ThunderSparkLegion}}
[[File:TF-TV-Magazine-June-2020-Thunder-Spark-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Thunder Spark Bumblebee''' (2020)

:Released as a freebie for the June 2020 issue of TV Magazine, this Bumblebee is a translucent redeco of the ''Dark of the Moon'' Cyberverse Legion Class figure. He sports minimal paint apps such as the face and the front grill.
{{-}}

==''Buzzworthy Bumblebee''==
[[File:Buzzworthy_Bumblebee_Mega_1-step.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Mega 1-Step Bumblebee''' (Mega 1-Step, 2020)
**''Series'': '''''Age of Extinction'''''
**''Accessories'': disc

:The first "movie" Bumblebee toy released under the ''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' line and not also under ''Generations Studio Series'', this Bumblebee is a re-release of ''Age of Extinction'' [[#Mega1Step|Mega 1-Step Bumblebee]] in updated packaging, but with no other discernible changes.

:This figure saw release at [[Target]] on December 25, 2020. Along with the rest of the subline, the box is in the style of the 2018 ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee (toyline)|Bumblebee]]'' toyline, with additional renders of the [[evergreen]] Bumblebee design and illustrations of "G1" Bumblebee.

{{-}}{{anchor|BuzzPC}}
[[File:Buzzworthy_Bumblebee_Power_Charge.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Power Charge Bumblebee''' (Power Charge, 2021)
**''Series'': '''''Bumblebee'''''

:Power Charge Bumblebee is a re-release of the Leader-sized ''Bumblebee'' [[#Bumblebee|Power Charge toy]] with no known changes.

{{-}}{{anchor|BuzzEE}}
[[File:Buzzworthy Bumblebee Energon Escape 2 pack.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Escaping back into his own movie]]
*'''Energon Escape''' (Multi-pack, 2022)
**''Series'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''Accessories'': two Igniter Cores

:This two-pack is a re-release of Energon Igniters [[#PowerPlusCamaro|Power Plus Camaro Bumblebee]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Power Optimus Prime]], both without any known changes, though Optimus now comes with his own Igniter core.

:Initial stock photos for this pack had ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]'' co-branding, but due to the movie being delayed another year, it was changed to ''Bumblebee'' branding instead. Later stock photos reflected this change.
{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
{{anchor|BW15}}
[[File:Buzzworthy_Bumblebee_15BB_Bumblebee_and_Charlie.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Earning your stripes]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2020)
**''Series'': '''''Studio Series'''''
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''ID number'': '''15BB'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster, [[Charlie Watson#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Charlie Watson]] figurine, "Highway Freedom" backdrop

:As part of the [[co-branding|co-branded]] ''Generations [[Studio Series]] / Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' line, [[#SS15|''Studio Series'' 15 Bumblebee]] was re-released in Deluxe Class packaging, now omitting the customizable parts and stickers. Instead, this release features tampographed stripes (with shortened rear ones), in addition to a pinned roof like the SS-27 Clunker toy. The backs of the hands lack the yellow paint from the original SS-15 toy. The initial stock photos use the original SS-15 toy with unpainted eyes, and stock renders on the box reuse ones from the SS-01 toy. The backdrop is smaller due to the Deluxe Class-sized box and has the red graphics swapped for yellow.
{{SS01BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BW26}}
[[File:Buzzworthy_Bumblebee_26BB_WWII_Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Shootin', stabbin', stranglin' Nazis!"]]
*'''WWII Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2020)
**''Series'': '''''Studio Series'''''
**''Movie'': '''''The Last Knight'''''
**''ID number'': '''26BB'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol, hammer, "WWII Flashback" backdrop

:The [[#SS26|WWII Bumblebee]] figure was re-released under the ''Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' line, with a slightly darker paint wash on the vehicle mode parts. Similar to the toy above, the backdrop's red is swapped for yellow.

{{-}}{{anchor|BW74}}
[[File:TF-Studio-Series-74-Bumblebee-and-Sam.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Ugh, another re-issue... wait a minute]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2020)
**''Series'': '''''Studio Series'''''
**''Movie'': '''''Revenge of the Fallen'''''
**''ID number'': '''74BB'''
**''Accessories'': [[Sam Witwicky#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Sam Witwicky]] figurine, Stinger Blaster, "[[Operation: Firestorm|Pyramid Desert Battle]]" backdrop (1st version)

:This version of Bumblebee is a [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of [[#SS49|''Studio Series'' 49 Bumblebee]] to match his appearance in the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' film. The wheels, hood, front fenders, and front of the car have been remolded into his 2010 Camaro Concept mode. This version sports a more accurate orange-yellow color and new racing stripes, but also uses less accurate light gray plastic and silver paint applications, and has no paint on his feet. He is also conspicuously lacking black paint apps on the sides of his bumper, though this is more accurate to his robot mode. He comes with an additional Sam Witwicky [[Slug figure|figurine]] molded in a static running pose similar to his [[Sam Witwicky#Masterpiece Movie Series|''Movie Masterpiece'' toy]], but much smaller in size. He also comes with a slightly resculpted Stinger Blaster and a cardboard backdrop display depicting [[Operation: Firestorm]].

:Unlike the other ''Studio Series / Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' figures, this one was released before the [[#SS74|"regular" ''Studio Series'' release]] was even announced.
{{SS49BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BW18}}
[[File:Buzzworthy-Bumblebee-Bumblebee-VS-Dropkick.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bumblebee VS Dropkick''' (Battle Pack, 2021)
**''Series'': '''''Studio Series'''''
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''ID number'': '''18BB'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Gatling Gun, arm blade, battle-mask face, "Showdown by the Docks" backdrop

:The [[#SS18|Volkswagen Beetle Bumblebee]] figure was re-released as part of a battle pack with [[Dropkick (Movie)#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Dropkick]]. Though the pack itself is inspired by their final showdown in ''Bumblebee'', Dropkick is depicted in his initial pre-Triple Changer body.
{{SS18BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BW27}}
[[File:Buzzworthy-Bumblebee-Clunker-Bumblebee-VS-Barricade.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Clunker Bumblebee VS Barricade''' (Battle Pack, 2021)
**''Series'': '''''Studio Series'''''
**''Movie'': '''''Transformers'''''
**''ID number'': '''27BB'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Stinger Blaster, "Police Chase" backdrop
:The [[#SS27|Clunker Bumblebee]] figure was re-released as part of a battle pack with [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Barricade]]. The pack itself is inspired by their showdown in ''Transformers''.
{{SS01BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BW79}}
[[File:Buzzworthy-Bumblebee-High-Octane-Bumblebee-VS-Decepticon-Stinger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''High Octane Bumblebee VS Decepticon Stinger''' (Battle Pack, 2021)
**''Series'': '''''Studio Series'''''
**''Movie'': '''''Age of Extinction'''''
**''ID number'': '''79BB'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile, "Duel of the Dopplegangers {{sic}}" backdrop

:The ''[[Transformers Tribute|Tribute]]'' [[#Tribute|High Octane Bumblebee]] was re-released as part of a battle pack with [[Stinger (AOE)#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Decepticon Stinger]]. Though the included backdrop depicts their Hong Kong showdown in ''Age of Extinction'', the pack itself better reflects their first encounter at KSI's headquarters, when Bumblebee was still in his "High Octane" design.

:Like the original ''Tribute'' 3-pack, the back of the packaging features stock photos of the original [[#Deluxe Class toys 5|''Age of Extinction'' High Octane Bumblebee]] instead.

:While High Octane Bumblebee supposedly occupies the ''Studio Series'' "79" spot, he has yet to release in the regular ''Studio Series'' line, whose numbering is currently well past "79". Toy designer Sam Smith still considers this Bumblebee as a "to-do" figure for the line.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=It's certainly not off the table. That two pack exclusive I believe used the AOE premier or premium series figure at the time, so I don't consider that to be a studio series release. We have lots left to do, but this is certainly on our list to complete!|link=https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/live-action-movieverse-toys-appreciation-thread-explosions.664257/page-5071#post-20188032|name=Sam Smith, responding to a fan's inquiry about ''Studio Series'' High Octane Bumblebee|site=Instagram/TFW2005|year=2022|month=04|day=26}}</ref>

{{-}}{{anchor|BW70}}
[[File:Buzzworthy-Bumblebee-70BB-B-127.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''B-127''' (Deluxe Class, 2021)
**''Series'': '''''Studio Series'''''
**''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
**''ID number'': '''70BB'''
**''Accessories'': Gatling gun, "Cybertron Falls" backdrop (1st version)

:This B-127 is a redeco of the original ''Studio Series'' [[#SS70|B-127]] figure in a darker metallic shade of yellow and with dark blue translucent plastic instead of a smokey gray. The gunmetal and silver paints are also a slightly darker shade. Replacing the battle mask head of the original, B-127 sports a fully painted unmasked head from the [[#SS57|Offroad Bumblebee]] figure, which B-127 was retooled from. B-127 also has additional yellow paint to visually connect the two faux vehicle parts on his chest better, though he lacks the gray paint on his torso that visually connected the gray plastic parts together. Compared to the [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Studio Series|Cliffjumper]] and the original B-127 toy, this B-127 features much tighter joints.

: Unlike most ''Buzzworthy'' products which showed up unannounced, this Bumblebee and his wave mates got an official reveal in the [[February 4]], 2022 [[Hasbro Pulse#Fan First Friday|Fan First Friday]].
{{SS57BumblebeeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BWnewVW}}
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, <s>2022</s>)
:*''Movie'': '''''Bumblebee'''''
:On April 14, 2023, uncovered listings revealed a third wavemate to the previously revealed ''Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' [[Hound (G1)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Hound]] and [[Hatchet (DOTM)#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Hatchet]] under the name "TRA BB BUMBLEBEE 2".<ref>
[https://news.tfw2005.com/2023/04/14/new-info-on-upcoming-exclusive-transformers-items-480383 New Info on Upcoming Exclusive Transformers Items, TFW2005, 2024/04/14]</ref> Unlike his wavemates, no images of this Bumblebee ever surfaced and it was quickly forgotten after it was dicovered that Hatchet and Hound had been cancelled... until the October 2024 MCM Comic Con London, where it was was revealed that the newly announced ''Studio Series'' [[#SS116|116 Bumblebee]] was, in fact, this cancelled figure,<ref name=Oct2024MCMLondon/> resurrected alongside his wavemate Hatchet for the first wave of 2025.

:It is unknown what ID number this cancelled figure might have had, as the only missing ''Studio Series'' numbers of 86-18 and 94 were for Hound and Hatchet respectively.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===''Rise of the Beasts''===
{{anchor|JM}}
[[File:TF-ROTB-Mainline-Deluxe-Class-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bumblebee / Airazor / Autobot Mirage''' (Jungle Mission 3-pack, July 2023)
**''Accessories'': 2 bumper daggers, rollcage/"shield"

:Included as part of a Target-exclusive ''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' "Jungle Mission 3-pack", this Bumblebee is another Deluxe Class iteration of the character that converts into a licensed off-road 1977 Camaro. His front bumper splits to become two hand-held daggers, and the rollcage that goes on his windshield can be attached to his left arm as a "shield". His right forearm can rotate to become a plasma cannon, which features a hexagonal 5 mm port in its barrel.

:The back of his head has a transparent section to allow for [[light-piping]], however the effect is mostly neutered since his eyes are painted over.

:This Bumblebee has two major [[design flaw]]s in robot mode: his neck has no locking point and the torso does not tab together securely, resulting the figure coming apart very easily when handling. His knees are also soft locked to only bend straight, 45, and 90 degrees.

:This set also includes [[Airazor (ROTB)#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Airazor]] and [[Mirage (Movie)#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Mirage]].

{{-}}

==''Transformers Fan Book''==
{{anchor|TFFanbook2019}}
[[File:TF-Transformers-Fanbook-2019.jpg|thumb]]
*'''''[[Transformers Fan Book (activity book)|Transformers Fan Book]]''''' (TV-Magazine Mook, [[July 30]], [[2019]])

:The ''Bumblebee'' Energon Igniters Speed Camaro Bumblebee mold is available with [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Transformers Fan Book|Speed Series Barricade]] for this inaugural issue of the ''[[Transformers Fan Book (series)|Transformers Fan Book]]'' released by [[Kodansha]]. Both are equally unchanged from their original Hasbro releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|TFFanbook2021}}
[[File:Kodansha-TF-Fanbook-2021-Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''''[[Transformers Fan Book 2021]]''''' (TV-Magazine Mook, July 2021)

:Released as one of the freebies (along with a redecoed Optimus Prime) for the 2021 issue of the ''[[Transformers Fan Book (series)|Transformers Fan Book]]'', this Bumblebee is yet another redeco of the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys 2|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Legends Class mold]] in Stealth colors, with the paint deco being mostly identical to the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#LegendsStealthJDVD|Stealth Bumblebee]] included in the Japanese releases of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' DVDs, there are some minor deco differences: The Camaro logo on the grill is painted gold, the Autobot symbol on the right leg is removed, and the yellow striping is much thicker. This figure also uses the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#BoltBumblebee|Bolt Bumblebee]] tooling.
{{ROTFLegendsBumblebee}}
{{--}}

==''Premium Finish''==
[[File:TF-Premium-Finish-PFSS-01-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I have more paint details! Buy me again!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Delxue Class, [[October 30]], 2021)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''PF SS-01 / PFSS 01'''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''SS-01'''
**''Accessories'': Detachable Gatling Gun, arm blade, battle-mask face

:Part of the first wave of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Premium Finish|Premium Finish]]'' subline, Bumblebee is an extensive redeco of the [[#SS18|VW Beetle]] mold, featuring additional paint operations and a paler shade of yellow to better resemble his on-screen appearance in the ''Bumblebee'' movie. However, the desaturated yellow seems to be specifically based on the beach scene with Charlie. Of note, his eyes and the surrounding space are given far larger paint applications. Unlike previous releases, this figure features remolded tabs on the car/wing kibble for a more secure tabbing in vehicle mode.
{{SS18BumblebeeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Rise of the Beasts''==
[[File:TF-ROTB-Deluxe-Bumblebee-Single.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Hey! I'm changing here!]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe Class, 2023)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Deluxe Class Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''BD-01'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': April 15, 2023
**''Accessories'': 2 Bumper Weapons

:Outside of the United States and Canada, the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#JM|Bumblebee]] from the ''Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' Jungle Mission 3-pack was also available individually at general retail under [[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (toyline)|''Rise of the Beasts'']] packaging. It was first sighted at Australian retail.

{{-}}{{anchor|FlexChangers}}
[[File:TF-ROTB-BKC-01-Rolling-Change-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''Hey ya'll, prepare yourself, for the rubberband man'' ''You've never heard a sound'' ''Like the rubberband man'']]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Flex Changers, 2023)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Rolling Change Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''BKC-01'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': April 15, 2023

:Released as part of the "Flex Changers" line for the ''Rise of the Beasts'' toyline, this Bumblebee transforms from vehicle to robot with the use of a flexible plastic band, which activates by flipping both sides of the car panels forward to initiate the transformation, with the front and rear hoods forming the remaining body.

:Along with the rest of the Flex Changers, Bumblebee was first revealed by TakaraTomy before being unveiled by Hasbro.

{{-}}{{anchor|Mask}}
[[File:ROTB-toy-2in1-mask-Bumblebee.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Vos (G1)|"Wear my faaace."]]]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (2-in-1 Mask, 2023)

: This Bumblebee converts from large, poseable robot to a wearable mask of his own face in 15 steps.

{{-}}{{anchor|BeastMode}}
[[File:TF-ROTB-Beast-Mode-Bumblebee.jpg|right|thumb|300px|And by "beast mode," we mean "cuckoo clock".]]
*'''Beast Mode Bumblebee''' (Beast Mode, 2023)
**TakaraTomy name'': '''Beast Power Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''BP-01'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': July 15, 2023
**''Accessories'': Sword
{{toydesigner|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)}}

: This larger Bumblebee toy converts from a licensed off-road Camaro into robot mode in 19 steps. Squeezing his legs activates his third "eagle beast-mode", giving him wings while a translucent eagle head bursts out of his chest. He includes button-activated lights and sounds. He also comes with a sword that resembles a [[Dark Star Saber]] in [[Star Saber (Thirteen)|Star Saber]] colors, which can store on the side of his vehicle mode.

:If ordered at TakaraTomy Mall, the online shop also added the "[[Cheetor (ROTB)#Burning|Burning Cheetor]]" Battle Master as a [[campaign item|freebie]] with the preorder.

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsofCybertron}}
*'''Bumblebee''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2023)
:This Bumblebee is a ''Rise of the Beasts''-themed re-release of the ''Bumblebee'' [[#PowerPlusCamaro|Energon Igniters Power Plus Series]] Beetle Bumblebee, but without the Energon core. Listings referred to these toys as "Legends of Cybertron."

{{-}}{{anchor|ROTBTitanChanger}}
*'''Bumblebee''' (Titan Changer, 2023)
:This Bumblebee is a ''Rise of the Beasts''-themed re-release of the ''[[Transformers Authentics|Authentics]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#TitanChanger|Titan Changer Bumblebee]].

===Beast Alliance===
[[File:TF-ROTB-Battle-Changers-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Battle Changers, 2023)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Kakusei Change Bumblebee'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''BC-03'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': April 15, 2023
{{toydesigner|[[Koki Yamada]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Matthew Cohen]] (photography)<ref>{{citesocial|quote=I've been photographing all the new Transformers Rise of the beasts mainline toys. Somehow, despite my excitement for you all to see these, I managed to miss this reveal! Here's you first (possibly late now lol) look at the main movie line! |link=https://www.instagram.com/p/Coc515tOmoL/?img_index=1|site=Instagram|name=Matthew Cohen|year=2023|month=2|day=9}}</ref>}}

:Released as part of the "Battle Changers" subline for ''Rise of the Beasts'', this Bumblebee is a 4.5-inch toy that converts from a robot to an off-road Camaro. His right forearm also features a flip-out plasma cannon.

{{-}}{{anchor|BeastCombiner}}
[[File:TF-ROTB-Beast-Combiners-Bumblebee-and-Snarlsaber.jpg||thumb|upright=1.66|Catgirl Bumblebee isn't real, it can't hurt you. ''Catgirl Bumblebee:'']]
*'''Bumblebee & Snarlsaber''' (Beast Combiners, 2023)
**''TakaraTomy name'': '''Kakusei Change Set Bumblebee & Snarlsaber'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''BCAS-01'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': April 15, 2023
{{toydesigner|[[Koki Yamada]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (concept artist)<ref>{{citesocial|quote=TF Rise of The Beasts - Beast Alliance Bumblebee! I was asked to create unique new beast partners. I designed the panther robot and the combined version. Another great team work with Hasbro /Takara-Tomy to bring these characters to life!|link=https://twitter.com/marcelomatere/status/1674449304780673025|site=Twitter|name=Marcelo Matere|year=2023|month=6|day=29}}</ref>}}

: "Beast Combiners" Bumblebee converts simply from robot to a licensed Camaro in 7 steps, and is packaged with [[Snarlsaber]], who Bee can be armored with after he's converted in 6 steps.
{{--}}

===''Autobots Unite''===
*'''Bumblebee''' (Speed Series/Spark Racer, 2023)

:This Bumblebee is a ''Rise of the Beasts''-themed re-release of the ''Bumblebee'' [[#SpeedCamaro|Speed Series Camaro Bumblebee]] for the ''Autobots Unite'' subline.

{{-}}{{anchor|SparkCharger}}
*'''Bumblebee''' (Power Plus Series/Spark Charger, 2023)

:This Bumblebee is a ''Rise of the Beasts''-themed re-release of the ''Bumblebee'' [[#PowerPlusCamaro|Power Plus Series Camaro Bumblebee]] for the ''Autobots Unite'' subline.

{{-}}{{anchor|ROTBNitro}}
*'''Bumblebee''' (Nitro Series, 2023)

:This Bumblebee is a ''Rise of the Beasts''-themed re-release of the ''Bumblebee'' [[#NitroVW|Nitro Series Bumblebee]] for the ''Autobots Unite'' subline.
{{--}}

==''40th Selection''==
[[File:TF-40th-Selection-Bumblebee-(2007).jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''40th Selection Bumblebee''' (40th Selection バンブルビー, [[2025]])}}</ul>
:*''Release Date'': [[March 29]], 2025
:*''Accessories'': Removable "Stinger Blaster"

:Released as part of the [[T-SPARK]] ''[[40th Selection]]'' lineup for the 40th anniversary of the ''Transformers'' brand, Bumblebee is a redeco of his [[#MPM3|''Masterpiece Movie'' mold]], featuring more accurate yellow plastic and paint operations, with additional details picked out.

{{--}}

==Notes==
*A weapon considered for Bumblebee was a pair of arm-mounted electrical [[Stinger (weapon)|stingers]]. The Bumblebee Camaro '09 toy's blade weapon might have been influenced by this early concept.
*[[Aaron Archer]] mentioned that when Hasbro received pictures of numerous toys of Bumblebee [[shelfwarmer|shelf-warming]], they finally realized that they had indeed gone overboard with his toys. Archer suggested a need for a certain amount of yellow-colored toys in each wave, hence the large amount of Bumblebees released per wave.

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction Autobots]]
[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Bumblebee Autobots]]
[[Category:Construct-Bots Autobots]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Cyberverse]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Movie Autobots]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Studio Series Autobots]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Autobots]]
[[Category: Tiny Turbo Changers]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Mirage's Betrayal

2026-04-15T10:50:48Z

StarGayCybertron: Fixed a broken link

{{episode
|series=rid
|ep=9
|title="Mirage's Betrayal"
|japanese=カウンターアローの裏切り!?
|romaji=Counter Arrow no Uragiri!?
|translation=Counter Arrow's Betrayal!?
|image=Mirage's Betrayal Mirage Megatron.jpg
|caption=Aww, come on, [[Traitor (episode)|again?!]]
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]], [[Studio Gallop]]
|written by=[[Tadashi Hayakawa]] (Japanese) [[Richard Epcar]] (English)
|director=[[Akira Katō]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[May 31]], [[2000]] (Japanese) [[September 18]], [[2001]] (English)
|continuity=
}}

'''Predacons escape!''' 
'''And Mirage blames his teammates.''' 
'''A schism 'twixt friends!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Mirage's Betrayal Mirageironhiderev.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|And the humans call this one "the Vogue".]]
The [[Spychanger]]s battle against the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] goons, who have stolen some precious plutonium. But during the battle, a second [[Dark Scream]] appears, so [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]], revealing the entire battle has been a training simulation, decides to end the exercise. As Mirage leaves, [[R.E.V.]] gives Mirage a brief quiz on hand signals.

Meanwhile, the real Predacons have created an electronic bug to track and listen to any [[Autobot]] they place it on.

[[Dorie Dutton]] broadcasts from the [[International Exhibition Center]] where she gives exposition about the world's largest ruby, which could be used in a giant "laser". [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] catches the news, and being a bright lad, figures the Predacons would likely want to steal the ruby (as it happens, he's entirely correct). [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Prime]] agrees with Koji's suspicions and sends the Spychangers to keep an eye on the precious gem.

During the night, things play out as predicted and the Predacon trio try to steal the Ruby. The Spychangers show up to stop them, and during the fight, none of the Spychangers notice Dark Scream place a tiny tracking bug on Mirage, who is positioned on top of a building as a sniper. [[Gas Skunk]] exhales blinding gas so he and his cronies can vamoose, and Mirage is unable to open fire on the three because he's afraid of hitting a chemical plant and causing collateral damage. So the Predacons get away with the ruby.

From the safety of their own base, the Predacons listen in on the Spychangers. Rather than explain that he didn't want to hit the power plant, Mirage just quits the team. Later, at the Autobot base, [[T-AI]] brings up Mirage on a video screen, but he hangs up on his former teammates.

[[File:Mirage's Betrayal Mirageironhide.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Come back to me, baby!]]
[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] and Mirage meet in person at the Exhibition Center, and Ironhide gives his friend another chance to explain why he let the Predacons get away. Mirage refuses to explain, but Ironhide figures it out on his own. Mirage still continues to badmouth his former teammates, but after being punched by Ironhide, he notices the listening device placed upon him by Dark Scream. Mirage continues to express that he doesn't care about the rest of the Autobots, but at the same time, he waves his arms in an odd and dramatic fashion. Knowing the Predacons are listening, Mirage mentions that he's considering joining up with the other team, much to Ironhide's horror. (Hearing the friendship ruined, [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] is brought to tears.) When the Predacons report to Megatron, [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] agrees that Mirage should be recruited.

[[File:Mirage's Betrayal Miragecannon.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|The brightly coloured Megatron tries to sneak up on Mirage.]]
Mirage fills up on gas, passing by the usual [[Kelly (RID)|civilian company]]. Away from the station, he passes by the Predacon trio, who invite him onto their side. He agrees to join the Predacons to get back at the Spychangers. Later, Sky-Byte shows Mirage the "[[Mega-Laser Cannon]]", which is highly sophisticated and powerful. Mirage is impressed when a demonstration of the laser destroys a mountain.

Not revealing his betrayal, Mirage invites the other Spychangers and invites the Autobots to come help him stop the Predacons from using the Mega-Laser he's discovered. The Spychangers join Mirage at the location of the laser while the Predacons hide and wait for the proper moment to take action. Mirage greets his former friends with dramatic, foreshadowed arm movements. Ironhide realizes that Mirage is silently using arm signals to communicate with the other Spychangers in a manner the Predacons don't understand.

[[File:Mirage's Betrayal Ghostmirageironhide.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Best Friends Forever!]]
At the end of a finger countdown, the Spychangers all turn together and blast the Predacons out of their hiding space, and Mirage fires the laser control out of Sky-Byte's hand. Mirage shows Ironhide and the Spychangers the bug he discovered the Predacons had placed on him. Before the team can hug and make up, the laser fires again—clearly there was more than one detonator. To destroy the laser, the [[Space bridge|Global Space Bridge]] is wrapped around it and the Spychangers circle around the laser and direct its blast back at Megatron's hovering [[Megastar|base]].

With the Predacons' scheme finished, the Spychangers apologize to Mirage. Ironhide asks Mirage to hit him back to make the two even for Ironhide's attack earlier, but Mirage shows that it's an unnecessary gesture. Mirage is welcomed back onto the team. Then Ironhide and Mirage share a tender race.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[R.E.V.]] (2)
*[[W.A.R.S.]] (3)
*[[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] (4)
*[[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (14)
*[[Team Bullet Train]] (cameo) (15)
*[[T-AI]] (16)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]
|c2=
*[[Gas Skunk]] (7)
*[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] (8)
*[[Dark Scream]] (9)
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (13)

|c3=
*[[Dorie Dutton]] (10)
*[[Koji Onishi]] (11)
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
'''R.E.V.''': Tell me what this hand signal means here! 
'''Mirage''': Oh, that's a real tough one! That means caution, enemies nearby! Happy now? 
'''Ironhide''': You know, he is right! 
'''Mirage''': It also means you look ridiculous! 
:—Mirage isn't a big fan of the Spychangers' unsubtle hand signals

"Apparently, that guy's got some loose bolts!"
:—'''W.A.R.S.''' isn't a big fan of Mirage

"What's happened to you, Mirage? I thought I knew you! I thought you were dedicated! I thought you cared!" 
"Yeah, well, you thought wrong. I don't care about them, and I don't care about you." 
"I can't believe you're saying this! You and me are history!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Mirage''' break up.

'''Dark Scream''': Are you crying? 
''[Sky-Byte nods]'' 
'''Gas Skunk''': He's very sensitive. 
'''Slapper''': Yeah, but isn't he kind of getting carried away? 
'''Dark Scream''': If he keeps this up, he's going to short out his motherboard and warp his mainframe!
:—Sky-Byte is heartbroken over Ironhide and Mirage.

'''Mirage''': Well, I'll see you guys around. Don't let Sky-Byte get to you. 
'''Gas Skunk''': Do you hear that? He really cares about us!
:—Gas Skunk is a little too hungry for approval.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Car Robots''===
*As the Spychangers surround the Predacons, in ''Car Robots'', REV is cautionary, warning Crosswise not to let his guard down; in ''Robots in Disguise'', he congratulates the team on how easy the job was.
*A CGI POV overlay is added as Mirage targets Sky-Byte.
*After the simulation ends, Mirage is pretty brusque with his teammates in both versions, but ''Robots in Disguise'' takes it a little further, with him being a bit more self-assured, aggressive in tone, and dismissive of his comrades and their concerns right through the episode.
*Gas Skunk intended his transmitter merely to spy on Autobot broadcasts in ''Car Robots'', and hopes they will take it back to their base to facilitate that, while in ''Robots in Disguise'', he has designs on using it to actually track down the ''location'' of the base.
*While ''Robots in Disguise'' has Megatron pontificate about the [[Mega-Laser Cannon]], in ''Car Robots'', it is Sky-Byte who does so, reciting the plan at Megatron's request to prove he knows what his assigned task is. While ''Robots in Disguise'' follows this up with Sky-Byte assuring Megatron that everything will go fine, in ''Car Robots'', the exchange instead involves Megatron wondering why they're calling the weapon the "Mega-Laser", and being unimpressed with Sky-Byte's suggestion that they name it the "Giga-Laser" (after his Japanese name, Gigatron).
*''Car Robots'' has Gas Skunk refer to Mirage and Ironhide's argument as being just like a "Seishun drama", a kind of Japanese "coming of age" radio drama (as punctuated by Sky-Byte's melodramatic tears). In ''Robots in Disguise'', he just remarks that things "just keep gettin' better!"
*In ''Car Robots'', Darkscream expresses incredulity that a killer shark such as Sky-Byte would cry over the Spychangers' argument, but ''Robots in Disguise'' replaced with this some cartoon technobabble about his tears shorting out his motherboard.
*''Robots in Disguise'' shuffles the dialogue around a little as the Predacons tell Megatron about their plan; the same thing is ''said'', but different characters make different points in a different order in each version. ''Car Robots'' has Megatron a little more doubtful about how trustworthy Mirage can be, and sees Sky-Byte draw particular attention to the inside info they can gain from him.
*When the can that Mirage sends flying clonks Slapper, he yowls in pain and calls after Mirage in both versions, but ''Robots in Disguise'' has him do so angrily. In the discussion that follows, ''Car Robots'' has Mirage flatter the Predacon trio first and foremost, while ''Robots in Disguise'' has him badmouth the Spychangers as a backhanded way of building up the Predacons.
*Mirage proposes testing the Mega-Laser Cannon on the Spychangers in ''Robots in Disguise'', while ''Car Robots'' just has him ask the Predacons what they're planning to do.
*The Spychanger's big save-the-day move is baaaasically nonsense in both versions, the main difference being that ''Car Robots'' plays it as one of their ninja powers, while ''Robots in Disguise'' creates another toon-technobabble "hypothermic nuclear energy" explanation.
*''Robots in Disguise'' has Slapper react with concern to whatever the Spychangers are doing with the laser, while ''Car Robots'' has him chastize Gas Skunk for being impressed by the manoeuvre.
*As they apologise to one another, ''Car Robots'' has Mirage draw attention to Ironhide's punch, while ''Robots in Disguise'' instead has him explain about the act he was putting on for the Predacons. However, the animation shows him miming the punch, and ''Robots in Disguise'' doesn't remove it, so it's a bit incongruous with his dialogue at that moment. The rest of the apology scene is shortened a little bit for ''Robots in Disguise''; no content is lost, they just express the same sentiment in a short space of time.
*After the apologies are done, Ironhide simply proclaims Mirage's virtue in ''Robots in Disguise'', telling him he'd fight by his side any time, while ''Car Robots'' has him belatedly realize that Mirage never returned to base because of the transmitter on him. ''Car Robots'' sees Mirage follow this with the crack that he didn't come back because of the injury that resulted from Ironhide's punch; he just thanks Ironhide in ''Robots in Disguise'', which shortens the scene again a tiny bit.
*Briefly extended scenes created for ''Robots in Disguise'' by looping and repeating footage include:
**Hot Shot ordering the Spychangers into battle during their simulation
**Mirage realizing the simulation is flawed and calling for it to end
**Hot Shot reminding REV that Mirage can take down the Predacons from the roof
**The Predacons listening in on the Spychangers right after Mirage departs
**Optimus ordering T-Ai to call up Mirage on-screen
**Mirage asking about the Mega-Laser Cannon
**The Predacons realizing Mirage has tricked them
**Megatron revealing the second detonator
**Megatron deciding to retreat

===Animation or technical errors===
*As Ironhide transforms while jumping, his black underside switches to his yellow [[robot mode]] body with no transition.

===Real-world references===
*In reality, the International Exhibition Center is the "{{w|Tokyo Big Sight}}" convention center.

===Trivia===
*This episode makes reference to Mirage and Ironhide being old friends. Mirage and Ironhide both share their names with [[Mirage (G1)|Generation 1]] [[Ironhide (G1)|characters]], but despite their fairly large roles in the original show, their Generation 1 counterparts never directly addressed each other.
*This is one of the few episodes to not feature [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]], [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]], and [[X-Brawn]].
*This is not the only time that a Mirage has been suspected of treachery.
:*The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] in the episode "[[Traitor (episode)|Traitor]]".
:*[[2005 IDW continuity]] [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] in [[Spotlight: Blaster]], [[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]], and maybe in [[Spotlight: Mirage]].
*Why is Optimus standing around the base in [[Super Mode|Battle Mode]] anyway?

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il tradimento di Mirage'''" ("Mirage's betrayal")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A Simulação'''" ("The Simulation")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 3 ([[Pony Canyon]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 ([[Maximum Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battling the Predacons (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (Maximum Entertainment)

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info/episode-transcripts/rid-episode-09-mirages-betrayal "Mirage's Betrayal" on RiDForever.info]

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

Space Bridge Project

2026-04-15T10:34:37Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Cybertron cartoon */

The '''Space Bridge Project''' was an initiative to connect [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to its colony worlds.

==Fiction==
===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
Millennia ago, "[[Ancient|wise elders]]" established [[Transformer]] colonies on four different planets, setting up a [[space bridge]] network to connect them. {{storylink|Balance}} This project failed and the colonies developed in isolation. {{Storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}}

In the 21st century, those colonies found themselves in contact again during the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole crisis]]. After the threats of the black hole and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] were thwarted, the colonies set up [[Intergalactic Peace Conference]]. There, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] proposed a '''New Space Bridge Project''' (新スペースブリッジ計画) to the agreement of all present. The project was started to great success through the cooperation of the colonies and Cybertron and was planned to expand beyond the five planets. {{storylink|Beginning}}

===''End of G1 Universe''===
In time, the New Space Bridge Project evolved into the '''Multiverse Space Bridge Project''' (マルチバーススペースブリッジ計画) that allowed the people of this world to connect to other universes and further their cooperation and development. Part of this was allowing [[Velocitron]] to have racers from across the [[multiverse]]. {{storylink|Mystery of Speedia 500}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Space Bridge Keikaku''' (スペースブリッジ計画)

[[Category:Cybertron franchise]]
[[Category:Projects]]

Transformers New Legends

2026-04-14T19:51:47Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Fiction */

[[File:New Legends logo.png|center|400px|]]

'''''Transformers New Legends''''' (トランスフォーマーニューレジェンズ ''Toransufōmā Nyū Rejenzu'') is a [[2026]] [[TakaraTomy]] toyline.

The line is styled as a 10-plus years later nostalgia play after the fan-favorite ([[Transformers Legends (comic)#Reception|in Japan anyway]]) [[2014]]-[[2019]] ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Transformers Legends]]'' franchise, though whether ''New Legends'' will live up to the mammoth size of its namesake or maintain the more conservative scope of its immediate contemporaries like ''[[Dramatic Capture Series]]'' remains to be seen.

==Fiction==
About a month after ''New Legends''' unveiling, TakaraTomy released a one-page online comic by [[Hayato Sakamoto]], writer-artist of the original ''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Transformers Legends]]'' gag comic, checking in with that series' [[Transformers Legends (comic)#Cast|cartoon critter protagonists]] to kick off the line.

*"[[We're Back!]]"

The following day, TakaraTomy released an 18-page comic story reviving the previously ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]''-affiliated ''[[The Transformers: End of G1 Universe|End of G1 Universe]]'' series (again by helmed by Sakamoto, now with the [[The Transformers: End of G1 Universe#Creative team|larger creative team]] and more dramatic bent that have characterized his [[Generations Selects Special Comic|2020s ouvre]]) starring the line's first figure, followed by a second 24-page comic two months later featuring the line's second offering.

*"[[Age of Primes (End of G1 Universe)|Age of Primes]]"
*"[[Mystery of Speedia 500]]"

==Toys==
===General retail===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1''' (July [[2026]])
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-m1|NL-01 [[Lio Convoy (BW)#New Legends|Lio Convoy Legendary Green Lion Ver.]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="50%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2''' (September 2026)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d2|NL-02 [[Menasor (G1)#New Legends|Menasor G2 Color Ver.]]}}
:{{Bp-d2|[[Drag Strip (G1)#New Legends|Drag Strip]]}}
:{{Bp-d2|[[Breakdown (G1)#New Legends|Breakdown]]}}
:{{Bp-d2|[[Motormaster (G1)#New Legends|Motormaster]]}}
:{{Bp-d2|[[Wildrider (G1)#New Legends|Wildrider]]}}
:{{Bp-d2|[[Dead End (G1)#New Legends|Dead End]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">

|
|width="20%" valign="top"|

|
|width="20%" valign="top"|

|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:TF-New-Legends-Legendary-Green-Lio-Convoy.jpg|thumb|300px|NL-01 Lio Convoy]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|

|}

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==

==External links==
*[https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tf_nl TakaraTomy product website]
*[https://x.com/TF_pr/status/2008376727526142440 Announcement tweet by TakaraTomy]

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Legends}}
[[Category:Japanese toylines]]
[[Category:New Legends| ]]

Decepticon Air

2026-04-07T12:07:14Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Real-world references */

{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|series2=AniJapan
|image=TFAni Decepticon Air Decepticons Freed.jpg
|caption=So which one of them is [[John Malkovich]]?
|ep=39
|ep2=36
|prev2=Human Error, Part II
|next2=This Is Why I Hate Machines
|title="Decepticon Air"
|airdate=[[May 2]], 2009
|season=3
|season ep=10
|production company=[[Cartoon Network|Cartoon Network Studios]]
|written by=[[Michael Ryan]]
|directed by=[[Kalvin Lee]] [[Shigeharu Takahashi]]
|animation studio=[[Mook]]
|continuity=[[Animated cartoon continuity]]
|videosite=YouTube
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SydnZYi40U}}

'''The Decepticons aboard the Elite Guard ship decide to take down the Autobots that turned them in.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Earth]], [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Professor Sumdac]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] have completed a [[space bridge]] terminal in record time, for which [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] congratulates them. However, the [[unspace|transwarp]] field sequencers still have to be recalibrated, and Sumdac and Bulkhead argue over whose fault that is. [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] insists she could have helped get it right, but both builders politely rebuff her as insufficiently knowledgeable. As they continue arguing about getting the resequencing done, she takes matters into her own hands—almost literally. Using her new abilities, she fixes the terminal's calibrations and gets it to activate, to the surprise of the others.

[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air Sentinel Typing.jpg|thumb||left|"[[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]] has poked me on Facebook ''how many'' times?"]]
Meanwhile, out in space, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] fruitlessly attempts to interrogate his [[Decepticon]] prisoners for info on the military cells that have been attacking space bridge outposts. He returns to the bridge after [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] tells him there's an incoming message from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. [[Perceptor (Animated)|Perceptor]], [[Alpha Trion]] and [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]] indicate that the [[Autobot High Council]] has decided to make public the news of the assault on [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]]. Sentinel tries to pull rank on them, since he's now technically the ''pro tempore'' [[Magnus (rank)|Magnus]], and advises them to keep it quiet, but Alpha Trion makes it clear that they don't quite recognize his authority. Frustrated, Sentinel tries to pull rank on Jazz instead, commanding him to take the ship at full thrust through an energy cloud, despite any risks, as that heading will be the shortest route to Cybertron. Jazz complies despite objections, and of course, his worries prove justified: The energy strikes and flows through the ship, re-energizing [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] and bringing him out of time-stasis. Swindle soon frees and re-arms the other Decepticons, even if they don't have payment up front for it, as they work for [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], his best customer. With the alarms muted by Swindle's [[Sonic Jammer 3000]], the Decepticons strike at the ship's bridge just after the ship emerges from the energy cloud. Swindle quickly takes out [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] with a demo of the SJ3K's other function, a [[stasis suspension ray]]. Sentinel and Jazz put up a fight, but to little avail, and finally, Sentinel sends a brief, encrypted call for help to his old buddy, Optimus Prime (as he's too embarrassed to call Cybertron). Shortly afterward, [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] strikes him down, but Swindle convinces the massive Decepticon to spare their prisoners' lives: Not only could selling off their [[Elite Guard]] parts earn a fortune, but they could be a bargaining chip in finding Megatron.

[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air Swindle Optimus Hand.jpg|thumb|HUNGER GETS WHAT HUNGER WANTS.]]
On Earth, Optimus receives Sentinel's message, which decrypts to "[[Broken Lance]]", a coded call for help that Sentinel used with him back in their [[Autobot Academy|academy]] days. Bulkhead notes the space bridge terminal detects an unusual transwarp field aboard the Elite Guard's ship. With Sari's help, the terminal locks onto the field, providing stable coordinates for an arrival point. The space bridge is activated, and Optimus steps through... only to emerge from Swindle's chest, having arrived via the private storage dimension he uses for holding all his stock.

Rather than attack against overwhelming odds and attempt to free Sentinel and the others, Optimus takes off down the ship's corridors to better his situation. Most of the Decepticons give pursuit, with Lugnut ordering Swindle to watch the prisoners in the meantime. Taking an elevator to the ship's energon storage chamber, Optimus perforates a group of energon cubes with his axe, destabilizing them just enough. He then puts them in the elevator car and slices its cables, so it explodes near the bottom just as the Decepticons pry open the doors. Slightly charred from the backblast, Optimus enters one of the service ducts and works his way back to the brig area, grumbling as he does.

Meanwhile, Swindle's greed is still holding sway, and the arms dealer leaves his prisoners unguarded so he can raid the ship's stores. Prime arrives almost immediately afterward and frees his fellow Autobots, earning no gratitude from the power-tripping Sentinel. The Decepticons then return, so Optimus tells Jazz to rewire the decontamination unit on the bridge into a freezing chamber to trap them, his Autobot emblem blinking all the while. Optimus severs a steam duct, giving Jazz cover to escape, but then Lugnut punches a hole in the hull, sending everyone else in the brig out into space.

The Jet Twins prove far more capable in space combat than anticipated, giving the Decepticons a fair amount of trouble. Noting their predicament through a porthole in the storage depot, Swindle metaphorically shrugs and goes back to looting. Meanwhile, despite Sentinel's continued objections and struggling, Optimus uses him as a living spiked slingshot against Lugnut. Sentinel insists he be obeyed as leader, but this only prompts [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] to freeze him and hold him hostage. Sentinel demands they don't surrender, but Optimus convinces the Jet Twins to follow his lead instead, and they capitulate.

[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air Optimus Jazz HighFive.jpg|thumb|left|Slip me some metal, O.P.!]]
On the bridge, Blitzwing, [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]], and [[Ramjet (Animated)|Ramjet]] put Sentinel, Optimus and the Jet Twins in the decontamination unit with Jazz. Blitzwing sneers that Optimus shouldn't have blabbed his plan where all could hear it, as now the Autobots will suffer freezing instead. However, when he activates the chamber, the freezing tubes reverse direction, icing all the Decepticons on the bridge and leaving the Autobots safe. Optimus explains to a surprised Sentinel that back in the brig, he'd used his blinking emblem to send a different message to Jazz in Cybertronian [[cybertronian optical code|optical code]]. They all pause as they hear a roar of engines, courtesy of a loot-filled Swindle taking off in one of the ship's shuttles. As the Decepticons are imprisoned again, Sentinel offers Optimus the Elite Guard spot that will be opening when Sentinel becomes Magnus, but Prime demurs, as he's still got plenty to do on Earth.

At [[Sumdac Tower]], Bulkhead frets as Swindle's transwarp signal moves too far away to warp Optimus back. Sari offers to help fix it, but her father points out it won't be necessary, as the Elite Guard ship has come to them. Optimus steps off the ship, and he and Sentinel trade salutes before it departs.

On Cybertron, Sentinel has a victory parade, displaying his prisoners to a cheering crowd. He vows to hunt down and offline [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] and any other Decepticon if the citizens of the planet accept him as the new Magnus. Perceptor and Alpha Trion exchange dubious glances but say nothing.

[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air Lugnut Megatron.jpg|thumb|Ugh...I'll get the squeegee...]]
Out in space, [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] warps into place near a drifting Lugnut, who abruptly finds himself plastered on the front window—right in front of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (2)
*[[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] (8)
*[[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] (9)
*[[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] (12)
*[[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] (13)
*[[Perceptor (Animated)|Perceptor]] (14)
*[[Alpha Trion]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]] (16)
*[[Grandus (Animated)|Grandus]] (17)
*[[Dug Base]] (18)
*[[Tap-Out (Animated)|Tap-Out]] (19)
*[[Carrera (Animated)|Carrera]] (20)
*[[Searchlight (Animated)|Searchlight]] (21)
*[[Flareup (Animated)|Flareup]] (22)
*[[Furão]] (23)
*[[Freeway (Animated)|Freeway]] (24)
*[[Beachcomber (Animated)|Beachcomber]] (25)
*[[Red Alert (Animated)|Red Alert]] (26)
*[[Huffer (Animated)|Huffer]] (27)
*[[Powerglide (Animated)|Powerglide]] (28)
*[[Seaspray (Animated)|Seaspray]] (29)
*[[Rattletrap]] (30)
*[[Hot Shot (Animated)|Hot Shot]] (31)
*[[Rosanna (Animated)|Rosanna]] (32)
*[[Autotrooper (Animated)|Autotrooper]] (33)
*[[Mainframe (Animated)|Mainframe]] (34)
*[[Warpath (Animated)|Warpath]] (35)
*[[Cosmos (Animated)|Cosmos]] (36)
*[[Tracks (Animated)|Tracks]] (37)
*[[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] (38)
|c2=
*[[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] (5)
*[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (6)
*[[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] (7)
*[[Ramjet (Animated)|Ramjet]] (10)
*[[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]] (11)
*[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] (39)
*[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] (40)
|c3=
*[[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] (3)
|c4=
*[[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] (4)
|}}

==Quotes==
'''Sentinel Prime''': All due respect, Alpha Trion, the Council should concern itself with more important matters, like beefing up security for the Decepticon prisoners that...ahem...''I'' captured. 
'''Cliffjumper''': I thought that was [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]].
:—Actually, they're [[Lockdown (Animated)|both wrong]].

"Those bureaucratobots couldn't find their own [[Anatomic euphemism#Diode|diode]]s with a bitmap and a homing beacon."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' talks behind the council's back.

'''Sunstorm''': May I just say what an admirer I am of the noble arms dealing profession? 
'''Hothead Blitzwing''': Enough talk. Let's kick some Autobot skidplate! 
'''Ramjet''': Oh but I would never do that.
:— The re-armed Decepticons prepare to seize control of the ship.

"You Autobots will pay! Pay with your sparks!" 
"I also take all major credit downloads."
:—'''Lugnut''' and '''Swindle''' are on two different pages.

"The Sonic Jammer 3000! Don't leave Cybertron without it! But wait—there's more! It also has a stasis suspension ray, handy for those tight spots. Picked this baby up on [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]]. Nice folks, the [[Quintesson]]s; give you a good deal and all the [[oil]] you can drink."
:—'''Swindle''', ready as ever with a sales pitch.

"Guard the prisoners, or... loot the ship? It's a no-processor...er."

"Maybe I should help them.... or maybe I should just help myself!"

"Nothing beats a shopping spree... especially when it's all ''free!''"
:—The Tao of '''Swindle'''.

"Maybe that energon was a little ''too'' unstable!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' realizes he may not have thought his plan through very well.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Cliffjumper notes that [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] got the credit for the captured Decepticons back in [[Five Servos of Doom]].
===Transformers references===
[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air BoxScream ConeScream.jpg|thumb|"Your conehead makes my ears look silly in comparison!" "No it doesn't!"]]
[[File:DecepticonAirCrowdFullPan01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*Swindle claims to have had business dealings on [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]], suggests they could make enough from Elite Guard parts to "retire to a beach island on [[Nebulos]]", and swears by "the fifth moon of [[Pz-Zazz]]".
*His reference to a "personal storage dimension" from which accessories can be pulled at a moments' notice hearkens back to the concept of [[subspace storage pocket|subspace]].
*To help tell the Starscream clones apart, Swindle gives Ramjet a [[conehead]] accessory and Sunstorm a boxy helmet resembling those of the [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. The new cone-head is topped with a drill.
*Sentinel's adoring public consists of a seriously crazy amount of cameos, a great many of which have not been seen before this episode. While many of them could be identified right away, it would take a further few episodes, and some more crowd scenes in "[[This Is Why I Hate Machines]]" and "[[Endgame, Part II]]", before some of the more obscure characters could all be named and shamed. The crowd includes [[Tap-Out (Animated)|Tap-Out]], [[Carrera (Animated)|Carrera]], [[Searchlight (Animated)|Searchlight]], [[Flareup (Animated)|Flareup]], [[Furão]], [[Freeway (Animated)|Freeway]], [[Beachcomber (Animated)|Beachcomber]], [[Red Alert (Animated)|Red Alert]], [[Huffer (Animated)|Huffer]], [[Powerglide (Animated)|Powerglide]], [[Seaspray (Animated)|Seaspray]], [[Rattletrap]], [[Hot Shot (Animated)|Hot Shot]], [[Rosanna (Animated)|Rosanna]], [[Autotrooper (Animated)|Autotrooper]] (based on [[Autorooper]]), [[Mainframe (Animated)|Mainframe]], [[Warpath (Animated)|Warpath]], [[Cosmos (Animated)|Cosmos]] and [[Tracks (Animated)|Tracks]]. The widescreen-to-fullscreen crop also manages to cut off [[Lickety-Split (Animated)|Lickety-Split]] (her forearm can be seen for a split-second poking into shot over Rosanna's head) who would reappear in "Endgame, Part II", and a mysterious skinny red-and-orange robot (behind Hot Shot). Recolored [[generic]] robots in the crowd include ''two'' Tracks-colored Mainframes, a [[Sky Garry (Animated)|Sky Garry]]-colored Warpath, and a [[Brawn (Animated)|Brawn]]-colored Cosmos, sans nacelles.
**The widescreen-to-fullscreen conversion also excised larger appearances by [[Rattletrap]] and [[Flareup (Animated)|Flareup]], got rid of most of [[Wheeljack (Animated)|Wheeljack]], and entirely removed [[Bumper (Animated)|Bumper]], [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus Prime]], and the then-unnamed [[Lightbright (Animated)|Lightbright]].
*Sentinel and the Autobot Council are carried upon [[Grandus (Animated)|Grandus]]. Behind them, the Decepticon prisoners are carried by a [[Dug Base|Grandus lookalike]] with yellow detailing; Derrick Wyatt stated that this was supposed to represent [[Grandus (G1)|''Return of Convoy'' Grandus]]'s ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]'' [[redeco]], Dag Base.
*The "[[Lance]]" in "[[Broken Lance]]" refers to Sentinel's weapon of choice.
*When Lugnut punches the hole in the ship, it makes the same sound effect when [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] transforms in the final battle the [[Transformers (film)|2007 Transformers]] movie

===Real-world references===
*The title is a play on ''{{w|Con Air}}'', a Nicolas Cage movie where prisoners being transported by plane get free and do bad things.
*Sentinel's phrase "[[Broken Lance]]" is similar to the [[United States of America|U.S.]] military term "{{w|United States military nuclear incident terminology#Broken Arrow|Broken Arrow}}", which is used to describe a cock-up involving [[nuclear weapon]]s. In this context, it is more likely to be a reference to the 1996 action film {{w|Broken Arrow (1996 film)|of the same name}}, in which John Travolta hijacks a stealth bomber (in order to sell the nuclear missiles on board).
*Speaking of action movies, Optimus taking on all the Decepticons by himself using hit & run tactics and then crawling through an air shaft while sarcastically complaining about how much fun he's having, is very similar to a famous sequence from ''{{w|Die Hard}}''. The exploding elevator trick also appears in the film.
*When Optimus drops out of the air shaft suspended by a wire harness, it's similar to a famous sequence from the Tom Cruise version of ''{{w|Mission Impossible (film)|Mission Impossible}}''.
*Optimus claiming to have a small chamber that can trap his foes, only for them to double-cross him and force him inside it, only for him to ''triplecross'' them when the chamber is the only place safe from the real trap, is similar to a famous sequence from ''{{w|Superman II}}''.
*Sari's fingers extending and separating when she types are a reference to ''{{w|Ghost in the Shell}}''.
*When Sentinel uses his remote to unlock and re-lock Lugnut's mouth clamps, it makes the same noise as a car alarm remote.
* When Swindle first hears Megatron's name, his facial expression changes with the sound of a cash register.
* Swindle's personal storage dimension features old Hanna-Barbera stock sound effects, typically used to denote magic spells.
* Swindle's "Don't leave Cybertron without it!" is a variation of the American Express credit card slogan "Don't leave home without it." He immediately follows that up with "But wait, there's more!", one of TV huckster {{w|Ron Popeil}}'s most famous catchphrases.
* When Swindle uses the stasis suspension ray, the sound effect is identical to that of the Zat Guns used in ''Stargate SG-1''. The sound effect had previously been used for [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s sonic scream attack back in [[TransWarped]].

===Animation or technical errors===
*When Sentinel calls for Jetfire and Jetstorm, the prisoners do not have their facemasks.
*Character heights vary wildly throughout the episode, mostly with the non-Swindle Decepticons being various levels of undersized. The kneeling Decepticons still tower over Swindle as he first talks to them (which seems correct, as Swindle is small), but do not appear to gain any height on him once they're upright. The final scene in particular, Blitzwing and the two clones are downright tiny, looking to be about as big as the average Autobot.
*When Swindle is handing out weapons to the Decepticons, he gives Ramjet his guns, but when he goes to hand Sunstorm's weapons to him, he's still holding Ramjet's guns.
*While convincing Lugnut to let the elite guard live, Swindle's bolo tie suddenly disappears.
*When Swindle crosses over to Blitzwing, talking Lugnut into letting Sentinel, Jazz, and the Jet-twins live, the Triple-Changer's wings ''and'' cannons are gone.
*Right before Swindle gives helmets to Ramjet and Sunstorm, both clones are missing their null rays. They are back in the next shot.
*When Sunstorm and Ramjet trap the Autobots in the chamber, Sunstorm's chin seems like it's been cut down, and looks similar to the G1 Seekers' chin size.
*In the crowd scenes towards the end of this episode, characters change positions relative to each other every time the camera angle switches. Beachcomber, in particular, appears in literally four different places at once.
*When Lugnut crashes against Omega Supreme at the end of the episode, his Decepticon insignia is missing.
*How exactly did Jetfire/Jetstorm create a whirlwind in space?
*Despite [[Bumper Robinson]] being credited as [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] in this episode, Bumblebee does not appear at all. Perhaps he originally was suppose to appear but his scenes were cut? As it seems odd to have Bumper only voice Blitzwing in this episode.

===Continuity errors===
*Up until the part where [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] orders [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] to guard the prisoners, all of the captive Autobots were confined within the prison cells. Later, when Swindle contemplates whether to stay to guard the prisoners or loot the ship, all of the captured Autobots are now ''outside'' of their cells. Jetfire and Jetstorm have also been removed from the spherical forcefield and placed in stasis cuffs, despite still being inside the forcefield while in the cell. Unless this was an oversight by the animators, why would Swindle let them out in the first place?
*Optimus transforms into his full firetruck [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] to escape the Decepticons when he first arrives, yet is able to detach his trailer several seconds before he actually transforms into [[robot mode]]. The trailer slides down an adjacent hall as he reaches the elevator.
*A possible error occurs during Sentinel's interrogation of the prisoners. When Lugnut declares "Megatron is everywhere!", Sentinel offhandedly comments "You don't know how true that is." While it is conceivable that the Earth-bound Autobots informed Sentinel of Megatron's fate, in the next episode he expresses shock at the fact that [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] is still online, which would suggest that he was either never told or they, for some reason, left that part out.
*What were the chances of Lugnut just randomly bumping into Omega Supreme like that? Space is ''huge''.

===Trivia===
*Sentinel Prime went through the space disturbance to gain some time, but in the end, agreed to go all the way back to Earth to drop off Optimus Prime. So the whole thing ended up being a rather pointless act. Lesson learned, Sentinel?
*Sentinel seems to have decided to keep his Earth alt mode [[Autoboot Camp|this time]].
*At the end of "[[SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy]]", Captain Fanzone claimed that Swindle would be stripped down for parts. But other than his weapons (which would have been confiscated by the Elite Guard if the Detroit Police hadn't already taken them), nothing obvious seems to be missing from his person. Maybe Fanzone was just trying to freak him out?
*When he's giving the helmets to Sunstorm and Ramjet, Swindle mentions in a very casual manner that he "never could get the hang of cloning." Thinking back, no one was really shocked to see the army of clones that Starscream created. So maybe, cloning is something fairly common among Decepticons, or at least was at some point.
**Later, [[Dirge (Animated)|he does get]] [[Thrust (Animated)|the hang of cloning]].
*Ramjet and Sunstorm are pretty quiet throughout this episode, probably because their strange speech patterns make it nigh-impossible for them to have a normal conversation.
*Lugnut gets to tell his fellow Decepticons "Transform and rise up!" as glorious Megatron isn't there to say it.
*Hothead Blitzwing's voice is noticably much deeper sounding in this episode.
*This episode marks the last appearance of Blitzwing, Sunstorm, Ramjet, and Swindle.
*Jazz and Optimus showing good teamwork, [[This Is Why I Hate Machines|more]] [[Endgame, Part I|foreshadowing]] [[Endgame, Part II|perhaps]]?
*Megatron appears in this episode at the end of the episode but has no lines, presumably so they didn't have to pay [[Corey Burton]] for one line.

===Foreign localization===
'''Spanish (Latin America)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aire Decepticon'''" ("Decepticon Air")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 8|8 December]] [[2009]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Decepticon dans l'espace'''" ("Decepticon in Space")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???
::*Since [[Frédéric Cerdal]] left the series a few episodes ago, all his roles are now dubbed by [[Gérard Rouzier]] from now on. The only exception is Perceptor, dubbed by [[Frédéric Popovic]].
::*Bulkhead uses the informal "tu" with Professor Sumdac, while he used the formal "vous" in the rest of the series.
::*Perceptor's name is translated in French, as Percepteur.
::*Swindle claims he bought his Sonic Jammer 3000 on planet "Quintessence", and that the "Quintessents" give you a good deal and all the oil you can drink.

'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Decepticons Aéreos'''" ("Decepticon Air")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uchūsen o Tsuisekiseyo'''" (宇宙船を追跡せよ, "Chase the Spaceship")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 4|4 December]] [[2010]]
::*Blitzwing's turn at new [[stock footage]] and the viewing warning, starting with from tank to jet to robot mode. Hothead, Random, and Icy each take a turn in robot mode while delivering the line, respectively. Blitzwing also does the intro.

==Home video releases==
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2011]] — ''Transformers Animated'' — Vol. 10 ([[Paramount]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Three ([[Madman Entertainment]])

[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Decepticon Air

2026-04-07T12:06:33Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Real-world references */

{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|series2=AniJapan
|image=TFAni Decepticon Air Decepticons Freed.jpg
|caption=So which one of them is [[John Malkovich]]?
|ep=39
|ep2=36
|prev2=Human Error, Part II
|next2=This Is Why I Hate Machines
|title="Decepticon Air"
|airdate=[[May 2]], 2009
|season=3
|season ep=10
|production company=[[Cartoon Network|Cartoon Network Studios]]
|written by=[[Michael Ryan]]
|directed by=[[Kalvin Lee]] [[Shigeharu Takahashi]]
|animation studio=[[Mook]]
|continuity=[[Animated cartoon continuity]]
|videosite=YouTube
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SydnZYi40U}}

'''The Decepticons aboard the Elite Guard ship decide to take down the Autobots that turned them in.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Earth]], [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Professor Sumdac]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] have completed a [[space bridge]] terminal in record time, for which [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus]] congratulates them. However, the [[unspace|transwarp]] field sequencers still have to be recalibrated, and Sumdac and Bulkhead argue over whose fault that is. [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] insists she could have helped get it right, but both builders politely rebuff her as insufficiently knowledgeable. As they continue arguing about getting the resequencing done, she takes matters into her own hands—almost literally. Using her new abilities, she fixes the terminal's calibrations and gets it to activate, to the surprise of the others.

[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air Sentinel Typing.jpg|thumb||left|"[[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]] has poked me on Facebook ''how many'' times?"]]
Meanwhile, out in space, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] fruitlessly attempts to interrogate his [[Decepticon]] prisoners for info on the military cells that have been attacking space bridge outposts. He returns to the bridge after [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] tells him there's an incoming message from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. [[Perceptor (Animated)|Perceptor]], [[Alpha Trion]] and [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]] indicate that the [[Autobot High Council]] has decided to make public the news of the assault on [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]]. Sentinel tries to pull rank on them, since he's now technically the ''pro tempore'' [[Magnus (rank)|Magnus]], and advises them to keep it quiet, but Alpha Trion makes it clear that they don't quite recognize his authority. Frustrated, Sentinel tries to pull rank on Jazz instead, commanding him to take the ship at full thrust through an energy cloud, despite any risks, as that heading will be the shortest route to Cybertron. Jazz complies despite objections, and of course, his worries prove justified: The energy strikes and flows through the ship, re-energizing [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] and bringing him out of time-stasis. Swindle soon frees and re-arms the other Decepticons, even if they don't have payment up front for it, as they work for [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], his best customer. With the alarms muted by Swindle's [[Sonic Jammer 3000]], the Decepticons strike at the ship's bridge just after the ship emerges from the energy cloud. Swindle quickly takes out [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] with a demo of the SJ3K's other function, a [[stasis suspension ray]]. Sentinel and Jazz put up a fight, but to little avail, and finally, Sentinel sends a brief, encrypted call for help to his old buddy, Optimus Prime (as he's too embarrassed to call Cybertron). Shortly afterward, [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] strikes him down, but Swindle convinces the massive Decepticon to spare their prisoners' lives: Not only could selling off their [[Elite Guard]] parts earn a fortune, but they could be a bargaining chip in finding Megatron.

[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air Swindle Optimus Hand.jpg|thumb|HUNGER GETS WHAT HUNGER WANTS.]]
On Earth, Optimus receives Sentinel's message, which decrypts to "[[Broken Lance]]", a coded call for help that Sentinel used with him back in their [[Autobot Academy|academy]] days. Bulkhead notes the space bridge terminal detects an unusual transwarp field aboard the Elite Guard's ship. With Sari's help, the terminal locks onto the field, providing stable coordinates for an arrival point. The space bridge is activated, and Optimus steps through... only to emerge from Swindle's chest, having arrived via the private storage dimension he uses for holding all his stock.

Rather than attack against overwhelming odds and attempt to free Sentinel and the others, Optimus takes off down the ship's corridors to better his situation. Most of the Decepticons give pursuit, with Lugnut ordering Swindle to watch the prisoners in the meantime. Taking an elevator to the ship's energon storage chamber, Optimus perforates a group of energon cubes with his axe, destabilizing them just enough. He then puts them in the elevator car and slices its cables, so it explodes near the bottom just as the Decepticons pry open the doors. Slightly charred from the backblast, Optimus enters one of the service ducts and works his way back to the brig area, grumbling as he does.

Meanwhile, Swindle's greed is still holding sway, and the arms dealer leaves his prisoners unguarded so he can raid the ship's stores. Prime arrives almost immediately afterward and frees his fellow Autobots, earning no gratitude from the power-tripping Sentinel. The Decepticons then return, so Optimus tells Jazz to rewire the decontamination unit on the bridge into a freezing chamber to trap them, his Autobot emblem blinking all the while. Optimus severs a steam duct, giving Jazz cover to escape, but then Lugnut punches a hole in the hull, sending everyone else in the brig out into space.

The Jet Twins prove far more capable in space combat than anticipated, giving the Decepticons a fair amount of trouble. Noting their predicament through a porthole in the storage depot, Swindle metaphorically shrugs and goes back to looting. Meanwhile, despite Sentinel's continued objections and struggling, Optimus uses him as a living spiked slingshot against Lugnut. Sentinel insists he be obeyed as leader, but this only prompts [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] to freeze him and hold him hostage. Sentinel demands they don't surrender, but Optimus convinces the Jet Twins to follow his lead instead, and they capitulate.

[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air Optimus Jazz HighFive.jpg|thumb|left|Slip me some metal, O.P.!]]
On the bridge, Blitzwing, [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]], and [[Ramjet (Animated)|Ramjet]] put Sentinel, Optimus and the Jet Twins in the decontamination unit with Jazz. Blitzwing sneers that Optimus shouldn't have blabbed his plan where all could hear it, as now the Autobots will suffer freezing instead. However, when he activates the chamber, the freezing tubes reverse direction, icing all the Decepticons on the bridge and leaving the Autobots safe. Optimus explains to a surprised Sentinel that back in the brig, he'd used his blinking emblem to send a different message to Jazz in Cybertronian [[cybertronian optical code|optical code]]. They all pause as they hear a roar of engines, courtesy of a loot-filled Swindle taking off in one of the ship's shuttles. As the Decepticons are imprisoned again, Sentinel offers Optimus the Elite Guard spot that will be opening when Sentinel becomes Magnus, but Prime demurs, as he's still got plenty to do on Earth.

At [[Sumdac Tower]], Bulkhead frets as Swindle's transwarp signal moves too far away to warp Optimus back. Sari offers to help fix it, but her father points out it won't be necessary, as the Elite Guard ship has come to them. Optimus steps off the ship, and he and Sentinel trade salutes before it departs.

On Cybertron, Sentinel has a victory parade, displaying his prisoners to a cheering crowd. He vows to hunt down and offline [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] and any other Decepticon if the citizens of the planet accept him as the new Magnus. Perceptor and Alpha Trion exchange dubious glances but say nothing.

[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air Lugnut Megatron.jpg|thumb|Ugh...I'll get the squeegee...]]
Out in space, [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] warps into place near a drifting Lugnut, who abruptly finds himself plastered on the front window—right in front of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (2)
*[[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] (8)
*[[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] (9)
*[[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] (12)
*[[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] (13)
*[[Perceptor (Animated)|Perceptor]] (14)
*[[Alpha Trion]] (15)
*[[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]] (16)
*[[Grandus (Animated)|Grandus]] (17)
*[[Dug Base]] (18)
*[[Tap-Out (Animated)|Tap-Out]] (19)
*[[Carrera (Animated)|Carrera]] (20)
*[[Searchlight (Animated)|Searchlight]] (21)
*[[Flareup (Animated)|Flareup]] (22)
*[[Furão]] (23)
*[[Freeway (Animated)|Freeway]] (24)
*[[Beachcomber (Animated)|Beachcomber]] (25)
*[[Red Alert (Animated)|Red Alert]] (26)
*[[Huffer (Animated)|Huffer]] (27)
*[[Powerglide (Animated)|Powerglide]] (28)
*[[Seaspray (Animated)|Seaspray]] (29)
*[[Rattletrap]] (30)
*[[Hot Shot (Animated)|Hot Shot]] (31)
*[[Rosanna (Animated)|Rosanna]] (32)
*[[Autotrooper (Animated)|Autotrooper]] (33)
*[[Mainframe (Animated)|Mainframe]] (34)
*[[Warpath (Animated)|Warpath]] (35)
*[[Cosmos (Animated)|Cosmos]] (36)
*[[Tracks (Animated)|Tracks]] (37)
*[[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] (38)
|c2=
*[[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] (5)
*[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (6)
*[[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] (7)
*[[Ramjet (Animated)|Ramjet]] (10)
*[[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]] (11)
*[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] (39)
*[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] (40)
|c3=
*[[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] (3)
|c4=
*[[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] (4)
|}}

==Quotes==
'''Sentinel Prime''': All due respect, Alpha Trion, the Council should concern itself with more important matters, like beefing up security for the Decepticon prisoners that...ahem...''I'' captured. 
'''Cliffjumper''': I thought that was [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]].
:—Actually, they're [[Lockdown (Animated)|both wrong]].

"Those bureaucratobots couldn't find their own [[Anatomic euphemism#Diode|diode]]s with a bitmap and a homing beacon."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' talks behind the council's back.

'''Sunstorm''': May I just say what an admirer I am of the noble arms dealing profession? 
'''Hothead Blitzwing''': Enough talk. Let's kick some Autobot skidplate! 
'''Ramjet''': Oh but I would never do that.
:— The re-armed Decepticons prepare to seize control of the ship.

"You Autobots will pay! Pay with your sparks!" 
"I also take all major credit downloads."
:—'''Lugnut''' and '''Swindle''' are on two different pages.

"The Sonic Jammer 3000! Don't leave Cybertron without it! But wait—there's more! It also has a stasis suspension ray, handy for those tight spots. Picked this baby up on [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]]. Nice folks, the [[Quintesson]]s; give you a good deal and all the [[oil]] you can drink."
:—'''Swindle''', ready as ever with a sales pitch.

"Guard the prisoners, or... loot the ship? It's a no-processor...er."

"Maybe I should help them.... or maybe I should just help myself!"

"Nothing beats a shopping spree... especially when it's all ''free!''"
:—The Tao of '''Swindle'''.

"Maybe that energon was a little ''too'' unstable!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' realizes he may not have thought his plan through very well.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Cliffjumper notes that [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] got the credit for the captured Decepticons back in [[Five Servos of Doom]].
===Transformers references===
[[File:TFAni Decepticon Air BoxScream ConeScream.jpg|thumb|"Your conehead makes my ears look silly in comparison!" "No it doesn't!"]]
[[File:DecepticonAirCrowdFullPan01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*Swindle claims to have had business dealings on [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]], suggests they could make enough from Elite Guard parts to "retire to a beach island on [[Nebulos]]", and swears by "the fifth moon of [[Pz-Zazz]]".
*His reference to a "personal storage dimension" from which accessories can be pulled at a moments' notice hearkens back to the concept of [[subspace storage pocket|subspace]].
*To help tell the Starscream clones apart, Swindle gives Ramjet a [[conehead]] accessory and Sunstorm a boxy helmet resembling those of the [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. The new cone-head is topped with a drill.
*Sentinel's adoring public consists of a seriously crazy amount of cameos, a great many of which have not been seen before this episode. While many of them could be identified right away, it would take a further few episodes, and some more crowd scenes in "[[This Is Why I Hate Machines]]" and "[[Endgame, Part II]]", before some of the more obscure characters could all be named and shamed. The crowd includes [[Tap-Out (Animated)|Tap-Out]], [[Carrera (Animated)|Carrera]], [[Searchlight (Animated)|Searchlight]], [[Flareup (Animated)|Flareup]], [[Furão]], [[Freeway (Animated)|Freeway]], [[Beachcomber (Animated)|Beachcomber]], [[Red Alert (Animated)|Red Alert]], [[Huffer (Animated)|Huffer]], [[Powerglide (Animated)|Powerglide]], [[Seaspray (Animated)|Seaspray]], [[Rattletrap]], [[Hot Shot (Animated)|Hot Shot]], [[Rosanna (Animated)|Rosanna]], [[Autotrooper (Animated)|Autotrooper]] (based on [[Autorooper]]), [[Mainframe (Animated)|Mainframe]], [[Warpath (Animated)|Warpath]], [[Cosmos (Animated)|Cosmos]] and [[Tracks (Animated)|Tracks]]. The widescreen-to-fullscreen crop also manages to cut off [[Lickety-Split (Animated)|Lickety-Split]] (her forearm can be seen for a split-second poking into shot over Rosanna's head) who would reappear in "Endgame, Part II", and a mysterious skinny red-and-orange robot (behind Hot Shot). Recolored [[generic]] robots in the crowd include ''two'' Tracks-colored Mainframes, a [[Sky Garry (Animated)|Sky Garry]]-colored Warpath, and a [[Brawn (Animated)|Brawn]]-colored Cosmos, sans nacelles.
**The widescreen-to-fullscreen conversion also excised larger appearances by [[Rattletrap]] and [[Flareup (Animated)|Flareup]], got rid of most of [[Wheeljack (Animated)|Wheeljack]], and entirely removed [[Bumper (Animated)|Bumper]], [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus Prime]], and the then-unnamed [[Lightbright (Animated)|Lightbright]].
*Sentinel and the Autobot Council are carried upon [[Grandus (Animated)|Grandus]]. Behind them, the Decepticon prisoners are carried by a [[Dug Base|Grandus lookalike]] with yellow detailing; Derrick Wyatt stated that this was supposed to represent [[Grandus (G1)|''Return of Convoy'' Grandus]]'s ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]'' [[redeco]], Dag Base.
*The "[[Lance]]" in "[[Broken Lance]]" refers to Sentinel's weapon of choice.
*When Lugnut punches the hole in the ship, it makes the same sound effect when [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] transforms in the final battle the [[Transformers (film)|2007 Transformers]] movie

===Real-world references===
*The title is a play on ''{{w|Con Air}}'', a Nicolas Cage movie where prisoners being transported by plane get free and do bad things.
*Sentinel's phrase "[[Broken Lance]]" is similar to the [[United States of America|U.S.]] military term "{{w|United States military nuclear incident terminology#Broken Arrow|Broken Arrow}}", which is used to describe a cock-up involving [[nuclear weapon]]s. In this context, it is more likely to be a reference to the 1996 action film {{w|Broken Arrow (1996 film)|of the same name}}, in which John Travolta hijacks a stealth bomber (in order to sell the nuclear missiles on board).
*Speaking of action movies, Optimus taking on all the Decepticons by himself using hit & run tactics and then crawling through an air shaft while sarcastically complaining about how much fun he's having, is very similar to a famous sequence from ''{{w|Die Hard}}''. The exploding elevator trick also appears in the film.
*When Optimus drops out of the air shaft suspended by a wire harness, it's similar to a famous sequence from the Tom Cruise version of ''{{w|Mission Impossible (film)|Mission Impossible}}''.
*Optimus claiming to have a small chamber that can trap his foes, only for them to double-cross him and force him inside it, only for him to ''triplecross'' them when the chamber is the only place safe from the real trap, is similar to a famous sequence from ''{{w|Superman II}}''.
*Sari's fingers extending and separating when she types are a reference to ''{{w|Ghost in the Shell}}''.
*When Sentinel uses his remote to unlock and re-lock Lugnut's mouth clamps, it makes the same noise as a car alarm remote.
* When Swindle first hears Megatron's name, his facial expression changes with the sound of a cash register.
* Swindle's personal storage dimension features old Hanna-Barbera stock sound effects, typically used to denote magic spells.
* Swindle's "Don't leave Cybertron without it!" is a variation of the American Express credit card slogan "Don't leave home without it." He immediately follows that up with "But wait, there's more!", one of TV huckster {{w|Ron Popeil}}'s most famous catchphrases.
* When Swindle uses the stasis suspension ray, the sound effect is identical to that of the Zat Guns used in ''Stargate SG-1''. The sound effect had previously been used for [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s sonic scream attack back in Transwarped.

===Animation or technical errors===
*When Sentinel calls for Jetfire and Jetstorm, the prisoners do not have their facemasks.
*Character heights vary wildly throughout the episode, mostly with the non-Swindle Decepticons being various levels of undersized. The kneeling Decepticons still tower over Swindle as he first talks to them (which seems correct, as Swindle is small), but do not appear to gain any height on him once they're upright. The final scene in particular, Blitzwing and the two clones are downright tiny, looking to be about as big as the average Autobot.
*When Swindle is handing out weapons to the Decepticons, he gives Ramjet his guns, but when he goes to hand Sunstorm's weapons to him, he's still holding Ramjet's guns.
*While convincing Lugnut to let the elite guard live, Swindle's bolo tie suddenly disappears.
*When Swindle crosses over to Blitzwing, talking Lugnut into letting Sentinel, Jazz, and the Jet-twins live, the Triple-Changer's wings ''and'' cannons are gone.
*Right before Swindle gives helmets to Ramjet and Sunstorm, both clones are missing their null rays. They are back in the next shot.
*When Sunstorm and Ramjet trap the Autobots in the chamber, Sunstorm's chin seems like it's been cut down, and looks similar to the G1 Seekers' chin size.
*In the crowd scenes towards the end of this episode, characters change positions relative to each other every time the camera angle switches. Beachcomber, in particular, appears in literally four different places at once.
*When Lugnut crashes against Omega Supreme at the end of the episode, his Decepticon insignia is missing.
*How exactly did Jetfire/Jetstorm create a whirlwind in space?
*Despite [[Bumper Robinson]] being credited as [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] in this episode, Bumblebee does not appear at all. Perhaps he originally was suppose to appear but his scenes were cut? As it seems odd to have Bumper only voice Blitzwing in this episode.

===Continuity errors===
*Up until the part where [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] orders [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] to guard the prisoners, all of the captive Autobots were confined within the prison cells. Later, when Swindle contemplates whether to stay to guard the prisoners or loot the ship, all of the captured Autobots are now ''outside'' of their cells. Jetfire and Jetstorm have also been removed from the spherical forcefield and placed in stasis cuffs, despite still being inside the forcefield while in the cell. Unless this was an oversight by the animators, why would Swindle let them out in the first place?
*Optimus transforms into his full firetruck [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] to escape the Decepticons when he first arrives, yet is able to detach his trailer several seconds before he actually transforms into [[robot mode]]. The trailer slides down an adjacent hall as he reaches the elevator.
*A possible error occurs during Sentinel's interrogation of the prisoners. When Lugnut declares "Megatron is everywhere!", Sentinel offhandedly comments "You don't know how true that is." While it is conceivable that the Earth-bound Autobots informed Sentinel of Megatron's fate, in the next episode he expresses shock at the fact that [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] is still online, which would suggest that he was either never told or they, for some reason, left that part out.
*What were the chances of Lugnut just randomly bumping into Omega Supreme like that? Space is ''huge''.

===Trivia===
*Sentinel Prime went through the space disturbance to gain some time, but in the end, agreed to go all the way back to Earth to drop off Optimus Prime. So the whole thing ended up being a rather pointless act. Lesson learned, Sentinel?
*Sentinel seems to have decided to keep his Earth alt mode [[Autoboot Camp|this time]].
*At the end of "[[SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy]]", Captain Fanzone claimed that Swindle would be stripped down for parts. But other than his weapons (which would have been confiscated by the Elite Guard if the Detroit Police hadn't already taken them), nothing obvious seems to be missing from his person. Maybe Fanzone was just trying to freak him out?
*When he's giving the helmets to Sunstorm and Ramjet, Swindle mentions in a very casual manner that he "never could get the hang of cloning." Thinking back, no one was really shocked to see the army of clones that Starscream created. So maybe, cloning is something fairly common among Decepticons, or at least was at some point.
**Later, [[Dirge (Animated)|he does get]] [[Thrust (Animated)|the hang of cloning]].
*Ramjet and Sunstorm are pretty quiet throughout this episode, probably because their strange speech patterns make it nigh-impossible for them to have a normal conversation.
*Lugnut gets to tell his fellow Decepticons "Transform and rise up!" as glorious Megatron isn't there to say it.
*Hothead Blitzwing's voice is noticably much deeper sounding in this episode.
*This episode marks the last appearance of Blitzwing, Sunstorm, Ramjet, and Swindle.
*Jazz and Optimus showing good teamwork, [[This Is Why I Hate Machines|more]] [[Endgame, Part I|foreshadowing]] [[Endgame, Part II|perhaps]]?
*Megatron appears in this episode at the end of the episode but has no lines, presumably so they didn't have to pay [[Corey Burton]] for one line.

===Foreign localization===
'''Spanish (Latin America)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aire Decepticon'''" ("Decepticon Air")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 8|8 December]] [[2009]]

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Decepticon dans l'espace'''" ("Decepticon in Space")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???
::*Since [[Frédéric Cerdal]] left the series a few episodes ago, all his roles are now dubbed by [[Gérard Rouzier]] from now on. The only exception is Perceptor, dubbed by [[Frédéric Popovic]].
::*Bulkhead uses the informal "tu" with Professor Sumdac, while he used the formal "vous" in the rest of the series.
::*Perceptor's name is translated in French, as Percepteur.
::*Swindle claims he bought his Sonic Jammer 3000 on planet "Quintessence", and that the "Quintessents" give you a good deal and all the oil you can drink.

'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Decepticons Aéreos'''" ("Decepticon Air")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uchūsen o Tsuisekiseyo'''" (宇宙船を追跡せよ, "Chase the Spaceship")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 4|4 December]] [[2010]]
::*Blitzwing's turn at new [[stock footage]] and the viewing warning, starting with from tank to jet to robot mode. Hothead, Random, and Icy each take a turn in robot mode while delivering the line, respectively. Blitzwing also does the intro.

==Home video releases==
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2011]] — ''Transformers Animated'' — Vol. 10 ([[Paramount]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2014]] — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Three ([[Madman Entertainment]])

[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Human Error, Part I

2026-04-06T15:54:20Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Transformers references */ removing uncessary snark

{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|series2=AniJapan
|image=TFA Human Error Part 1 Automen.jpg
|caption=''Humans Animated'' is a very popular show on Cybertron.
|ep=37
|ep2=34
|prev2=Predacons Rising (Animated)
|next2=Human Error, Part II
|title="Human Error, Part I"
|airdate=[[April 18]], 2009
|season=3
|season ep=8
|production company=[[Cartoon Network|Cartoon Network Studios]]
|written by=[[Henry Gilroy]]
|directed by=[[Kalvin Lee]] [[Christopher Berkeley]] [[Naoto Hashimoto]]
|animation studio=[[Mook]], [[Studio Wanpack]]
|continuity=[[Animated cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDCRJwU-8n4
|videosite=YouTube
}}

'''With the Christmas season upon them, the Autobots are not quite themselves following a run-in with Porter C. Powell's new mass-produced Soundwave action figures.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TFAni Human Error Part 1 Powell Soundwave.jpg|thumb|left|He's actually worse than {{w|Vince Offer}}.]]
It's [[Christmas]] in Detroit, but [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] is not in a festive mood. The hottest toy of the year is [[Sound Wave]], being marketed by [[Porter C. Powell]], who acquired the schematics and patent when he ran [[Sumdac Systems]]. Observing a commercial for the new toy, Optimus notices one of the small robots running across the plaza near the trains. Trying to follow it, he is nearly run over by a train and finally decides that he may be obsessing.

At the [[Autobot Earth Base|plant]], [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] are interested in what they got for Christmas, but [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] tells them that [[Santa Claus]] will know if they try to peek. As the two help Sari decorate, a Sound Wave toy breaks out of the present and does something to the [[oilnog]] that Sari made for the Autobots. The toy is barely able to hide as Optimus, [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], and [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] weigh in on Santa's ability to deliver presents to all the children. Sari tells them to just accept the holiday magic and be thankful for what they have, like family, leading to a toast of the spiked [[oil]]. Soon, the Autobots all begin to feel tired and decide to call it a night, as Sari heads back to [[Sumdac Tower]].

[[File:TFAni Human Error Part 1 Optimus Human.jpg|thumb|Who would want to be a human in ''Transformers''? The [[Fandom|fans]] all hate them.]]
The next morning, Optimus wakes up, still woozy, and discovers something frightening: his hands are made of flesh! Falling off his bed in shock, Prime's eyes fall upon a mirror, and he discovers the horrifying truth—He's become a human! Optimus hears Bumblebee and Bulkhead cry out, and discovers that all the other Autobots are human as well. Optimus is convinced that there must be a reason, but a few scans by Ratchet are unable to determine the cause of the change. Looking for Prowl, the Autobots head outside, where they find the ninja is mostly at home with the situation, except he feels that something is wrong. Since they're unable to contact Sari, the Autobots decide to [[roll out|<s>roll ou</s>]]—er, walk to Sumdac Tower.

[[File:TFA Human Error Sumdac dance.jpg|thumb|left|Truly fun for all ages.]]
The Sumdacs, meanwhile, are exchanging Christmas presents, although Sari is less than impressed with the Soundwave toy she receives, having less-than-fond memories of her previous experience with the musical menace. The next present, a scooter, likewise fails to excite, until her father reveals that it also transforms into a [[jet pack|jetpack]]! Thrilled at the gift, Sari takes off to show the Autobots, leaving her dad dancing and singing along with Sound Wave.

On their way to Sumdac Tower, the Autobots stop at [[Burger Bot]] when Bulkhead experiences the odd sensation of "hunger". Before long, he is also experiencing the thrills and spills of "the bathroom", while Prowl makes the most of his new human form, having a salad and playing peek-a-boo with a greatly amused [[Nancy Witwicky|baby]]. The light-heartedness is brought to an end by a sudden explosion outside, and the Autobots race onto the street to see an armada of airborne [[Decepticon]]s, with [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] in the lead, opening fire on the city! As chaos erupts around them, more Decepticons led by [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] come stomping up the street . A blast from Shockwave sets a nearby building on fire, and Prime orders the Autobots into action despite their frail new forms. While Bulkhead and Bumblebee fight the fire, Prime and Ratchet rescue a woman, and Prowl heads upstairs to save her [[Gary|son]]. At the last minute, Prowl dives out a window several stories up with the boy in his arms and lands with ease, prompting Bulkhead to wonder exactly how he accomplished such a seemingly impossible feat. Before any thought can go into the matter, Starscream transforms to [[robot mode]] and lands in front of them!

Carried by her new jetpack to the Autobot plant, Sari is surprised to discover it locked up tight, and even more surprised when the Autobots don't respond to her knocking. She flies into the plant through a skylight, but the whole building seems deserted, so she uses the computer to scan for the Autobots' energy signatures, which turn out to be coming from...inside the plant?

[[File:TFAni Human Error Part 1 Starscream Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|GET IT OFF GET IT OFF GET IT OFF!]]
As Starscream tears up the street and sends humans scattering in fear, Bulkhead and Bumblebee rather foolishly attempt to attack him, and the results are rather predictable. When Optimus tries slashing the Decepticon with an axe, Starscream backhands him into a wall, breaking his leg. Hearing the Autobots refer to each other by name, Starscream realizes who his opponents are, but is so busy smirking over their predicament that he loses sight of them and finds that he can't tell one human from another! Dismissing them, he departs for more destruction elsewhere, leaving the Autobots to have their injuries tended to by paramedics. Requiring some of Professor Sumdac's technology to fight the Decepticons, the Autobots board a bus to get to the tower quickly.

Back at the Autobots' plant, Sari is still searching for her friends, when suddenly, a [[Laserbeak (Animated)|large, robotic bird]] flies out of a shaft in the floor, followed by a small army of Sound Wave action figures! Sari blasts the evil toys and heads down the shaft to investigate.

[[File:TFAni Human Error Part 1 Bumblebee vs Blitzwing.jpg|thumb|left|''You spin me right 'round, baby right 'round''.]]
At the foot of Sumdac Tower, the Autobots have just stepped off the bus when suddenly, a huge shadow falls over Detroit. Looking up, the stunned Autobots see the entire planet of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] itself hanging in the sky. Sumdac tower is obliterated by a huge planetary laser weapon, and a full-scale Decepticon invasion force swarms the sky, led by [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] himself! The Decepticons are just as surprised by the Automens' appearance as they are, but Megatron decides to take advantage by destroying them last, so that they may watch their adopted home be destroyed. The sheer impossibility of everything that is happening finally hits Optimus Prime and Prowl, who realize that whatever may be happening to them, none of it is real. Megatron seizes Prowl, but amazingly, the Autobot breaks free of his grip, and with a single swipe of his hand, severs Megatron's arm. Blitzwing attempts to crush Prowl beneath his foot, but Bulkhead runs forward and smashes straight through the [[Triple Changer]]'s leg. As Bumblebee pummels Blitzwing's faces and Prowl knocks out Starscream by phasing into his head, Optimus Prime beats Megatron with his own arm, then hurls his axe into the barrel of the Decepticon leader's cannon, causing it to explode. As the dust cloud fades, Cybertron and all of the Decepticons have vanished, and the Autobots come to the realization that they are trapped in some kind of virtual reality.

[[File:TFA Human Error Part 1 Soundwave Superior.jpg|thumb|Giant virtual "Shattered Glass" ''Animated'' Soundwave?]]
Sari makes the same discovery as the Autobots when she reaches the bottom of the secret shaft and discovers their bodies, plugged into machinery being operated by the full-size [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]], who is planning to use the illusion to reprogram the Autobots into Decepticons. Within the virtual world, the Autobots are able to will themselves back into robotic form (although Bulkhead has a little trouble), but before they can take any further actions, a gigantic arm bursts out of the ground beneath them, scooping them up in its hand. Soundwave's giant face looks down upon the Autobots, declaring escape impossible and shocking them all with blasts of purple energy. Soundwave also has his hands full in the real world, as Sari blasts a chunk out of his shoulder with one of her energy-balls,. Soundwave summons Laserbeak, the robotic bird Sari saw earlier, into his arms, where it transforms into a guitar and hits Sari with a powerful sonic shock wave. The wounded Sari retreats, promising to come back for her friends and leaving Soundwave to resume the final phase of his Autobot reprogramming with [[Ratbat (Animated)|another musical instrument]] that bathes the heroic robots in waves of sonic energy. As Soundwave gloats, Optimus Prime's optics activate and begin glowing Decepticon-red...

[[Human Error, Part II|To be continued...]]

==Featured characters==
{{note|Characters in italics appear only as part of Soundwave's virtual reality scenario.}}
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (9)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] (5)
*''[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'' (16)
*''[[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]]'' (17)
*''[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]]'' (18)
*''[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]]'' (19)
*''[[Strika (Animated)|Strika]]'' (20)
*''[[Oil Slick (Animated)|Oil Slick]]'' (21)
*''[[Spittor (Animated)|Spittor]]'' (22)
*[[Laserbeak (Animated)|Laserbeak]] (27)
*''[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]'' (28)
*[[Ratbat (Animated)|Ratbat]] (29)
|c3=
*[[Porter C. Powell]] (6)
*[[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] (7)
*''[[Hydra (Animated)|Hydra]]'' (10)
*''[[Marty Isenberg]]'' (11)
*''[[Cancer (Animated)|Cancer]]'' (12)
*''[[Lisa Kane]]'' (13)
*''[[Nancy Witwicky]]'' (14)
*''[[Carly Witwicky (Animated)|Carly Witwicky]]'' (15)
*''[[Gary's mother]]'' (23)
*''[[Gary]]'' (24)
*''[[Daniel Witwicky (Animated)|Daniel Witwicky]]'' (25)
*''[[Spike Witwicky (Animated)|Spike Witwicky]]'' (26)
|c4=
*[[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==

"That toy rightfully belongs to me, Powell! You are a thieving crook!" 
"And a Merry Christmas to you too, Professor Sumdac, but I acquired your toy's patents fair and square when I owned your company. Now I'm sharing Sound Wave with the entire world, for only $19.99 each." 
"$19.99? ''How does he do it''?!" 
:—'''Professor Sumdac''' unwittingly provides PR for '''Porter C. Powell's''' products. Say that three times fast.

'''Ratchet''': And I'm telling you, there is no way that this "Santa Claus" could deliver billions of presents in one night. 
'''Prowl''': I can think of at least one way. Ho. Ho. Ho. 
''[Prowl projects holograms of himself]'' 
'''Optimus''': A sound theory, Prowl. I did see multiple Santas in the shopping district tonight.
:—The Autobots weigh in on the debate of how Santa does his job.

"In these human bodies, [[Furmanism|what chance do we have?]]"
:— Don't act like you don't know where '''Ratchet''' is going with this.

"''PRIME!?'' Look at you! You're hideous!" 
"We're all hideous! We're...people!" 
"And you're so small!" 
"Knock it off! I'm bigger than ''you''!" 
:— '''Bumblebee''' and '''Bulkhead''' assessing their human forms.

'''Prowl''': "Here I am. Hahaha. Peekaboo! I'm over here! Hehaha." 
''*[[Nancy Witwicky|baby]] laughs*'' 
'''Ratchet''': "You think she'd be ''laughing'' if you were a giant robot?" 
'''Prowl''': "That's the point. Being human gives me a better sense of what this holiday season means. I'm…thankful, for just being alive in any form." 
:— '''Prowl''', who apparently is the only one who ''isn't'' completely pessimistic about becoming human, reminding the team to have some Christmas spirit.

"Hey! There's no antilock breaks on these servos!" 
"I think the humans call them…''legs''." 
:— '''Bulkhead''' and '''Bumblebee''' discover one of many unfortunate human limitations.

"We need to get to Sumdac Tower. Auto—uh, men. Transfo—er, uh, roll—er, uh, oh, let's...let's just go."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has a few slips on his "[[roll out]]" command.

"Why would ze Autobots choose to be human?" 
"Not for the fashion sense, I can tell you that. A-ha-ha-ha!"
:—'''Icy Blitzwing''' and '''Random Blitzwing''', the next {{w|Tim Gunn}}.

"A-who cares? I will crush zem into human meat pies!"
:-'''Hothead Blitzwing''', the next Valeriano Weyler.

"Not a creature was stirring, not even a—''[Laserbeak flies out of the Autobrand on the floor]'' creepy robot bird?"
:—'''Sari Sumdac''' adds a new twist to a classic Christmas tale.

"Oh, look! I have a hole in my rocket!"
:—Even horrible injury cannot faze '''Random Blitzwing'''.

"Hey, we're baaaaack!" 
"Not all of us!" 
"It might help you if you make the noise with your mouth like this: ''Choo-chuh-chah-chik''!" 
"Sounds silly... But, okay. Choo-chuh-chah-chah-chik! ''Choo-chuh-chah-chah-chik''!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Bulkhead''', making [[Transformation#The noise|the transformation noise]] like so many of us do—DID. As children. Yeah.

"Escape is impossible. Autobots inferior, Soundwave superior."
:—'''Soundwave''' makes sure that line is never forgotten.

==Notes==

===Transformers references===
* [[Derrick J. Wyatt|Derrick Wyatt]] stated this episode was a partial homage to a [[Only Human|"classic" Generation 1 episode]].
* Sari's transforming scooter-jetpack was an early idea that didn't make it into the series, but which was featured in a promotional reel for the ''Animated'' series (seen on the convention circuit in mid-2007 and featured on the DVD included with the "Optimus Prime and Megatron: The Battle Begins" action figure set). The version introduced with this episode is somewhat different from the original concept, which was a pedal-powered tricycle that transformed using the power of the [[AllSpark Key]].
* The scooter's jetpack form is, in turn, based on the backpacks worn by the Acroyear/Acroyer, the villains from Takara's [[Microman]] toyline.
[[File:HydraMartyCancer.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|This is a winning sitcom concept right here.]]
* The [[Burger Bot]] patrons include series head writer [[Marty Isenberg]], [[Carly Witwicky (Animated)|Carly Witwicky]], her baby daughter [[Nancy Witwicky|Nancy]] (who was close to being born during the Season 2 episode "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]"), and ''Animated'' homages to the ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' characters [[Cancer (G1)|Cancer]] and [[Hydra (G1)|Hydra]]. [[Hydra (Animated)|Hydra]], Marty, and [[Cancer (Animated)|Cancer]] are sitting together at one table, indicating a very interesting family.
* Speaking of Masterforce, this episode also features [[Pretender|Transformers turning into people and back]].
* Starscream's missiles feature the shark-toothed smiley faces sculpted into his Voyager-class toy's missile accessories.
* Cybertron was brought into Earth orbit twice in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]] series: first in the multipart episode "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1|The Ultimate Doom]]", and then in the series finale, "[[The Rebirth, Part 3]]". It would later happen again [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|in the Movieverse]].
* Soundwave's declaration of "Autobots inferior; Soundwave superior" is a paraphrase of his Generation 1 namesake's famous line of dialogue from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'': "Soundwave superior; Constructicons inferior."
* The colors on the giant Soundwave in the virtual world come from Takara's "Sonic White" Soundwave MP3 player.
* This isn't the first time Prowl [[Transform and Roll Out|slices off Megatron's arm]].

===Real-world references===
* Appropriately enough, the first act of this episode incorporates traditional Christmas songs "{{w|Carol of the Bells}}", "{{w|Jingle Bells}}" and "{{w|God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen}}" into the background music.
* When Sari's searching the Autobot base for her friends, at one point, her jetpack sounds like a [[wikia:starwars:Podracer|podracer]] from ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]] Episode I: The Phantom Menace''.
* Sari quotes from the Christmas poem, "{{w|A Visit from St. Nicholas}}" (more commonly known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), replacing the word "mouse" with "[[Laserbeak (Animated)|creepy robot bird]]".
* When Laserbeak chases Sari into the elevator, he makes sounds like a seagull.
* Bumblebee says "We're not in Detroit anymore," which is another twist on an oft-paraphrased line from ''The Wizard of Oz''.
* The scene of Cybertron blowing up [[Sumdac Tower]] is straight out of the mid-'90s summer blockbuster ''Independence Day'', in which an alien mothership blows up the White House in a similar manner while using the [[Death Star]] sound effect from ''Star Wars''.
* The whole idea of the heroes acting in a virtual world where only those aware of its true nature can break the laws of physics is similar to {{w|The Matrix (series)|the ''Matrix'' series}}.
* Prowl going into the burning building to save the child, despite being in human form, is highly reminiscent of a scene in ''Spider-Man 2'' in which Peter Parker does the same thing, despite having temporarily lost his powers and not wearing his hero outfit.
* The number on Bulkhead's football jersey is 72. This is appropriate, as that number is assigned to the positions "offensive lineman" and "defensive lineman" in the {{w|Uniform number (American football)|NFL}}, positions which are occupied by the largest and heaviest players on the team.

===Animation or technical errors===
* When Bulkhead sets down his Christmas present, the box is missing the horizontal ribbon it has in the preceding and following shots.
* When Ratchet scans Optimus, all the equipment is human-sized, instead of the much larger, Transformer-scaled size. Of course, it's not actually ''real'', but still.
[[File:HumanError-DanielSpike.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The popular "Invisible Booster Seat" image from Lolbots.com.]]
* In the bus tram scene, Daniel is shown levitating over his seat.
* Marty Isenberg is drawn with only one leg.
* In the scene showing Isenberg, Hydra and Cancer facing forward, Isenberg's, uh, buttocks is overlapping Cancer's thigh.
* We first see [[Nancy Witwicky|<s>Jennifer</s> Nancy Witwicky]] for a few frames in the background next to a mom who isn't Carly. She's Carly later, though.
* After the explosion is heard outside the Burger Bot, Bulkhead's previously half-eaten burger is now whole.
* Bulkhead punches Starscream with his right hand...then screams and clutches his ''left'' hand...then after a scene cut, he is shown clutching his ''right'' hand...and later he gets a bandage put on his ''left'' hand. Of course, it's...oh, you get the idea.
* Of course, if this was real, we'd point out that the force with which Starscream smashed Optimus into the wall should probably have killed him, or at least caused a lot more damage than a broken leg. Good thing it's not, then.
* When Cybertron approaches Earth, it's entirely ''in front'' of the clouds, which is absurd for anything planet-sized. (Still not real, though.)
* The elevator platform in the Autobots' base shrinks from Autobot-sized at the top (such that Sari is shown to be tiny in comparison to it) to human-sized at the bottom (such that Laserbeak couldn't fit through the door even if it had been open).
* Blitzwing's face changes from Icy to Random when he lifts up his leg, only to be Icy again when he's looking through the hole after the shot changes.
* When Optimus beats Megatron with his own severed arm, the arm is ''freaking colossal'', nearly as big as the rest of Megatron's body. (Megatron's face also goes significantly off-model in the same scene.) It's also hollow, but that's what virtual things look like on the inside.
* When Optimus commands the "Automen" to transform, one of his irises is bigger than the other.
* When being held by the giant Soundwave, Prowl is briefly missing his armor.
* The hole Sari blows in Soundwave's backpack comes and goes. Hey, this bit is real!

===Continuity errors===
*When Optimus is out patrolling, he has his trailer. It disappears when he transforms—in fact, it appears to start transforming along with him just before the shot switches to him in [[robot mode]]—and is absent when he returns to [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] a few minutes later.
* Where did Soundwave get images of the Decepticons? In particular, since there are several conceivable ways to get the Earth Decepts' images, what are [[Team Chaar]] and [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] doing there, as none of them have been to Earth? Even if you somehow presume the Autobots themselves generated the images, only Oil Slick—per ''The Arrival'' comic—and Shockwave's head have been seen by any of Optimus's team.
* Where did Sari's jetpack go while she was on the lift? (For that matter, why did she transform out of her robot mode at all?)
* Lugnut disappears with the other Decepticons, despite the fact none of the Autobots fought him.
* Considering the noise that the Sound Wave toy made when he ran across the room to spike the nog, wouldn't someone hear it?

===Trivia===
[[File:Prime'sTrailer MysterySolved.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|So ''that's'' where it goes!]]
* Sari returns after being out of action from the events of "[[TransWarped]] Part III".
* When Optimus goes to bed, one can just barely make out his trailer in the corner of his room.
* This episode features an unusually high amount of [[stock footage]] by ''Animated'' standards. Starscream's sequence is a few seconds longer than when it was last seen in "[[Megatron Rising - Part 1]]". Of course, all the sequences of the "human" Autobots transforming have been re-edited.
* Apparently, in future Detroit, you are allowed to use public transportation while bearing a giant axe. Well, it ''is'' Detroit...
* Back in "[[Sound and Fury (episode)|Sound and Fury]]", Soundwave's voice was modulated using only one tone, meaning it never rose or fell. With this episode, more tones are introduced into his voice, allowing it to rise and fall in the same manner as his [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|counterpart]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].
* Sari's abilities include being capable of holding a full barrel of [[oil]] on each hand and surviving getting slammed into a wall by Laserbeak and Soundwave. Plus, she makes a mean oilnog.
* Man, Professor Sumdac sure can ''dance''.
* Now in his samurai armor, Prowl can make two or more holographic projections of himself, whereas he could only make one at a time before getting the armor. It's just ''that'' awesome!
* Technically, since most of this episode wasn't real, most of the errors above can be dismissed. So nyah!
* This isn't the [[Bee in the City|first time]] Bumblebee has a taste of human food.
* Considering the presence of snow at the end of the first season, and now again here, it seems fairly obvious that it's been well over a year since the Autobots awoke from their stasis under Lake Erie. Additionally, while "[[Along Came a Spider]]" explicitly showed the Autobots' first Halloween, this is never said to be their first Christmas.
* Just when you thought he couldn't get any more awesome, Prowl becomes a ''Ghost''/Cop/Ninja.
* As the Decepticon Jets attack Detroit, two Lugnuts are attacking: Lugnut in his regular color scheme, and behind him, the [[To sell toys|Atomic Lugnut redeco]].
* A Christmas special in April? That's unusual.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Erreur humaine, partie 1'''" ("Human Error, part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???
::*While he talked without effect in season 1, a ''very'' strong effect has been added on Soundwave's voice, which makes it impossible to tell if it's still [[Bruno Magne]] dubbing him. It also makes him difficult to understand at times.
::*Soundwave calls Laserbeak "Vautour laser" ("Laser vulture").
::*The French dub of this show kept the strange habit to sometimes use very "slang" words all of a sudden. In past episodes we have already had characters say "I don't care" or "that damn thing" in a very familiar way. But here we take it to a new level, when "Hothead" Blitzwing says the equivalent of "I don't give a sh*t, I will crush them into human meat pies".

'''Spanish (Latin America)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Error humano, primera parte'''" ("Human Error, part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 24|24 November]] [[2009]]

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ningen ni Natta Autobot'''" (人間になったオートボット, "The Autobots Became Humans")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 20|20 November]] [[2010]]
::*New transforming [[stock footage]] for Soundwave as he delivers the usual TV-viewing warning, starting with his more "innocent" voice before changing to his menacing voice.

==Home video releases==
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2011 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Vol. 9 ([[Paramount]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Three ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season Three ([[Madman Entertainment]])

[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Alpha Trion

2026-03-27T00:45:32Z

StarGayCybertron: /* One film */

{{factions|{{factions/icons|custom=PotP-AlphaTrion.png|cSize=20px|cLink=Alpha Trion|cPretty=Alpha Trion}}|autobot|autobotg2|sgAutobot|decepticon}}
{{featured}}
{{disambig3|Trion}}
{{suite}}

[[File:AlphaTrionG1-Legendsartclean.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm sure I'm just a wise old sage and nothing any more complicated or cosmic than that!]]

'''Alpha Trion''', sometimes called '''A-3''' or '''Sig-Omega''', is one of the oldest living Transformers, with some claiming that he dates back to the [[Thirteen|very first generation of Cybertronians]]. His age has given him unprecedented experience and the wisdom that comes with it; to that end, Alpha Trion has dedicated himself to recording [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s history in the [[Covenant of Primus]], knowing that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

Though in his younger years he fought against [[Unicron|those]] [[Quintesson|beings]] that threatened Cybertron and its freedom, in his older years he has eschewed the path of the warrior, preferring to serve as an advisor to other Transformers; he now acts as a mentor and guide to many an [[Autobot]] leader, having particuarly close relationships with [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Elita One (disambiguation)|Elita One]]. Even they, however, know little of the enigmatic sage's true history, and his connections to [[Vector Sigma]], [[Primus]], and the history of Cybertron itself have boosted him to legendary status.

{{bigquote|Respect your elders.|Alpha Trion|''[[Transformers: Exiles|Exiles]]''}}

==Conceptual history==
[[File:G1femmes.jpg|thumb||upright=1.5|Illustration of Alpha Trion's first appearance from ''[[TV Magazine]]'''s [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)|Generation 1 story pages.]]]]
Alpha Trion makes for quite the {{w|exquisite corpse}} for a geezer whose whole thing is being the ancient that's very much still alive. First created by writer [[Beth Bornstein]] and character designer [[Floro Dery]] for the eponymous [[1985]] [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]," he was initially presented as a thinly sketched hermit acting as a {{w|deus ex machina}} of sorts for the debut adventure of [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] and her [[Female Autobots]], described in the script as "implicitly the creator of several of the Autobots."<ref>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TJ3OWlKLpIdhwykgyvFgFntqEZvJ9J4s/view Script], "The Search for Alpha Trion"</ref> Subsequent concentric retcons by a revolving door of writers throughout the cartoon would build up to make him comically vital to the entirety of Transformer history, making explicit his role in building [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Elita One,<ref>"[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]"</ref> establishing him as a first-generation product (and subsequent guardian) of the [[Vector Sigma|life-giving supercomputer]] at the heart of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]],<ref>"[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]"</ref> bearing (albeit not using) the [[Matrix of Leadership]] for generations before it found its way to Optimus,<ref>"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]"</ref> and finally, proving pivotal to the founding of Cybertronian society itself as a co-leader of the [[Autobot Rebellion|original rebellion]] against their [[Quintesson]] creators.<ref>"[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]"</ref>

It would ultimately be that second one that stuck for much of the next twenty-five years. When [[BotCon]] purveyor [[3H Productions]]'s post-''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' fiction picked Alpha Trion back up for the first time since Generation 1 in [[2001]], he was couched as the earthly representative of [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Generation 1 Marvel comic]]-derived creator deity [[Primus]] through his connection with aforementioned computer Vector Sigma and tasked with delivering the kind of dialogue previously reserved for [[Keeper (Transformer)|various spooky generics]]. And so he would remain, backgrounded as the "mystical exposition" guy: appearing in several different [[continuity|continuities]], but always pretty much the same guy and always pretty much a bit part. A conspicuous outlier during this time was his [[2009]] appearance in the more grounded [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|''Animated'' cartoon]], where the hermit thing was thrown out to depict him as a leading Cybertronian politician on the [[Autobot High Council]]. More obscure but significantly more divergent, [[2007]]'s [[Transformers Collectors' Club|club-exclusive]] ''[[Transformers: TransTech|TransTech]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' fiction introduced a version of Alpha Trion who seemed to be the usual kindly old sage, only to be revealed as a cruel, scheming murderer from a negative-polarity "mirror" universe.

[[File:COPAlphaTrion.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.95|Alpha Trion's self-portrait(?) from the ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|Covenant of Primus]].'']]

That long-forgotten stuff about his role in the founding of Cybertronian society and the lineage of the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]s would come roaring back in the 2010s when Alpha Trion was included in brand architect [[Aaron Archer]]'s finalized roster for the [[Thirteen|Thirteen Original Transformers]] as part of the unified "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]" project. Debuting in the [[2010]] novel ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'', this Alpha Trion chucked much of the above in a blender, characterized as a demigod descended from Primus himself at the dawn of time, present for the entirety of Cybertronian history with the character hook of acting as the "chronicler" of the Thirteen and keeper of the holy text known as the "[[Covenant of Primus]]" (eventually published as an [[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|actual factual book]] for fans to buy). This translated into a pre-eminent historian and academic leading [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s [[Hall of Records]] in the present day, both echoing his ''Animated'' social status and positioning him to once again act as a young Optimus Prime's mentor.

This assertion that the existing ancient, mysterious sage from the first generation of Cybertronians was part of the ancient, mysterious first generation of Cybertronians may seem reasonable, but fandom at the time was baffled by the reveal. Some would be quick to point out that the Thirteen at their original conception by brand founding father [[Simon Furman]] were described in the [[2004]] guidebook ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'' as ''all'' having died out by the present day (something that went out the window nigh-immediately with [[Vector Prime]]'s debut in the pilot of the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] a few months later) but the real point of contention takes us back to the convention circuit. 2010s BotCon and Collectors' Club stewards [[Fun Publications]] had just spent the past decade emphatically establishing that [[multiversal singularity|only one version]] of each member of the Thirteen existed throughout the [[Multiverse|''Transformers'' multiverse]], and it seemed implausible that the eeeevil ''Shattered Glass'' version in particular was the exact same guy as found in the Generation 1 cartoon—one of several continuity-wonk concerns Hasbro representatives hand-waved away in interviews as the Aligned continuity being "separate" from the rest of the multiverse and not bound to existing lore.<ref name="allspark2011botcon">{{citesocial|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611031835/http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=79726|site=The Allspark|title=Botcon 2011 Transformers Brand Panel!, Live coverage starting at 1pm PST!|year=2011|month=06|day=05|defunct=y}}</ref> Subsequent events in the Club's Thirteen-centric storyline would see the Aligned continuity "leak" into the surrounding universes,<ref>[[Source:Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter#May 9, 2015|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09]]</ref> leading the consciousnesses of the various Trions to metaphysically "fuse" together from the bottom up,<ref>[[Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#June 14, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/14]]</ref> before the storyline's [[2015]] finale did away with the one-per-customer policy entirely as the "[[Shroud]]" catastrophe shattered the multiverse (and conveniently freed up future writers from its limitations).<ref>"[[Out of the One, Many]]"</ref> Around the same time, [[IDW Publishing]] similarly pivoted the Alpha Trion of their [[2005 IDW continuity|long-running Generation 1 continuity]] as they introduced the Thirteen for the first time, producing a rascally Trion prone to omissions and half-truths very selective about his own past.

The subsequent decade of material has pretty thoroughly followed the Aligned continuity's lead, as Alpha Trion's big-screen debut in [[2024]]'s ''[[Transformers One (film)|Transformers One]]'' kept the "last of the Thirteen and teller of their tales" thing pretty much verbatim. Most recently, [[2025]]'s Thirteen-centric ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' toyline has taken pains to knit the Aligned characterization back to his classical Generation 1 cartoon look, replacing the fearsome "barbarian king" visage of the Alpha Trion of the Thirteen in the late 2010s ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'' family of franchises with a reproduction of his youthful appearance from those original cartoon flashbacks, while still maintaining his Thirteen schtick down to including the first mass-produced action figure accessory version of his Covenant.
{{--}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[John Stephenson]] (English), [[Corey Burton]] (English, "War Dawn"), [[Tony Pope]] (English, "Forever Is a Long Time Coming"), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Toshiro Ishii]] (Japanese, "War Dawn"), [[Hiroshi Naka]] (Japanese, "The Rebirth")|[[Chen Chun]] (Chinese), [[Wolfgang Mascher]] (German, "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2" and "The Rebirth, Part 2"), [[Ramón Rocabayera]] (Spain-Spanish), [[Alejandro Abdalah]] (Latin American Spanish), [[François Leccia]] (European French, "The Search for Alpha Trion"), [[Serge Lhorca]] (European French, "The Key to Vector Sigma" episodes & "War Dawn"), [[Albert Augier]] (European French, "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2"), [[Georges Atlas]] (European French, "The Rebirth" episodes), [[Magalhães Graça]] (Portuguese), [[Jomeri Pozzoli]] (Portuguese, "The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2")}}

[[File:YoungA3.jpg|left|thumb|Silverbolt never misses a chance to check out A-3's rugged mustache.]]
The robot who would later be known as Alpha Trion was a "first generation product" of [[Vector Sigma]]. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} 11 million years ago, Alpha Trion was known as A-3 and was part of the [[Autobot Rebellion|rebellion]] against the [[Quintesson]]s on a [[Cybertron (planet)|factory world]], creating a device called the [[Coder Remote]] that would stop their [[Dark Guardian]]s. Due to a timerift created by Quintessons from the future, he was briefly pulled from his position in the [[Empty Lands]] into the year 2006. Fortunately, his partner [[Beta (G1)|Beta]] managed to start the rebellion as scheduled, and A-3 was soon returned by future [[Autobot]]s to fulfill his role in Cybertronian history. {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}

[[File:Alphatrionagesbackwards.jpg|thumb|He grew a beard, picked up the Matrix, shaved his beard, and then built Optimus, apparently.]]
Years later, he would be given the [[Matrix of Leadership]] by the dying [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], but Alpha Trion himself did not become Autobot leader. It would sit in his possession, unused, until the coming of the next Autobot leader. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} In the meantime, Alpha Trion developed plans to rebuild Autobots to better combat the escalating [[Decepticon]] menace.

The next Autobot leader would actually come to ''him'' when a [[Aerialbot (G1)|group of time-travelers]] lugged a dying youth named Orion Pax to his repair center. Reluctant at first, Alpha Trion sensed a strong spirit in Orion Pax, and decided to rebuild him entirely... into [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. When Prime asked if Alpha Trion could rebuild his fallen girlfriend Ariel as well, Alpha Trion agreed, and mused that [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] would be a good name for a female warrior. {{storylink|War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn}}

Over the intervening millennia, Alpha Trion's two greatest creations, whether by design or coincidence, forgot their relationship to the ancient Autobot. Five million years after his creation, Optimus Prime was lost when his spacecraft crash-landed on prehistoric Earth, but Alpha Trion kept in contact with Elita One, acting as a sagely advisor to her team of [[Female Autobots]] as they spent the following four million years stealing [[energon]] from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Eventually, in the Earth year 1985, Shockwave caught the Female Autobots in the act and tracked them back to their headquarters, prompting Elita One to consult with Alpha Trion on a course of action. Trion suggested they move their headquarters, telling Elita to scout for a new location alone, but in the event that she encountered the Decepticons, warned her not to use her life-draining [[special power]] to freeze time. Alas, Elita was captured and used by the Decepticons to lure Optimus Prime into a trap. To save her beloved's life, Elita used her fatal power, and the Autobot leader was forced to track Alpha Trion to [[Alpha Trion's base‎|his secret base]] in hopes that he could save her. Alpha Trion repaired her to the best of his ability, but revealed to Optimus Prime that only Prime could save Elita by interfacing to her with his power filter. An astonished Optimus Prime stated that only his creator could know that! {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}

[[File:AlphaTrion.jpg|left|thumb|Alpha Trion has secret liquor stashes in the strangest of places.]]

A short time later, while he was looking for a [[10.2 ultra-drill|misplaced tool]], Alpha Trion was attacked in his workshop by [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and his Decepticons, who demanded that he hand over the [[Key to Vector Sigma]]. Trion pled ignorance, but Megatron knew better, and the elderly Autobot was soon overpowered while the Decepticons made off with the key. Alpha Trion was rescued from the chunk of metal the Decepticons left him stuck in by Optimus Prime and the Autobots, and after his injuries were repaired by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], he journeyed with them into Cybertron's depths, leading the way to Vector Sigma's chamber. Their way, however, was barred by [[Centurion droid]]s that Megatron used the Key to command, and Alpha Trion helped reactivate some discarded worker robots to fight the droids off. The droids had done their job, however, and prevented the Autobots from reaching Megatron before he used Vector Sigma to bring his newest Decepticons, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] to life. To combat these new land-based Decepticons, Optimus Prime hit on the idea of creating some new aerial Autobots, and Alpha Trion set to work reconstructing some Cybertronian aircraft. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} When the work was done, Alpha Trion professed that he had another key to Vector Sigma "on him", and he would use it to reactivate the computer so that it could bring the jets to life. His "key", however, was his own life force: as a first generation product of Vector Sigma, his [[computation matrix]] could interface with the computer and bring it back online, at the cost of his own continued existence. Optimus Prime tried to stop him, but Alpha Trion refused to listen, reminding Prime that he was his creator and insisting that the jets were more important than he was. Prime relented, and Alpha Trion merged with Vector Sigma, which activated and brought the new [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] to life. Before Prime and the Autobots departed for Earth, Alpha Trion spoke to them through Vector Sigma, warning them of a fact merging with the computer had revealed to him: on Earth, the Key to Vector Sigma had even greater power. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

[[File:Ktvs prime and trion.jpg|thumb|"Hey"]]

Many years later, when the [[Hate Plague]] was raging throughout the universe in the year 2006, Optimus Prime entered the Matrix to consult the ancient Autobots within on a possible cure. Alpha Trion was the first Prime spoke to, but he had no information to give, save a warning that Prime should take care on his journey into the Matrix, lest he be unable to return. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

The following year, after the Decepticons stole the [[Key to the Plasma Energy Chamber]], Optimus Prime used the Matrix to reactivate Vector Sigma so that he could converse with Alpha Trion, hoping that the old sage knew something more about what was going on. Alpha Trion revealed to Prime that Vector Sigma had ''allowed'' [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] to become aware of the key's existence, as the chamber was key to the dawning of a new [[Golden Age]] for Cybertron... as was the merging of an [[Cerebros (G1)|Autobot]]'s life with that of a [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|human]]'s. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}} Alpha Trion appeared to Optimus one final time, urging him to preserve the key at all costs, as it would be vital in fulfilling Vector Sigma's prophecy. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
One account claimed that A-3 was the first successful labor robot by Vector Sigma; [[A-1 (G1)|A-1]] and [[A-2]] being preceding failures.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=スーパーコンピュター"ベクターシグマ"完成。労働ロボットのを開始。A-1、A-2の製作失敗ののし、A-3が誕生。よってA-3がベクターシグマが生んだ最初のロボットということになる。|title=宇宙新暦セイバートロン星の歴史|name=コミックボンボン|year=1987|month=01}}</ref>

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
The consciousness of [[Primus]] observed Beta and A-3 drive the Quintessons off of their planet. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale|Finale}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Masaharu Satō]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:AlphaTrionGhost.jpg|thumb|left|Alpha Trion's Spooooooky Ghost]]
In the year 2011, one year after Optimus Prime released the energy of the Matrix to cure the Hate Plague, Vector Sigma began to destabilize as a result. Optimus Prime voyaged into the planet's depths to try and bring the computer back under control, but the mission seemed doomed to failure, as he did not have the Matrix to help him. While the other Autobots searched Earth for the Matrix, which had been hidden away to recharge, the spectral form of Alpha Trion appeared to Optimus Prime to help lead him through the many dangers blocking the path to Vector Sigma's chamber. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} When they finally reached their goal, however, it turned out the Decepticons had beaten them there. [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] was not far behind, with the recovered Matrix in his grasp, and when the young Autobot arrived, Alpha Trion instructed him to hold the talisman aloft. Trion's ethereal form flowed into the Matrix, completing its recharging process and transforming [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] back into Rodimus Prime, who joined Optimus in thrashing the Decepticons. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}}

=====Train Wars=====
The incorporeal Alpha Trion sensed a threat to [[Vector Sigma]] from inside the Matrix, and rematerialized on the physical plane to address the problem. He discovered [[the Fallen]] attempting to steal and assume the power of Vector Sigma for himself. Downplaying his own importance, Alpha Trion attempted to advise [[Shouki]] and the other Autobot defenders present. {{storylink|Train Wars}}

Upon recovering Vector Sigma from the Fallen, Alpha Trion once again sacrificed his physical form to merge with Vector Sigma, giving it the drive necessary to reformat Shouki into a "train bazooka" mode, powerful enough to defeat the Fallen. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}

=====''G-2'' story pages=====
[[File:G2StoryPageReconfigurationMatrix1.jpg|thumb]]
When Optimus Prime was fatally injured in battle with Megatron, the spirits of Alpha Trion and former leaders residing within the Matrix activated its [[Reconfiguration Matrix]] mechanism, reviving Prime as Battle Convoy. {{storylink|Transformers: G-2 (story page)|G-2 Part 5}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
Alpha Trion and the Matrix—possibly the Reconfiguration Matrix again—had a hand in Rodimus Prime's transformation into a [[Micromaster]]. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter|Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter}}

To counter the rise of [[Galvatron II]], Battle Convoy contacted the spirit of Alpha Trion within the Matrix and requested his help in reviving [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]. Locating Magnus among the spirits of former leaders residing in the Matrix, Trion convinced him he was needed in the world of the living and entered his chest, using his unique connection with the Matrix to act as a substitute Matrix and bring both himself and Magnus back to life. Trion was restored in a tiny body that popped out of Magnus's chest. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue Part 1: Resurrection Chapter|Resurrection Chapter}} Granted the ability to predict the future by his merging with Vector Sigma, Alpha Trion then foresaw that [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] would return to his evil ways in the [[Legends World]] he had settled in. Seeking to stop this, the sage himself traveled to this other universe, using his diminutive body to disguise himself as a janitor at the [[Axalon Trading Company]] while waiting for Megatron to make his move. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus}}

When the employees of Axalon Co. got curious about [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]—who'd ended up as their new office building after getting summoned into the Legends Universe—Alpha Trion taught them about the city-bot's past. He accidentally blew his cover by explaining he knew this much because he was from "the other world", though fortunately(?) the employees wrongly assumed he meant the world of the dead. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue Part 2: Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter|Mysterious Knowledgeable Grandpa Chapter}} Alpha Trion was present when Megatron made his move, teaming up with [[Megatron (Armada)|Armada Megatron]] to conquer the Legends World. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus Prologue Part 3: Autumn Megatron Festival Chapter|The Autumn Megatron Festival Chapter}} In response, he cast his disguise aside and used an [[10.2 ultra-drill|ultra-drill]] to summon Ultra Magnus from their home universe. At first, Magnus told Trion to get back in his chest, but the sage assured him he no longer needed Trion's Matrix power but had to rely on his own strength. After the Megatrons were defeated by Magnus, Alpha Trion confirmed to a curious [[Rattrap (Legends)|Rattrap]] that he could indeed predict the future, and had had a vision of the imminent arrival of [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird Shadow]], [[Blackarachnia (Legends)|Blackarachnia]], and [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]] as well. {{storylink|LG14 Ultra Magnus}}

Alpha Trion later confirmed to a curious Rattrap that his new body was a [[Mini-Con]]-type one, though he got defensive when asked to display the third weapon mode Mini-Cons are supposed to have. Transforming into his hovercar mode, he claimed it was ''clearly'' a shield and displayed its usefulness by shielding Ultra Magnus from a barrage of lasers. Unfortunately his size meant he only took a fraction of the blasts, and Magnus was gunned down. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Sequel#Alpha Trion Chapter|Alpha Trion Chapter}} Armada Megatron later bought an Ultra Magnus toy in order to examine it for the Autobot's weaknesses, defending his purchase of a non-Mini-Con toy to [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Starscream]] by pointing out the Alpha Trion accessory. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Sequel#Armada Megatron Chapter|Armada Megatron Chapter}}

Thanks to Alpha Trion's premonitions, the Autobots were prepared for Slipstream's arrival in the Legends World and easily defeated her. {{storylink|LG16 Slipstream}} While doing janitor work at [[Tera-Kura Co.]], he overheard Megatron talk about his plan to steal energy from people, and summoned [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] into the Legends World as reinforcement. {{storylink|LG17 Blackarachnia}} When [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Starscream]] attempted to sacrifice himself to prevent [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] from destroying the Legends World, Alpha Trion opened a portal to Starscream's home universe and brought forth [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] to stop him. {{storylink|LG18 Armada Starscream Super Mode}}

Alpha Trion was later contacted by the [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] of his home universe, who requested to be brought to the Legends World. {{storylink|LG19 Springer Prologue}} Following Springer's arrival, Trion had his ultra-drill stolen by a jealous [[Tigatron (Legends)|Tigatron]]. {{storylink|LG19 Springer}} He was later caught up in Megatron's attack on the city when the Decepticon briefly returned to being Galvatron. {{storylink|LG23 Galvatron}} Aware that Alpha Trion contained the power of the Matrix, [[Terrorsaur (Legends)|Terrorsaur]] had [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] capture the sage as part of a bid to take over Tera-Kura, but he was freed when the Matrix energies overloaded and exploded Scourge's [[transtector]]. He went on to teach Scourge and his [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] how to be proper janitors. {{storylink|LG26 Scourge}} When Tera-Kura purchased Metroplex from Axalon, Alpha Trion joined the Decepticon company so that he could stay with Metroplex. {{storylink|LG31 Fortress Maximus}}

Alpha Trion was pretty careless with his ultra-drill; after Tigatron, it was also stolen by [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] {{storylink|LG33 Highbrow}} and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] to serve their own needs. {{storylink|LG-43 Trypticon Project Chapter}} He was present when [[Ginrai (human)|God Ginrai]] tried to force his way into Tera-Kura Co., {{storylink|LG42 Godbomber}} and later had his drill nabbed again by [[Waspinator (Legends)|Waspinator]]. {{storylink|LG-EX Magna Convoy}} When Weirdwolf's Decepticon faction attacked Tera-Kura to nab Metroplex's [[transformation cog (biology)|transformation cog]], Alpha Trion did his best to fight off [[Apeface]]. {{storylink|LG43 Trypticon Mobilization Chapter: Decepticon Civil War|Decepticon Civil War}} Weirdwolf used the cog to rebuild [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], so Trion responded by summoning [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]], who had previously bested the monster. Following Trypticon's defeat, he also called for the [[Disaster Relief Team]] to rebuild [[Akihabara]]. {{storylink|LG43 Trypticon}} Alpha Trion was later kidnapped by [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]], [[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]] and [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]], who forced him to summon the six [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] partners lost in the G1 World. He did as instructed only to find that the Targetmasters were emitting lethal amounts of [[plasma energy]], so he instead put the drill in reverse and scattered the six across the Legends World for everyone's safety. {{storylink|Mutant Targetmaster Birth Chapter}}

During a battle between Ultra Magnus and [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]], Alpha Trion entered Magnus's chest to lend him his power. {{storylink|LG50 Sixshot}} He contacted the [[Wreckers]] for help when the city came under attack from a [[Zamojin (species)|Zamojin]]-controlled Windblade. {{storylink|Jumpstarter Chapter|LG65 Twin Twist Prologue}} During the battle with [[Majin Zarak]], whom fate decreed could not be destroyed, Alpha Trion hooked his ultra-drill up to [[Twin Twist (G1)|Twin Twist]]'s Drill Base in order to generate a giant portal that Zarak could be pushed through. Megatron then had him open portals all over the Legends World so the doomed world's citizens could be evacuated to the G1 World. {{storylink|Targetmaster Chapter Finale: Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part Two|Legends World in Imminent Danger! Part Two}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}

[[File:BattleLines6-stasishibernationpods.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67]]

After the ''[[Van De Graaff]]'' was shot down on [[Beta-Nine]], the proemial Alpha Unit of the [[Elite Guard]] managed to retrieve its cargo. The [[Matrix of Leadership|mysterious item]] was then delivered by [[Magnum]] to its custodian, Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Wings of Honor}}

Over the next ten years, the Decepticon insurrection became more fierce. Councilor Magnum continued to champion his Elite Guard, a series of strike teams dedicated to hunting down the [[Decepticon Warlord]]s to cut the many heads off the serpent. Councilor Alpha Trion, however, favored his own Prime Initiative, a general of sorts who would oversee the entire Autobot army as a unified force against the Decepticons. {{Storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

Despite their political differences, Alpha Trion and Magnum worked together as the situation called for it. When a group of civilian scientists and historians needed demolitions assistance at a dig site in [[Median]], Alpha Trion requested the help of Magnum's Elite Guard for the job. Of course, he neglected to mention some of the finer points of the mission, but such is politics. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

After [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] and [[Magnum]] were injured in a Decepticon attack, they were taken to Alpha Trion. He was only able to save one of them, rebuilding the survivor into [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]. As the war drained Cybertron's energy to dangerously low levels, Optimus left the planet on a mission to find more energy. Alpha Trion prepared stasis pods within which most of the remaining Autobot population would hibernate. As they placed the other Autobots in the pods, he warned [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] that remaining online during periods of low energy as he intended to do would greatly accelerate the aging process. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 6}}

When Optimus Prime and the other Autobots aboard the Ark were considered lost, Alpha Trion set about uniting the divided Cybertronian through other means. Using the remains of a Decepticon deep-space shuttle, he built [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and brought him to life with the power of Vector Sigma, instructing the super-computer to imbue him with a need to unite Cybertron under one banner. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 44|''Wings Universe'' Jhiaxus profile}}

Centuries later, after the [[Great Transformation]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] dedicated himself to interfacing with the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] in search of guidance from [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]. After many failed attempts, Cheetor finally succeeded, instead meeting with Alpha Trion. Trion told Cheetor of his true destiny: to lead Cybertron into a new age of peace. Cheetor accepted his destiny and thus merged with Alpha Trion, becoming Alpha Trizer. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag|Alpha Trizer's profile}} In [[2984]] C.E. as Alpha Trizer engaged in combat against the [[Star Seeker]]s, the faces of Optimus Primal and Alpha Trion flashed through his mind. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

====''Deviations''====
In an alternate timeline where [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] killed [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] in the [[Battle of Autobot City]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] ended up sacrificing himself to defeat [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megascream]] and [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]. In the following [[Autobot]] celebration, Optimus Prime saw a vision of Alpha Trion and Rodimus Prime as equals within the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and swore to never question its ways. {{Storylink|Transformers: Deviations|Deviations}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (story page)|This is the Latest Autobot/Decepticon Chain of Command!}}}}

====Yolopark comics====
After [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] was replaced since his manufacture by the "[[Cliffjumper (Yolopark)|Cliffjumper]]" of another universe, the unknowing Alpha Trion inducted her into the [[Autobot]]s' fighting forces. {{storylink|A Cliffjumper(s) Tale}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] took a reader's account of [[War Dawn (episode)|how Orion Pax became Optimus Prime]] as true, though he noted that he "never heard of this Alpha Trion character meself, but then who am I?" {{storylink|Flashback!|Transformers #268 Dread Tidings}}

===3H comics===
[[File:DepartureBetrayal-AlphaTrion.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Alpha Trion was various lions for all of two seconds, in one person's mind.]]
In the distant past, during the Cybertronians' rebellion against their Quintesson oppressors, A-3's mettle was tested in an encounter with a [[Dark Guardian]]. {{storylink|Disclosure}}

During [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s rule of Cybertron, Alpha Trion was seemingly resurrected and/or reformatted as a lion by the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]] to guide [[Primal Prime]] and his [[Wreckers|Wrecker]] in much the same way as he aided many previous Autobot leaders. {{storylink|Departure}} It is unclear whether this new form ever existed physically; its only appearance was as a vision in Primal Prime's head. {{storylink|Betrayal}} The ancient Autobot reached out and made contact with Primal Prime's spark, but his messages came through garbled and incomplete. Of the small amount of information he was able to transmit to Primal Prime was the fact that the Wreckers should believe in Primus's vision, and that their creator sometimes worked in mysterious ways... {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

[[File:Alphatrionuniverse.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|left|He said he was reformatted into a [[beast mode]], but he was lyin'.]]
Alpha Trion did not make a physical appearance after this enigmatic reintroduction until [[Unicron]] posed a new threat to the balance of the multiverse. Alpha Trion, though technically still merged with [[Primus]]/[[Vector Sigma]]/Whatever, was again in his original body (but now with a cape!). He/they pulled Cybertron's greatest hero, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], back from the dead in order to rescue recently abducted Cybertronians from the center of the Chaos Bringer. {{storylink|Abduction}}

Though Primal was at first taken aback by the enormity of the task he had been assigned, Alpha Trion's pontification goaded him on in accepting the mission. When Primal succeeded at this monumental task, {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} he confronted the [[Maximal High Council]] with one of his overblown speeches and was thrown in jail. Alpha Trion sent [[Snarl (BM)|Snarl]] to stage a small rescue of his own, and Primal was returned to the center of Cybertron. Here, Alpha Trion presented Primal with a window into the past, present, and future of the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]], from which he could pluck any warrior, whether they be living or dead. Primal chose [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depthcharge]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], the former of whom rejected Primal's calling. Alpha Trion quieted Primal's disappointment, letting Depthcharge go, expecting him to return of his own accord. To take his place, Alpha Trion pulled [[Omega Prime]] from [[Viron 903.0 Beta|another universe]]. {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}
{{--}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
Alpha Trion created [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] at the same time on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion!}} Though making two Autobots with polar opposite personalities able to combine might have seemed counter-intuitive, Alpha Trion knew what great potential this would ultimately yield for the brothers. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 8|Ultra Magnus's profile in Club magazine #8}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Alphatriondw.jpg|thumb|Most people kill their prizes before hanging them on their wall. Shockwave is not most people.]]
Eons ago, Alpha Trion kept watch over the Transformers when Primus entered his eternal sleep to hide Cybertron from Unicron. However, a nomadic alien race eventually conquered Cybertron, and Alpha Trion was forced into hiding. Thousands of Transformers were slaughtered, and Alpha Trion was unable to act. {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}} Alpha Trion performed actions that would make him known as the savior of his race. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}}

Alpha Trion was attached to the supercomputer Vector Sigma, and was its caretaker from the [[Golden Age]] to the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. He was considered the only Transformer capable of accessing all of the computer's functions. In his position, he disagreed with the [[Council of Ancients]]'s esoteric mysticism, wishing to make the Transformers' place in the cosmos more known. {{Storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}} Despite this, he was a secret guiding force behind the Council and its selection of Primes. He was fond of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], both with whom he had a special bond. {{Storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #1}}

After the [[Great Shutdown]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] was awakened. Soon after, he met [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], who somehow led the [[Decepticon]] to Alpha Trion. Alpha Trion was incapacitated and hung on a wall in Shockwave's laboratory for analysis, to assist Shockwave in his attempt to control Vector Sigma. The ancient Cybertronian constantly foiled his attempts to analyze him; nevertheless, Shockwave swore that the savior of their race would become its "greatest destroyer". {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} As Shockwave's plans reached fruition, the last remaining "ancient program" for him to decode was Alpha Trion. However, Shockwave's machinations were foiled by his apparent and untimely demise. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Alpha Trion's last days were recorded to be deep within Cybertron, preparing the Transformers and Cybertron for their darkest hour. {{Storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #1}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic continuity===
====''Energon'' comic====
[[File:Alphatrionsigomega.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Xaaron (G1)|Xaaron]]'s probably in here, too, and he's probably called Vec-Alpha.]]

[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], feeling a sense of coming dread, was sent by the [[Mini-Con]] [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] to one of countless [[uplink platform]]s. Here, Over-Run told him, was a direct point of access to Cybertron's planetwide internal mainframe, a mass intellect which could give him answers. Touching the platform, Prime was transported into the [[Hub (Energon)|Hub]], a digital world, where a bearded sage appeared. It was revealed to Prime that [[Unicron]] would return, the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] were gathering, and that his old foe [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] still persisted within the heart of Unicron. And most importantly, [[Energon]] existed in vast quantities on [[Earth]], and the Terrorcons would strike there soon! {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}}

Prime returned with this information to the [[Autobot High Council]] at the [[High Halls]], telling him of the vision he received from this planetary intelligence named "'''Sig-Omega'''". High Councilor [[Levitacus]] rejected this news, for they had never heard of such an entity. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}}

Critically damaged during an attack by [[Unicron's Four Horsemen]], [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] took Prime to another uplink platform, where he once again communed with the bearded sage. He granted Prime and various other fallen Autobots who surrounded him the [[Spark of Combination]]. With this upgrade, the Autobots were able to repel the invasion. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Two}}

====''Cybertron'' comic====
[[File:Alphatrionbalancingact.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Only energy pizzas will appease the disco god.]]
While [[Vector Prime]] aided the [[Autobot]]s in their search for the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s, he would also report their progress to Alpha Trion. During one such visit, after using the reality-warping properties of the [[Unicron Singularity]] to enlist [[Sentinel Maximus]] from another timeline, {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} his chamber came under attack by [[Unicron]]'s herald, [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]], and his partner, [[Nemesis Prime (Universe)|Nemesis Prime]]. While Vector Prime battled Ramjet, Sentinel Maximus failed to defend Alpha Trion, and Nemesis Prime threw Alpha Trion into [[Vector Sigma]], severely damaging both. {{storylink|Balancing Act}}

After Ramjet and Nemesis Prime's retreat, Alpha Trion was placed in a repair chamber, {{storylink|Balancing Act, Part 2}} where he remained for some time since limited resources were available to the Autobots during the Unicron Singularity crisis. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}} Alpha Trion was not completely restored until months after the search for the Cyber Planet Keys was over and Primus had vanquished the black hole forever. Alpha Trion met with the two Optimus Primes currently in his universe, Sentinel Maximus, and others, mourning the loss of Vector Prime and the enigmatic [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]] during Alpha Trion's absence, but the sage announced that this day forward would be a new Cybertronian era thanks to their sacrifices. {{storylink|Revelations Part 6}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
When [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] downloaded some of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]'s memories, he saw Alpha Trion and his role in the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|rebellion]] against the [[Quintesson]]s. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Megatron Origin issue 3|''Megatron Origin'' #3]]}}

[[File:OriginMyths-ThePrimes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]

In the years that followed the departure of the [[Knights of Cybertron]], Alpha Trion emerged as one of the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]s, leading one of the [[Thirteen Tribes]] some twelve million years ago. He was well known as a chronicler and record-keeper of Cybertronian history; {{storylink|The Crucible}} though he did not have the same heroic reputation as the other Primes, he was a well-versed historian, librarian, and orator. {{storylink|White Light}} In his youth, he studied some of the mythical [[Artifacts of the Primes|artifacts]] that would come to be wielded by the Primes, such as the ancient [[Enigma of Combination]], {{storylink|The Nothing Man}} and learned as much as he could about the primitive tribes that inhabited prehistoric Cybertron. {{storylink|Omega's Conundrum}}

Alpha Trion would join forces with four other Primes: [[Maccadam|Alchemist]], [[Vector Prime|Vector]], [[Solus Prime|Solus]], and [[Nexus Prime]], and together they established a village they called the [[Crystal City]]. As a storyteller and keeper of legends, Trion encouraged the tribes to work together by regaling them with tales of [[Primus]] and the [[Guiding Hand]], believing that the kernels of truth passed down through his tales could inspire others to perform great deeds.

[[File:OriginMyths-AlchemistPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|"Go home Alchemist, you're drunk."]]

Their early efforts were threatened by the advancing armies of the [[Darklands]]; shortly after the Darklanders slaughtered [[Septimus Prime]] and sacked [[Protihex|Protohex]], another Prime, going by the name of "[[Onyx Prime|Onyx]]", arrived to propose an alliance, bringing with him his comrade [[Liege Maximo]] and an army of [[Beast mode|bestial]] warriors. "Onyx" professed scorn for Trion's belief in the Guiding Hand, but Trion spoke to him privately and made him see the inspirational power that his stories possessed. Onyx pressed him to convince the other Primes into allying with him; once united, their forces took to the field against the Darklanders. As the battle raged, events took an unexpected turn when three [[Titan (group)|Titans]] emerged from the depths of the planet. In the impromptu ceasefire, Onyx was able to reach the enemy leader [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] and convince him to lay down arms and agree to a proper truce. {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

The other Primes never learned the truth about Onyx Prime: the bestial Prime was an identity of convenience assumed by a time-travelling [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]; using Megatronus as a catspaw, he had deliberately engineered the war between the Darklanders and the Crystal City in order to bring the Primes together under a single banner, one of many historical paradoxes he would engineer using his foreknowledge of Cybertron's long history. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

In the ensuing celebration, Trion soon became wary of his new ally: "Onyx" had begun telling "stories" of his own, thus seeding history with more paradoxes, including the "[[Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|Dark Cybertron]]" prophecy that his younger self would one day study and attempt to bring about. Trion's concerns were echoed by the Darklander warrior [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]], who believed that the Primes would eventually grow drunk on their own superiority and become tyrants. Trion solemnly told Arcee that it would be the job of their followers to keep the Primes in check. {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

[[File:OmegasConundrum-Metroplex.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Because he's the wise sage Cybertron deserves, but not the one it needs right now.]]

Determined to see as much of his planet as he could before it all changed, Trion befriended the Titan [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and the pair set off to explore and chart Cybertron. {{storylink|Omega's Conundrum}} Over the next two million years, the initial coalition of Primes were joined by five more, and thus united the Primes became the alliance known as the [[Thirteen]], led by [[Prima]]. {{storylink|Heavy}} In the ensuing era of peace, Trion became known as "The Trion" and developed his famed reputation for storytelling. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} Other Primes had grown arrogant, however and began spreading rumors that only a Prime could kill another Prime, to ensure their reign would last forever. {{storylink|The Crucible}} None of the twelve Primes ever suspected that "Onyx Prime" had continued to manipulate them, and, as he had once brought them together, planned to tear them apart once more. Indeed, "Onyx" soon realized that he could permanently keep Trion's suspicions at bay simply by spinning one convincing story after another. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

[[File:TheFirstWhoWasNamed-AntillanWar.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.85|"What have we done, Onyx?" "Why, we've simply brought civilization to the very brink of extinction. Gum?"]]
"Onyx" set his plans in motion by encouraging Prima to commission an interstellar mission of goodwill, designed to share the "enlightened" civilization of Cybertron with their neighbors. Alpha Trion joined the voyage as its official record-keeper, and joined by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and his [[Guardian robot|Omega Sentinels]], the Cybertronian expedition set off for the organic world of [[Antilla]], its resources making it ripe for colonization. When the detachment arrived however, the [[Antillan]]s fought back against the invaders. Over the course of this brief war, "Onyx"—despite Trion's misgivings—announced that this world now belonged to Alpha Trion, the first of Cybertron's thirteen "colonies". When recording these events however, Trion would write that the Antillan mission had been one of peace and that the natives had been the ones who fired first. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} {{storylink|Our Finest}}

On returning to Cybertron, "Onyx" continued to secretly sow discord, and manipulated events so that a furious Megatronus would slay [[Solus Prime]] in an attempted coup against Prima. Alpha Trion agreed that Liege Maximo, who had seemingly masterminded the coup that had led to her death, had forfeited his right to live on Cybertron and watched as his fellow Primes imprisoned Liege Maximo aboard [[Vigilem]].

Determined to bring Solus Prime's killer to justice, Alpha Trion joined "Onyx" and Prima aboard Prima's Titan, [[Emissary (IDW)|Emissary]]. The three Primes tracked Megatronus to the barren world of [[Tsiehshi]], but Trion stayed behind while the other two Primes went to confront Megatronus in a final duel. Only "Onyx Prime" returned, informing the record-keeper that Prima had sacrificed himself to end Megatronus's life. The reality was more complicated, however: "Onyx" had simply let Megatronus kill Prima, then, his usefulness at an end, killed Megatronus. Trion was once more swayed by "Onyx Prime's" well-told tale, and so this account became the "official" version of events that would find its way into the chronicles of Cybertron... and thus, the inspiration for the lie that the time-traveling Shockwave used to cover up the truth. Returning to Cybertron, Trion and the five remaining Primes watched as Emissary interred Prima's remains within his body and left Cybertron, unaware that his systems had been sabotaged by "Onyx". {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

[[File:TheMindBomb-TrionAndGalvatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left]]
With the Primes reduced in number and divided from within, they and their followers soon fell to war with one another in the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]], {{storylink|Heavy}} the outcome Shockwave had been aiming for all along. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}} Trion was not an active participant in the war, instead hoping to find a way to end the conflict as bloodlessly as possible. When the warrior [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] slaughtered [[Nexus Prime]] and dispelled the rumors that the Primes were immortal, fear for their own safety prompted the last of the Primes to flee Cybertron, one by one, until only Alpha Trion remained. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:TheCrucible AlphaTrionRevealed.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Determined to bring the war to an end, Alpha Trion approached Galvatron during the [[Battle of Aegiax]] to request his help in bringing peace to Cybertron—promising the bloodthirsty barbarian whatever he wanted in exchange. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} Trion led Galvatron to the [[Citadel of Light]], former home of [[Prima]] and his tribe, and watched Galvatron and Prima's last follower [[Nova Prime|Nova Major]] defeat the remnants of Onyx Prime's forces. When the battle was won, Alpha Trion introduced himself to Nova, who was not quick to believe Trion's claim to Primehood until Trion pummeled him into submission. Together, the trio made for "Onyx Prime's" castle in [[Kalis]] to verify Trion's belief that the other Primes had disappeared. Their way into the castle was barred by the sole remaining warrior, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox of the Mournsong]], but he was quickly intimidated into letting them pass. Discovering that "Onyx" had indeed vanished, Nova announced his plan to take control of Cybertron and unify its tribes, and Alpha Trion, feeling this was the best course of action for Cybertron's people, gladly stood aside and let Nova assume the title of Prime.

After taking control of Cybertron, Nova directed his attention to decoding the secrets of the Thirteen, beginning with Nexus Prime's Enigma of Combination. Galvatron was the only one of them who ''didn't'' want to uncover the Enigma, and continually insisted that the Enigma was gone, just like its creator. Trion became curious by Galvatron's claims and pointed out that everyone ''except'' Galvatron talked of the Enigma as if it were merely a concept, but Galvatron spoke of it as a physical object. One look in Galvatron's eyes provided Alpha with all the explanation he needed to arrive at the answer. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

Over the next few million years, Alpha Trion was content to let himself fade into the background of Cybertronian life, allowing himself to be "forgotten" after the disastrous fall of the Primes. {{storylink|The Crucible}} When Nova Prime and his crew—which included Galvatron—departed Cybertron six million years ago, Alpha Trion blessed their starship, the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}} Following the disappearance of the ''Ark'', memorial lectures were held in honor of Nova, during which Alpha Trion gave a speech about [[Primus]]. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations}} Alpha Trion's various compendiums regarding the early histories of Cybertron were of interest to the younger Senator [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], and thus would go on to form the basis for many of "Onyx Prime's" manipulations to the timeline. {{storylink|The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|The First Who Was Named}}

[[File:MO3 EOOPAT funeral.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]
Nova Prime, thought dead, would eventually be supplanted by [[Nominus Prime]], and, later, [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. Unaware that Sentinel Prime was a false identity constructed by the ancient [[Titan Master]] [[Infinitus]], Alpha Trion was known to have stood up against "Sentinel Prime's" increasingly fascistic ideals. {{storylink|White Light}} At the request of a [[blacksmith]], Trion bore witness to the birth of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]], agreeing that there was something special about the newborn. {{storylink|Post}} Four million years ago, as [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s [[Decepticon]] uprising took shape, Alpha Trion attended the funerals of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

Because of Alpha Trion's intimate knowledge of Cybertron's surface, he accompanied Orion Pax and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] on a mission into the treacherous [[Rust Sea|Rust Spot]] to swap Decepticon prisoners for the captured [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]. This was merely a ruse to draw out Alpha Trion, who the Decepticons wanted in order to help locate Metroplex. Due to Orion Pax's valiant actions, Alpha Trion and the other Autobots escaped with their lives. {{storylink|Omega's Conundrum}} The Autobots did get something out of Alpha Trion though; confirmation that the Titans were indeed real. {{storylink|The Hunting Party (IDW)|The Hunting Party}}

Once Orion Pax had become Optimus Prime, he broadcast a message to all Cybertronians, asking them to join him in the fight against the Decepticons and beginning the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]. Alpha Trion watched this broadcast with interest from the archives of [[Kutanzuule]]. {{storylink|Broadcast}} He soon came in contact with the young Prime to offer him advice and guidance in his early days as Autobot leader. {{storylink|Derelicts}} When Optimus blamed himself for being unable to stop the [[Exodus (event)|Exodus]], Alpha Trion assured him that sometimes a leader's role was to let their followers go and make their own decisions. {{storylink|The Illusion of Control}} Alpha Trion was surprised when Optimus rediscovered the long lost [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], and advised him to accept that the ancient guardian would not easily reintegrate into society. {{storylink|Primacy issue 2|Primacy #2}}

[[File:HelloCruelWorld-AlphaTrion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
500,000 years ago, Alpha Trion chose to leave Cybertron together with Metroplex, partly to keep the Titan and his technology out of Decepticon hands, but also to investigate [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]]'s [[Regenesis]] plan. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} After exploring space for millennia, Alpha Trion came to realize that Shockwave had not seeded his miraculous ores randomly—each had been sent to a planet that Shockwave believed one of the Thirteen had gone after they had fled Cybertron, and the thirteenth planet was the resting place of the Enigma of Combination. {{storylink|The Crucible}}

[[File:Ironing Out the Details Alpha Trion.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Metal beards are ridiculous! But ''cloth'' beards are super okay.]]
The pair briefly returned to Cybertron in [[1997]]; by this point, the planet had been rendered virtually uninhabitable by war, and so Trion began trying to restore it. Operating out of Metroplex, Trion spent the next decade processing the corrosive elements out of Cybertron's atmosphere, slowly making it habitable again. After 2008, the problem was compounded by a monstrous [[Insecticon swarm]] that had overrun the planet. Requiring the toughest of the tough to obliterate the swarm, Alpha Trion selected [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] to do the job. That Ironhide was across the galaxy on Earth mattered little: Ironhide would eventually die some day, Trion rationalized, and so he built a duplicate body on Cybertron into which he could implant Ironhide's spark and memories once he passed on and returned to the "[[Transformer afterlife|core]]". With Vector Sigma having been essentially erased in the event that devastated Cybertron, this took Alpha Trion years and pushed his skills to their limit, but once Ironhide died on Earth in 2010, the ancient Autobot's grand work was complete, and Ironhide returned to life on Cybertron in the new body constructed for him. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}

Ironhide awoke in confusion, his memories incomplete due to damage he had suffered millions of years beforehand that had disrupted his link to the core, and wandered Cybertron's wastes until Alpha Trion dispatched his [[Scamper|page]] to bring the befuddled warrior to Metroplex's city mode. Alpha Trion took umbrage at the fact Ironhide had never heard of his ancient greatness, and revealed his incredible powers over his own electromagnetic aura by using it to control Ironhide's actions when the ornery Autobot started to get a little rough. Ironhide further tested Trion's patience when he ignored his cautions and ventured out to track down the near-dead [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] (even if Sunstreaker ''had'' heard of him). Finally, Trion relented to Ironhide's constant questioning and explained the reason he had brought him back online: to exterminate the swarm. {{storylink|Ironing Out the Details}}

[[File:AnyOldIron IronhidePunchesTrion.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|"Oh, sorry, I thought you were [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] for a second."]]
While Ironhide took out of most of the swarm in a brutal battle, Trion busied himself repairing Sunstreaker. After Ironhide returned, Trion announced that he and Metroplex were leaving Cybertron for parts unknown while Ironhide mopped up the remaining Insecticons. Infuriated by the old 'bots condescending attitude, Ironhide slugged him one, but Alpha Trion let it slide, putting Ironhide in his place by telling him he was just a small playing piece in a very large game. Before departing, however, Alpha Trion softened, congratulating Ironhide on saving the entire planet. After all, the only other Autobot would could make that claim... was he. {{storylink|Any Old Iron}}

In 2012, Alpha Trion finally deduced that the Enigma of Combination had landed on [[Earth]]. Hoping to recover it before Shockwave could harness its power for his own ends, {{storylink|The Crucible}} Trion left Metroplex to fend off the next stage of Shockwave's ultimate plan by himself. Trion set course for Earth to retrieve what he called the "holy grail", and was thus unable to turn back and help when his Titan companion was infected with an [[alchemical virus]]. After crossing paths with the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'', he convinced [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]'s [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] associates, [[Cityspeaker]] [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] and her compatriots [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] and [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]], to use their [[Cityspeaker|cityspeaking]] skills to aid the Titan in his place. {{storylink|Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|Burning Bright}} {{storylink|A 'Bot and Her City}} Alpha Trion also tasked the three with delivering a simple message for Optimus Prime: "Earth." {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} Shockwave saw Alpha Trion in a vision of things that would come to pass during the Dark Cybertron prophecy. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

[[File:Full Fathom Five Alpha Trion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left]]
Alpha Trion made it to Earth shortly before Shockwave enacted the final stage of his plan; unfortunately for him, however, his ship was shot down by the [[Earth Defense Command]], {{storylink|The Crucible}} and both he and his vessel were interred at the EDC's primary headquarters in the [[Marshall Islands|Bikini Atoll]] for study. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} After finally meeting Optimus in person, Windblade passed Trion's message along and Optimus and a group of Autobots travelled to Earth to find him. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}}

A month later, [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] infiltrated the EDC base and stumbled on him while investigating the EDC's use of Cybertronian tech. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}} Knowing he was hooked up to an alarm and that the EDC's "[[mindbomb]]" couldn't have been created from just ''his'' brain, [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] stopped Jazz from rescuing Alpha Trion immediately in order to investigate further. After deactivating the alarms they took Alpha Trion and fled on [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], where a merry Trion's reunion with Optimus Prime was cut short by a coughing fit, prompting [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] to take him away and have a look at his injuries. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:TheCrucible MoonMeeting.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
Alpha Trion had Optimus Prime take him to the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], away from prying ears, to share with him why Earth was so important. He told the story about how he brought Galvatron and Nova Prime together, shocking and angering Optimus with the fact that he was one of the Thirteen Primes and let Nova Prime's reign happen, before revealing the presence of the Enigma of Combination on Earth. {{storylink|The Crucible}} They subsequently returned to the ''[[Ark-7]]'', where Jetfire found their trip had worsened Alpha Trion's condition and admonished Prime. When Prime then returned to Cybertron for what he claimed were political reasons, Trion poked fun at him until he admitted he also had a personal reason, namely the anniversary of him becoming Prime. {{storylink|Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|Signals, Calls, and Marches}}

[[File:TheNothingMan-alphatrionwithenigmacode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left]]
When the ''Ark-7'' came under attack and the Autobots lost control of the ship, Alpha Trion recognized why—its computers had been infected with the source code of the Enigma of Combination. {{storylink|The Nothing Man}} Joining [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] as they fought their way through the ship's defenses towards its [[Space bridge|spacebridge]], Trion described the Enigma as one of the "metaphors made real" devised by the ancient Primes and that normal Transformers couldn't fight against it. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} They reached their goal only to be greeted by a group of Decepticons who'd arrived through the spacebridge to capture the ship, {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} prompting Sideswipe to hide the still injured Alpha Trion away from harm in a storage compartment. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}}

After the Decepticons had crashed the ship onto Earth, Trion and the others were recovered by Optimus Prime's forces. Once they'd relocated, he was shocked to hear that Optimus had started a war with Earth in an attempt to annex it, and wondered what his plan was now. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}} He was present when Optimus returned after an ill-fated confrontation between [[Aileron]] and the [[President of the United States]]. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 2: Edge of the Earth|Edge of the Earth}} When the Autobots joined forces with [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]]'s Decepticons against Galvatron, Alpha Trion's status as another Prime distressed Soundwave. He remained at their [[Monument Valley]] base caring for [[Buster (IDW)|Buster]] during the actual attack, but an attack on ''them'' by the humans caused the dog to run off with [[D.0.C.]] {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|It's Beginning To And Back Again}} As the battle raged on, Alpha Trion encouraged Optimus Prime to search within himself for the reason he had chosen this particular valley as their base, which led to Optimus realizing [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] was hidden beneath the surface and awakening him. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 5: As Above...So Below|As Above...So Below}}

[[File:WhiteLight-trionandinfinitus.jpg|thumb|right]]
Alpha Trion watched Metrotitan transform into [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], the Cybertronian embassy on Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}} After this he sought another Prime-to-Prime talk with Optimus, but Optimus postponed it in favor of having him coordinate the aftermath of the battle with Galvatron's soldiers. {{storylink|The Last Autobot}}

While resting at Autobot City, Alpha Trion was confronted by a diminutive Cybertronian who introduced himself as "[[Infinitus]]", decrying Trion as the weakest of the original [[Thirteen]]. Alpha Trion was confused by Infinitus, but as the interloper pontificated about his plan to wipe Cybertron clean of "vermin" and return it to its [[Golden Age]], Alpha Trion realized that his visitor was none other than the 'bot he had once known as [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]! Sentinel Prime deployed a set of blades from his forearms and pounced on Trion, decapitating him. While Optimus and Soundwave were waylaid, Infinitus used his [[Titan Master]] powers to puppeteer Trion's body, escaping in its spaceship configuration. {{storylink|White Light}} After using it to fetch [[Sovereign]], herald of Onyx Prime and fellow Titan Master, Infinitus passed control of the body on to him. When Infinitus and Sovereign confronted Optimus Prime and Soundwave, Soundwave used Alpha Trion's sword to remove Sovereign, and Trion's head and body were recovered. They were returned to Cybertron and reunited by [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]], who explained that the old Autobot would survive. {{storylink|White Heat}}

Alpha Trion then got an apartment and spruced it up with all manner of literary texts. Prior to Earth officially joining the Cybertronian [[Council of Worlds]], he was visited by Optimus, Pyra and Starscream and recounted the tale of the unification of the Thirteen and the "first face". Once he was finished, he defended himself to a skeptical Starscream, saying he simply told the story. {{storylink|Origin Myths}}

When [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] ran into story difficulties in making [[Starscream: The Movie (film)|his film about Starscream]], he sought out Alpha Trion for his views regarding Starscream being labelled as the "Chosen One". Alpha Trion felt that Metrotitan had been spouting random nonsense in his damaged state with Starscream just having been in the right place to take advantage of it. Nonetheless, he gave Thundercracker advice that instead of using his film to spread lies about Starscream, he should instead use the power of stories to present truths that would inspire his audience. {{storylink|Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie}}

[[File:AnotherMine OnyxAlphaReunited.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|"But enough about me, let's kill ''you!''"]]
After [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] became ruler of Cybertron, Trion met with the [[Mistress of Flame]] who recounted to him an encounter she had with Onyx Prime on Antilla. Alpha Trion had also invited [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] to the discussion in the hopes that the highly religious Mistress and the recently atheist Constructicon could each teach the other something. Onyx Prime himself returned to Cybertron that very day with the captive Liege Maximo, much to everyone's apprehension. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} Trion joined the subsequent meeting at the [[Spire]], but as tensions mounted between the trio of Primes, the religious colonists, and Soundwave—who refused to let the Primes reassert themselves as leaders—Trion was struck by a devastating epiphany: the 'bot he believed to be "Onyx Prime" was, in fact, Shockwave, who had manipulated him all these years. Before he could warn his allies of "Onyx Prime"'s true intentions, a powerful blast ripped through the Spire and mortally wounded him. Soundwave rushed to his side, but was unable to do anything more than pronounce him dead. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine}}

When Soundwave sacrificed his life to help defeat [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], he saw a vision of the many deceased- Alpha Trion included, welcoming him into the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]]. {{storylink|Ceremony}} As Optimus Prime himself died, he remembered all the major moments of his life and pondered if Trion being present at his forging was proof that he'd been [[Thirteenth Prime|the Arisen]]. {{storylink|Post}}

====Vision of the future====
In a vision of the future seen by Ironhide and [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] during the reformatting of Cybertron, Alpha Trion lived on a prosperous [[Gorlam Prime]] fifteen million years from now, telling young Transformers the history of their race and their struggles. His closest friend at this time was an aged Ironhide, who Alpha frequently comforted as Ironhide struggled to find his place in the new civilization. {{storylink|Pax Cybertronia (issue)|Pax Cybertronia}}
{{--}}

===''Shattered Glass''===
[[Image:Alphatriontimelinestranscendent.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Eventually one of them was bound to go senile.]]
In a [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|twisted mirror universe]] of evil Autobots and heroic Decepticons, Alpha Trion was not a kindly old sage, but a scheming, cruel manipulator who acted as an advisor to [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]]. Prime had little patience for the Old One's lies and scheming, and so Alpha Trion was banished from this universe, {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}} cast through the prototype [[Space bridge#Shattered Glass|stellar spanner]] that he had been developing. {{storylink|Blitzwing Bop}} Alpha Trion left a [[:Category:Alpha Trion's acolytes|secret cadre of loyalists]] behind who would wait for his return. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 1}}

The outcast sage found himself in the [[multiverse|multiversal]] hub city of [[Axiom Nexus]], in [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|the ancient, super-advanced universe]] of the [[Transcendent Technomorph|TransTech]] Transformers. Rather than admit defeat, Alpha Trion plotted anew, and gathered another group of loyalists. Offworlder [[Maximal]]s [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s [[Scavenger (BW)|Scavenger]] and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]] soon fell under his wing. He easily turned their feelings against the TransTech government, as they had dealt with corruption in [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|their native universe]], and once Alpha Trion had also accumulated a skilled Transformer named [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]], the experiments began. With Topspin's help, Alpha Trion was able to move the sparks of his Maximal and Predacon acolytes into new TransTech bodies {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|''TransTech'' Blackarachnia's profile}} as well as a [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|few other unfortunates]]. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}} At some point, the [[Depth Charge (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Depth Charge]] from his loyalists' home universe came about, on the hunt for the Maximals and Predacons Alpha Trion had taken under his wing. By showing him the sparkless bodies of the four fugitives, Alpha Trion and Topspin were able to convince Depth Charge that his quarries had already met their demise. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 49|Depth Charge's profile in Club magazine #49}}

But Topspin himself was the piece to a larger puzzle, and one that Alpha Trion, with his intimate knowledge of Cybertronian lore, had devious plans for. All he needed were the other pieces. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 2}}

[[Image:Alphatrionceilingofcorpses.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Dammit, A-3, you show them the rec room first. THEN the ceiling of corpses.]]
Alpha Trion soon found these pieces. He was assigned to three newcomers to Axiom Nexus, [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], and [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]], and instructed to help them acclimate to their new dimension. However, after Breakaway was abducted right under their noses by [[Shockwave (TransTech)|mechs unknown]], {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 1}} Alpha Trion worked to turn the three to his side; spinning a yarn about hailing from a universe where the Decepticons were defeated long ago, and having been sent to Axiom Nexus by an act of sabotage, he "revealed" that the TransTechs that ruled over the city were an untrustworthy and manipulative lot, and that there were personality inhibitors broadcast through satellites in this [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s orbit. Furthermore, they had a habit of abducting certain mechs of interest, and were likely probing the slag out of poor Breakaway somewhere.

Skyfall and Landquake began to feel uncomfortable, so Alpha Trion tried to reassure them. He led the two to his room full of ceiling-suspended TransTech corpses; {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 2}} for some reason, this didn't work. Alpha Trion's helper, Topspin, arrived to explain, noting that none of the corpses were actually dead, as their [[spark]]s were kept safe elsewhere. These were nothing more than their experiments in trying to help mechs escape Axiom Nexus, as its inhabitants' bodies are tagged. Speaking privately with Skyfall, Alpha Trion gave him his own sword for safekeeping. He warned it once belonged to a Decepticon named [[Slaughter]], and though it could influence terribly the thoughts of the bearer, Alpha Trion believed Skyfall had as strong a spirit as himself. Should Alpha Trion fall, Skyfall would have to keep it. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 3}}

Nightscream brought word to Alpha Trion: He had learned where the TransTech had taken Breakaway! Alpha Trion informed his acolytes that they would attack that very night. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}} Gathering Nightscream, Scavenger, Blackarachnia, Immorticon, Topspin, and an increasingly suspicious Skyfall and Landquake, Alpha Trion stormed the [[Transwarp Complex]] in search of Shockwave's lab and the Transit Room. After he killed the guards and ran [[Depth Charge (TransTech)|Depth Charge]] through with his sword, he reminded Skyfall of the terrible influence of his evil weapon. He took Skyfall, Landquake, and Immorticon with him towards the lab and ordered the others to occupy the Transit Room. Unfortunately, [[Megatron (TransTech)|Megatron]] was in their way. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 5}} It wasn't long before the TransTech military commander struck a devastating blow, mutilating one side of Alpha Trion's face. But he and the two multiversal hitchhikers made their getaway (with Breakaway in tow) as Megatron was busy reducing Immorticon to rubble.

[[Image:Skyfallwontbethereforit.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"You don't even get the non-attending exclusive package."]]
As the group neared the Transit Room, Alpha Trion told Skyfall of his great importance, how back in his original universe, [[Vector Sigma]] had told him that "[[Primus]] is calling his first sons home." Unfortunately for Skyfall, Alpha Trion had different plans. While the others disappeared through the Transit Room into Alpha Trion's original universe, he impaled Skyfall with his sword, killing him. Skyfall's conscience and strength of will would have served as a distraction in Alpha Trion's coming rise to power, and "Reunification" could take place with one of "them" dead. He then ordered Nightscream to drag the body through the portal with them, as Alpha Trion had a universe to conquer. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 6}}

Alpha Trion and the others appeared back in his home universe within his old lab. Though Alpha Trion wished to get directly at the task at hand, Breakaway and Landquake obviously had questions about Skyfall's demise. When pressed on the issue, Alpha Trion told Landquake that Skyfall had been shot from behind on their way through the portal, but Breakaway was quick to note that Skyfall had a blade wound, not a gun wound. Alpha Trion sighed, and as more of his acolytes (ones native to this universe) arrived, he called for them to seize the two... and Topspin. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 1}} Topspin was puzzled, to say the least, as he had been very loyal to Alpha Trion. This act of betrayal unhinged Topspin, and after he killed [[Kickback (SG)|one of Alpha Trion's acolytes]], the three were able to escape Alpha Trion's lab with Skyfall's body. Alpha Trion decided to move his group to another of his labs and hunt them down another day. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 2}}

Some weeks later, Alpha Trion communicated with [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]] that his plans were in place and he was ready to strike. [[Remote Patrol Six|Rodimus's assassins]] would kill Optimus Prime at the same time [[Cyclonus (SG)|Trion's agents]] killed [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]], thus paving the way for the two of them to conquer Cybertron and [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transhuman}} {{storylink|Reunification: Part 3}} {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 1}}

After [[Remote Patrol Six]] attempted (and miserably failed) to kill [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]], Alpha Trion showed up with [[Sky Lynx (SG)|Sky Lynx]] and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] to try and kill Prime himself, only to be introduced to [[Omega Doom]]'s cannon. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 5}}

[[File:Coalescence FallenSunstormAlphaTrion.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
He survived the cannon blast, though the Decepticons had taken his stellar spanner back to their base, and destroyed it after [[Nexus Prime]] and [[Aquarius (SG)|Aquarius]] passed through it to parts unknown. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Coalescence}}}}

===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
{{voiceactor|[[Phil LaMarr]] (English), [[Kenta Miyake]] (Japanese)|[[Gérard Rouzier]] (French), [[Armando Duque]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[José Carlos Guerra]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[Image:Alphatriontranswarped.jpg|thumb|Being interviewed by Barbara Walters, apparently.]]

Billions of stellar cycles before the [[Decepticon]] movement had even been conceived, Alpha Trion fought in countless Cybertronian battles. He is, perhaps, the oldest [[Transformer]] anybody knows. These days, however, Alpha Trion is just a civilian, serving as the head of the [[Guilds Domesticus]] in the [[Autobot High Council]]. In this role he presents a constant challenge to [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]], reminding the arrogant [[Elite Guard]]sman that the Guild is in charge of the military, and not the other way around. Sentinel disagrees with the ancient bot, feeling that he's simply been out of combat for too long to be relevant.

Alpha Trion was present at the council meeting where Ultra Magnus announced that the likely coordinated attacks on [[space bridge]]s by the [[Decepticon]]s were the work of a spy in their midst. He gave [[Shockwave (Animated)|Longarm Prime]] an odd look when the security director rather abruptly demanded that all communications from [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s crew on [[Earth]] be filtered through him, "no exceptions". {{storylink|TransWarped}}

Alpha Trion, [[Perceptor (Animated)|Perceptor]], and [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]] had a "council" talk regarding how they didn't want [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] as commander. During Sentinel's parade through a Cybertronian city with [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and the [[Starscream clone (Animated)|Starscream clones]], Alpha Trion and Perceptor seemed less than impressed by the temporary [[Magnus (rank)|Magnus]]'s attitude. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

Alpha Trion was given his first real assessment of Sentinel Prime's ability to lead when [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] appeared over the capital city under the control of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. Sentinel advocated that they attack immediately and end the threat of Megatron at once. However, [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], Omega's former mentor-bot, in the company of [[Carmine Fanzone|a small organic]], said that Omega had absorbed so much transwarp energy that destroying the huge Autobot could take Cybertron with him. Alpha Trion announced that the High Council would deliberate on its options. Ratchet, however, broke out in an attempt to make contact with Omega Supreme, and Sentinel Prime diverted all essential energon to [[Fortress Maximus (Animated)|Fortress Maximus]], ultimately firing on Omega Supreme, who transwarped away. After that, Alpha Trion made sure that it was known that Ratchet and the organic were the real heroes of the day, and reprimanded Sentinel for disregarding the Council's authority. Sentinel shot back that he would repeat his actions again if it meant saving Cybertron, and Alpha Trion made his position very clear: if it were up to him, Sentinel would never get that chance. {{storylink|This Is Why I Hate Machines}}

''Alpha Trion attended the [[Team Stunticon|Stunt Convoy]] show alongside other members of the High Council.'' {{storylink|The Stunti-Con Job}}
{{--}}

===Movie continuity family===
====''Cyber Missions''====
The great historian Alpha Trion preserved important datatracks from [[Vector Sigma]], the "Cybertronian Database". Some of these datatracks told of a handful of battles on the planet [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Cyber Missions|Cyber Missions}}

====''Prepare for Battle'' prequel material====
As a guardian of the ancient relics of Cybertron, Alpha Trion founded the [[Knights of Cybertron]] and tasked them with guarding the [[AllSpark]] and preventing it from falling into Decepticon hands. After [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] jettisoned the AllSpark into space, the Knights were approached by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], who sought to negotiate peace. This was revealed as a trap, and the Knights contacted Alpha Trion for assistance, though he was unable to help. He transmitted Optimus Prime's coordinates to the only surviving member of the Knights, [[Evac (Ride)|Evac]], in hopes that it would lead him to the AllSpark. {{storylink|Prepare for Battle (website)|Prepare for Battle}}

====Toy bios====
Alpha Trion had a song named after him called "Rock Me Alpha Trion" on the side B of the [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#SS20|Bumblebee Vol. 2 Retro Pop Highway]] cassette. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#SS20|Bumblebee Vol. 2 Retro Pop Highway}}

===Aligned continuity family===
====''The Covenant of Primus''====
[[File:AlphaTrion-Well-COP.jpg|thumb|left|300px|"So, when can we use the hot tub?"]]

Alpha Trion was the third Prime created by Primus to defeat [[Unicron#Aligned continuity family|Unicron]]. The group of newborn Primes soon began experimenting with their powers and artefacts, strategizing for the coming conflict with their creator's arch-nemesis. Alpha Trion preferred to strategize than directly fight, and trained alongside [[Quintus Prime]], [[Liege Maximo]], and [[Micronus Prime]]. The Thirteen Primes ultimately triumphed over Unicron with the help of [[Solus Prime]]'s many artifacts, although the malevolent presence of Unicron's anti-[[spark]] meant that all of the Primes, Trion included, were irrevocably tainted with a touch of darkness.

In the period following Unicron's defeat, the Primes began rebuilding Cybertron, each focusing on their own interest. Trion collaborated with [[Prima]] and [[Vector Prime]] with the establishment of government, creating order for later civilizations. Trion was surprised when [[The Fallen|Megatronus]] and Solus Prime's feelings for one another blossomed into mutual love, but said nothing of the matter. Alpha Trion would later investigate Quintus Prime's unethical experiments, which involved pitting specially-engineered robotic beasts against one another underneath Cybertron. Liege Maximo's manipulations led to the accidental murder of Solus Prime by Megatronus, even as Maximo himself blamed Megatronus for the manipulation. Battle broke out between all thirteen Primes, and they all wound up falling into the caverns below Cybertron, temporarily knocking Alpha Trion unconscious.

When Trion came round, he noticed that Liege Maximo had been blown apart with the [[Requiem Blaster (Thirteen)|Requiem Blaster]], and [[Onyx Prime]] had been grievously wounded by Quintus's beasts. After the construction of Solus Prime's tomb, Megatronus departed into space, renaming himself "the Fallen". Alpha Trion and the remaining Primes hatched a new plan to revitalize Cybertron.

Alpha Trion and his closest friend [[Maccadam|Alchemist Prime]] retired from leadership roles, but would subtly guide the progress of the Cybertronian race. Onyx, Micronus, and Thirteen entered the [[Well of All Sparks]] and activated it, giving birth to the Cybertronian race. Alpha Trion went along with Prima's plan to keep the existence of [[Transformation cog (biology)|T-cog]]s —and by extension, the ability to [[Transformation|transform]]- a secret for the time being. One of the robots to emerge from the Well was [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]], the reborn shape of the [[Thirteenth Prime]], who had voluntarily entered the Well and allowed himself to be reborn so as to better understand the new Transformer civilization. Alpha Trion made sure to track Pax's progress as he moved through life.

After the [[Great Cataclysm]] and the founding of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], Trion took up residence there and founded the [[Hall of Records]]. When the first [[Quintesson]]s arrived on the planet and gave Cybertronians the "gift" of transformation by reactivating the dormant T-cogs, Alpha Trion ruefully noted that even he had been momentarily deceived by the Quintesson's false promises.

[[File:COP-VectorSigmaAlphaTrion.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Disney's newest theme park, complete with a Spaceship Earth clone.]]

After Cybertron's [[Golden Age]], [[Sentinel Zeta Prime]] began sequestering Cybertronians under the [[Functionism|caste system]]. Trion sought council with [[Vector Sigma]], hoping to gain access to the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and use it to revitalize Cybertron's increasingly static society. Vector Sigma refused to give him access to the artifact, but reassured him that the time would soon be right for the Matrix's arrival. Instead, the computer gave him the [[Badge of Vector Prime]], to be given to Sentinel as a gift. The Badge reacted with Trion's copy of the Covenant and his Quill, creating a new and mostly indecipherable passage calling for the reawakening of the Thirteenth Prime. Alpha Trion realized that Orion needed an equal and opposite number to inspire the archivist and hopefully jog his memory.

While he waited, Alpha Trion sequestered himself within the Hall of Records, and eventually became a recluse. He kept himself busy by monitoring transmissions from across the planet, and grew increasingly interested in the exploits of a gladiator named D-16, who had recently taken on the nickname of "Megatronus". Encouraged by Alpha Trion, Orion Pax and Megatronus became friends and intellectual sparring partners. Trion hoped that this friendship would lead to the fulfillment of the prophecy, and that Orion Pax's idealism would temper Megatronus's aggressive urges. At a council meeting secretly organized by Trion, Sentinel and the High Council named Orion the new Prime, but Megatron's jealousy and inability to share power led to the first shots of the [[Great War (Prime)|Great War]].

During the Great War, Alpha Trion was assigned [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] as a security guard. To keep the various artefacts of the Primes out of Decepticon hands, Trion began launching them off planet in artificial meteoroids. He launched many of these artefacts to [[Earth]], as he sensed that one day the war would spill over to the organic planet. After the majority of Transformers left Cybertron, Trion remained on the planet with a handful of other Autobots, including the Wreckers and [[Dinobot (FOC)|Dinobots]], and together they continued fighting against [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]]'s remnant Decepticon forces.

He would remain aware of Optimus's progress on Earth, however, and eventually transcribed many of his adventures into the Covenant of Primus itself.

At some point after the rejuvenation of Cybertron, Alpha Trion transmitted an altered copy of the Covenant to Earth, so that humans could learn more about their galactic neighbors. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

====Aligned novels====
[[Image:War for Cybertron comic - Alpha Trion.jpg|left|thumb|350px|Stop writing down everything I say, Trion!]]

Alpha Trion was informed by Orion Pax of an upstart [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]ian gladiator named [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]us, and was played a recording of his speeches regarding a Cybertronian's right to self determination, defying the [[caste system]]. Alpha Trion acknowledged that Megatronus's tirades were the fruit of a society that discouraged ambition.

When terrorists began bombing Cybertron, Alpha Trion saw the gladiator — whose name was shortened to Megatron — and Orion make speeches on the Grid, protesting Megatron was not involved in what happened. When Orion returned to Iacon, Alpha Trion asked him why he trusted Megatron. Orion felt Megatron would have claimed responsibility for the attacks if he were behind them. Awed by Orion's intuition and empathy for the lower class Cybertronians in Kaon, Alpha Trion wondered if Orion was the Prime foretold in the Covenant: the Prime that would save Cybertron from a civil war. When Sentinel was kidnapped, Orion requested Alpha Trion arrange a hearing with the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]]. Alpha Trion obliged and passed on his beliefs about Orion to the Councilors, and it was at the hearing [[Halogen (WFC)|Halogen]] renamed Orion Optimus Prime: the act that angered Megatron and tore the planet into [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s.

Alpha Trion recorded the events of war in the Covenant. On the [[Communication Grid]] he witnessed the beautiful and terrible destruction of [[Crystal City]]. He continued maintaining the Hall of Records with a skeleton crew, but he felt the stirrings of battle in his Spark, proclaiming he would fight once more if the Decepticons broke the siege of Iacon. Optimus visited after the victory of [[Kalis]], asking if they could win the war itself. Alpha Trion replied only a being who could tell the future could answer that, and it was then he revealed to Optimus it was he who suggested that the High Council appoint him Prime.

When Megatron discovered the existence of [[Dark Energon]] on [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] Station, Alpha Trion sensed what happened and told the Autobots of the essence of [[Unicron]], revealing he had deleted much of the information regarding Trypticon's purpose from the [[DataNet]] as he felt knowledge of it was too dangerous. When Megatron attempted to steal the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], Alpha Trion informed Optimus that [[Teletraan-1 (WFC)|Teletraan-1]] had reactivated [[Omega Supreme (WFC)|Omega Supreme]]. Afterwards, Alpha Trion gave Optimus advice when he went to [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] to rescue Sentinel Prime, and when his body was returned Alpha Trion eulogized him with the traditional liturgy of the Passing of the Primes. It was then Alpha Trion made Optimus's Prime rank official, rather than de facto.

After Optimus returned from purging Cybertron's [[core]] of Dark Energon, he began the construction of the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]''. He asked Alpha Trion if it would work, but the Archivist responded that if it didn't, the Autobots would die with Cybertron. At this point, despite Optimus's pleas, he was refusing his share of Energon, and refused a place on the ''Ark'', explaining the planet would not permit him to die. He told the Autobots about the last functioning [[space bridge]], during which he made a big giveaway about his identity, seemingly joking he was older than that space bridge and he still functioned. Alpha Trion oversaw the ''Ark''{{'}}s construction within the [[Well of All Sparks]], while Optimus distracted Megatron aboard the ''[[Eight Track (WFC)|Eight Track]]'' with a false exodus. With the city-sized ship completed, Alpha Trion reiterated he would not be coming, stating [[Vector Sigma]] would keep him alive. As Optimus boarded the ship, he realized his friend and mentor was one of the Original Thirteen. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

{{note|Alpha Trion's involvement in the preceding events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)|War for Cybertron]]''.}}

Alpha Trion remained in the [[Hall of Records]] after the departure of the Ark, curiously left alone to attend his duties as Archivist by [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] and his Decepticon forces. Alpha Trion received regular reports from [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] and his [[Wreckers]], the primary Autobot resistance force left on Cybertron. Alpha Trion remained concerned about his protégé, Optimus Prime, and his quest for the AllSpark and the final fates of the other Thirteen. He marveled at [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]'s suggestion of re-mastering the [[space bridge|Space Bridge]] technology to send [[Chaindrive|an Autobot]] after the Ark and learn how the mission was proceeding.

As Wheeljack's plot was set into motion, Alpha Trion was forced to deal with an ever-more brazen Shockwave, who began making appearances in the Hall of Records without the knowledge of the security detail appointed to protect it. Shockwave tried to cow Alpha Trion by calling him a traitor, but the wily ol' buzzard calmly retorted that he was far older than the Decepticon regime, and a traitor to nothing...he was a flat-out ''enemy'' of Shockwave's, simple as that. Taken aback by this show of defiance, Shockwave retreated from the Hall for the time being.

Shortly after he successfully launched a volunteer named Chaindrive through space-time towards the signals of the Matrix, Alpha Trion was officially "captured" by Shockwave and detained under house arrest in his quarters at the Hall of Records. Alpha Trion cared little for the change in circumstances, for he had convinced Shockwave to leave him his Quill and Covenant to continue archiving history as it came to him. The Covenant revealed to him signs that [[Nexus Prime]] and [[Vector Prime]] had both reappeared in the flow of history, if only briefly, and Alpha Trion was content with that for now. {{storylink|Transformers: Exiles|Exiles}}

As Shockwave's control over Iacon increased, Alpha Trion spent more and more time analyzing the Covenant. He foresaw a time when Shockwave would take him in for experimentation purposes, and prepared accordingly by safely locking away the crucial information Shockwave was looking for. Sure enough, Shockwave and a swarm of [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticon]]s arrived at his door, and Trion willingly gave himself up for arrest.

Shockwave took him to his latest tower, which he had constructed in the center of Iacon, and gloated to his prisoner that he had managed to interpret a section of the Covenant himself, and planned on using the power of the last Prime on Cybertron to access the true power of the [[Vector Sigma]] supercomputer and create a [[Decepticon Matrix]]. Shockwave tried and failed to integrate Trion into the computer, before realizing that Trion had locked the nessecary codes deep in his cortex. Shockwave resorted to his contingency plan- pumping the computer full of Dark Energon. Trion knew that Shockwave's reckless experimentation would alert the [[Quintesson]]s to Vector Sigma's existence, but his warnings did nothing to dissuade Shockwave.

Alpha Trion was eventually rescued by Ultra Magnus and the other Wreckers, who extricated his unconscious body from Shockwave's lab and headed to the surface. Trion managed to stay lucid long enough to alert them to the impending Quintesson invasion before collapsing again. When the [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]] fleet arrived on Cybertron, a furious Shockwave- who thought that he could use the artifacts of the Primes to repel the aliens- confronted Alpha Trion, who calmly revealed that he had taken the precaution of jettisoning them from Cybertron so that Shockwave couldn't get his hands on them.

Trion then convinced the Wreckers to head to the Hall of Records; the archivist planned to rig the building to explode so that the Quintessons couldn't use Cybertron's accumulated knowledge against them. His plan was foiled by [[Tyrannicon]], who jammed Trion's detonator. Before Tyrannicon could kill them, however, his own foot soldiers turned on their general, and Alpha Trion and the Wreckers managed to escape.

When the threat of the Quintesson invasion had passed, Alpha Trion resumed studying the Covenant, and idly wondered when Optimus and his crew would arrive on the planet where he had launched the many artifacts. {{storylink|Transformers: Retribution|Retribution}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[George Takei]] (English), [[Kinryū Arimoto]] (Japanese)|[[Tom Deininger]] (German), [[Sang-hyeon Eom]] (Korean, season 2), [[Hyeon Lee]] (Korean, season 3), [[Alejandro Villeli]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Vicente Gil]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jussi Wahlgren]] (Finnish, season 2), [[Tero Koponen]] (Finnish, season 3), [[Bruno Bulté]] (French), [[Mauro Castro]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Gunnar Ernblad]] (Swedish)}}

[[Image:AlphaOmega-ohmy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"I'm speaking in riddles. That's kind of the point, like a clue, so when you figure it out you'll say ''Ohhh, '''that's''' what he meant! Stars '''above!'''''"]]

According to legend, at the beginning of time, [[Unicron]] and [[Primus]] battled each other for eons, with neither side remaining victorious for long. Till, that is, Primus created the [[Thirteen]]. These Thirteen defeated Unicron and cast him into space. {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 1}} At some point statues of Alpha Trion and his brothers were created and stored in the high council room. {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 3}}

Alpha Trion was [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]]'s mentor and was the one who requested that he become a Prime. In the final days of the war for Cybertron, [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] was assigned to guard Alpha Trion, whom he came to consider a great mentor and a true friend. Alpha Trion also trusted Smokescreen enough to tell him about his involvement in making Orion a Prime. {{storylink|New Recruit}}

When the Iacon Hall of Records was attacked by Decepticons, the ancient Autobot sent the contents of the Iacon Hall of Records to a remote, seemingly unimportant planet named Earth, as the [[Covenant of Primus]] had foretold that an important chapter of the war against the Decepticons would be decided there, and Alpha Trion wished Optimus Prime to have these important artifacts at his disposal. Within the [[Star Saber (Thirteen)|Star Saber]] relic, Alpha Trion sealed a message telling Optimus of the significance of the weapons he was sending. {{storylink|Alpha/Omega}} He also revealed the secret location of the [[Omega Lock]]. {{storylink|Regeneration (Prime)|Regeneration}} However, when Alpha Trion was sending the final [[Omega Key]] relics, it was too late to send the final one into space. In an effort, perhaps desperate, to find an alternate solution, he dazed his pupil Smokescreen long enough to manifest the final Omega Key within him and thus used him as a means of keeping it safe. {{storylink|Inside Job}} Alpha Trion was also in possession of a database with the locations of the relics which he highly encrypted, rendering it useless to Decepticon hackers, even to the likes of Soundwave. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 1}} Alpha Trion was inside the Hall of Records when it was overrun {{storylink|Alpha/Omega}} and apparently perished. {{storylink|Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion}}

Many, many years later, after Optimus Prime had arrived on Earth and obtained the Star Saber, Optimus Prime received through the sword the message from Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Legacy (episode)|Legacy}} Alpha Trion explained why so many artifacts from the Hall of Records were hidden on Earth, and he prepared him for a new hunt for the four [[Omega Key]]s, additional artifacts which would restore Cybertron. {{storylink|Alpha/Omega}}

As Optimus lay dying, he had a vision of Alpha Trion beckoning him to join the [[Transformer afterlife|Allspark]]. Though Trion assured him that the [[Matrix of Leadership]] would choose a new Prime, Optimus hesitated and was restored to life thanks to Smokescreen and the Forge. {{storylink|Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion}}

====2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon====
Following the restoration of Cybertron from the [[Great War (Prime)|Great War]], Alpha Trion was one of the many Autobots blacklisted by the new [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] for being a supporter of [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]. {{Storylink|Enemy of My Enemy (RID)|Enemy of My Enemy}}

[[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] mused that Alpha Trion's [[Facial hair|beard]] resembled a steel carpet. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye (RID)|More than Meets the Eye}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
[[Preditron]] remembered Alpha Trion as an inspirational figure, one who exemplified the best qualities of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Predacon Manifesto}}

[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] knew the books of Alpha Trion to hold that countless Cybertrons existed in the multiverse. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue}}

While interacting with the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], [[Overshoot]] witnessed flashes of Cybertron's long history, including Alpha Trion wielding his [[Quill]]. {{storylink|Cultural Appropriation}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
[[File:Everybody Hates Metroplex - Vision of Alpha Trion passing the Matrix.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
As he lay dying, Alpha Trion passed the Matrix of Leadership down to Optimus Prime, an event that would later be plucked from Prime's memories and scrutinized during his [[Quintesson]] trial. {{storylink|Everybody Hates Metroplex}} His spirit passed into the Matrix, where it would later haunt [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] after he'd stolen the artifact. {{storylink|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe issue 12|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #12}} The spirits of Alpha Trion and other past Matrix holders manifested again when Optimus Prime took back the Matrix. {{storylink|The War Never Ends}}

===Fun Publications===
[[File:AnotherLight-Thirteen.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|That's me in the corner. Losin<nowiki>'</nowiki> my divinity. (He's actually probably the lion, center right.)]]
A short time after the piercing of the "quantum membrane" separating the [[Uniend]] [[Universal stream|cluster]] from the rest of the [[multiverse]], {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09}} [[Vector Prime]] experienced new memories of a version of himself marveling at his brother Alpha Trion's wisdom. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/14}} Vector elaborated that the Uniend manifestation of Alpha Trion had begun merging with his multiversal counterparts to form a [[Multiversal singularity|singularity]] like his [[Thirteen|brethren]], though he did not know when or if this process would reach completion. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/28}}

When questioned if Alpha Trion was [[Solomus]], [[Vector Prime]] just said that his brethren went by many faces and names. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/01}}

In [[Uniend 610.23 Zeta]], {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} Alpha Trion consulted with [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] about his plan to launch the [[AllSpark]] into space, and away from [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'s reach. {{storylink|Bumblebee at Tyger Pax}}

Whether Trion achieved singularity or not, his brother [[Nexus Prime]] put a stop to it when he united the [[Terminus Blade]] and the [[Star Saber (Thirteen)|Star Saber]] to halt the decay of the multiverse and shattered the [[Thirteen]] into separate selves across creation in the process. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

{{charstubfiction|Olympian stuff, more probably}}
{{--}}

===Shell Game===
In [[Viron 704.31 Epsilon]], [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] merged with a dying Alpha Trion and became [[Ultra Trion]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/30}}

===Legends World===
Despite his and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s money woes, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Armada Megatron]] bought a [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Legends|''Legends'' Ultra Magnus toy]], justifying the expenditure by saying that a) it was to study [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Legends comic|his enemy]]'s weaknesses and b) it came with [[Alpha Trion/toys#Legends|a Mini-Con]] which is what he was ''really'' collecting. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Sequel|Armada Megatron Chapter}}

===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===
[[File:PowerOfTheTitanMasters-alphatrion.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
Alpha Trion was partnered with the [[Titan Master]] [[Sovereign]], who granted him the power of Primus himself. {{storylink|#Generations|''Titans Return'' Sovereign/Alpha Trion toy bio}} On the planet [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]], Alpha Trion and [[Grimlock (G1)|Clobber]] discovered an ancient artifact linked to the [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s and Titan Masters. They were attacked by a contingent of Decepticons intent on ambushing the two Autobots and stealing the artifact for themselves, but [[Apeface]] managed to blow their cover and give the Autobots time to fight back. {{storylink|Titans Return: The Power of the Titan Masters}}

Alpha Trion's [[Spark]] passed into the possession of one of the twelve [[Prime Master]]s; hidden within a suit of decoy armor, they safeguarded the abilities of the Primes until the present day. By uniting with a larger Transformer, the Prime Master could channel the powers of Trion's Spark and grant them unique abilities that varied with each new partner. {{storylink|#Power of the Primes|''Power of the Primes'' Landmine / Alpha Trion online bio}}

{{note|For a list of every permutation of Alpha Trion's abilities, see [[Prime Master/Combinations|this link]].}}

===''Cyberverse'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Rich Orlow]] (English), [[Yōji Ueda]] (Japanese)|[[Vittorio Bestoso]] (Italian), [[Hans-Eckart Eckhardt]] (German), [[Vicente Gil]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Jesse Conde]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Rogério Ferreira]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:Alpha Trion (Cyberverse - Matrix of Leadership).jpg|thumb|left|The life expectancy of your average Alpha Trion has dropped dramatically in recent years.]]
Alpha Trion was one of the [[Thirteen]]. {{storylink|Dweller In The Depths (Cyberverse)|Dweller In The Depths}} {{storylink|Silent Strike}} {{storylink|The Other One}}

When [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|Megatron]] attacked the High Council, Alpha Trion was mortally wounded. While under [[Ratchet (Cyberverse)|Ratchet]]'s care, Alpha Trion requested an audience with [[Optimus Prime (Cyberverse)|Optimus]] and passed on the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to the younger Autobot before passing away. {{storylink|Matrix of Leadership (episode)|Matrix of Leadership}}

66 million years later, [[Starscream (Cyberverse)|Starscream]] claimed that one of his [[Scraplet]]s carried Alpha Trion's [[spark]], claiming that the deceased councillor was disapponted with his protege's performance as a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] and wanted the Matrix of Leadership back. {{storylink|Starscream's Children}}

In a [[stasis lock]]ed vision brought on by his use of the Matrix, Optimus saw an image of Alpha Trion with his back turned to him. When he tried to face Trion directly, he could still only see his back no matter which way he turned. {{storylink|Escape From Earth}}
{{--}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:StormHorizonPart2-Soundblaster.jpg|thumb]]

A stained-glass mural of Alpha Trion existed next to other members in Cybertronian history. {{storylink|The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Five}} Alpha Trion was active in the days before the [[War of the Threefold Spark]], and attempted to teach his mentee [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] about sympathy and compassion. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 2}} Trion bore witness to the war that followed, his spark weeping for those that were extinguished.

When the [[Tether]] had fallen, Alpha Trion had left Cybertron, hunting down ancient Cybertronian artefacts across the galaxy. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 1}} Trion's search led him to the [[Decimus Sector]]. Knowing that [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]]'s crew had mapped the [[Black Sphere]] region, he bargained for usage of a [[Kworian]] starship, eventually finding himself in [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]]'s company. Though Trion had left a series of signal markers, their proximity to the [[Black hole (phenomenon)|black hole]] gave an exaggerated account of how long he'd been gone, sending Ultra Magnus on a search for him. Via [[hologram]], Trion projected himself to his mentee on the planet [[Obsidar]] just as Soundblaster's vessel came under attack from a fleet of starships. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 2}}

Obsessed with his profits, Soundblaster refused to let Alpha Trion go free, forcing Ultra Magnus to board the ship and rescue his mentor. With Trion noting that the Kworians were unlikely to stand down, the two left the ship to be destroyed by the black hole and retreated to the ''[[Fist of Iacon]]''. Setting course for home, the crew discovered that Megatron had overthrown the [[Senate]] but Alpha Trion reassured everyone that with faith in their cause and courage, they would see through this crisis and emerge stronger. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 3}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Ben Jurand]] (English), [[Banjō Ginga]] (Japanese)|[[Dario de Castro]] (Portuguese), [[Mathieu Buscatto]] (French), [[Samuel Zekarias]] (German), [[Jesús Carrasco]] (Castilian Spanish), [[José Luis Orozco]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}
[[File:WFC-Earthrise-Ep5-Alpha-Trion-threatens-Sky-Lynx.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

In Cybertron's past, Alpha Trion led the planet into a rebellion against its [[Quintesson|oppressors]], and mentored [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] {{storylink|Siege episode 1}} as his students to bring change and good to Cybertron. Alpha Trion also protected the [[Matrix of Leadership]], waiting for one worthy enough to be chosen. The arrogant [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] time and time again tried to claim the talisman until Alpha Trion used the [[Forge of Solus Prime|Staff of Solus]] to banish the draconian to the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 5}} At some point, Alpha Trion studied the mystical [[AllSpark]], proving its existence, {{storylink|Siege episode 2}} and knew where it was located. {{storylink|Siege episode 4}}

As the Autobots and Decepticons diverged and Megatron started his own revolution, the former student murdered Alpha Trion. {{storylink|Siege episode 6}} The Matrix of Leadership chose Optimus Prime as its next bearer and Magnus inherited the sum total of Alpha Trion's knowledge in the form of the [[Alpha Trion Protocols]]. Trion, greatly missed by many, was awarded a memorial in the mass-grave at [[Tarn-Hauser Gate]]. When Megatron murdered Ultra Magnus, the Alpha Trion Protocols chose the scavenger [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. He spoke to a simulacrum of Alpha Trion that persisted within the Protocols, {{storylink|Siege episode 4}} but it was destroyed when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] engineered a virus against it. {{storylink|Siege episode 6}}

While in the Dead Universe, both Optimus and Megatron looked back to when Alpha Trion had mentored them and Ultra Magnus, but the Decepticon leader only let it fuel his hatred. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 5}} When the Autobots and [[Maximal]]s searched for the AllSpark on Earth, the artifact produced an illusion of Alpha Trion to Optimus Prime, part of its defense mechanism to lead would-be threats astray. Optimus followed the projection until it led him to a mortally wounded [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] and the Matrix of Leadership. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 3}}
{{-}}

===''One'' continuity===
====''One'' film====
{{voiceactor|[[Laurence Fishburne]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese)|[[Gerardo Reyero]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Humberto Solórzano]] (Latin-American Spanish, first trailer), [[Tony Aguilar]] (Spain Spanish), [[Juan Carlos Gustems]] (Spain Spanish, first trailer), [[Massimo Corvo]] (Italian), [[Thierry Desroses]] (European French), [[Tristan Harvey]] (Canadian French), [[Tom Vogt]] (German), [[Markus Bäckman]] (Finnish), [[Oleg Stalchuk]] (Ukrainian), [[Jacek Król]] (Polish), [[Jun-seok Song]] (Korean), [[Alexandre Maguolo]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}
[[File:One-Alpha-Trion.jpg|thumb|right|270px|There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.]]
Alpha Trion was one of the [[Thirteen|Primes]], the first Transformers created by [[Primus]], participating in the war against the [[Quintesson]]s. After thousands of cycles of fighting, the principle aide of the Primes, [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel]], intercepted a transmission about a meeting of Quintesson commanders. The Primes chose to take on the mission themselves and met Sentinel in [[Mouth of Unicron|a cave]] only to be ambushed by [[Quintesson Soldier]]s. The Primes nearly triumphed over their attackers until Sentinel revealed himself as a traitor and turned on the Primes. As the tide of the battle turned, Alpha Trion sent out an urgent SOS message, calling on the [[High Guard]] to come to his location before the Primes fell. While the other twelve perished, Alpha Trion fell into [[stasis lock]]. Fifty cycles later, the beacon containing Alpha Trion's message ended up lost in waste disposal, but a local disposal worker [[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]] salvaged it and used it as a component to make an imaginary friend named "[[Steve (One)|Steve]]." There the message remained for the next 50 cycles, until [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]] and [[Megatron (One)|D-16]] were thrown into the disposal area B-127 worked in. Orion inadvertently discovered the beacon and activated the message, leading the three to believe it led to the location of the lost [[Matrix of Leadership]] and embark on a quest to discover it.

When the three bots (now joined by [[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]]) discovered the cave where the slain Primes lay, Orion found Alpha Trion buried under an immense amount of rock and still lived, reviving him with an [[energon cube]]. Alpha Trion reacted violently at first, momentarily believing he was still in the midst of battle, but Orion was able to calm him down and bring him up to speed on the current state of affairs. However, when Orion mentioned [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]], Alpha Trion was quick to point out that Sentinel was ''not'' a true Prime. Educating the quartet about Sentinel's treachery, he took them to an overgrown cliff where they watched Sentinel kneel before a [[Quintesson High Commander]]. Though the four younger bots were dismayed and dejected to learn the truth about Sentinel, Alpha Trion rallied them to action with some wise words, reminding them that they must inform the public of the truth and bequeathing them with the [[Transformation cog (biology)|transformation cog]]s of four of the Primes.

Unfortunately, that was when Sentinel's enforcers discovered them and descended on the cave. Alpha Trion told the quartet to flee as he prepared to hold the line, informing Orion that this battle would have to be his so that Orion's time may come later. Though the [[Death Tracker]]s mocked him and called him old, the ancient Prime was quick to remind them he still had some fight left in him by transforming into his beast mode and swiftly tearing them apart. However, a surprise attack from above by [[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] caught him unaware, and a captured Alpha Trion was brought before Sentinel. Defiant even in captivity, Alpha Trion engaged in a battle of words against Sentinel, but Sentinel did not take kindly to the old sage exposing the truth with his speeches and killed Alpha Trion with his blade.

In death, Alpha Trion reunited with his brethren in the AllSpark. A vision of Alpha Trion among his fellow Primes later appeared to a heavily damaged Orion Pax as he fell into Cybertron's core, announcing that he had been chosen by Primus to carry the Matrix and lead Cybertron. As the power of the Matrix reformatted his body, Alpha Trion bestowed upon him the name Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Transformers One (film)|One}}

====''One: New Adventures''====
{{voiceactor|[[Humber Mirabal]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Crate Dodging Challenge: Last Bot Standing}}}}

===''Transformers Go! Go!''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Go! Go! issue 42}}}}

=== Energon Universe ===
[[File:AlphaTrion-VoidRivals17.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8]]
During the Quintessons' rule over Cybertron in the [[Age of Wrath]], A-3 led a rebellion alongside [[Beta (G1)|Beta]], succeeding in expelling the Quintessons off Cybertron. The wisdom both had gained during this time earned them the title of "Trion", A-3 becoming Alpha Trion while his compatriot became Zerta Trion. {{storylink|Void Rivals issue 17|Void Rivals #17}}

When explaining Zerta Trion to [[Darak]] and [[Solila]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] noted that only one other Cybertronian had become a Trion. {{storylink|Void Rivals issue 10|Void Rivals #10}}
{{--}}
==Games==
===''Transformers Prime: Decepticon Strike''===
In the aftermath of a devastating Decepticon attack, the Autobots' base on Earth was left in ruins and Optimus was badly injured. Alpha Trion intervened, healing Optimus's wounds and granting him new flight capabilities. {{storylink|Transformers Prime: Decepticon Strike|Decepticon Strike}}

{{--}}
===''Transformers Legends''===
[[File:AlphaTrionG1-MegatronOriginLegends.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Alpha Trion was one of the oldest Transformers alive. {{storylink|Orion's Gambit}}

Sentinel Prime sent Alpha Trion out to investigate an uprising of working-class robots. Alpha Trion uncovered that Senator Ratbat has shut down a mine, which catapulted into motion the Decepticon movement. He reported his findings to Sentinel Prime, and Ratbat was forced to flee for his life. {{storylink|Megatron Origins}}

[[File:AlphaTrionG1-GoldenAgeLegends.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4]]

Alpha Trion, alongside Nightbeat and Orion Pax, was to escort the Decepticons Rack'n'Ruin in a prisoner exchange with the Decepticons. Though they encountered [[Slicer (group)|Slicers]] en route, the group eventually met up with Bludgeon. But instead of the agreed upon exchange, Bludgeon and the Decepticons ambushed the Autobots, leading to Alpha Trion's capture. He was rescued and returned to Zeta Prime's protective custody thanks to Nightbeat and Orion Pax's efforts. {{storylink|Orion's Gambit}}

When Orion Pax and Ariel were seriously injured by the Decepticons, the Aerialbots took the pair to Trion, who rebuilt them into [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]. He also aided the Aerialbots in returning to their own time through the [[Chronogon]] portal. {{storylink|Golden Age (Legends)|Golden Age}}
{{--}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Mighty Eagle#As Alpha Trion}}
Alpha Trion appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. He is portrayed by Mighty Eagle. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
The first Transformer to be known as "Alpha Trion" was a member of the primordial [[Thirteen|Thirteen Primes]]. In time his name became a lineage, passed down from one chronicler to another throughout Cybertron's history. {{storylink|Solus Arising}}

;'''Alpha Trion Core'''
[[File:Earth Wars Alpha Trion Prime Core.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6]]

The original Alpha Trion's [[Prime Master#Transformers: Earth Wars|Prime Core]] (his "heart" as one of the Thirteen) fell to Earth under mysterious circumstances along with those of his siblings to become a hotly contested resource in the [[Earth Wars (conflict)|Earth Wars]]. {{storylink|Power of the Primes (Earth Wars)|Power of the Primes}} It possessed the power to grant its wielder wisdom beyond that of any mortal 'bot. {{storylink|Source:Transformers: Earth Wars/2018#Haywire!|Alpha Trion Prime Core bio}} It was promptly retrieved by [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]]... in whose claws it proved completely useless. {{storylink|Scratched Finish}}

*'''Effect:''' Ability Point regeneration, frequency scales with Bot level.

[https://tfew.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4733780017183-Prime-Cores-Bot Alpha Trion Prime Core at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]

{{charstubgames|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}

{{-}}{{anchor|TFEWBot}}
[[File:EW-Alpha Trion.jpg|thumb|right|150px|]]
;'''Alpha Trion (Bot)'''

The most recent bot to bear the name Alpha Trion was the leader of the [[Autobot High Council]] and speculated to be the elder-iest of the venerable [[Autobot Elder]]s, his true age shrouded in mystery. {{storylink|Source:Transformers: Earth Wars/2023#The List|Alpha Trion bio}} Alpha Trion has said he had not borne arms for many centuries. {{Storylink|The Nemesis (Earth Wars)|The Nemesis}}

[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] had found evidence of recent time travel and told the other Autobots. Prowl suspected it was Alpha Trion and the other [[Council of Autobot Elders|Autobot Elders]] who had traveled to the past. Perceptor agreed, knowing that since Alpha Trion was a High Councillor, he would have direct access to Vector Sigma. Windblade feared this could lead to more Time Wars. {{Storylink|Lost in Time}}

*'''Added:''' [[July 13]], [[2023]]
*'''Autobot Counterpart:''' [[Tarn (G1)#Transformers: Earth Wars|Tarn]]
*'''Class:''' Special (Ranged)
*'''Star Ratings:''' 2 - 5 stars
*'''Behavior:''' Shoots with a rifle at range.
*'''Abilities:'''
**'''Ability: Matrix Unleashed''' - Utilises the power of the Matrix, providing allies with a 30% stat buff depending on their class, the affected stat of the class are as listed below:
::*Warrior: Damage reduction
::*Aerial: Ability damage
::*Special: DPS
::*Gunner: Attack speed
::*[[Triple Changer#Transformers: Earth Wars|Triple Changer]]: Reflection
::*Medic: Healing
:*'''Cost:''' 4 + 3 per reuse
:*'''Level 11 Bonus:''' Rain energy over a wide area around the bot dealing damage.
:*'''Passive''' - Throws a grenade that heals 25% of the damage dealt.
*'''Compatible C.O.M.B.A.T.s:'''
**Companion
**Range
*'''Bot Specific [[Transformers: Earth Wars#Power Cores|Power Cores]]:'''
**'''G1 Alpha Trion:''' Applies a cell-shaded look. Increases DPS and gains a healing pulse that restores 2% health to allies (and himself) every 5 seconds. The size of the pulse increases with core rarity.
*'''Skins:'''
**'''Ghost Alpha Trion:''' Gives Alpha Trion a [[Ghost|ghostly]] appearance based on his [[The Mystery of Planet Master|one appearance]] in ''The Headmasters'' cartoon.
**'''Power of the Primes Alpha Trion:''' Gives Alpha Trion the colors of his [[Alpha Trion/toys#Power of the Primes|''Power of the Primes'' Prime Master toy]], more specifically the [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]] decoy armor he came with.
[https://tfew.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/420694733797465247-Alpha-Trion-Tarn#toc1 Alpha Trion at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

{{Charstubgames|{{Storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===

Alpha Trion was the archivist and scholar of the Thirteen, armed with a mystical [[Quill]] capable of rewriting reality. Some Cybertronians knew him as '''[[Solomus]]''' or '''Arrius''', and ancient humans perceived him as {{w|Athena}}. {{storylink|Transformers One Sourcebook}} By the time of the Autobot-Decepticon war, Alpha Trion was one of the oldest living Cybertronians. While not technically an Autobot, he happily provided them with advice and lore from Cybertron's prehistoric past. {{storylink|Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}}

In [[Transformers One (film)|one particular universe]], Alpha Trion was an accomplished historian, keeper of the Cybertronian Archive, and author of the [[Covenant of Primus]], a book of prophecies. However, he would become the last surviving Prime after [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] betrayed and murdered the other members of the Thirteen, and Trion spent fifty cycles entombed within the [[Mouth of Unicron|Grave of the Primes]], operating on minimal power. {{storylink|Transformers One Sourcebook}}

==Toys==
{{main|Alpha Trion/toys}}

==Merchandise==
{{main|Alpha Trion/toys#Merchandise}}

==Notes==
[[File:Alpha_Trion_through_the_epochs.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Once you go white, you'll never, er... be right?]]
* Alpha Trion is one of few Cybertronians to show signs of aging and [[Facial hair|hair growth]].
* Alpha Trion was added to the dialogue of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]] and is not present in the ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)#Car Robots|Car Robots]]'' version of the show, with [[Vector Sigma]] instead being said to have directly created [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|God Magnus]].
* In the ''Robots in Disguise'' Italian dub, Alpha Trion is described as [[Female Transformer|female]].
* Alpha Trion had a hover-craft [[alternate mode]] designed for his appearance in ''[[The Transformers: Ironhide]]'', but ultimately didn't end up transforming in that mini-series. The vehicle mode was first revealed in the trade paperback's extras, and would eventually be used in-continuity as part of a flashback sequence in "[[Earthfall Part 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb]]" and in the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' episode "[[Megatron Origins]]".
* Alpha Trion's fate in the Aligned continuity family is uncertain; the DVD commentary for "[[Rebellion (Prime)|Rebellion]]" seems to assert that Trion had died at some point before the episode, although this was never mentioned in the show's dialogue itself, leaving it a case of [[authorial intent]]. The ''Covenant of Primus'' has Alpha Trion describing later episodes all the way up to ''[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]'', meaning that he had remained alive or managed to update the Covenant from beyond the grave.
*"Rock Me Alpha Trion" is a reference to the song "{{w|Rock Me Amadeus}}" by {{w|Falco (musician)|Falco}}.
* ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (franchise)|Cyberverse]]'' Alpha Trion has a design directly inspired by a piece of fanart by [[Makoto Ono]]—[https://makotoono.deviantart.com/art/Alphatrion-362351864 now-deleted] from his deviantART account, but still very much [https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/autobot-leader-alpha-trion-by-makotoonodeviantartcom-on-deviantart--375909900129440770/ floating around online]. [[Circular reporting|Key elements include]] the specific detailing of the lower legs, and the oversized proportions of his shoulder pads, chest armor, and helmet crest.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Alpha Trin''' (アルファートリン ''Arufā Torin''), '''Alpha Trion''' (アルファトライオン ''Arufa Toraion'')
*''Hebrew:'' '''Alpha Trion''' (אלפא טריון ''Alfa Triyon'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Alfa Trion'''
*''Indonesian:'' '''Alfa Trion'''
*''Italian:'' '''Alpha Tyron''' (''Robots in Disguise'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Alpha Tellion''' (Taiwan, 阿法特利昂 ''Āfǎ Tèlìáng''), '''Tài Shīfù''' (China, 钛师傅, "Master Titanium")

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

==See also==
*[[Alpha Trion's base]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]].
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Alpha Trizer]], the successor to Alpha Trion in the ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]''.
* [[Primon|Primon, the Alpha Prime]], the Autobot [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-bearer from Generation 1.

{{Thirteen}}

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Michael Donovan

2026-03-08T18:24:19Z

StarGayCybertron:

{{disambig3|Michael}}
[[Image:Michaeldonovan_voiceactor.jpg‎|200x|right|thumb|They call him "Mr. Fixit" cause he's a god.]]
'''Michael Donovan''' (born [[June 12]], [[1953]]) is a Canadian voice actor. He is perhaps best known as the voices for Phong, Mike the TV, Cecil, and Al in ''ReBoot'', Grey Hulk in ''[[Hulk|The Incredible Hulk]]'', [[Sabretooth]] in ''[[X-Men]]: Evolution'', [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] in the DiC seasons of ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'', Carnage in ''[[Spider-Man]] Unlimited'', King Randor in the 2002 ''[[He-Man]] and the Masters of the Universe''. Mega Man X in the Ruby-Spears ''Mega Man'' cartoon, and Ryoga Hibiki in ''Ranma 1/2''.

In his spare time he fights giant lizard socialists.

==Voice roles==
===''Cybertron''===
* [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]]
* [[Primus|Primus]]
* [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]]

==External links==
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0233036/ Michael Donovan on the Internet Movie Database]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Donovan, Michael}}
[[Category:English voice actors]]

Michael Donovan

2026-03-08T18:24:04Z

StarGayCybertron:

{{disambig3|Michael}}
[[Image:Michaeldonovan_voiceactor.jpg‎|200x|right|thumb|They call him "Mr. Fixit" cause he's a god.]]
'''Michael Donovan''' (born [[June 12]], [[1953]]) is a Canadian voice actor. He is perhaps best known as the voices for Phong, Mike the TV, Cecil, and Al in ''ReBoot'', Grey Hulk in ''[[Hulk|The Incredible Hulk]]'', [[Sabretooth]] in ''[[X-Men]]: Evolution'', [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] in the DiC seasons of ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]]'', Carnage in ''[[Spider-Man]] Unlimited'',King Randor in the 2002 ''[[He-Man]] and the Masters of the Universe''. Mega Man X in the Ruby-Spears ''Mega Man'' cartoon, and Ryoga Hibiki in ''Ranma 1/2''.

In his spare time he fights giant lizard socialists.

==Voice roles==
===''Cybertron''===
* [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]]
* [[Primus|Primus]]
* [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]]

==External links==
* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0233036/ Michael Donovan on the Internet Movie Database]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Donovan, Michael}}
[[Category:English voice actors]]

Rad White

2026-03-06T20:31:09Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Energon cartoon */

{{disambig2|the human from Armada|the human from Shattered Glass|Brad White}}
:''Rad is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[human]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[File:Armada Rad character model.jpg|thumb|200px|...and I want to tell you about the Traaaaaaaaaaansformers!]]

'''Bradley "Rad" White''' is your typical kid who's the son of [[Rad White's parents|brilliant scientists]]. He likes to [[High Wire (Armada)|ride his bike]], he likes to explore caves, he likes to grab excitedly at radioactive things—wait, what?

Basically, Rad has a natural, insatiable curiosity about all things. Unfortunately, this curiosity goes unchecked when he's hanging out with his best friend [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], so it takes the watchful eye of the intelligent-but-much-more-reserved [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] to keep them both out of trouble. His parents hope that some day Rad can channel this curiosity more productively.

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Kirby Morrow]] (English), [[Masataka Nakai]] (Japanese), [[Akiko Toda]] (Japanese, young)|[[Jiang Guangtao]] (Chinese), [[Christian Jernbro]] (Swedish), [[Yoann Sover]] (French), [[Samuel Harjanne]] (Finnish), [[Stefan Günther]] (German), [[Stefano Crescentini]] (Italian), [[Blanca Rada]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Juan Carlos Vázquez]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[João Cappelli]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Kim Jang]] (Korean)}}

When Rad was a young boy, his parents moved to a new home near the [[Cosmoscope Research Center]]. Due to a bending of time, he had a vision of the [[Transformer]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s, but his parents just dismissed this as a wild imagination.

[[File:Firstenclight.JPG|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"It's radioactive? Sweet!" *grab*]]

Years later, he and [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] went exploring into the caverns deep beneath the local observatory. Inside, they found the curious remains of a clearly artificial construction, seemingly far in advance of human technology. Against the advice of Carlos, Rad was drawn towards a [[Mini-Con storage panel|glowing, green, pentagonal artifact]] half-buried in the rubble. When he touched it, the entire structure began to shake, suddenly springing to life as thousands of computers lit up the walls.

At home, [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] felt the tremors and used her computer to pinpoint the epicenter of the apparent earthquake as the mountain caverns that Rad and Carlos were exploring. Similarly, the scientists and researchers at the observatory were baffled by the sudden movement of the Earth. As Rad and Carlos made their escape with the artifact, a bright light engulfed the chamber they were in, simultaneously shutting down all electronic equipment in Lincoln, as well as emitting three distinctly coloured distress signal beams into the sky.

One beam, green, reached an [[Exodus (Armada)|ancient starship wreck]] on the dark side of the Moon, causing it to fire hundreds of smaller beams of green light at the [[Earth]]. The two remaining signal beams, coloured red and purple, continued deep into space until they reached [[Cybertron (planet)|a cold, distant, metal world]].

Little did Rad know that he had unwittingly set in motion the next destructive phase in the great Transformers war, an endless battle of rage and hatred between the heroic [[Autobot]]s and the evil [[Decepticon]]s. Thanks a lot, kid. {{storylink|First Encounter}}

After being joined by Alexis, the kids attempted to flee on [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], but were stopped by the arrival of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. Demolishor tried to grab the boys, but they were saved by the arrival of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]. Rad fled back into the cave, calling Carlos and Alexis after him. Rad was sure they'd be safe there, but Alexis was concerned that the bigger robots might still follow them. High Wire led the three into a smaller room, to Alexis' further distress; Rad and Carlos, however, assured her that they'd be safer there. While in there, he accessed the ship's computer and the kids learned about the Transformer conflict.

At this point, High Wire activated a hidden storage panel, revealing [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]], who bonded to Carlos and Alexis. The [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] took their new friends out to play in the woods, but ran into Megatron. The timely arrival of Optimus Prime initially seemed to Rad and Carlos to make things worse, but when Alexis said she trusted the big Autobot, the boys admitted they felt they could do so as well.

Optimus Prime took them into his cab and sped off to a distant location, where he set them down. Unfortunately, Megatron had followed close behind, and so Optimus had to combine with his [[trailer]] to fight him off. {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis}} The commanders' battle caused a landslide to fall on the kids, but they were shielded by Hot Shot. They then dug up some more Mini-Cons, but two of those were stolen by Cyclonus. The Decepticons retreated, and so the kids and robots made proper introductions. Rad was particularly upset by the idea that he had started a massive war by reactivating High Wire.

The next day at school, [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] grilled them over recent earthquakes; Rad and Carlos played dumb, while Alexis pointed out that if there was an earthquake, it would have been mentioned on the news. When Billy asked where Rad got his new bike, Rad claimed it was a birthday present from his grandmother. He and Carlos headed on up to the mountain; on the way, Alexis chewed them out for almost blowing their cover.

At the Autobots' base, Optimus Prime presented them with [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to aid them with their reconnaissance work; right then, another Mini-Con was detected {{storylink|Base}} in the [[Grand Canyon|Big Canyon]]. The kids ran out with the Autobots, Rad falling slightly behind, and got spiffy new adventure suits on the way.

When they got to the canyon, Rad was initially left alone once again when Alexis and Hot Shot sped off, forgetting him. They came back, though. Hot Shot then sped off as fast as he could over the rough terrain, severely shaking up the two humans. Rad sent Laserbeak off to find the Mini-Con, and was himself chided by Alexis for being a coward.

[[File:Comrade drivingHotShot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|They're going to be exactly like this when they're thirty.]]

When the Mini-Con was finally found, Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Starscream simultaneously tried to claim it. Rad gave a yell of concern, which inspired High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock to combine into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], who in turn managed to hold off both Megatron and Starscream. Optimus Prime claimed the Mini-Con—who turned out to be his old partner, [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]—and the kids helped dig up Hot Shot form where he'd gotten himself buried {{storylink|Comrade}}.

Later, they played tag with Hot Shot, which got him in trouble with Optimus Prime as he was supposed to be helping Red Alert install some equipment. They then went to find a new Mini-Con in [[Antarctica]], where Rad and Alexis rode in Red Alert while Carlos went with Hot Shot. Red Alert ended up having to save Carlos and Hot Shot from Starscream {{storylink|Soldier (episode)|Soldier}}.

[[File:Jungle-Butterfingers.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|When your girlfriend sees your Transformers collection, she sees this.]]

Rad later came up with the sensible notion of bringing some camping supplies to the Autobot base in case they ever had to stay the night. Soon after he got them to the base, another Mini-Con was detected, and so the good guys all warped over to a forest. Carlos found a path that had been cut down by illegal loggers, prompting Rad to make a speech about how important it is to protect the environment.

During this mission, Rad used Laserbeak to find the Mini-Con, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]. However, the Decepticons also found him, and started a forest fire. At Rad's insistence, the Autobots temporarily broke off their search to protect the animals, allowing Starscream to make off with Swindle. Rad felt guilty about this, but Optimus Prime assured him that his heart was in the right place. {{Storylink|Jungle}}

Back at the base, the kids tried to wake up the dormant Mini-Con they'd found in Antarctica, but to no avail. Rad and Carlos fell for the old "pass me that spanner that's clearly too big for your species to lift" joke and, seeing there was nothing they could do to help, decided to take High Wire and Grindor to a local carnival, followed by [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]].

At the carnival, the boys were initially concerned that bringing five alien robots to a crowded area might blow their cover, but quickly came up with the idea of telling everyone they were super-advanced [[human]]-developed robots that would be available for purchase in the future. After a while, the boys tried to take the robots home, but it turned out that Billy and Fred were also at the carnival, and got suspicious. They tried to capture one of the Mini-Con, causing the entire situation to descend into slapstick farce.

[[File:Palace-Exploring.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|]]

They were saved by the timely arrival of Hot Shot, Sureshock, and Alexis, who managed to get things under control, swore Billy and Fred to secrecy, and gave the lads a good scolding. As punishment, Rad and Carlos had to clean up their quarters back at the base. {{storylink|Carnival}} The kids later accompanied the Autobots to the [[Sahara|Sahara Desert]], and fell into a sand pit after an altercation with Demolishor. They found themselves in an ancient temple, where they were attacked by ancient guardian robots, but fortunately Demolishor was there to blow them up. Further into the temple, they found a Mini-Con storage panel; Carlos accidentally activated a trap, and Rad knocked him out of the way. After that, the floor collapsed, but Perceptor was able to rescue them. Demolishor got the Mini-Con. {{storylink|Palace}}

The next day, back in America, Billy and Fred pursued the three to the Autobot base. Rad, Carlos, and Alexis all tried to outrun them, but soon had to split up when Cyclonus attempted to capture them. Cyclonus chased after Rad, but was thrown off the trail by Laserbeak and so captured Billy and Fred instead, intending to hold them for ransom. They tracked Laserbeak to a ghost town, where the kids tried to rescue the bullies, but all ended up being captured by Megatron, who demanded Optimus Prime hand over all their Autobots' Mini-Cons in exchange for the humans' lives. Optimus Prime went through with it, but Megatron, naturally, refused to hand them over. However, Rad was able to use Laserbeak to free all the other humans, and Hot Shot was able to rescue Rad with Fred's surprising help. {{storylink|Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation}}

The day after that, when Hot Shot whined about having to do work on the ship, Rad facetiously offered to take his place. Before anything could come of this, however, a new Mini-Con was detected in a disused subway system. The kids accompanied the Autobots in their search and actually managed to find the storage panel; as soon as they did, however, [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], who had been discreetly following them, stumbled onto the scene. Mistaking him for a Decepticon, the kids took off, and encountered the real Decepticons in their flight. Smokescreen revealed himself to be their ally just in time for him to rescue Rad and the others from being crushed by a pile of rubble. {{storylink|Underground (episode)|Underground}}

[[File:Ruin-Hologram.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|]]

A while after that, the Autobots received a transmission from [[Atlantis]] and took the kids with them to search for yet another Mini-Con. At the ruins, while the Autobots fought the Decepticons, the kids went inside to look around. A [[Hologram|holographic]] display activated, and Carlos chased after the hologram of [[Amphitrite]]; Rad and Alexis followed. 'Amphitrite' gave them a canned history of Atlantis, focusing on how its inhabitants used the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] to dominate the world, and were eventually defeated by another civilisation who wielded the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]]. Despite this warning of the danger of the Mini-Cons' power, the kids decided to find the Mini-Con in Atlantis anyway, but it was claimed by [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] for the Decepticons. Dejected, the kids left with Optimus Prime. Rad tried to comfort Carlos, {{storylink|Ruin}} and when they got back, mused that at last he knew what happened to Atlantis.

He asked Optimus Prime if there was any way to end the war with the Decepticons, to which Optimus gave him the origin of the war and what he knew of the Mini-Cons. Rad changed his line of questioning, asking if there was a way to fight without involving the Mini-Cons; Optimus responded that the Decepticons would use Mini-Cons to fight anyway, and so the Autobots had to do the same to prevent them from capturing any more than they already had.

While searching for the Mini-Con of the week, this time on a volcanic island, Rad sent Laserbeak to look for it at Alexis' prompting. They found it, but it was carried off in a lava floe, and eventually claimed by Red Alert. During this adventure, Rad was moved by the Autobot-aligned Mini-Cons leaping into the fray to protect one of their own from falling into Decepticon hands. Seeing this put his mind at ease over the smaller robots being part of the war. {{storylink|Prehistory}}

After that adventure, the trio decided to give Billy and Fred a tour of the Autobot base, but were separated when the Decepticons attacked. Since the bullies were in danger of the automatic defenses, said defenses were shut off, allowing the Decepticons to penetrate deeper into the base that anyone would have liked. The Autobots had to turn to trickier tactics to get rid of the intruders, and Rad helped out by leading Cyclonus to the warp gate and teleporting him out of the base. After a battle, the Star Saber was reassembled and put in the hands of Hot Shot, so the day ultimately turned out all right. {{storylink|Swoop (episode)|Swoop}}

The next day, Rad and Carlos tried to sort out the human quarters on the base while Alexis and Sureshock were out shopping. For some reason, the fridge was full of tools. {{storylink|Overmatch}}

When Alexis tracked down the next Mini-Con, the trio, plus Billy and Fred, rushed off with the Autobots to cheer them on; Rad and Carlos rode in Hot Shot. They were let out so Hot Shot could focus on fighting Cyclonus. At that point, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] arrived and dropped off Billy, who clung onto Rad often his wild ride. After the Autobots managed to acquire [[Spiral]], Alexis and Rad discussed Sideways. Both were deeply suspicious of him, but they decided not to raise their misgivings with Optimus Prime in case it turned out their first impressions were false. {{storylink|Gale}}

When Hot Shot and Sideways were warped to the Decepticons' base, Rad worried over whether or not they would return safely. Some of the other kids were certain that while the Star Saber was in his possession, Hot Shot could handle anything the evil robots could throw at him. This didn't turn out to be true; Rad witnessed Hot Shot return to Autobot headquarters barely alive, minus his sword and his partner; Sideways had betrayed the Autobots! {{storylink|Credulous}}

With Hot Shot feeling naturally depressed about this disaster, all five kids tried to cheer him up by making silly faces. Though it worked, it still wasn't enough for the Autobots to win their next confrontation with the Decepticons. Soon after, however, Scavenger came over to the Autobots, and revealed he had been a double agent all along. {{storylink|Conspiracy}}

In the aftermath of Sideways' betrayal, the trio weren't exactly eager to trust Scavenger. He seemed to be more interested in sleeping than mentoring Hot Shot, but when the kids tried to raise this with Optimus Prime, his explanation was cut short by the detection of still another Mini-Con. The Autobots warped off to somewhere with a lot of snow, while the kids observed from back at base. Scavenger heroically saved Optimus Prime's life, very nearly plunging to his own [[death]], and so the kids (and Smokescreen) apologised to him for their earlier suspicions when he got back, Scavenger accepted with characteristic stoicism. {{storylink|Trust (Armada)|Trust}}

At some point after that incident, the boys went on a camping trip with Hot Shot and Red Alert, forgetting to tell Alexis. Carlos, Fred, and Billy played in the water and invited a little boy named Shaun to play with them, while Rad tried his hand at [[fishing]].

That evening, a storm blew in, resulting in a landslide which trapped Red Alert, Carlos, and Shaun beneath a massive pile of mud. Optimus Prime ordered Red Alert to transform in order to escape, but Rad explained that there was a human news crew present, and so Red Alert transforming would completely blow the Autobots' cover. Hence, he deployed Laserbeak to distract the reporters while the rest of the Autobots rolled in and saved the day in their [[Alternate mode|altmodes]]. Everybody returned to base post haste, where they found Alexis waiting with baited breath. Fond reunions were had be all. {{storylink|Vacation}}

All five kids observed the battle in which [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] made his first appearance. They tried to make friends with the new arrival, but he turned out to belong to the monosyllabic loner school of heroism. When Blurr and Hot Shot's attitudes led to the Decepticons getting their servos on [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], Alexis and Rad gave Hot Shot a talking down for letting his competitiveness get the better of him. The loss did also cause Blurr to mellow out however, and the kids were glad to see that Hot Shot and Blurr formed a friendship later that evening. {{storylink|Reinforcement}}

The next day, Blurr and Hot Shot trained together while the kids watched. They also congratulated Smokescreen for succeeding in a test where Hot Shot failed, even though Hot Shot only failed because he was competing with Blurr in addition to trying to dodge the obstacles.

This session was interrupted when Megatron challenged all the Autobots to a final, decisive battle. Due to the danger, the kids were left at the base to watch the proceedings from afar. Megatron would have won if Optimus Prime hadn't managed to get his hands on the Skyboom shield, and when the Star Saber was used against the shield, a mighty light was released which Rad and Alexis recognised as the same one that they had seen when High Wire was awoken. This light streaked off into space, to awaken [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Decisive Battle}}

Despite this victory, Optimus Prime decided the situation was too dangerous for the kids and barred them from the base. Frustrated, they wandered off, but were soon joined by the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]], who had received a transmission from the Decepticon-allied Mini-Cons. Fred figured that the Decepticon Mini-Cons were lonely and wanted to join up with their friends on Earth, so he and Rad went to deliver the message to Optimus Prime. The rest of the kids headed to the coordinates where the Decepticon-allied Mini-Cons were supposed to warp in. Unable to enter the base, Rad used Laserbeak to deliver the message, prompting Optimus Prime and Hot Shot to emerge and take matters into their own hands; Blurr and Smokescreen followed.

However, the transmission turned out to be a trap orchestrated by Megatron, who was seeking to divide and conquer. Rad, Fred, and the bulk of the Autobot forces found themselves scattered around the globe via a series of Warp Gates. Along the way, Optimus explained that the Mini-Cons viewed Megatron as something akin to a father-figure, and thus his control would not be easy to break. After bringing them to a desert, Megatron and his Mini-Cons fought Optimus Prime while Rad and Fred stood on the sidelines. Optimus Prime's refusal to harm the Mini-Cons led to them defecting to the Autobots, just as Alexis managed to re-establish contact with the group. The rest of the Autobots teleported in and drove off Megatron, leaving the Autobots victorious once again. {{storylink|Vow}}

After that adventure, the kids were allowed back into the Autobots' base, but were still not taken on missions. Rad found himself in the unenviable position to trying to keep the bored Carlos and cranky Alexis from murdering each other. Despite not being at the front of the action, the war would still impinge on their lives when Sideways hacked the Autobots' computer system. Despite Rad and Alexis' best efforts, Sideways's virus quickly took control of the base and projected himself into it. Faced with no other options, the trio resorted to physically smashing the terminals, which granted them a brief reprieve.

However, this relief proved to be short-lived when Sideways sucked the minds of the kids as well as their partner Mini-Cons into a cyberspace landscape of his own devising. Rad and Carlos actually enjoyed the lack of gravity in this new realm for a while before Sideways's digital avatar appeared to them and tried to claim their Mini-Cons.

Back at the base, Billy and Fred tried to wake the trio up. Meanwhile, in cyberspace, the kids and Mini-Cons fled Sideways, and discovered that all they saw was just an elaborate illusion. Sideways managed to capture Sureshock, but then Alexis realized that since he had gone to so much effort, he clearly wasn't in control of this illusion - and also that he couldn't really harm them.

At this, Sideways panicked and made a desperate bid to take the Mini-Cons, but the kids' lack of belief in the world they saw put paid to that plan. At that point, a massive force of evil manifested in cyberspace - Unicron, the one entity Sideways feared! The kids fled back to the meatspace through a portal opened by Red Alert, leaving Sideways to his master's mercies. {{storylink|Chase (episode)|Chase}}

When Fred tried to tell the others about strange lights seen recently in space, Rad just thought he was being silly. All the kids expressed relief when Sideways appeared on the battlefield during the next Mini-Con related skirmish, as this meant he couldn't hack their system again. The Autobots won this battle, bringing [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] into the fold, and the kids were all there to welcome him when they took him back to base. When Fred's story about strange lights turned out to be the arrival of [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], Rad was especially pleased to welcome the newest Autobot. {{Storylink|Tactician}}

In a subsequent battle, Optimus Prime was seriously injured, forcing Jetfire to take command. None of the kids were impressed by the new guy's constant boasting. They also got a brief history lesson on battles the Autobots had lost due to Thrust's tactical genius; while Carlos was confident that Jetfire could easily counter Thrust, the others weren't so sure.

As it turned out, the kids were right about Jetfire, as his overconfidence nearly led to the Autobots being taken out after he got himself caught in another of Thrust's ambushes. To his credit, Jetfire was contrite, saying he had learned his lesson and would be more cautious in the future. {{storylink|Linkup}}

The next day, the kids watched Jetfire and Smokescreen have an arm-wrestling competition. They also filled in Jetfire on who Sideways was and what he had previously gotten up to. Jetfire then displayed his cunning side by showing the kids a still of Sideways shooting down Cyclonus after Sideways had defected, which cast doubt on the turncoat's allegiance to the Decepticons. The kids tried to figure out what Sideways's deal was, while the Autobots went to obtain yet another Mini-Con. {{storylink|Detection}}

While the Autobots were dealing with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], two Mini-Cons were detected in addition to the one the Transformers were at the time specifically fighting over - one on the Moon, and the other right in the Autobot base! The kids and Street Action Mini-Cons rushed off to look for the one on Earth, locating it when Fred fell through a rotten floor. This Mini-Con revealed itself as [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] before shooting High Wire and running off. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}} The kids gave chase, and Rad managed to persuade Sky Blast that he wasn't in any danger. After Rad promised his protection to Sky Blast, Red Alert took the Mini-Con, Rad, and Carlos to the beach where the factions' main forces were duking it out; while Alexis alerted the other Autobots to the situation, Rad and Carlos sought out [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]].

The situation was growing grimmer for the Autobots until Sky Blast walked off and played a melody which awoke both Payload on the beach and [[Astroscope]] on the moon; the three Mini-Cons came together and did indeed form the Requiem Blaster, which Optimus Prime obtained and used, forcing the Decepticons to retreat. Rad realized that the Mini-Cons weren't afraid of fighting ''per se'', but rather of their power falling into the wrong hands. {{storylink|Desperate}}

Out of concern for the rights of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]], Rad and the other kids disguised the Mini-Cons in baggy clothes and took them to a farm outside the city, pursued by the Autobots. At an abandoned farmhouse, they set up a complex system of home-made traps and alarms which worked surprisingly well when Thrust inevitably arrived; while they didn't manage to actually stop the Decepticon, they did delay him long enough for Optimus Prime to arrive and drive him off.

When the other Autobots arrived, Rad took a stand and urged the Autobots to see the Mini-Cons as individuals, not as weapons of war to be exploited and then tossed aside. Surprisingly, Optimus Prime had much the same view, and explained that they were fighting so the Mini-Cons would be free to live in peace, and if any of them wanted to join the struggle, that was their decision. Satisfied, the kids and Mini-Cons returned to base. {{storylink|Runaway}}

All three kids were present when [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] made his rather eager appearance at the base, but they weren't terribly impressed and went off to play a video game {{storylink|Past}} at which Alexis beat all comers. {{storylink|Past II}}

Later, the kids stayed at the base with Red Alert when the Autobots went out to counter a Decepticon attack. However, this attack proved to be nothing more than a distraction posed by Starscream, while the rest of the 'Cons attacked the Autobot base in search of the Requiem Blaster. The kids ran for hiding before the Autobots warped back, and bore witness to Megatron obtaining the Blaster and using it on Smokescreen, apparently killing him. {{storylink|Sacrifice}} Smokescreen clung to life, if only barely, and Red Alert went to task fixing him. As they watched, the children were given a brief lesson in Cybertronian anatomy, specifically on what a [[Spark]] was. Afterwards, Starscream joined the ranks of the Autobots. Though the kids were initially suspicious, they eventually welcomed him when they saw his attendant Mini-Cons genuinely looked up to him. {{storylink|Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration}} Despite this display of camaraderie, Starscream dismissed them, as he was only concerned with defeating Megatron. The kids' favorable opinion on Starscream was further cemented when they watched him aid the Autobots rescue the Decepticon-held Mini-Cons from the enemy's moonbase. {{storylink|Rescue}} Later, the kids asked Starscream to bring them back a souvenir when he and Jetfire travelled to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] in search of a Mini-Con panel. In spite of his rude, lone-wolf demeanor, Starscream brought back a mysterious green rock for the kids, thus earning him a place in their hearts. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}}

In return for his kindness, the kids threw Starscream a surprise party, sewing a large [[Chamois of Friendship]] out of several smaller rags. Starscream was touched by this, but unfortunately still had trouble adjusting to life with the Autobots. Rad, Alexis, and Carlos later took the [[Race Mini-Con Team]] out for a walk, inadvertently leading to Starscream being accused of stealing the Skyboom Shield for the Decepticons. Though the kids explained themselves to Hot Shot, the damaged had been done, and Starscream abandoned both his gift and the Autobots when he was duped into returning to the Decepticons by [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], ostensibly so as to destroy Megatron. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} In the aftermath, Carlos and Billy were enraged, and so Rad and Alexis had to try and calm them down. They all went home to blow off some steam; Rad watched TV without paying any attention or interest.

[[File:Rad-armada.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|''Santa Claus Conquers the Martians?'' ...well, it's this or going outside, I guess.]]
The next day, all the kids returned to the base to discover the Autobots and their allied Mini-Cons working quickly to complete the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' in order to retrieve the Decepticons' Mini-cons. The kids discussed Starscream a bit and decided never to speak of him again; Rad tried to comfort Alexis, but she said she was fine. At Fred's suggestion, they all went to see a comet. Afterwards, Alexis, still upset over Starscream, begun to walk away, though Rad followed to convince her to stay with her friends. Then, the comet was destroyed by the Decepticons' newly fisnished [[Hydra Cannon]]. {{storylink|Threaten}} Rad and Alexis raced back to their friends, though all the kids could only stand around wondering what to do when confronted with the awesome might the Decepticons had acquired. {{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}}

As it turned out, the Decepticons were thwarted through the [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|noble sacrifice of Optimus Prime]]. The kids all suffered a heartfelt grief, and Rad mused that Prime knew he would die and how unfair it was that nobody on Earth knew he had saved their lives.

Over the next week, the Autobots busied themselves with completing the ''Axalon'', but Hot Shot and Scavenger soon came to blows. The kids were confused by this and watched from afar as the two fought on an abandoned highway. When the rest of the Autobots joined in abusing Hot Shot, the kids tried to persuade them that bullying their youngest member wouldn't help anything, but were overruled by Red Alert, who insisted that they had to get this out of their system. It turned out Scavenger was trying to snap Hot Shot out of his own depression. In due course, Hot Shot did come to terms with Optimus Prime's death, and everybody's morale was raised; it was raised so much so, in fact, that Hot Shot was chosen as the Autobots' new commander. {{storylink|Remorse}}

Under Hot Shot's understandably unsteady command, the ''Axalon'' was soon completed and preparations made to depart for Cybertron. The kids were looking forward to seeing another planet, and so were naturally miffed when Hot Shot told them that he was leaving them on Earth where it was safe. High Wire, too, told Rad to remain on Earth - in English, surprisingly. All the kids glumly returned home.

When he got home, Rad had breakfast with his parents and tried to subtly raise the subject of his not being allowed to leave the planet by asking them if they ever wanted to go into space. The adults brushed him off, just telling him to concentrate on his schoolwork.

That night, he woke up his parents and spilled the beans on the Transformers, Mini-Cons, and the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|war]]. For some reason, they found his story about alien robots that turn into cars implausible, and told him to go back to bed. However, his father seemed to sense he was trying to tell the truth, and came into his room a few hours later. The two had a heart to heart talk, and father told son that he could go to Cybertron provided he promised to return.

Rad was thrilled at this, and ran over to Carlos' house at the crack of dawn. To his delight, Carlos had also packed his bags, as had Alexis, who they met after leaving. The three skipped over to the Autobot base, but when they arrived, Hot Shot once again insisted that it was too dangerous for them to come along. Upon hearing this, the Mini-Cons collectively rebelled and blocked all the ship's systems, refusing to budge until the kids were allowed on. Hot Shot relented, and the kids and Autobots blasted off into space. {{storylink|Depart}}

During the journey, the kids bore witness to the arrival of thousands of new Mini-Cons and the rebirth of Optimus Prime, {{storylink|Miracle (episode)|Miracle}} the conflict with [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], and the Mini-Con powered [[spontaneous recoloration|recoloration]] of several Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Puppet}}

Following a confrontation with the Decepticons, the Autobots arrived at Cybertron, to discover it had already been conquered by Galvatron. When the Street Action Mini-Cons tried to sneak down to the surface, Rad and Alexis supported their desire to set foot on their home planet, in opposition to Carlos' fears for the little ones' safety. {{storylink|Uprising (Armada)|Uprising}} With the Mini-Cons gone, the kids were left with nothing much to do but watch the lights of battle on the surface. They did try to stop Hot Shot making a one-robot mission to the heart of the Decepticon stronghold to warn Galvatron about the impending threat of Unicron, but then Rad persuaded everyone to let him go ahead with it. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}}

At some point, Rad found a human-sized shower on the ship and, when he was in the middle of using it, Carlos walked in. Rad expressed an odd feeling that he'd met High Wire before, but Carlos just thought he was being ''loco''.

Shortly thereafter, they got a transmission from High Wire that Hot Shot, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]], and Starscream were independently chasing Thrust (who had in the meantime allied with Sideways and Unicron) beneath Cybertron's surface. The lads went to see Alexis, and the trio then joined up with their partner Mini-Cons to plunge deep into the heart of Cybertron.

They came across Starscream standing off against Thrust. Thrust seized the opportunity and threatened the kids with the Requiem Blaster, and so Starscream, remembering their earlier kindness, bravely threw himself into the path of the blast, saving them. At that point, High Wire used his time powers to send Rad and the others to the past and future and the Rad found himself on Earth several years in the past, arriving at his new home. He asked where the Transformers were, but his parents just assumed he was confusing a dream with reality.

Time warped again, and he found himself with Alexis and Carlos millions of years in the past, in an [[Splinter timeline|future timeline]]. They encountered Hot Shot, being entangled in a semi-organic growth; Hot Shot revealed that the Mini-Cons had been created by Unicron, and the Transformers' use of them had led to the downfall of the entire race.

With that happy thought, the kids were sent back even further in time, where they witnessed the first Mini-Cons being spawned. Among these were High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor. Rad grabbed High Wire, and the little robot imprinted in some way on the human. High Wire gained free will from this encounter, which then spread telepathically among all the other Mini-Cons. Rad urged the Mini-Cons to leave Cybertron and go to Earth, thus creating a temporal loop.

Finally, the kids were warped back to a few seconds back before Thrust killed Starscream, allowing the Mini-Cons to combine into Perceptor and knock Thrust's aim off. Thrust's blast was redirected, saving Starscream. The ceiling then collapsed, but Starscream used his own body to shield the kids while Thrust flew off. At that point, Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrived. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}}

The team continued to explore the tunnels, and the various organic... things soon separated Alexis and Starscream from the others. Rad, Carlos, the Mini-Cons, and carbots made it to the surface, where they met up with Alexis and Starscream again. Then, the group made two shocking discoveries in quick succession. First, the organic tunnels they had been exploring were actually the interior of one of Cybertron's moon. Second, that moon wasn't actually a moon, but the dormant body of Unicron. Unicron began to awaken, and Jetfire arrived just in time to take the kids to safety. {{storylink|Portent}}

When the kids learned of Starscream's demise, Alexis ran off in tears. Rad tried his best to comfort her, though he admitted to not knowing all the answers Alexis posed him in her grief. {{storylink|Cramp}} Later, he attended the cease-fire meeting between the Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Alliance}}

When Optimus Prime and Galvatron managed to sneak inside Unicron, the Street Action Mini-Cons decided to infiltrate the titan's body as well. The children and Red Alert tagged along, barely avoiding getting crushed getting through the warp gate that led to Unicron's interiors. {{storylink|Union}} Red Alert was left behind, but the rest of the group soldiered forth. They found the two leaders restrained by Unicron's tentacles, with Unicron trying to verbally break Optimus Prime through Sideways' vocal synthesizer. Unicron destroyed the Mini-Cons' human-derived personalities, restoring them to blank drones, and then dragged the kids into a bizarre mindscape. However, the kids' mental fortitude was strong enough not only to break Unicron's thrall over them, but also to restore the individual personalities of the Mini-Cons. The kids and Mini-Cons then managed to release the weapons, allowing Optimus Prime to blow up Sideways with the Requiem Blaster.

However, on the way out, Galvatron challenged Optimus Prime to a final battle, {{storylink|Origin}} on the grounds that as long as both of them still existed, the hatred and enmity would last forever and thus Unicron would never be permanently defeated. The kids fled, and were picked up by Jetfire and Cyclonus on Unicron's surface. Optimus Prime won the battle, and Unicron and Galvatron were both (apparently) destroyed.

Hot Shot and Jetfire returned the kids to Earth, where they said tearful (but temporary) goodbyes. Rad thought he'd particularly miss the mini-Cons, and was also concerned for the fate of Optimus Prime. He mused that Optimus would always be a part of them. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
Rad and Alexis stared up in horror as the Decepticons unleashed the might of the Hydra Cannon towards the Earth. Though there was little they could do to stop the incoming desolation, Optimus thankfully sacrificed himself to prevent Earth's destruction.{{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

====''Legends'' comic====
Rad was at the beach with his friends when Alexis was pulled into the [[Legends World]] to help save [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] from sacrificing himself. {{storylink|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue 2}}

====''Energon'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Kirby Morrow]] (English), [[Masataka Nakai]] (Japanese)|[[Christian Jernbro]] (Swedish), [[Vincent Barazzoni]] (French), [[Markus Blom]] (Finnish), [[Stefano Crescentini]] (Italian), [[Blanca Rada]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Juan Carlos Vázquez]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Paweł Iwanicki]] (Polish)}}

[[File:Cybertron City Rad.jpg|thumb]]
When Dr. [[Brian Jones]] traveled to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with his son, Kicker, he also brought along Rad, Alexis, and Carlos to the alien planet. {{storylink|Team Optimus Prime}}

By [[2020]], Rad now spent his time on Cybertron and was working as an assistant to Dr. Jones. Much to Dr. Jones's chagrin, [[Sally Jones|his daughter]] appeared to have a thing for Rad.

During their collaboration, Rad told Dr. Jones about a new vein of [[energon]] that had been discovered on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], right where Dr.Jones had predicted. As it happened, [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] was listening in, and sent a force of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] to steal it. Rad and Dr. Jones received word from [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and alerted [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], then activated the [[space bridge]] so the [[Autobot]]s could deal with the problem. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}} After the Terrorcons' first attack, Rad and Dr. Jones informed Optimus that a cache of Energon was discovered left behind on Mars City, and warned that the Terrorcons might launch another strike in light of the station's weakened defenses. Their assessment turned out to be correct. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

Optimus Prime was injured in the following battle, and so Rad and Dr. Jones worked to repair the [[Prime Force]] drones. They also gave them a few tweaks and upgrades, making the overall combination and operation run smoother. {{storylink|The New Cybertron City}} He continued to act as assistant to Dr. Jones, aiding him in sending an [[Energon tower (technology)|energon tower]] to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] to repel a [[Decepticon]] attack. {{storylink|Kicker Beware!}}

[[File:Battle Stations Rad.jpg|thumb|left|DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DDDDEEEEELLLLEEEEETTTTEEEEE!!!]]

At some point, he travelled to Cybertron and was given command of that planet's new [[Energon grid (technology)|energon grid]]. Some time later, the ''[[Miranda II]]'' encountered the Decepticon-controlled [[Unicron]] and fled to Cybertron, where Rad activated the grid to keep the villains at bay. {{storylink|Battle Stations}} However, [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s arrival inspired the Decepticons across Cybertron to rise up and start causing chaos; worst of all, [[Shockblast]] escaped from prison, and so Rad directed [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] and Hot Shot to the manaic's location. Shockblast escaped, and so Rad tried to destroy him by manipulating the energon grid. Shockblast didn't die, but this did force the Decepticons to retreat. {{storylink|Shockblast: Rampage}} Rad then worked with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] in an attempt to use the grid to shoot down the Decepticons' mobile fortress, but they failed due to Shockblast's next attack. {{storylink|Each One Fights...}} Wing Dagger was also injured in this fight, and so Rad rebuilt him into [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]], {{storylink|Unicron Unleashed}} which he accomplished with the aid of [[Primus]]. {{storylink|Open Fire!}}

Following some more battles, the other Autobots plunged into [[Alpha Q's universe|a new universe created by Alpha Q]]. Rad reported back to Dr. Jones that he had completely lost contact with all those who had traversed into this new realm. {{storylink|Team Optimus Prime}} Eventually, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] returned to Cybertron, where Rad greeted them. The two Autobots asked for an energon tower, which Rad seemed to think was a reasonable request, but Dr. Jones was less than thrilled. {{storylink|Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead}} However, the doctor evidently relented, as the Autobots were next seen with the tower they needed. {{storylink|Farewell Inferno}} Rad remained on Cybertron, overseeing the day-to-day operations while Dr. Jones sought out [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]]. When he succeeded, the two contacted Optimus Prime about this new discovery. They also rebuilt the destroyed Inferno as Roadblock, and sent him with a whole bunch of energon towers as well as Omega Supreme to aid the Autobots against Unicron. {{storylink|Omega Supreme (episode)|Omega Supreme}} Rad later heard that Optimus Prime's team was engaged in fighting Unicron, and in order to win, they would need all the energon from Cybertron. He and Dr. Jones weren't thrilled about that, but could do little to stop Primus from doing so. {{storylink|Optimus Supreme}}

[[File:Ironhide Team Rad.jpg|thumb|Kicker did not want to be told about the Transformers.]]

Fortunately, Unicron was apparently killed, and so Rad and Dr. Jones drank a non-alcoholic (honestly!) toast. While Dr. Jones was thrilled with recent events, Rad was concerned as to the state of Primus.

A little later, during a conversation with Sally and Miranda, he detected the arrival of Megatron, Starscream, and [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] through a warp gate and alerted Wing Saber. {{storylink|Ambition}} Rad and the Joneses hid in the control room; [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] gave a cursory search of the room and gave up to go look elsewhere, at which point they fled. {{storylink|Wishes}} Miranda cooked everybody a nice dinner, and while Brian and Sally tucked in, Rad didn't have much appetite. Sally tried to feed him a few spoonfuls, but was interrupted by an earthquake, which was caused by Galvatron trying to move Cybertron to [[Planet Q|Alpha Q's planet]]. {{storylink|Galvatron!}} Fearing the worst, the men tried to find a route down to Primus's chamber. The main elevator shaft was in ruins, but they had to jump down anyway when a [[Cruellock]] drone found them. {{storylink|Break Through}}

They eventually fell down the hole through which [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] had fallen about ten years ago, and were saved from a fatal fall by Primus, despite the entity still being in sleep mode. However, before they could do anything, [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]], Demolishor, and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] burst into the chamber. Demolishor and Snow Cat ordered Dr. Jones to show them where the location of the [[Super Energon]], while Mirage stayed behind to guard Rad. {{storylink|The Omega Train}} Rad was rescued by Kicker and [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]], and told them where Dr. Jones had gone. {{storylink|Ironhide Team}}

[[File:Sally hugs Rad.jpg|upright=0.85|left|thumb]]

Rad stayed in the core to oversee to revival of Primus, {{storylink|Formidable}} and when Dr. Jones returned from trying to deal with Decepticons, Rad told him that Primus was still weak and would need a lot more energon, above and beyond what the [[Omnicon]]s had been able to provide. Meanwhile, Sally managed to infiltrate the control room and turn the base defenses against the Decepticons, which also allowed the humans and Autobots to escape the core chamber. Rad and Dr. Jones went to rendezvous with Sally, who greeted Rad with a great big hug. {{storylink|Galvatron Terror}}

Rad then returned to the core to once again oversee Primus's transfusion of energon, where he argued against Dr. Jones's haste when the Omnicons started to suffer fatigue from excess energon transfer. {{storylink|Spark (episode)|Spark}} However, they ultimately succeeded, and Primus bubbled out of Cybertron to power up Optimus Prime enough to destroy Galvatron and Unicron once and for all. Rad, along with the other humans, celebrated with a big smile. {{storylink|The Sun}}

====''Cybertron'' cartoon====
[[File:CybertronArmadaKids.jpg|thumb|Every girl's crazy about a sharp-dressed Rad.]]
In 2030, Rad, Carlos, and Alexis were present at the launching of the four ancient colony ships as they began the second attempt at a galaxy-spanning [[space bridge]] network. {{storylink|Beginning}}
{{note|Rad does not appear in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of the show.}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===
====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
When Rad and Carlos were in the third grade, Rad accidentally broke a window in Carlos's house with a baseball bat. Carlos's parents didn't want their son hanging out with Rad afterwards, but Carlos convinced them to change their minds, vouching for the good nature of his friend. {{storylink|Armada Free Comic Book Day}}

<s>Rad</s> <s>Agent Awesome</s> ''Agent Secret Agent'' built a wicked sweet [[Project Supernova (Armada)|Project Supernova]] aircraft alongside [[Carlos Lopez|Agent Sidekick]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Agent Bubblegum]], only to watch it get shot down by bullies [[Sid (Armada)|Sid]] and [[Seth]] shortly after his dramatic launch speech. With all his enthusiasm about the project gone, Rad went to fetch his bike helmet from the wreckage, only to fall into a cave full of [[Exodus (Armada)|mechanical equipment]]. Inside, he accidentally activated the three [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Mini-Cons]] and [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], who he thought were awesome and hid in his garage, much to Alexis's chagrin. He and Carlos managed to convince her that the robots were (probably) good guys, which proved to be right when the Mini-Cons repaid their trust by building a new Supernova. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} During its maiden flight, however, the kids and their new friends were attacked by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], having arrived on Earth in search of the Mini-Cons. After escaping from him, Rad and Alexis began arguing again about being pulled into an alien war, but eventually agreed that they couldn't back out now. Together with the Mini-Cons, they fled to a nearby canyon, where they met [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Armada #4}} Prime and his Autobots confronted and defeated Megatron's Decepticons, while in the meantime Rad and his friends were attacked by [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and had to be saved by another group of Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

While Rad was excited about hanging out with these alien robots, Optimus Prime did not agree. While messing around in the [[Black Hills]], the kids were approached by Prime, who refused to let them get involved in the Transformers' war. Rad, Carlos and Alexis wouldn't let themselves be separated from their new Mini-Con friends so easily, however, and later helped Sparkplug when he broke Prime's orders to bust the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Team]] out of the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 6|Armada #6}} The kids were left with an order to call for help if their friends weren't back within thirty minutes, which they weren't. After using their [[Mini-Con panic-pager]], they were approached by the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]], but the new arrivals refused to get involved with the Transformer war. Their attitude got Rad proper angry, and he yelled at them for trying to play irresponsible after themselves bringing the war to Earth, before heading off to save Sparkplug and the others by himself. Faced with his words and courage, the Land Military Team realized that they were at fault, and agreed to help. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}}
[[File:Armada DW 9 Rad captive.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Rad doesn't particularly care for the new line of ''Armada'' [[Gacha|gashapon]] toys.]]
Seeking extra class credit for science class, Rad and Carlos went on a nature hike on their bikes. During their venture, they came across [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], apparently on the run from [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]. Rad was suspicious of the little 'bot, (his name literally being "Swindle" and all) but Carlos convinced him to give the Mini-Con a chance to be their friend. Before they could make headway, both [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] flew down to apprehend the group. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] turned up to rescue them, but the Autobots were defeated when Megatron joined the fight as well. Rad and Carlos tried to sneak off in the confusion, but Swindle turned on them; Swindle revealed that he had been put up to lure them into a trap, so Megatron would have some human subjects to experiment on. He hadn't done so out of malice however; Swindle was motivated only by earning his freedom, which Starscream had promised to give him if he participated in this scheme. Predictably enough, the Decepticons laughed in the Mini-Con's face when he asked to be let go. Optimus then turned up, and knocked Rad and Carlos free from Megatron's grip, allowing them to get to a hiding place while he faced off against the Decepticons. But Optimus was quickly defeated as well. A repentant Swindle thanked both of the boys for offering him friendship when he needed it, and freed all four of the captive Autobots, allowing them to force the Decepticons into a retreat. As he pulled back, Starscream retook Swindle, which saddened both of the boys. {{storylink|Armada Free Comic Book Day}}

Some time later, Rad and his friends were hanging out with Street Action Team after they saved them from [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]]. Suddenly, the Mini-Cons went out of control in their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s and began heading straight for [[Kansas]], with the kids coming along for the ride. After ending up at a [[Mini-Con Ark|strange structure]] under attack from the Decepticons, Rad called the Autobots using Sparkplug's communicator, leading to a battle that distracted everyone from the fact that the Mini-Cons were entering the structure. Again, Rad decided to take matters into his own hands and followed them, only for the structure to slam shut and blast off into space with him on it. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} He ended up on a [[Mini-Con Moonbase|base]] on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], where the unscrupulous [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] and his [[Destruction Mini-Con Team|team]] strapped him inside a space-mine to keep the Autobots at bay. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} As such, Rad quickly learned that not all Mini-Cons were good guys, as Dualor explained that he was more than ready to sacrifice a human to protect his people from ''both'' the Autobots and Decepticons. Rad was sent into space as part of a large minefield, but Dualor was then knocked out before he could actually warn the Autobots about the human shield. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}} While the Autobots were ready to blow the entire minefield apart with [[sonic warhead]]s, [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] learned about Rad's fate and recruited Sparkplug and the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] to save him. When they failed to either recall the mine or eject its explosives, [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] went out in person and towed the entire mine onto an Autobot ship. Finally freed, Rad was reunited with Carlos and Alexis (or at least their [[Simulcrum]] holograms). {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11|Armada #11}}

After staying away from the Autobots' next major conflict, Rad and his friends learned that the Autobots, Decepticons and Mini-Cons had to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to fight off the threat known as [[Unicron]]. Rad thought it sounded "intense". The kids then said their goodbyes to Optimus Prime and the Mini-Cons before returning home, not to see the Transformers again for a long while. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

====''Energon'' comic====
[[File:KickerRadAlexis Comic.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb| Basically, kind of a big deal!]]
In the ten years following the departure of the Transformers, Rad grew up and, along with Carlos, found work at [[Alterenergy]]. The company was searching for the new energy source "[[Energon|01 Source]]" in [[Australia]] when the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] attacked their drilling operation to steal the fuel. Rad was present at Alterenergy Mobile Command when Carlos informed them of the attack, and the two agreed that it was the return of the Transformers. Rad then headed out to the drill site alone to find and save [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], the son of Alternergy scientist [[Brian Jones]]. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}} Upon arrival, he found that the Terrorcons had kidnapped the boy because he had the ability to detect 01 Source, or "Energon". Coincidentally, they had also captured Alexis as a hostage, and Rad went in to heroically save her and Kicker... only to be immediately attacked by the guard, [[Battle Ravage]]. With help from Carlos, he managed to blow up a nearby Energon sapper, knocking the Terrorcon out. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}} While it turned out the Terrorcons had taken Kicker with them, Rad and Alexis ran into a team of Autobots a short while later, and had a quick reunion with Optimus Prime and Hot Shot. After Kicker was saved with help from the [[Omnicon]]s, Rad asked Optimus if the Autobots were leaving again, but he replied that they were staying on Earth this time. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}

Having a bunch of armed alien robots on their world sparked protests amongst humanity, which bothered Rad. It bothered him even more that Alexis, who had become a peace activist when she grew up, claimed to understand where the protesters were coming from instead of agreeing with him. Rad initially brushed her off and left, upsetting her, but realized he was being immature and apologized just as she got in a cab to leave. Then [[Los Angeles]] was attacked by [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]] and the taxi was destroyed in front of Rad's eyes. {{storylink|Multiplicity}} He was left in despair, regretting never having told Alexis about his true feelings for her, only for her to show up alive and well. Rad embraced her and told her to never leave him again, causing an awkward moment between the two semi-estranged friends. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} Getting into Rad's heavy off-roading car, the two plowed through Insecticons as they left for Alterenergy's west coast headquarters. Realizing that the Autobots needed extra energy to successfully battle the hordes of Terrorcons, Rad contacted Carlos and had him prepare the [[Energon Volant Accumulator]] plane for him. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}} After shooting down some Insecticons and reuniting with his old Mini-Con pals on the Street Action Team, he turned the atmospheric Energon radiation captured by the EVA into gas and spread it onto [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]'s team of Autobots. Together with some unexpected help from Megatron, they were then able to exterminate the Insecticons. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}}

{{Unreleased energon comic}}
Together with Brian Jones, Rad oversaw Kicker's training to help him develop his powers and avoid future abduction attempts. {{storylink|Doomsday Redux!}} When Kicker became rebellious and ran off, the Alterenergy base was attacked by a returning Demolishor, and Rad called Jetfire for help. However his troops, [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] and [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]], failed to stop Demolishor from kidnapping Kicker. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 1}} Rad blamed himself and was determined to find the boy. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 2}} He had to retrieve Kicker before [[Unicron's Four Horsemen]] forced the Autobots to lower the planetary defense shield that would have allowed Demolishor leave the planet via [[space bridge]], and managed to close in on his location thanks to Alexis, who had connections to the [[United Nations]]. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 3}} Together with some Autobot backup, Rad's team located Demolishor in [[Mexico]], and while the others held the Decepticon at bay, he personally rescued Kicker. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 4}} After Kicker killed Demolishor using his powers, he travelled to Cybertron, and Rad, Carlos and Alexis said their goodbyes to him. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 5}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
[[File:PaniniRadWhite.jpg|left|thumb|... this just takes all the fun out of irony.]]

After accidentally dropping down a hole one day, Rad found the remains of a [[Exodus (Armada)|spaceship]] hidden underground. He brought Carlos with him to explore it, but ended up bumping into some machinery and reawakening the [[Mini-Con]] [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]]. After leaving the caves and meeting with Alexis, the kids tried to communicate with High Wire, only to come under attack from [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. They were saved by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire grabbed Rad and his friends and took them to the other Mini-Cons. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} When he heard that the Mini-Cons weren't getting involved with the [[Autobot]]-[[Decepticon]] war again, Rad became angry—Optimus Prime was getting his aft handed to him by Megatron, and they were just going to abandon him? Rad decided to take matters into his own hands and confronted Megatron, offering to take him to the Mini-Con ship in exchange for sparing Optimus Prime. However, Megatron wasn't big on deals, and merely threatened to kill Rad if he didn't show him the ship right away. He ended up being saved by High Wire and the other Mini-Cons, who had changed their minds upon witnessing his feat of bravery. After Megatron had been chased off, Optimus Prime also complimented Rad on his courage, even if it hadn't been the smartest move. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}}

Rad and his friends quickly befriended the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] and had a great time racing in the desert on them. Their fun and games ended when Optimus Prime ordered both humans and Mini-Cons to go get the [[locator log]] from the wrecked Mini-Con ship. When they found the log, they were attacked [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], who incapacitated the Street Action Team. Quickly improvising a plan, Rad grabbed the locator log and hid it in an unstable part of the caves. When Demolishor followed, he accidentally caused it to explode, and was buried in the ensuing rockfall. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|Deep Trouble!}} Some time later, Rad was learning chemistry at school when the troublesome twosome [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] messed up his experiment behind his back. Not only did this get him into trouble with the teacher, but he also noticed that High Wire was sneaking around on the school grounds. Rad decided to bolt, and found that Carlos and Alexis had had similar problems with their Mini-Con friends trying to adapt to life on Earth. He didn't really mind the Mini-Cons' little mistakes, and promised to guide them personally. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|Just a Memory!}}

When the Autobots decided to send the Mini-Cons back to their home planet, Rad said he refused to let it "end like this", but didn't actually do anything about it. When Megatron arrived to put a stop to it, Rad tried to trick him that the Mini-Cons were already gone, so he might as well leave too. When Megatron made it clear he wouldn't leave Earth just because some five or six Mini-Cons went home, the plan was canceled and the Mini-Cons remained on Earth. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}} Some time later, Rad caught wind of [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]'s plan to save the Mini-Cons held in the Decepticon headquarters. He thought it was a stupid plan, and convinced the Autobots to send a shuttle to stop him. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|Into the Lions' Den!}}

During another race around the desert, Rad and his friends were interrupted by [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], who attempted to capture the Street Action Team. High Wire threw Rad off and told him to get help. When Rad expressed doubt that the Street Action Team could stand up to Starscream, the three Mini-Cons proved him wrong by combining into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]]. In the aftermath of the battle, an impressed Rad was high-fiving with High Wire when they were suddenly approached by a man named [[Amos Hume]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|The Two-Edged Blade}} Amos explained that he had been given a message by a Mini-Con long ago, which Rad didn't find too hard to believe. After introducing Amos to the other Mini-Cons, the kids and Autobots used the message he had received to locate and rescue the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|Sale of the Century!}}

===Reader's Digest ''Armada'' novels===
12-year old Brad was one of the many self-titled "Cosmo Kids" that lived in the community around the [[Cosmoscope Research Center|Cosmo Scope Research Center and Interstellar Observatory]]. He preferred to go by the nickname "Rad" however, after the radical moves he had on his bike. During an early autumn afternoon, he and his friends Carlos and Alexis headed out into the nearby mountains for some trail exploring. While riding his BMX bike, Rad noticed a trail he had never seen before, and prompted his friends to join him in scoping it out. Carlos and Alexis were hesitant to continue down the trail when they spotted some signs indicating it was dangerous, but they were goaded on by Rad into pushing forwards. The path eventually led to a cave, which the kids decided to explore. Within, they found cave paintings depicting giant robots battling one-another. One of the paintings depicted three smaller, peaceful-looking robots. As if prompted by an unknown instinct, Rad reached out to touch one of the three robots. This action triggered a mechanism hidden within the cave, which after some rumbling, revealed real-life versions of the three robots the children had touched in the drawing. Rad met High Wire, a Mini-Con who could only be understood by Rad himself. The children learned about Cybertron and its civil war from their new robot friends. The moment was cut short when Autobots and Decepticons were teleported on-site by a mechanism within the Mini-Cons' ship. Finding themselves in the middle of a vicious battle between mechanical titans, Rad and his friends thankfully escaped from harm thanks to the efforts of the Mini-Cons, and the newcomer, Optimus Prime. Learning that Optimus had the best of intentions for both Earth and the Mini-Cons, Rad promised to keep the Transformers' existence a secret, and rode back to town on High Wire, now reformatted into a high-tech BMX bike. Meeting with Carlos and Alexis the next day at school, the trio dismissed insinuations from Billy and Fred that anything exciting had happened to them the day before before heading off to class.{{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Battle Begins|The Battle Begins}}

To explain to his parents how he had gotten a totally sweet new BMX bike, Rad made up a story that he had won it in an extreme riding competition. They bought the story, and Rad took to riding High Wire to school. The next afternoon, he, Alexis and Carlos readied themselves to visit the Autobots when they encountered Billy and Fred. Their schoolmates were inquisitive as to where they had gotten the new vehicles, and Rad knew they wouldn't be fooled by the story he had told his parents. Rad instead claimed that his dad got them the vehicles through some "connections," and that his BMX was next year's model. Having narrowly avoided exposure, the trio then took off for the Autobots' base. Strangely, they found the cave leading to the headquarters now sealed by a stone door. The Mini-Cons maintained a wireless connection to their vessel however, and were able to grant themselves access to the base. But once inside, the group found the base deserted. They found Optimus and his fellow Autobots, Hot Shot and Red Alert, at a nearby highway, adopting new alternate modes. After brief introductions were made, explosions were heard off in the distance. The Decepticons were attacking the Autobots' base! Rad, Alexis and Carlos raced ahead of the Autobots on their Mini-Cons, coming face to face with Megatron. The Decepticon leader halted his assault in order to demand the children surrender their companions. The Autobots arrived on the scene before Megatron was able to act on his threat, and Rad and the others hid in some nearby brush to watch the battle unfold.

During the battle, a stray shot from Megatron caused a rock slide to tumble down towards the kids and their Mini-Cons. Hot Shot zipped in and rescued them, though the ride within the two-seat sports car was a cramped one for all three kids. As they drove back to Optimus, Alexis noticed four Mini-Con panels sticking out of the rubble. Carlos and Rad helped her dig them out. Two of the panels activated in the Autobots' presence, one of them becoming Red Alert's partner, "Longarm" and the other Hot Shot's partner "Jolt." Red Alert instructed Alexis and Rad to keep the remaining two panels safe, and the children hid themselves once again. The Decepticons were soon forced to retreat, but one of them, Cyclonus, lingered long enough to snatch the panels from Alexis and Rad before warping away. The children were torn up about allowing the Mini-Cons to fall into enemy hands, but Optimus assured them they had done everything they could. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: Race for the Mini-Con Robots|Race for the Mini-Con Robots}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
One [[Halloween]], the kids attempted to explain the holiday to their three Mini-Cons, and ended up taking them Trick-or-Treating. Rad explained they could t.p. the houses of people who didn't give them candy. {{storylink|Something Robotic This Way Comes}}

===Bendon ''Armada'' books===
[[File:RTD-CarlosRadride.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
Rad, Carlos, and Alexis talked Optimus Prime into letting them explore some nearby caves in the hopes of finding other Mini-Cons, claiming that he and Carlos had already explored a few of them in the past. The trio succeeded in finding a crystal, but had to be saved by Hot Shot after a surprise Decepticon attack caused a landslide. {{storylink|Cave Catastrophe}}

In another adventure, Carlos talked Rad into joining him for a Mini-Con race, to which Alexis invited herself. They foolishly left themselves out in the open, allowing Megatron to attack. Fortunately for them (your mileage may vary), Optimus and Hot Shot were there to save them yet again. {{storylink|Race to Disaster}}

==Notes==
*According to the now-defunct TV Tokyo ''Legends of the Microns'' website, Rad was 12 years old at the start of ''Armada''. The page also stated that he enjoyed outdoor sports, and implied that [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] gave him [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] as a personal possession.
*''[[Transformers: Armada Official Guidebook]]'' backs up that Rad was 12 years old at the start of ''Armada'', and that he enjoyed outdoor sports, specifically on his BMX bike.
*Rad's catchphrase "I'm here to tell you about the Transformers!" (sometimes varies as "I ''want'' to tell you about...) is from his introductory narration during the main titles sequence of the earlier episodes of ''Armada''. Needless to say, this became rather repetitive after twenty or so episodes.
*Rad has the unfortunate penchant of saying '"Wicked Sweet!", usually when something impresses him greatly. Perhaps Dreamwave hoped that by 2010 this would be an acceptable form of slang. Alternately, perhaps Rad was from Boston originally.
*Rad makes an [[Easter egg]] cameo appearance in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|''Robots in Disguise'' #29]] as a resident of [[Poverty Flat]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Brad "Rad"''' (ブラッド ''Buraddo'', ラッド ''Raddo'')
*''Korean:'' '''Richie Blatt''' (리치 브랏트 ''Richi Beurasteu'')

{{DEFAULTSORT:White, Rad}}
[[Category:Armada humans]]
[[Category:Cybertron humans]]
[[Category:Energon humans]]
[[Category:Fiction-only characters]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]

To sell toys

2026-03-06T20:06:33Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Gimmicks */

[[File:MarvelUS-19.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Hasbro wasn't quite sure whether to advertise this expensive toy until the fans forced their hand.]]
To understand ''Transformers'' fiction, it is important to understand that it exists '''to sell toys.''' [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy]] are toy companies, and they are primarily interested in continuing to sell [[toy]]s to children and adults. The cartoons, comic books, etc., mostly exist to make this happen. To be sure, they normally [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)#Reception|make a profit in their own right]], but this is regarded as mere gravy.

The "to sell toys" effect often distorts the fiction in interesting ways. Primarily, since you can't ([[Army-building|usually]]) sell someone the same toy twice,<ref>Although the toy lines from the [[live-action film series]] have given us multiple ''different'' toys of the ''same characters''.</ref> Hasbro and Takara constantly introduce new toys, and often require the creators of the fiction to introduce the new characters into ongoing storylines. Older characters (whose toys are no longer being sold) are shoved aside to make room.

Another effect of "to sell toys" is when the toys have gimmicks which must be explained in the fiction. Sometimes this is relatively easy, while other times it requires a lot of imagination on the part of the writers. Japanese-original shows such as ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'', ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'', and the various instalments of the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] often structure their casts and storylines around a single specific play feature, which is highlighted in just about every episode.

The UK [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|movie-based ''Transformers'' comic]] took this to more blatant heights. For its first year, it had a specific four-page feature every week called ''Top Gear'', which existed solely to promote the newest ''Transformers'' merchandise. ''Any'' merchandise. This led to readers being told how great [[Optimash Prime]] was. For the [[2010]] ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'' game franchise, [[Ironhide (Movie)|''Ironhide himself'']] opened letters pages by telling readers how ''awesome'' the game was and how [[you]] should buy it.

{{bigquote|Truly, I'm speechless. Your species characterizes the infinite wonders of the churning, whorling, chaotic cosmos through the lens of... merchandising?

I can see why Swindle loves you idiots.|[[Sideways (AVP)|Sideways]] on the concept, [[Ask Vector Prime]].}}

==Casting==
===Huge casts===
[[File:CosmicRust-BigGroup.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Pokeformers|Gotta catch 'em all!]]]]
Hasbro makes a lot of toys at once, and they generally want all of them to appear in their fiction. This can force writers to bring in vast numbers of characters all at once, sometimes with awkward results. Examples include:

*The first issue of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Generation 1 comic]], "[[The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers]]", in which ''twenty-eight'' different robots appeared and introduced themselves, even though only a handful are important to the plot.
*"[[The Special Teams Have Arrived]]", a free mini-comic given away with issue [[Rock and Roll-Out!|#54]] of the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|comic]], notoriously introduces the reader to ''twenty-four'' new Transformers in just three pages. Granted, four of those are the [[Combiner|combined forms]] of the other twenty, but that's still a lot of new names to remember.
*The 1987 ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over ''sixty'' characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], all their [[Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], and [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbot]]s.
*The cartoon episode trilogy "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced well over ''forty'' of the 1987 toyline characters, mostly the same ones seen in ''Headmasters''. In both cases, this wasn't helped by the fact that the nature of Headmasters and Targetmasters meant every new toy had to effectively get two introductions.
*In the first four episodes of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]], eighteen characters are introduced in quick succession.
*From #9 onwards, [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's movie-based ''Transformers'']] heavily bumped up the cast with new toys. In one example, #17 brought in nine new toys in eleven pages; only one of the five Decepticons got any real focus or dialogue.

===Random casting===
The Hasbro-induced need to show all the toys can also cause stories to suddenly focus on a new character, sometimes dropping ongoing plot threads about older ones. Examples include:

*Season 2 of the cartoon introduced many new characters/buyable toys with no explanation; despite never having been seen before, the story treats them as though they have [[Beachcomber (G1)|been there]] [[Perceptor (G1)|the whole]] [[Tracks (G1)|time]]. [[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1|One episode]] even hinges on this idea.
[[File:Decepticonpretenders-behold.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|After seven issues, it's finally time for these six dudes to do something!]]
[[File:FlamesofBoltax-Triggerbots.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Apparently, the Triggerbots didn't make much of an impression on Prime.]]
*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" suddenly introduces a dozen Autobots and Decepticons that we've never met before, and follows their adventures. The story adds nothing to the long-range plot that couldn't have been accomplished by using existing characters; these teams were added to the mix to promote their new toys.
*Many issues of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] had cover blurbs in the form "Introducing the _______!", where the blank was whatever the latest line of toys was. The following issues specifically introduce new toys on the cover: [[Repeat Performance!|#8]], [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|#10]], [[Brainstorm!|#11]], [[Command Performances!|#19]], [[Aerialbots over America!|#21]], [[Crater Critters|#29]], [[The Cure!|#30]], [[Pretender to the Throne!|#40]], [[People Power!|#42]], [[Ca$h and Car-nage!|#46]], [[Club Con!|#47]], and [[Yesterday's Heroes!|#60]]. Throw in a few covers where new characters were pictured but not named, and that's 1/5th of the series.
*In [[Spacehikers!|issue #36]] of the Marvel comics, when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] decides that he needs help in dealing with [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'s inept leadership, he doesn't turn to any of the ''dozens'' of Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], which include two combiner teams and Omega Supreme. No, he has to call in his "old buddy"/new toy, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]].
*In the prelude to the [[Underbase Saga]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] were the lead characters in a story set before the Transformers came to [[Earth]]. But rather than palling around with the likes of Jazz or Soundwave, they are instead shown alongside the newest "gimmick" characters, the [[Triggercon]]s and the [[Triggerbot]]s.
*[[Mainframe Entertainment]] planned to use [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] in ''Beast Wars'', but [[Tigatron]] appeared instead because he had an upcoming toy, and to save money as his CGI model was only a slight tweak of [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/9c79c4226fc6dd28/30c3cdf158ea6e52?lnk=st&q=bob+forward+beast+wars+tigatron+wolfang&rnum=1#30c3cdf158ea6e52 Ben Yee relays some info from Bob Forward in regards to Wolfang being replaced by Tigatron in the Beast Wars cartoon]</ref>
*Rather than revealing stuff about the [[Vok]] and [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], a long-running subplot, "[[Other Victories]]" spends much of its time telling us how great [[Tigerhawk]] is and how we should buy his toy. Then, when it looked like Tigerhawk's toy would be canned, he was almost immediately killed off.
*Material released by both [[3H Productions|3H]] and [[Fun Publications]] tends to release characters from various series and continuities and then write stories featuring every character (usually with a particular focus on that year's box set), which often leads to some bizarre casting choices. [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], [[Strika (BM)|Strika]], and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] were all retroactively added to [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]] and [[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]] because they wanted to do toys of them that year. The [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]] version of [[Tracks (SG)|Tracks]] is introduced from nowhere, has minimal characterization, and doesn't do anything, because they wanted to do [[Tracks (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Tracks's 2010 toy]] in [[Diaclone]]/[[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]] colors. And pretty much every story taking place in the [[Primax 207.0 Epsilon|Classicsverse]], ostensibly a [[Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel G1]]-based series, will introduce or reintroduce characters who were dead (the various [[Underbase Saga]] casualties), not even implied in the original stories ([[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]], [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]), or [[Female Transformer#Marvel Comics continuity|don't make sense in that universe to begin with]] ([[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]). Sometimes this gets a token justification, other times not.
*The [[First (and Second) in Flight|sixth issue]] of ''[[Transformers Animated: The Arrival|The Arrival]]'' stops following the regular cast so it can flag the awesome cool out-now-in-shops [[Safeguard (Animated)|Safeguard]] toy.
*Prominent generals in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's movieverse]] Decepticon army change frequently and without any acknowledgment as new toys jostle for (and gain) space.
*[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]] and its lead-ins were packed with ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' toys, so suddenly ''Beast Wars'' characters [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] are in G1. Things got worse in later issues when [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Crosscut (G1)|Crosscut]] needed a comic; Tankor berates Starscream for a few panels in [[No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|''Dark Cybertron'' #6]], while Crosscut and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] briefly halt the plot in [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Dark Cybertron'' #7]] to tell you who Crosscut ''is''. Then he vanishes. They did end up getting increased roles in IDW fiction later, though.
*For "[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]", several Autobots had to abruptly depart the ''[[Lost Light]]'' for Cybertron so they could appear in their combiner teams. In the case of [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], this was despite him having just become the Chief Medical Officer: a long-running plot!
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] appeared in the IDWverse after a seven-year absence in ''[[Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie]]'' and ''[[The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine]]''. The fact that those two oft-ignored characters had new ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' and ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' Legends Class toys released recently probably had something to do with the matter.

===Limited casting===
On the opposite side of things, Hasbro doesn't want to pay to depict characters that aren't selling toys. This can force a story, particularly an animated cartoon, to have a smaller cast than it otherwise might.

[[File:Metamorphdeceps2.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|The full might of the Decepticon army.]]
*The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] and [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|early Marvel comics]] both featured an oddly lopsided cast, particularly at the beginning, with the Autobot forces on Earth outnumbering the Decepticons two to one. This difference was never really acknowledged, though the cartoon also used [[generic]]s to make it look like Megatron had more than four guys, three pets, and [[Reflector (G1)|a camera]] under his command.
*The early episodes of ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' featured only the toys available on the shelves. This resulted in two ridiculously small teams going to [[Earth]] for the all-important mission of gathering Mini-Cons, rather inexplicable in story terms.
*[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Both the Dreamwave]] and [[Transformers: Armada (Panini)|Panini comics]] suffered exactly the same problem, but it gets worse: [[First Encounter|The first ''Armada'' episode]] reused models of older Transformers as [[generic]] background guys to bump numbers up. The comics ''didn't''. So Megatron apparently conquers all of planet Cybertron with an army of three guys, whereas the city/planet defending Autobots are just five blokes.
*Dreamwave would also [[Dreamwave Armada issue 10|feature a scene on Cybertron]], where the ''only'' Autobot who seemed to exist was [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]].
*For [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|the movie prequels]], IDW got around this by deciding that [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] was going to be a [[Class Alpha drone unit|series of drones]] instead of one guy, allowing for really big battle scenes despite a then-limited number of toys. (It would later turn out there was ''also'' a Dreadwing who was one guy.) Titan Magazines would borrow this, and turn other Decepticons into drone series too.
*It seems unlikely that four bots and their human partners would be sufficient to handle every emergency on [[Griffin Rock]], but those four bots [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (toyline)|were the only ones on shelves at the time]] (other than [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], who were needed [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|elsewhere]]), so they were the ones who went into [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|the show]]. As the toyline expanded, toy characters Blurr, Salvage, High Tide and Quickshadow were introduced into the cast.
*''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|Kingdom]]'' acts as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', but only includes characters who were slated for the first three waves of the accompanying toyline (with the exception of [[Tigatron]], likely due to the ease of retooling [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s animation model into a spare character). This means that notable cartoon characters like [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] or [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] who didn't have toys in the first three waves never put in an appearance in the season. To compensate for the Predacons having depleted ranks as a result, [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] stays with the Predacons for most of his screentime while [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] was turned into a group of generics; Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] also says many Predacons have been lost in his war with the Maximals.
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==Plot==
===Forced explication===
{{main|Introdump}}

Rather than simply showing up in the background, new toy/characters often overtly introduce themselves, often with a ridiculous description of their special abilities. The Marvel comic is rife with examples, but it shows up across numerous fictions.

[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Reflector is actually here, he's just buried underneath a pile of speech bubbles.]]
*Again, [[The Transformers (issue)|''Transformers'' #1]] has two huge splash pages in which 28 characters do nothing but stand around and tell each other who they are and what they can do.
*Towards the end of "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", Jazz puts together a strike team. Naturally, he does this by calling out their names one by one, so that the camera can cut to each Autobot in turn and show them transform in noticeable detail.
*The two-part original ''Transformers'' cartoon episode "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Dinobot Island]]" features many new 1985 characters getting their own short little introductory scene, often with a characteristic bit of self-description ([[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]: "I'd rather stay in my stunning auto mode!" [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]: "I'm ''always'' ready for action!" [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]: "Wow, like, I hope we don't destroy this place before we can study it!")
*"[[The Rebirth]]" has ''three different sequences'' in which large new groups of characters form a lineup and introduce themselves to viewers one after another. Strangely enough, much of this screen- and dialogue-time is given over to Nebulan partners; the "main" Transformer characters get no such introductions, even though they are the items kids would have to purchase to acquire the Nebulan accessories. For instance, [[Spasma]], [[Monzo]], and [[Peacemaker]] (all speaking characters) are introduced by name as part of various lineups, but their in-store hosts [[Apeface]], [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]], and [[Pointblank]] are never named (and Weirdwolf never even speaks).
*"[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]" has the Maximals walk on one-by-one admiring their [[beast mode]]s, loudly explaining their names and showing character traits. This even gives the impression they deliberately changed their names to fit these new beast modes for no apparent reason.
*Crosscut and Swerve fill in Crosscut's backstory and job during a fight. That's all Crosscut does in [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Dark Cybertron'' #7]].

===Gimmicks===
{{main|Gimmick}}
When the toys can do something special, fiction writers must often go out of their way to show the gimmick in action.

*The ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 .28Scramble City and 2010.29|Scramble City]]'' category of G1 combiner teams have the ability to freely swap around their limbs. Because of this, an unusual amount of Japanese fiction focuses on the idea of characters swapping limbs, best shown by ''[[Scramble City: Mobilization]]'', with rather variable consequences, and sometimes resulting in the creation of [[Scramble 7|whole new combiner characters]]. Sometimes, this purportedly results in some kind of increase in power or the combiner gaining different traits, but these changes are almost invariably told more than shown. In some cases, simply [[Free-Combination|changing the arrangement of an existing set of limbs]] is cited as something that can vastly alter a character's capabilities, with little real explanation.
*The Headmaster gimmick got [[The Transformers: Headmasters|an entire Limited Series comic book]] devoted to it.
*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" features [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] proudly creating the [[Pretender]]s, gloating that they will hide the Decepticons' identities from the Autobots "until it is too late". Not only does the plan not actually work, it's also a plot point with absolutely zero lead-in or build-up—at no point has Scorponok ever expressed concern about his troops being detected by the Autobots (if anything, considering the altmodes of his troops, he seems to be the ''least'' concerned with stealth), nor has he demonstrated the science skills to pull this off, and we've never even met the Pretender characters before. It was brought about solely because the new toys had to be jammed into the story. (The, uh, story of returning Optimus Prime's character to the comic book because he had [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|a new toy]].)
*[[Rotor Force]] made their debut in "[[New Dawn]]", and both here and in subsequent ''Generation 2'' issues would primarily fight enemies not with guns like everyone else, but by firing their giant rotors at them. Page 3 of ''New Dawn'' actually shows them having to ''stop and reattach their rotors'' before they can carry on fighting.
[[File:Mistaken Identity Galvatronscourge.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Johnny Yong Bosch|It's Morphin Time! MASTODON!]]]]
*The [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]] [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] had six alternate modes and [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the cartoon]] really wanted you to see them, which is why [[Battle Protocol!|his first appearance]] was as ''a giant hand punching through a building for no apparent reason''. The series would also make it routine for him to use different modes for specific purposes: He would arrive to battles in Jet Mode, observe fights and command his troops in Robot Mode, personally engage his foes in Dragon Mode, and retreat from battle in Bat Mode. His Car Mode and Hand Mode would be used far less often than those four, but situations that deliberately called for their use ''would'' still crop up. Things got even sillier when he turned into Galvatron and gained four ''more'' modes. In "[[Mistaken Identity]]", he turned into his "Iron Mammoth" form to brace himself against a hostile [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]]... only for the form to prove ''useless'' when Maximus called off his attack. His griffin form was later made out to be his most powerful form, which he used prominently during the series' [[The Final Battle (RID)|final episode]], while his Pteranodon and hydrofoil modes would each only be used once, in cases where Galvatron barely did ''anything'' in those modes (much like the case with his mammoth mode).
*[[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] and [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] are the only Autobot jets in the ''Animated'' line. (Not counting the toyless [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]].) To fully big this up, their origin story has it that there have ''never been'' any flying Autobots before, despite them having been in (and won) a long and bitter war with enemies who ''often fly''. This one was silly enough that [[Endgame, Part I|a later episode]] explicitly joked on this, pointing out that there were multiple Autobots before and after Jetfire and Jetstorm with some kind of flight capability.
*The second season of the 2015 ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon coincided with the release of the [[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]] toys, which fire smaller [[Mini-Con]] figures. Suddenly, every Decepticon in the cartoon was partnered with a Mini-Con or two, even Decepticons who'd appeared in the past as solo operatives.

The [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]], noted for its gimmicks in all three toylines, was particularly notorious in this regard:

*The quest for power-enhancing [[Mini-Con]]s practically defined the plot of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon, with both factions out to recruit or capture all the Mini-Cons.
*[[Powerlinx]]ing is shown again and again and again in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', despite having comparatively little relevance to most episode plotlines. In fact, due to the fact much of Energon's action was firefights, Powerlinxing seemed to be a disadvantage, since it resulted in a single larger Autobot shooting instead of two smaller ones.
*[[Cyber Key]] powerups are likewise shown repeatedly in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]].'' In this case, while most characters had basic weapons, the Cyber Keys were necessary to unlock hidden weaponry or special techniques. So, for example, Optimus might be able to shoot at the Decepticons with a smaller firearm or his cannons, but to fire a more powerful attack from his cannons, he would need to summon his Cyber Key. Some characters, however, needed their Cyber Keys to activate what one would expect to be their main weapons (e.g. Starscream activating his larger Null Ray Cannon in his giant form).
*All three series were also marked by lengthy transformation sequences which highlighted the gimmicks in very toy-accurate animation (and also made production cheaper, thanks to [[Stock footage|recycled footage]]).

===Strange developments===
Shoehorning loads of new characters with new powers can compel the writers to do things with the plot that, in all probability, they otherwise wouldn't.

*Marvel UK had to promote the [[Special Teams]] toys ''before'' they knew how they'd be appearing in the US reprints. To get around this, [[Simon Furman]] wrote a story arc titled "[[Second Generation!]]", where [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], Optimus and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] <s>watched an advert</s> saw a Matrix-induced vision of the Special Teams in action. These events were previewed in "The Special Teams Have Arrived", nine issues earlier, with no indication that they were part of a vision, making their place in continuity uncertain.
*In the US Marvel comics, the simultaneous introduction of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] and the introduction of the Pretenders both saw a lot of rigamarole involved in explaining why both the Autobots and the Decepticons had new members with identical numbers/gimmicks at the same time.
*Season 3 of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] almost completely ignored the characters of the previous two seasons that were no longer on toy shelves. The 1985 Autobot cars, for example, are not seen at all. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and the 1985 Mini-Vehicles, by contrast, show up now and again, as their toys were still shipping. Even Starscream, who was ''dead'', managed to get a couple of Season 3 episodes all to himself; again, his toy sold through 1986.
*One season later, "[[The Rebirth]]" — the last episodes of the entire series — was almost entirely spent on introducing new characters and giving old ones upgrades, leaving just barely enough time to provide any kind of conclusion.
*''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' was absolutely crazy about this. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus]] (whose toy was long gone) kicks the bucket only three episodes in for the sake of a sacrifice that would be nullified only a few episodes later, putting new(er) toy [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] back in the command chair for a short while. In the tenth episode, Rodimus departs the series and hands the title of Supreme Commander to brand-spanking-new toy [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], who's had a few months, tops, of combat experience. Much like Season 3, ''Headmasters'' also ignored most of the Season 3 regulars ([[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, the [[Quintesson]]s) or removed them altogether, sometimes fairly dubiously ([[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] leave with Rodimus, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] gets shot a bit and dies, [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is buried in ice and nobody digs him up until ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Battlestars (story page)|Battlestars]]''). By the end of the series, the only remaining Autobots from the first three seasons were the [[Special Teams]], [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] and his cassettes, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]].
*[[Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 2|''Transformers Comic-Magazin'' #2]] wrote an entire story devoted to Optimus sternly explaining which Autobots and Decepticons were on sale in [[Germany]] in 1989. The reason he had to? [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] had ''shot an Autobot''!
*The first thirteen issues of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Armada]]'' comic were focused around the Mini-Cons, with plots often revolving around their desire to be seen as equals and not be enslaved. Then without ''any'' prior set-up, the last five issues turn into a dimension-spanning battle against [[Unicron]]—who had just had a new and expensive toy.
*[[Tigerhawk]] debuts in "[[Other Victories]]", where he's the reason the Predacons lose their base and [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] is killed. This disrupts any ending for the Tarantulas/[[Vok]] storyline, as the episode is left with little time to properly explain the mysteries of either character and the plot of last episode, Tarantulas trying to destroy the whole ''Ark'', is reduced to two lines about the [[Tripredacus Council]].
[[File:Samprowl.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|<s>Upgrades are bad.</s> Upgrades are GOOD. We have always been at war with <s>Eurasia</s> Eastasia.]]
*"[[A Fistful of Energon]]" has [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] learn not to use upgrades, and he gives up using powerful samurai armour. But whoops, Hasbro thought "hey, we could make a toy out of that armour"! And so in [[Five Servos of Doom|a later episode]], Prowl ''regains'' it and the show hurriedly claims that the upgrade is fine ''now'' because Prowl realizes now that it's the Autobot, not the upgrade.
*The [[France|French]] decided to be good sports and start using propeller-driven nuclear bombers again in [[All Hail Megatron issue 11|''All Hail Megatron'' #11]], just so [[Octane|Tankor]] could be used.
*[[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]] has been on Earth for a while, in hiding from other Decepticons while he waits for orders from [[the Fallen]] in "[[Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout]]". Ransack is a member of a race that can scan any object and take its form as a disguise. Ransack moves around in the cunning disguise of ''a 100-year-old plane''. (At least, unlike the previous example, the oldness of the alt mode was pointed out.)
*In Titan's ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comic, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] go from being [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee's]] responsibility to bugging [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to being [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe's]] responsibility in the space of three issues, all to allow each issue to focus on a specific toy-bearing movie star. Similarly, only one or two Decepticons per issue are sent on a mission, when presumably the Fallen might want to send loads of guys to silence the twins.
*In ''Dark of the Moon'', nearly all of the Transformers switch from built-in weaponry to handheld weaponry. It just so happens that the gimmick of the ''Dark of the Moon'' toys was that they had "MechTech" weapons that could be held by any other figure.
*Also in ''Dark of the Moon'', most Autobots transform into [[Stealth Force]] mode, a weaponized vehicle mode that allows them to access various weapons in their otherwise defenseless disguises, an incredibly useful combat mode that's never used in any prior or later films. Uniquely, this was something Hasbro came up with for the toyline on their own; director [[Michael Bay]] decided to incorporate it into the film only after seeing what they were working on for the then-upcoming toyline and taking a personal liking to it.
*The [[subline imprint]] of the ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|toyline]] was the ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#BH|Beast Hunters]]'' line, which took hold at about the time of the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|show]]'s third season, which was given the subtitle of the imprint. In the episode "[[Project Predacon]]", [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] awkwardly redubs [[Team Prime]] as the "Beast Hunters", when they begin looking for Predacon fossils. The Autobots must've felt the same way as we did about the sudden name change, since really only the protocol-obsessed [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] begins using the term. Thanks to behind the scene troubles and the whole concept being a late addition to the series, the team never actually ''hunts any beasts'', as only three Predacons ever take a central role in the story.
[[File:YouMeAndTheUniverse-Scoopcolors.jpg||thumb|upright=1.4|Talk about "shoehorned in".]]
*In [[Spotlight: Trailcutter]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|Trailbreaker]] has an existential crisis, and worries that everyone only sees him as 'the forcefield guy'. Deciding to revamp his image, he decides that he'll now go by the much slicker(?) "Trailcutter"... just as [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Generations|Thrilling 30 Trailcutter]] hit store shelves.
*The [[subline imprint]] for the ''Generations'' line from 2015 to 2016 was ''[[Combiner Wars (franchise)|Combiner Wars]]'', hence IDW's tie-in comic had to introduce a heapload of combiners in a universe that regarded combination as a lost art with unpredictable side-effects. (Devastator, Menasor, Superion, and Monstructor were around, but they had each been introduced separately, and each with their own unique explanations, over the course of ''ten years''.) Enter the [[Enigma of Combination]], an artifact of Nexus Prime with the power to merge any Transformers into a combiner. Not only is this artifact used on Superion, Menasor, and Defensor, it is also used on Optimus Prime and other selected Autobots to create [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]. The fact that Optimus had two Combiner Wars toys (one released, one upcoming at the time of the story's publication) might have influenced this decision.
*Also, the big toy of 2015 was a Titan Class Devastator... in his classic configuration instead of IDW's newly introduced 'Prowlastator' form. Unfortunately, Scrapper had been long dead and hence was unable to take his spot as the combiner's leg. However, IDW had another bulldozer-bot conveniently lying around — [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]. Naturally, he was merged with the other Constructicons by the aforementioned Enigma, restoring Devastator's classic silhouette.
*A long-running plot thread of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'', starting all the way back in [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue 5]], was [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] preparing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to succeed him as the ''[[Lost Light]]''{{'}}s Chief Medical Officer. [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|Issue 40]] ''finally'' sees Ratchet stepping down and leaving the ship (so he could participate in the events of ''[[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone|Drift - Empire of Stone]]''), officially declaring First Aid "the new Chief Medical Officer"... but after only two issues in his new position, [[The One Where They Go to Earth|issue 43]] sees First Aid himself leave the ''Lost Light'' under a flimsy in-story pretense so he could participate in the events of ''Combiner Wars'', appointing [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] as his own successor (although he would later return to the ''Lost Light'' following the conclusion of ''Combiner Wars'').
*In a follow-up story, Galvatron creates two combiners out of random soldiers and foes. To plug the new merch, these are called [[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]] and [[Sky Reign]] but most of the characters that made them up in toy form were either on Cybertron, the ''[[Lost Light]]'', or dead at the time. Unusually for this page, Hasbro allowed IDW to use random limbs as long as the names were right but this leads to the comic pimping a toy you can't buy (though you could make it with others), and in Galvatronus' case a toy that doesn't even have the same face as in the comic.
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===Awkward continuity===
[[File:Earthforce.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This happened... er.... look just buy the toys, ok?!]]
Sometimes the requirement to feature new toys can be so strong that continuity takes a major backseat and stories are produced that feature combinations of characters that make the story very difficult to slot into the main continuity. The Marvel UK comic was especially prone to this as it could not always foresee where, when and how characters would be introduced:

*The ''[[Transformers Annual 1985]]'' contains many stories featuring toys from the 1985 release long before they were formally introduced in the regular comic, often interacting with other characters who would be out of action by then. As a result, few of the stories easily fit the continuity of the weekly comic.
*The demands of Hasbro UK for the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] to be featured heavily even before the US ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' mini-series was available meant that both the ''[[Transformers Annual 1987]]'' and the regular strip "[[Worlds Apart!]]" contain a slightly different set of events that are at odds with the mini-series.
*The requirement to give prominence to the rereleased toys in the [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] range resulted in one of the biggest continuity trainwrecks of all, [[Earthforce]]. Over three decades later fans are still uncertain where it fits in continuity, and even [[Simon Furman]] admits to being unsure.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Looking back, as I try my hardest not to do, it's very hard to tie the Earthforce stories into a specific time frame (in terms of the US continuity), because (if I'm brutally honest) I didn't try too hard to make it work in the first place. By that point, I was just trying to tell a bunch of fun UK stories that didn't necessarily impact on the larger (US) storyline. How was I to know 15 or so years later people would be trying to reconcile it all?|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914233035/http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php|name=Simon Furman|site=TransFans.co.uk|title=Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past'|year=2004|month=08}}</ref>
*Germany's ''[[Transformers Comic-Magazin]]'' started in 1989 and reprinted older Marvel US and UK strips. Since, of course, these would rarely show the current toys, Comic-Magazin ran text stories from #2 that showcased ''completely different'' Transformers that were on Earth at the same time, and just happened not to be seen in the strips.
*Trapped between the need to pimp toys and the problem of not knowing what the plot of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' would be, Titan just threw up their hands and unambiguously set their lead strip in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Alternate universe|an alternate universe]]. Similarly, the [[Dark of the Moon (video games)|video games]] for ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]]'' were all prequels so that the games would not directly contradict the then-upcoming movie's plot while still using some of the characters and settings who would be featured (some minor plot contradictions ''did'' occur, but few fans have ever accepted the video games to be in perfect continuity with the films anyway).
*Based on evidence from various sources, it's been speculated that the episode "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" was originally meant to star [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], who at the time had been exiled from the Decepticons and was on somewhat friendly terms with the Autobots. Instead, his role was taken over by new toy [[Octane]]. The only other episode to prominently feature Octane, "[[Thief in the Night]]", which was aired ''after'' "Starscream's Ghost", kinda sorta explains his falling out with the Decepticons—except it doesn't: While said episode ''does'' have him go rogue, not only is he ''still'' a bad guy—by the end of that episode, ''Galvatron is no longer on bad terms with Octane''! Likewise, the episode "[[The God Gambit]]" starred [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Starscream and Thrust, with Astrotrain (a new toy at the time) taking on a leadership role more akin to Megatron rather than the bus he's reduced to in almost every other episode.
*The Japanese broadcast of ''Animated'' outright skipped "[[Rise of the Constructicons]]" and "[[Sari, No One's Home]]", as they largely revolve around the toy-less [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]]. Meanwhile, "[[Sound and Fury (episode)|Sound and Fury]]" was moved up to be the first episode to air after the pilot to promote Soundwave's toys, which is at odds with continuity since Megatron only came back online during "[[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]", which was pushed to air ''after'' "Sound and Fury".
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===Power levels===
In order to make new characters seem more ''totally awesome'', they're often depicted as ultra-powerful in their initial appearances. Once they become old news, they frequently seem to lose their super-charged abilities.

*The original ''Transformers'' cartoon introduced [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] as the ultimate threat. Once newer combiner teams came along, however, he was less of a threat, easily defeated at various times by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and even [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]].
[[File:Buzzsawyikes4.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Buzzsaw reminds Omega Supreme he's not a new toy any more.]]
*The Marvel comics feature [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] as nigh-invulnerable and ultimately powerful in [[Command Performances!|his debut issue]], slaughtering all but two of the Decepticon forces sent to attack him. Just [[Dark Star|two years later]], he's getting his butt handed to him by the likes of [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], one of his original victims. He was also drawn as [[Scale|truly colossal]] in his first appearance, before becoming just a head taller than [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] by the time of his death.
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s first action was to turn Starscream into a pile of ash in a single shot from his cannon mode, and he accomplishes an even more impressive feat upon his reintroduction in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]]" when he destroys the entire planetoid of Thrull. In later episodes, his attacks seem to be, at most, somewhat stronger than those of the other Decepticons, and characters can withstand shots from him in cannon mode without any serious injuries.
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], in a weird case of this, actually seemingly ''[[Scale|shrank]]'' between the third season of the G1 toon and [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'']], going from being drawn as a genuine giant to barely bigger than the average combiner. Even in official [[scale charts]], he dropped from being shown as 800 meters tall to about 45. This was likely to avoid upstaging new-kid-on-the-block [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus.]]
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] was, amazingly, something of a threat in early episodes; he holds his own against [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] in his debut. He only became significantly weaker than the other Predacons during the second season.
*In her first appearance on the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] effortlessly blasts [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to pieces. She never displays such a level of power again.
*Similarly, [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] was presented as a huge threat when he first appeared, but just a few episodes later, he seems just slightly tougher than the average Predacon (save for a few notable occasions).
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] was actually a credible threat for his first couple of episodes.
*The [[Commando (RID)|Commandos]] were far more powerful and competent than the Predacons, who were made even ''less'' powerful and competent as episodes went on. Remarkably, this was actually used in the plot, with Megatron focusing on the new toys while the Predacons became underdogs trying to get their old status back and one-up the new guys.
[[File:ArmTVTidalWave.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Before he shrank in the wash.]]
*''Any'' new toy character in the Unicron Trilogy cartoons is almost guaranteed to win the day's battle.
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] was a staggering behemoth as big as the sky in his introduction, and his ability to combine with Megatron gave the battle advantage to the Decepticons until his equally powerful counterpart [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] was introduced. By the time of the ''Energon'' cartoon, Tidal Wave is just this tall guy (but not as tall as he used to be) and is treated as just another Decepticon, even after he gets a body upgrade in the form of "Mirage".
*When the newly redecoed Jetfire and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus]] combine in Dreamwave's Armada comic, they are so powerful ''they can hurt Unicron himself''.
*[[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] ruler [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] was incredibly powerful when he was first introduced, but later on, he's getting slaps on the wrist by [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] and [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]], and schooled by [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], ultimately becoming more of a sympathetic comedic bumbler than a credible threat.
*The Decepticons in ''Animated'' started off as being so horrifically powerful that the entire Autobot team had to take on a ''single'' one. By Season 3, this no longer happens. Uniquely, this was ''deliberate'' by the writers: they wanted to show the Decepticons as supreme threats, and have the Autobots gradually being better at dealing with them.
*The [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] in ''Prime'' started off pretty tough; easily wearing down [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in a group, then just two giving [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] a tough time. In the next episode, they've got Stormtrooper aim, and basically exist to give the Autobots someone to kill while saving the named Decepticons from the scrapheap. It gets to the point where in the third season, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] actually ''counts'' on the Vehicons failing to execute [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]], and Wheeljack makes several amusing comments about the Vehicons' incompetence.
*Additionally, the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] started off as nightmarishly strong monsters. One wears ''[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'' to the point of exhaustion before dying (admittedly, Megs was deprived of his main asset when Airachnid webbed his fusion cannon). However, for the remainder of the series, the Insecticons are just as weak as the Vehicons, being blasted down in one shot, despite a return to form in "[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|Tunnel Vision]]" and "[[Toxicity]]" (the latter of which saw the debut of notorious Autobot killer [[Hardshell]]).
*When [[Lightlong|Lightning]] [[Optimus Prime (WK)|Optimus]] first debuted in ''Wild King'', he was pretty powerful, able to send [[Leafback]] flying in a single blow and fight on even terms with [[Captain Volca|Flame]] [[Megatron (WK)|Megatron]] compared to regular Optimus, requiring the latter to further combine into Flame-Grass Megatron to seemingly defeat him. However, 2 episodes later, ''[[Ignite Leo|a single energy beast]]'' is more than capable of doing that, with the only reason Lightning Optimus doesn't fall being [[Hydrophant]] gaining the courage to strike back, but even then he still had to combine with Hydrophant into Lightning Aqua Optimus to defeat his opponent.
{{-}}

===New bodies===
There's rarely a compelling reason for a Transformer to get a brand-new body in fiction; it's simply to promote a new toy. It has become a default way to keep a popular character on shelves, rather than having to kill them off and introduce a new character to keep moving toys. Sometimes fiction writers are able to work these alterations in elegantly... sometimes not.

[[File:Bumblebeeskindeep.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Ratchet pulls a Kitty Pryde on Bumblebee.]]
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] was rebuilt into Goldbug following his near-destruction... and was later re-rebuilt back into Bumblebee to sell the [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|new Classic Pretender toy]]. The reason given in [[Skin Deep|the comic storyline]] was that [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] reverted him without his consent because Ratchet liked his old form better, something Bumblebee is strangely fine with.
*Season 2 of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' introduced the new [[Transmetal]] toys in short order, requiring some strange sci-fi waffling to explain why members of both teams suddenly got special new bodies. The writers had originally planned to introduce these changes gradually, across the length of Season 2, but Hasbro ordered them to be brought in immediately. (The slow-and-gradual notion would eventually appear during Season 3.)
[[File:Retailbuyer decisiontree.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" ''three times''; at the start of each subsequent series, he's given a different body but called Megatron ''again'', because the name "Megatron" just sells more toys. (This also means Hasbro gets to keep the [[trademark]] "Galvatron".) The Japanese versions handled this differently (with Megatron known as Megatron throughout Armada even after his upgrade, and being known as Galvatron throughout all of Energon) due to different trademark laws. Galaxy Force (the Japanese version of Cybertron) played it straight with Master Megatron being upgraded into Master Galvatron.
*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of Jetfire and Optimus during the Unicron arc.
*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of [[burning spirit]] into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.
*In the course of the [[Transformers (film)|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Voilà, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf! He later pulls the ''exact same thing'' in ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'', but by now, he's been established as having a fragile ego, explaining the constant desire to switch alternate modes.
*When [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''Transformers'' comic originally came out, there were no Generation 1-themed toys to flog, and many characters were given altered designs for the series. Then along came ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'', featuring new toys of Generation 1 characters, and suddenly multiple characters get new, toy-accurate bodies in ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'', for no apparent in-story reason. Later, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] even gets a namechange to ''Silver''streak to fit his toy.
*Sometimes, IDW's comics don't even bother with a reason: you just get the latest issue and a character suddenly resembles the latest toy. This can sometimes be explained as artist interpretation, but at other times...
*[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] was originally grey, but when he was reunited with the ''Animated'' Decepticons, he changed his colours to purple while referring to it as his proper look. Why he changed colouration to go undercover was not explained, but it may have something to do with a purple-coloured Shockwave toy being out when that episode aired.
*In ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] start out as an old ice cream truck combiner but after a disastrous mission [[NEST]] decides to upgrade them to new individual [[General Motors]] vehicles. New toys ''and'' product placement!
*[[Starscream (Armada)#Generations|''Armada'' Starscream]] got a new toy in 2014. There wasn't an ''Armada'' comic but there ''was'' a Generation 1 comic with a Starscream, which was then [[pack-in material|packed in]] with the toy series including Armada Starscream. And lo and behold, for ''[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]'' Starscream got a new body! A year later, he swapped to ''another'' body for "[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]", which was his then-new Leader Class toy, and several issues were devoted to him choosing it and then flaunting it. Then again, this ''is'' Starscream we're talking about...
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] finally got a new toy as well. Problem is, his comic body didn't look much like the toy. Then, in ''[[Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Dark Cybertron Chapter 11]]'', he revealed his new invention: reactive armor that changed his body to look like his opponent's. Who did he use this armor to battle? Why, it's Starscream, the guy his toy was retooled from!
*2015's "[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]" comic series brought back almost all of the combiner characters that have appeared in the IDW continuity thus far. However, [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] was apparently killed by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] quit the Stunticons... so that [[Alpha Bravo]] and [[Offroad (CW)|Offroad]] can replace them! Meanwhile, Starscream rebuilds Devastator; not only does Devastator suddenly resemble his toy counterpart, but [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] is no longer a required member of the combiner team, leaving him free to combine with Optimus Prime and company to become the brand-new combiner [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]. Superion and Menasor, who had made previous appearances in IDW fiction, are both rebuilt by the [[Enigma of Combination]], causing their bodies to more closely resemble their toy counterparts.

===Character pimping===
Characters with toys may get more attention than those without:

*"[[Matrix Quest]]" has four separate teams on a mission. You could use any three Transformers in one of these teams, right? Nope, Furman has toys to promote: out go nine new Autobot characters and three existing ones with new toys.
*[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge's]] presence in all three of his first three ''Beast Wars'' episodes: one for his origin, another for him joining the Maximals after all, and then an abrupt appearance at the very end of "[[Cutting Edge]]" where he turns up and single-handedly drives off a Predacon force.
*When ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)#Japanese release|Animated]]'' was released in Japan, episodes focusing on the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicon]]s were never broadcast on television (instead being reduced to bonus content on the DVDs), as the Constructicons did not have toys. The episode order was also rearranged (and thus the internal narrative of the series, as well) so that episodes introducing new toys could air earlier than those that didn't.
*IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlight]]'' came back in 2013 in order to promote six of the upcoming ''Generations'' toys. Even [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], a little-used character who would never have been given a ''Spotlight'' otherwise! (Initially published through Diamond and Comixology as per IDW's usual practice, these comics were subsequently packed-in with the toys they were based on, aiming to use the higher sales of the toys to boost comic sales in a "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" scenario.) Likewise, Waspinator, having a new toy out in late 2013, began making appearances and took on increased importance in the IDW universe. An upcoming [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] toy brought forth a Tankor appearance in Dark Cybertron. The opening arcs of the second seasons of ''More Than Meets The Eye'' and ''Robots in Disguise'' (as well as ''Windblade'' vol. 1) in 2014 also heavily feature casts of characters with new toys, such as Nightbeat, Rattrap, Arcee, and Jetfire.
* When [[Steeljaw (RID)|Steeljaw]] frees some Decepticons in the second season of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', the freed 'Cons include his former minions [[Clampdown (RID)|Clampdown]] and [[Thunderhoof (RID)|Thunderhoof]], yet not the other two members of the Pack, [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]] and [[Underbite]]. He instead frees [[Bisk (RID)|Bisk]], [[Groundpounder (RID)|Groundpounder]], [[Overload (RID)|Overload]], [[Quillfire (RID)|Quillfire]] and [[Springload (RID)|Springload]]. There's no reason to neglect those who have already proven to be able to work together in the Pack (and thus Steeljaw should know would help in his eventual coup), except for the fact that the toys of both Fracture and Underbite had already sold, and the newly freed Decepticons have new figures on the shelves.

===Abrupt conclusions===
[[File:MarvelUSG2-12.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|It's the end of the road for Transformers Generation 2! That can't bode well for the toyline.]]
Just as ''Transformers'' fiction lives at Hasbro's pleasure, so too does it die. Falling sales, a change of plans, and standard [[rebranding]] can all cause a storyline to come to a sudden end when Hasbro decides to pull the plug.

*The American Generation 1 cartoon got a somewhat rushed conclusion in the form of "[[The Rebirth]]", rather than a full fourth season.
*The Generation 1 comics were nearly canceled at [[On the Edge of Extinction!|issue #75]], but granted a reprieve. The stay of execution was only temporary, however; with the Generation 1 toyline ending, the comic was terminated a mere five issues later, resulting in a rather hasty concluding plotline.
*Hasbro was only willing to support the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Generation 2'' comic]] for twelve issues, unless it proved an unqualified (perhaps phenomenal) success. Aware of this from the start, writer Simon Furman was able to plot a story arc that reached its finale as the series ended (and poked fun at it with a character whose name is a pun on "[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Gee, axe us]]".)
*The writers of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon reportedly never had any idea if they'd be back for another season. When the axe fell with Season 3, they had only three episodes left to wrap up the whole series.
*Hasbro nearly killed off the just-begun comic series ''[[Transformers: The Wreckers|The Wreckers]]'' in 2003, wishing instead for [[3H Productions|3H]] to focus on a ''[[Transformers: Universe (comic)|Universe]]'' comic advertising its current toyline.
*Even though ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' wasn't abruptly canceled, Kids WB ended the series on the [[cliffhanger]] of the episode "[[Revelation (episode)|Revelation]]", leaving millions of kids tuning in next time only to get a re-run of ''Xiaolin Showdown''. The reason? The Cybertron Defense Team toys hadn't hit stores yet.
*With ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' coming out in June, Titan had to end their alternate universe storyline in May so they could tie in early—an issue earlier than planned. The main strip handled this, with the notable exception of [[Jazz (Movie)#Titan Magazines Transformers movie comics|the Jazz plot arc]] going completely unresolved, but it played havoc with working out the IDW reprints!
*According to [[Rik Alvarez]], IDW was asked to drop their G1 continuity and move to the brand-spanking new [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] one. (They said "nah".)
{{-}}

==Death==
===Killing off old product===
[[File:Tftm1986a.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Guess who's no longer in the Mini Vehicles case assortment?]]
[[File:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Publisher's clearing house.]]
[[File:BW Scorponok Terrorsaur deaths.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Scorponok, Terrorsaur, we're condemning you to a fiery death 'cause Waspinator has a bigger fan club.]]
The most obvious To Sell Toys effect comes from the temporary nature of retail sales. Even in the 1980s, toys rarely stayed on the shelves past two years; today that timespan is much smaller. Once a toy is no longer selling, Hasbro has no interest in supporting fiction about that character—especially when there are newer toys to promote. Therefore, writers are often compelled to remove characters from the story by killing them off. Sometimes this happens through carefully developed story arcs, but it's easier to do it with huge, apocalyptic battles with massive numbers of casualties.

*Right before the introduction of most of the 1985 cast, the Marvel comic saw eleven of the original Autobots taken offline within a single issue in "[[Prime Time!]]". A few issues later, six of the original Decepticons met [[Command Performances!|a similar fate]] at the hands of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (which doubled as character pimping for the big guy). Though it was suggested they could be repaired, the vast majority of casualties wouldn't reappear in the US until they popped up in crowd shots [[Totaled!|thirty issues later]], and a number had their next appearance being a ''second'' death in the Underbase Saga.
*In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', numerous main characters are killed or changed in the movie's first 30 minutes, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]. They are replaced by a slew of new characters; in fact, the poster for the movie shows ''only'' new characters. And [[Laserbeak]].
*Numerous characters are killed in the Marvel UK comics saga "[[Time Wars]]". The Grim Reaper seemed to spare either popular characters (Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]]) or newer characters ([[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]], [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], for example.)
*The [[Underbase Saga]] features a super-powerful [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] killing literally ''dozens'' of characters; over fifty characters are shown being offlined in the story, with even more implied by later issues to have been taken out off-panel. The survivors were mostly from the [[Pretender]], [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] ranks, those being the then-current toy lines. However, the explanation ([[Underbase]] power didn't affect those TFs with organic components) meant that even the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], new toys at the time and introduced three issues before, met their end.
*The climactic [[On the Edge of Extinction!|battle with Unicron]] 25 issues later killed off many of the Underbase survivors, whose shelf run had ended.
*With its enormously expensive CGI animation, ''Beast Wars'' was particularly vulnerable to toy-based interference. The expense of creating and animating a CGI body model meant that the character roster had to remain fairly constant; the introduction of all-new characters usually required the removal of an equal number of existing characters. And so, [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] die just in time for the arrival of [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. (Frustrated with the situation, the writers carefully planned out<ref>http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html</ref> the demise of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], anticipating that someone would have to be removed to make way for [[Rampage (BW)|newer characters]].)
*''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]'' would end up killing a large number of Autobots in [[The Reign of Starscream issue 5|issue #5]], after their toys had been around for a while; as they'd not made an appearance in the comics until this mini, this is both an example of Huge Cast ''and'' Product Clearing. It would then go on to bump off some Decepticons, while its sequel ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' slaughtered ''hordes'' of Decepticons with old toys. Mowry is the new Furman...
*The ''Dark of the Moon'' [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|console video game]] is a prequel to the film and can't afford to kill off most of its characters due for an appearance in the then-upcoming film. Luckily, there's several characters who've been around since the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' franchise who can be used to give the game some bosses to kill off like [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]], [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]], and [[Stratosphere]]! Like the prior comics, ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' also wipes out a lot of characters not due for an appearance in ''Dark of the Moon'' like [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] and [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]], though some stragglers like the Twins, Arcee, and Chromia survive.
*Another odd case of this in the [[live-action film series]], which, as well as advertising toys, also serves as advertising for [[General Motors]] vehicles. Hence, Autobots whose cars are no longer in demand have an uncanny tendency to either lose prominence or perish. The most prominent example would be [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] — the GMC Topkick had been discontinued for two years by ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]]'', and so, despite a fifty-dollar toy on the shelves, Ironhide dies halfway in. Similarly, [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] is the major Autobot casualty of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' due to his Hummer H2 vehicle mode being a thing of the past by the time the film hit theaters (though unlike Ironhide, Ratchet had next to no representation in the toyline).
*IDW's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''Robots in Disguise'']] ongoing has to promote a [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]... with [[Alpha Bravo|a new helicopter]] instead of [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]]. Hence, Slingshot is the one to suffer most and die from the injuries caused when [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] tore him in half. This is especially weird considering that Devastator tore through Superion from the ''right'', and Slingshot was Superion's ''left'' arm at the time. Not to mention that Silverbolt, the torso, was explicitly ripped in half... The series would go on to have [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] leave the Stunticons over a humiliating defeat... one he suffered years ago, in [[The Question|Spotlight: Bumblebee]]. Naturally, the empty position was filled by new toy [[Offroad (CW)|Offroad]]. Then Hasbro decided to release Quickslinger and Brake-Neck (Slingshot and Wildrider renamed for trademark issues) ''much'' later after the others' release, part of a strategy that effectively forced fans to buy toys ''both'' of the "replacement" characters ''and'' the original characters.

This has become less common in recent years, as Hasbro has come to realize that their target audiences can actually get attached to certain [[character]]s, and might not enjoy seeing them die random, brutal, meaningless [[death]]s.
{{-}}

===Hi-and-die===
[[File:Chuffer cof.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Likely dialog: "SHEEEAAGH!!"]]
Kids don't want to buy a toy of a character who's dead. So if the plot calls for someone to die, smart money bets on the character who has a toy as the survivor. The guy without a toy, who you've never heard of before? Toast. This is the ''Transformers'' version of ''[[Star Trek]]''{{'}}s infamous {{w|redshirt syndrome}}. The stereotypical hi-and-die character is killed off in the same episode/issue that introduces him, if not the very same scene.

*This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#UK comics|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], Autobot/zombie food [[Chuffer]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies/mutant fodder [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (Marvel)|Flattop]], and the sixth member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].
*The U.S. comics also used this approach on occasion, as with [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s poignantly adorable buddy [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]].
*[[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]] showed up and died in [[Transmutate (episode)|that episode]], of course Hasbro doesn't make [[Transmutate (BW)#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|a toy]] [[Action Master|that don't transform]], right?
*The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock (Energon)|Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast]]'s hands, providing motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]].
*''Animated'' chucked in [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] so Ratchet could have a tragic past where he failed to save someone. (And ''then'' she got a toy!)
*The [[Transformers Animated (Titan)|''Animated'' comic]] wants to do a story arc about an Autobot who's really a spy and then have him killed. Quick, [[Afterburn|make someone up]]!
*''[[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]]'' invents hordes of characters solely to populate the story with casualties while preserving the classic characters: [[Chromatron]], [[Gauntlet (WFC)|Gauntlet]], [[Halogen (WFC)|Halogen]], [[Drixco]], [[Revo]], [[Catalycon]], and dozens of other unnamed Autobots, Decepticons and [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]].
*[[James Roberts]] elevated hi-and-die to an artform; though his run on ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' is crammed with minor non-toy characters who wind up dead, many still received some backstory, history, or distinctive characterization before — or even after — being killed off. Examples from ''More than Meets the Eye''{{'}}s first "season" include [[Polaris]], [[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]], [[Shock (G1)|Shock]], [[Ore]], [[Animus]], [[Dent]], [[Sonic (IDW)|Sonic]], [[Boom]], [[Piston (Wrecker)|Piston]], [[Crest]], [[Torque (G1)|Torque]], [[Sherma]], [[Momus]], "[[Fallout (G1)|Fallout]]", "[[Streaker]]", [[Heavies|Hammer and Anvil]], [[Trepan]], [[Frak]], [[Rushcut]], [[Rossum]], [[Tripodeca]], [[Pivot]], [[Scattergun]], [[Blockus]], [[Datum]], [[Ramp]], and [[Suture (G1)|Suture]]. Similarly, ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' introduced us to [[Squadron X]], comprising just about every Decepticon hi-and-die character from the Marvel continuity, who were then all slaughtered by Impactor.
*The first episode of the ''[[Transformers: Combiner Wars (cartoon)|Combiner Wars]]'' cartoon invented [[Maxima]], a purple recolour of [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], who appeared in one scene and immediately died, fuelling Windblade's vendetta against the Combiners seen in the rest of the series.
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] shows up during the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|Transformers War For Cybertron Trilogy]]'' cartoon, even though she did ''not'' have a new toy as part of the [[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|toyline]]. Since she ends up as part of a squad filled with characters who ''do'' have toys, and her animation model is simply a redeco of [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia's]], no prizes for guessing who ends up being the one to bite the dust.
{{-}}

===Resurrection===
Killing off a character isn't always toy-motivated; sometimes it's a dramatic plot development. But it can also be a problem if Hasbro decides to make a new toy of that character.

[[File:Inferno dies agenda2.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Only a flesh wound!]]
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has been resurrected [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|so many times]] that it's practically a defining character trait. His original revival in the cartoon didn't correspond to any actual toy release, but the Marvel comic brought him back specifically to advertise his [[Powermaster]] form. A second death-and-revival introduced his [[Action Master]] body. And a ''third'' death-and-revival in ''Generation 2'' brought him into his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#G2Hero|Hero]] toy form.
*The Japanese killed off Optimus (or "Convoy" as they called him) in [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'']]. A few years later, they not only brought him back with a new toy, the ''entire franchise'' for that year was called ''[[Transformers: Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]]''.
*Numerous "dead" characters were brought back into the Marvel comic series when their Classics and/or Action Master versions were released. Many were "deactivated" rather than outright dead; however, very few ''non'' Action Master characters showed up alongside them.
*The series writers for ''Beast Wars'' considered [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] dead and gone at the end of Season 1. Hasbro, however, had a [[Transmetal]] Optimus Primal toy to promote, and so he was returned to life in Season 2. Hasbro wanted him brought back in the first minutes of the season premiere, but the writers managed to convince them that it would be better to do so at the ''end'' of the two-episode story following the premiere.
*At the end of Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'', [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] was pretty clearly shown being killed—being ''disintegrated''—but in the next season appeared to have just been bruised and cracked, because Hasbro was not ready to have a Mega-scaled toy removed from the series.
*Pretty much ''nobody'' could successfully die in the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]]. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Dagger]], and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] all die and/or are resurrected from the dead during the course of the show.
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] still had toys out in 2008. The [[bio]] for AllSpark-Enhanced Autobot Jazz states he was brought back from near-death by the AllSpark and is "more powerful than ever". Voilà, Jazz comes back from the dead thanks to the AllSpark in [[Transformers Comic issue 16|Titan's tie-in comic]]! Optimus even uses the ''term'' "Autobot Jazz" in [[Transformers Comic issue 21|a later issue]]...
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] was shot in the head and abandoned on [[Gorlam Prime]] back in "[[Spotlight: Hardhead]]". Six years later, Hasbro were releasing a new Nightbeat toy and back he comes into ''Dark Cybertron'', a chatty undead from the [[Dead Universe]]. He proceeds to survive the destruction of the Dead Universe and wound up on the ''Lost Light'' before dying again years later.
*[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s IDW incarnation first appeared in the ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' limited series, set millions of years in the past. The final issue originally left his exact fate following his final confrontation with Megatron ambiguous; according to artist [[Alex Milne]], Sentinel was ''not'' dead ''yet'' as far as he was concerned, and the script had called for him to look like he could go either way.<ref name="milne">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110822003501/http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=37411 Post by Alex Milne on the IDW Publishing Forums]</ref> However, ''[[Spotlight: Optimus Prime]]'', published around the same time, at least ''implied'' that he was dead in the present day just like in other continuities, given how Optimus Prime had succeeded him. Subsequently, ''[[Spotlight: Blurr]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'', among others, presented [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] as the Prime who chronologically succeeded Sentinel, before being himself killed by Megatron and succeeded by Optimus. Fast forward to several years later, when Hasbro's [[Titans Return (toyline)|''Titans Return'' toy line]] introduced a new Sentinel Prime toy that was also a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] with a [[Titan Master]] named [[Infinitus]], and lo and behold, the IDW version of Sentinel, having been presumed dead for four million years, suddenly makes an unexpected return in a ''[[The Last Autobot|Titans Return]]'' one-shot, with absolutely no buildup beforehand, and is revealed to actually ''be'' a smaller robot named Infinitus who survived the destruction of his larger body. After menacing everyone a little for a few issues, he gets dropped down a very big hole, never to be spoken of again.
{{-}}

===Untouchables===
[[File:Armorhide drawhisfire.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Really, they could just stand there making rude noises at Starscream.]]
Obviously, if a character ''does'' have a current toy (or soon will), they're ([[Cliffjumper (WFC)|usually]]) not going to die, even if the plot or common sense indicates they should. This is sometimes because Hasbro itself declares a character unkillable, and so comics and TV writers must follow suit.
*In "[[Optimal Situation]]", [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] had betrayed [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to the Maximals, ruining his greatest shot at victory. As he declared, "There will be no more betrayals!", she would pay the price: being knocked into stasis lock so the Maximals could fix her and she could stay on their team.
*Megatron himself was in a prime position to be terminated, as were the Maximals later on, in "[[The Weak Component]]". Since this was only episode 6 and everyone had toys out, the cast politely agreed not to take this opportunity to end a brutal war for the planet.
*Titan's Movie strip was moved to an alternate universe, where you'd [[Rhythms of Darkness!|expect nobody to be safe from death]]. However, most of the cast had toys out, so whether it was a desperate guerrilla fight against Decepticon occupation, the rise of [[Unicron]], a [[Decepticon Civil War]], or the final battle, very few characters bought it. The big exception was [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]], dying in his first battle.
*In ''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' (mentioned earlier), James Roberts observed that Impactor was the only character who was guaranteed not to be killed. However, Hasbro shot down the idea of Perceptor or Springer dying, and so most of the fatalities were less well-known characters like Pyro, Ironfist, and eternally unlucky Wreckers Twin Twist and Topspin.
*Similar to his Beast Era counterpart, ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] was worn down to the point of exhaustion, and was at [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s mercy. Optimus, now [[One Shall Fall|sworn to outright kill Megatron when he gets the chance]], is about to pull the trigger, but ends up backing down when he's threatened by Decepticon reinforcements... in this case, the laughing stock redshirt Vehicons. It doesn't help that the ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' toyline had ''just'' gotten on shelves, but seriously? Optimus felt threatened by ''Vehicons''?
*If a Decepticon with a current toy is about to be captured in ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', they can pull off the most miraculous of escapes, sometimes [[Bee Cool|disappearing under our heroes' noses]].
*Starscream, the end.

==Notable exceptions==
There are, however, a few notable exceptions to the To Sell Toys effect, such as fictional characters without a toy counterpart, and other anomalies:

===Toys not released in the relevant market===
[[File:Swoopg1marvelukfirst.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|YOU CAN'T HAVE ME.]]
Occasionally the ''Transformers'' fiction released in a particular country features characters whose toys were not released in that country. The Marvel UK comic featured two variations of this phenomenon:

*Characters inherited from the U.S. strips. Some, such as [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], were given fairly prominent roles in the U.S. stories reprinted in the UK comic and so it was hard to ignore them completely in the UK originated material despite their toys not being around to need advertising. However the decision to develop the Predacons (even before their US appearances were reprinted), to have entire storylines focusing on Swoop, and also to keep Shockwave in continuity even after he'd been (supposedly) killed off in the US comic goes beyond this.
*Characters not featured in the U.S. strips. Bizarrely the UK comic also made use of some characters such as [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], [[Chop Shop (G1)|Chop Shop]], and [[Venom (G1)|Venom]], despite their toys not being available on UK toy shelves. None of these characters were inherited from the US material.

Writer [[Simon Furman]] has since stated that when writing the stories he was generally unaware of which toys were unavailable in the UK.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=We largely took our cue from what characters were being introduced into the US storyline. If there was a release schedule for the toys in the UK, we rarely saw it... But in the case of Swoop and the Predacons, I don't think I was consciously aware (at the time) that we were dealing with toys not generally available in the UK. They were just extant characters, and therefore fair game.|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914233035/http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php|name=Simon Furman|site=TransFans.co.uk|title=Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past'|year=2004|month=08}}</ref>

This would happen again with Titan, as foreign exclusives such as [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] and [[Slap Dash (ROTF)|Slap Dash]] palled around with UK-available toys.

Another example would be the original text stores published by [[Condor Verlag]] in their ''[[Transformers Comic-Magazin]]'': The text story from [[Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 11|issue 11]] features the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], even though catalogs from the era, backed up by German fans' recollections, suggest that the German release of the ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line-up omitted the Classic Combaticons, possibly due to their "war" theme.
{{-}}

===Post-Marvel, pre-2013 G1 comics===
[[File:Infiltration 1b.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hey, Runamuck, it's our first appearance on a comic book cover in twenty years!" "Heh heh, now if only we could appear on toy store shelves..."]]
Both [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] comics, the two recent holders of the license to publish ''Transformers'' comic books, sometimes produce comics using whichever toy line is current (e.g., Dreamwave's ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Armada]]'' comic or IDW's [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]] tie-ins), and sometimes publish comics using whatever characters they please (e.g., ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''). The characters in their "discretionary" comics are often not currently available in toy form ([[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], a character appearing in numerous stories from IDW's G1 continuity during their early years, only had [[Hardhead (G1)#Universe (2008)|another toy]] on shelves at around 2009, a good twenty-two years since [[Hardhead (G1)#Generation 1|his last toy]]), sometimes are drawn with bodies that have ''never'' been toys (most of the ''War Within'' characters), and sometimes are toys that were never available outside of specific countries ([[Lio Convoy]] in IDW's ''Beast Wars'').

[[Chris Ryall]], IDW Editor-in-Chief and writer of the miniseries adapting the 2007 movie to comics, had stated on IDW's forums that Hasbro does not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").<ref>http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=69377</ref> By the time of ''All Hail Megatron'', however, the ''Universe'' line came out and Hasbro asked IDW to start using some of those designs.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=102461#102461 Guido reveals the Hasbro request]</ref> Though this practice did not influence the subsequent [[The Transformers (IDW)|ongoing series]], it did raise its head again in 2013, as Hasbro and IDW began working together to create new toys based on character designs from the comics, to promote upcoming toys with New Bodies and to include the [[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]] event (including various preludes) with the toys.

===New toys, same basic design===
In more recent times (mostly in the case of the [[live-action film series]]), Hasbro has used a combination of minor [[redeco]]s, [[retool]]s and sculpts based on the same basic designs to create new toys, instead of giving recurring characters a major design overhaul for the next installment. The fiction then rarely, if ever, acknowledges any of those minor design changes. According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], some people at Hasbro even argued against changing the designs of some returning characters in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'', so that parents would '''not''' have to buy the same toy twice for their children just because of a minor change or modification to the characters' designs.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2186879&postcount=171 Roberto Orci posting at TFW2005.com]</ref> (Hasbro still released new, or modified, toys of those characters, prompting [[completist]]s to buy them as well, and the film gave some of the characters slight tweaks in their [[alternate mode]]s, based on changes in the real-life vehicle designs, which the toys had to incorporate.)

===Killing off characters with new toys===
Even characters with new or expensive toys can get the axe early on if the plot calls for it... or when poor timing caused by unplanned executive decisions resulted in bad coordination between in-fiction developments and toy release schedules.
* In ''Beast Wars'', [[Tigerhawk]] was introduced and then killed off within three episodes, due to corporate uncertainty about whether the [[Size class#Beast Wars|Ultra-sized toy]] would actually be produced.
*Despite being killed off in the middle of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] got a lot of new toys, including a Leader Class figure, a Voyager Class figure, and a Halloween costume for children!
*''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] was hyped up as a major character in the lead-up to the show's premiere, and got several toys like the other members of the main cast. He dies within the first five minutes of the [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|premiere episode]]. However, later he gets his fair share of screentime by [[Out of the Past|flashbacks]] and the like.
*Due to behind the scenes budget issues and the ''Prime'' [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|toyline]] getting pushed back thanks to the ''Dark of the Moon'' [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|toyline]], [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] is quickly shut away inside a stasis pod in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]" for much of the remainder of the series at the ''same time'' as the mass release of her toy; [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] also suffered a grimmer fate as he was killed off just a few episodes earlier (by Airachnid herself, no less). Even more egregious than that would be [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]], who would be killed off in the show just ''one day'' before his toy hit shelves.
*IDW [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] gets a new ''Titans Return'' toy in mid late 2016, but was killed off at about the same time his toy was hitting shelves in the [[All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|final issue]] of the second season of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]''.
*In ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers 2023]]'', Slingshot is killed off in issue [[Transformers (2023) issue 21|#21]], even though he had received a new toy as part of the ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' toyline that had just come out a few months prior.

===New toys with minimal fictional appearances===
Sometimes, characters that have a new or expensive toy barely see use in fiction.
*Generation 1 Whirl and Roadbuster were larger and more expensive than many of the other Autobots, but never appeared in the original cartoon. They were featured in the UK comics as members of the Wreckers.
*Sixshot's only appearance in the original cartoon is a quick sequence where he transforms into each of his alt modes to defeat the Aerialbots. He is never seen again. He does not appear at all in the original comics.
*In ''Transformers: Armada'', Optimus Prime is the only character to not receive an upgrade after being defeated by Nemesis Prime, despite having an expensive $40 redeco on store shelves. Optimus does receive the redeco colors in the final episode of the series, but he returns to his old colors by the episode's conclusion.
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|"Silver Knight" Optimus Prime]] had an entire thematic segment of the [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|''Age of Extinction'' toyline]] dedicated to him that was exclusive to [[Target]] stores. However, the planned upgrade of Optimus Prime was cut from the theatrical release of ''Age of Extinction''.
*''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Quickslinger and Brake-Neck, meant to be [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]], did not get any focus in the accompanying IDW fiction: Slingshot is dead and Wildrider's whereabouts are unknown after his leaving the Stunticons. Instead, their selling point is giving fans the chance to complete G1-accurate [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] toys. Meanwhile, the Autobot [[Rook (CW)|Rook]] made only a background appearance in the event, and was so overlooked he had to be digitally added ''to'' those backgrounds; [[Alpha Bravo]], his [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] counterpart, gets a bit more but nothing you'd miss. (When Rook ''did'' get some work later, he was promptly killed off!)
*''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' introduced a massive amount of new toys and a ''massive'' amount of Headmasters, including many familiar G1 characters redone as Headmasters. However, very few of these new toys were given focus in IDW's [[Titans Return (comic)|tie-in comic arc]], including prominent characters such as [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. ([[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] is a notable exception, returning after a long absence.) Also, despite the heavy emphasis on [[Titan Master]]s in the toyline, only one character, [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], displayed actual Headmaster ability. [[Alpha Trion]] is briefly decapitated and turned into a lifeless body for [[Infinitus]] to take control of, for no real reason other than to show off the head-swapping gimmick inherent in all ''Titans Return'' figures. And, with a colossal new [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Generations|Titan-class]] toy for [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] as the centerpiece of the line, you'd expect some significant toy-shilling action. Instead, Fortress Maximus's brand-new Titan body gets smacked around a bit before utterly failing in its one job of defending [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]]'s [[space bridge]] from the [[zombie]] Titans.
*Most likely caused by the complaints from fans about the small amount of Decepticons in the 2015 [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|''Robots in Disguise'' toyline]], [[Steeljaw (RID)|Steeljaw]] breaks out many monsters of the week from the first season. Each one gets a figure, yet they all get one or two episodes to shine. [[Bisk (RID)|Bisk]] is the greatest example, appearing very briefly in Episode 4 of Season 1, getting captured, going free, and getting captured again in the next Episode.
**Every major 'Con from or affiliated with Decepticon Island gets Mini-Cons, who do very little but appear anyway only because they had toys. Ratchet gets one as well.
[[File:TF-TLK-Berserker.jpg|right|upright=1.7|thumb|'''DELUXE ROOK''' with Amazing '''STANDING AROUND ACTION!''']]
* After having a Deluxe-sized figure despite being the largest [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] in ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'', [[Scorn]] got a larger, more movie-accurate Voyager class figure for the toyline of ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (toyline)|The Last Knight]]''. Unfortunately, Scorn didn't even appear in the [[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|actual film]]!
* A more egregious ''The Last Knight'' example occurs in the case of [[Berserker]]. Despite being on-screen for only ''8.39 seconds'' (in which he's a prisoner of war and not even released from incarceration), and having only one line, Berserker got several toys to himself, one of which was an entirely new Deluxe class figure. This is in stark contrast to more prominent Decepticons [[Onslaught (ROTF)|Onslaught]], [[Dreadbot]], and [[Mohawk]], none of whom received toys until Mohawk got a ''[[Studio Series]]'' figure ''seven years later''. Set photos seem to indicate that Berserker was going to have a larger role than he did, explaining why he was given such a prominent role in the toyline.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Toys]]

To sell toys

2026-03-06T20:05:55Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Gimmicks */ Optimus didn't need his Cyber key to fire his cannons all the time in the cartoon.

[[File:MarvelUS-19.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Hasbro wasn't quite sure whether to advertise this expensive toy until the fans forced their hand.]]
To understand ''Transformers'' fiction, it is important to understand that it exists '''to sell toys.''' [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy]] are toy companies, and they are primarily interested in continuing to sell [[toy]]s to children and adults. The cartoons, comic books, etc., mostly exist to make this happen. To be sure, they normally [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)#Reception|make a profit in their own right]], but this is regarded as mere gravy.

The "to sell toys" effect often distorts the fiction in interesting ways. Primarily, since you can't ([[Army-building|usually]]) sell someone the same toy twice,<ref>Although the toy lines from the [[live-action film series]] have given us multiple ''different'' toys of the ''same characters''.</ref> Hasbro and Takara constantly introduce new toys, and often require the creators of the fiction to introduce the new characters into ongoing storylines. Older characters (whose toys are no longer being sold) are shoved aside to make room.

Another effect of "to sell toys" is when the toys have gimmicks which must be explained in the fiction. Sometimes this is relatively easy, while other times it requires a lot of imagination on the part of the writers. Japanese-original shows such as ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'', ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'', and the various instalments of the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] often structure their casts and storylines around a single specific play feature, which is highlighted in just about every episode.

The UK [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|movie-based ''Transformers'' comic]] took this to more blatant heights. For its first year, it had a specific four-page feature every week called ''Top Gear'', which existed solely to promote the newest ''Transformers'' merchandise. ''Any'' merchandise. This led to readers being told how great [[Optimash Prime]] was. For the [[2010]] ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'' game franchise, [[Ironhide (Movie)|''Ironhide himself'']] opened letters pages by telling readers how ''awesome'' the game was and how [[you]] should buy it.

{{bigquote|Truly, I'm speechless. Your species characterizes the infinite wonders of the churning, whorling, chaotic cosmos through the lens of... merchandising?

I can see why Swindle loves you idiots.|[[Sideways (AVP)|Sideways]] on the concept, [[Ask Vector Prime]].}}

==Casting==
===Huge casts===
[[File:CosmicRust-BigGroup.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Pokeformers|Gotta catch 'em all!]]]]
Hasbro makes a lot of toys at once, and they generally want all of them to appear in their fiction. This can force writers to bring in vast numbers of characters all at once, sometimes with awkward results. Examples include:

*The first issue of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Generation 1 comic]], "[[The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers]]", in which ''twenty-eight'' different robots appeared and introduced themselves, even though only a handful are important to the plot.
*"[[The Special Teams Have Arrived]]", a free mini-comic given away with issue [[Rock and Roll-Out!|#54]] of the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|comic]], notoriously introduces the reader to ''twenty-four'' new Transformers in just three pages. Granted, four of those are the [[Combiner|combined forms]] of the other twenty, but that's still a lot of new names to remember.
*The 1987 ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over ''sixty'' characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], all their [[Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], and [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbot]]s.
*The cartoon episode trilogy "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced well over ''forty'' of the 1987 toyline characters, mostly the same ones seen in ''Headmasters''. In both cases, this wasn't helped by the fact that the nature of Headmasters and Targetmasters meant every new toy had to effectively get two introductions.
*In the first four episodes of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]], eighteen characters are introduced in quick succession.
*From #9 onwards, [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's movie-based ''Transformers'']] heavily bumped up the cast with new toys. In one example, #17 brought in nine new toys in eleven pages; only one of the five Decepticons got any real focus or dialogue.

===Random casting===
The Hasbro-induced need to show all the toys can also cause stories to suddenly focus on a new character, sometimes dropping ongoing plot threads about older ones. Examples include:

*Season 2 of the cartoon introduced many new characters/buyable toys with no explanation; despite never having been seen before, the story treats them as though they have [[Beachcomber (G1)|been there]] [[Perceptor (G1)|the whole]] [[Tracks (G1)|time]]. [[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1|One episode]] even hinges on this idea.
[[File:Decepticonpretenders-behold.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|After seven issues, it's finally time for these six dudes to do something!]]
[[File:FlamesofBoltax-Triggerbots.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Apparently, the Triggerbots didn't make much of an impression on Prime.]]
*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" suddenly introduces a dozen Autobots and Decepticons that we've never met before, and follows their adventures. The story adds nothing to the long-range plot that couldn't have been accomplished by using existing characters; these teams were added to the mix to promote their new toys.
*Many issues of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] had cover blurbs in the form "Introducing the _______!", where the blank was whatever the latest line of toys was. The following issues specifically introduce new toys on the cover: [[Repeat Performance!|#8]], [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|#10]], [[Brainstorm!|#11]], [[Command Performances!|#19]], [[Aerialbots over America!|#21]], [[Crater Critters|#29]], [[The Cure!|#30]], [[Pretender to the Throne!|#40]], [[People Power!|#42]], [[Ca$h and Car-nage!|#46]], [[Club Con!|#47]], and [[Yesterday's Heroes!|#60]]. Throw in a few covers where new characters were pictured but not named, and that's 1/5th of the series.
*In [[Spacehikers!|issue #36]] of the Marvel comics, when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] decides that he needs help in dealing with [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'s inept leadership, he doesn't turn to any of the ''dozens'' of Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], which include two combiner teams and Omega Supreme. No, he has to call in his "old buddy"/new toy, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]].
*In the prelude to the [[Underbase Saga]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] were the lead characters in a story set before the Transformers came to [[Earth]]. But rather than palling around with the likes of Jazz or Soundwave, they are instead shown alongside the newest "gimmick" characters, the [[Triggercon]]s and the [[Triggerbot]]s.
*[[Mainframe Entertainment]] planned to use [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] in ''Beast Wars'', but [[Tigatron]] appeared instead because he had an upcoming toy, and to save money as his CGI model was only a slight tweak of [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/9c79c4226fc6dd28/30c3cdf158ea6e52?lnk=st&q=bob+forward+beast+wars+tigatron+wolfang&rnum=1#30c3cdf158ea6e52 Ben Yee relays some info from Bob Forward in regards to Wolfang being replaced by Tigatron in the Beast Wars cartoon]</ref>
*Rather than revealing stuff about the [[Vok]] and [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], a long-running subplot, "[[Other Victories]]" spends much of its time telling us how great [[Tigerhawk]] is and how we should buy his toy. Then, when it looked like Tigerhawk's toy would be canned, he was almost immediately killed off.
*Material released by both [[3H Productions|3H]] and [[Fun Publications]] tends to release characters from various series and continuities and then write stories featuring every character (usually with a particular focus on that year's box set), which often leads to some bizarre casting choices. [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], [[Strika (BM)|Strika]], and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] were all retroactively added to [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]] and [[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]] because they wanted to do toys of them that year. The [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]] version of [[Tracks (SG)|Tracks]] is introduced from nowhere, has minimal characterization, and doesn't do anything, because they wanted to do [[Tracks (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Tracks's 2010 toy]] in [[Diaclone]]/[[Road Rage (G1)|Road Rage]] colors. And pretty much every story taking place in the [[Primax 207.0 Epsilon|Classicsverse]], ostensibly a [[Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel G1]]-based series, will introduce or reintroduce characters who were dead (the various [[Underbase Saga]] casualties), not even implied in the original stories ([[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]], [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]), or [[Female Transformer#Marvel Comics continuity|don't make sense in that universe to begin with]] ([[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]). Sometimes this gets a token justification, other times not.
*The [[First (and Second) in Flight|sixth issue]] of ''[[Transformers Animated: The Arrival|The Arrival]]'' stops following the regular cast so it can flag the awesome cool out-now-in-shops [[Safeguard (Animated)|Safeguard]] toy.
*Prominent generals in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's movieverse]] Decepticon army change frequently and without any acknowledgment as new toys jostle for (and gain) space.
*[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]] and its lead-ins were packed with ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' toys, so suddenly ''Beast Wars'' characters [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] are in G1. Things got worse in later issues when [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Crosscut (G1)|Crosscut]] needed a comic; Tankor berates Starscream for a few panels in [[No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|''Dark Cybertron'' #6]], while Crosscut and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] briefly halt the plot in [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Dark Cybertron'' #7]] to tell you who Crosscut ''is''. Then he vanishes. They did end up getting increased roles in IDW fiction later, though.
*For "[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]", several Autobots had to abruptly depart the ''[[Lost Light]]'' for Cybertron so they could appear in their combiner teams. In the case of [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], this was despite him having just become the Chief Medical Officer: a long-running plot!
*[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] appeared in the IDWverse after a seven-year absence in ''[[Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie]]'' and ''[[The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|Another Mine]]''. The fact that those two oft-ignored characters had new ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' and ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' Legends Class toys released recently probably had something to do with the matter.

===Limited casting===
On the opposite side of things, Hasbro doesn't want to pay to depict characters that aren't selling toys. This can force a story, particularly an animated cartoon, to have a smaller cast than it otherwise might.

[[File:Metamorphdeceps2.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|The full might of the Decepticon army.]]
*The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] and [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|early Marvel comics]] both featured an oddly lopsided cast, particularly at the beginning, with the Autobot forces on Earth outnumbering the Decepticons two to one. This difference was never really acknowledged, though the cartoon also used [[generic]]s to make it look like Megatron had more than four guys, three pets, and [[Reflector (G1)|a camera]] under his command.
*The early episodes of ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' featured only the toys available on the shelves. This resulted in two ridiculously small teams going to [[Earth]] for the all-important mission of gathering Mini-Cons, rather inexplicable in story terms.
*[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Both the Dreamwave]] and [[Transformers: Armada (Panini)|Panini comics]] suffered exactly the same problem, but it gets worse: [[First Encounter|The first ''Armada'' episode]] reused models of older Transformers as [[generic]] background guys to bump numbers up. The comics ''didn't''. So Megatron apparently conquers all of planet Cybertron with an army of three guys, whereas the city/planet defending Autobots are just five blokes.
*Dreamwave would also [[Dreamwave Armada issue 10|feature a scene on Cybertron]], where the ''only'' Autobot who seemed to exist was [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]].
*For [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|the movie prequels]], IDW got around this by deciding that [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] was going to be a [[Class Alpha drone unit|series of drones]] instead of one guy, allowing for really big battle scenes despite a then-limited number of toys. (It would later turn out there was ''also'' a Dreadwing who was one guy.) Titan Magazines would borrow this, and turn other Decepticons into drone series too.
*It seems unlikely that four bots and their human partners would be sufficient to handle every emergency on [[Griffin Rock]], but those four bots [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (toyline)|were the only ones on shelves at the time]] (other than [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], who were needed [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|elsewhere]]), so they were the ones who went into [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|the show]]. As the toyline expanded, toy characters Blurr, Salvage, High Tide and Quickshadow were introduced into the cast.
*''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|Kingdom]]'' acts as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', but only includes characters who were slated for the first three waves of the accompanying toyline (with the exception of [[Tigatron]], likely due to the ease of retooling [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s animation model into a spare character). This means that notable cartoon characters like [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] or [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] who didn't have toys in the first three waves never put in an appearance in the season. To compensate for the Predacons having depleted ranks as a result, [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] stays with the Predacons for most of his screentime while [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] was turned into a group of generics; Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] also says many Predacons have been lost in his war with the Maximals.
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==Plot==
===Forced explication===
{{main|Introdump}}

Rather than simply showing up in the background, new toy/characters often overtly introduce themselves, often with a ridiculous description of their special abilities. The Marvel comic is rife with examples, but it shows up across numerous fictions.

[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Reflector is actually here, he's just buried underneath a pile of speech bubbles.]]
*Again, [[The Transformers (issue)|''Transformers'' #1]] has two huge splash pages in which 28 characters do nothing but stand around and tell each other who they are and what they can do.
*Towards the end of "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", Jazz puts together a strike team. Naturally, he does this by calling out their names one by one, so that the camera can cut to each Autobot in turn and show them transform in noticeable detail.
*The two-part original ''Transformers'' cartoon episode "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Dinobot Island]]" features many new 1985 characters getting their own short little introductory scene, often with a characteristic bit of self-description ([[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]: "I'd rather stay in my stunning auto mode!" [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]: "I'm ''always'' ready for action!" [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]: "Wow, like, I hope we don't destroy this place before we can study it!")
*"[[The Rebirth]]" has ''three different sequences'' in which large new groups of characters form a lineup and introduce themselves to viewers one after another. Strangely enough, much of this screen- and dialogue-time is given over to Nebulan partners; the "main" Transformer characters get no such introductions, even though they are the items kids would have to purchase to acquire the Nebulan accessories. For instance, [[Spasma]], [[Monzo]], and [[Peacemaker]] (all speaking characters) are introduced by name as part of various lineups, but their in-store hosts [[Apeface]], [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]], and [[Pointblank]] are never named (and Weirdwolf never even speaks).
*"[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]" has the Maximals walk on one-by-one admiring their [[beast mode]]s, loudly explaining their names and showing character traits. This even gives the impression they deliberately changed their names to fit these new beast modes for no apparent reason.
*Crosscut and Swerve fill in Crosscut's backstory and job during a fight. That's all Crosscut does in [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Dark Cybertron'' #7]].

===Gimmicks===
{{main|Gimmick}}
When the toys can do something special, fiction writers must often go out of their way to show the gimmick in action.

*The ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 .28Scramble City and 2010.29|Scramble City]]'' category of G1 combiner teams have the ability to freely swap around their limbs. Because of this, an unusual amount of Japanese fiction focuses on the idea of characters swapping limbs, best shown by ''[[Scramble City: Mobilization]]'', with rather variable consequences, and sometimes resulting in the creation of [[Scramble 7|whole new combiner characters]]. Sometimes, this purportedly results in some kind of increase in power or the combiner gaining different traits, but these changes are almost invariably told more than shown. In some cases, simply [[Free-Combination|changing the arrangement of an existing set of limbs]] is cited as something that can vastly alter a character's capabilities, with little real explanation.
*The Headmaster gimmick got [[The Transformers: Headmasters|an entire Limited Series comic book]] devoted to it.
*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" features [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] proudly creating the [[Pretender]]s, gloating that they will hide the Decepticons' identities from the Autobots "until it is too late". Not only does the plan not actually work, it's also a plot point with absolutely zero lead-in or build-up—at no point has Scorponok ever expressed concern about his troops being detected by the Autobots (if anything, considering the altmodes of his troops, he seems to be the ''least'' concerned with stealth), nor has he demonstrated the science skills to pull this off, and we've never even met the Pretender characters before. It was brought about solely because the new toys had to be jammed into the story. (The, uh, story of returning Optimus Prime's character to the comic book because he had [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|a new toy]].)
*[[Rotor Force]] made their debut in "[[New Dawn]]", and both here and in subsequent ''Generation 2'' issues would primarily fight enemies not with guns like everyone else, but by firing their giant rotors at them. Page 3 of ''New Dawn'' actually shows them having to ''stop and reattach their rotors'' before they can carry on fighting.
[[File:Mistaken Identity Galvatronscourge.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Johnny Yong Bosch|It's Morphin Time! MASTODON!]]]]
*The [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]] [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] had six alternate modes and [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the cartoon]] really wanted you to see them, which is why [[Battle Protocol!|his first appearance]] was as ''a giant hand punching through a building for no apparent reason''. The series would also make it routine for him to use different modes for specific purposes: He would arrive to battles in Jet Mode, observe fights and command his troops in Robot Mode, personally engage his foes in Dragon Mode, and retreat from battle in Bat Mode. His Car Mode and Hand Mode would be used far less often than those four, but situations that deliberately called for their use ''would'' still crop up. Things got even sillier when he turned into Galvatron and gained four ''more'' modes. In "[[Mistaken Identity]]", he turned into his "Iron Mammoth" form to brace himself against a hostile [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]]... only for the form to prove ''useless'' when Maximus called off his attack. His griffin form was later made out to be his most powerful form, which he used prominently during the series' [[The Final Battle (RID)|final episode]], while his Pteranodon and hydrofoil modes would each only be used once, in cases where Galvatron barely did ''anything'' in those modes (much like the case with his mammoth mode).
*[[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] and [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] are the only Autobot jets in the ''Animated'' line. (Not counting the toyless [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]].) To fully big this up, their origin story has it that there have ''never been'' any flying Autobots before, despite them having been in (and won) a long and bitter war with enemies who ''often fly''. This one was silly enough that [[Endgame, Part I|a later episode]] explicitly joked on this, pointing out that there were multiple Autobots before and after Jetfire and Jetstorm with some kind of flight capability.
*The second season of the 2015 ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon coincided with the release of the [[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]] toys, which fire smaller [[Mini-Con]] figures. Suddenly, every Decepticon in the cartoon was partnered with a Mini-Con or two, even Decepticons who'd appeared in the past as solo operatives.

The [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]], noted for its gimmicks in all three toylines, was particularly notorious in this regard:

*The quest for power-enhancing [[Mini-Con]]s practically defined the plot of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon, with both factions out to recruit or capture all the Mini-Cons.
*[[Powerlinx]]ing is shown again and again and again in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', despite having comparatively little relevance to most episode plotlines. In fact, due to the fact much of Energon's action was firefights, Powerlinxing seemed to be a disadvantage, since it resulted in a single larger Autobot shooting instead of two smaller ones.
*[[Cyber Key]] powerups are likewise shown repeatedly in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]].'' In this case, while most characters had basic weapons, the Cyber Keys were necessary to unlock hidden weaponry or special techniques. So, for example, Optimus might be able to shoot at the Decepticons with a smaller firearm or his cannons, but to fire a more powerful attack from his cannons, he would need to summon his Cyber Key. Some characters, however, needed their Cyber Keys to activate what one would expect to be their main weapons (e.g. Starscream activating his Null Ray Cannon).
*All three series were also marked by lengthy transformation sequences which highlighted the gimmicks in very toy-accurate animation (and also made production cheaper, thanks to [[Stock footage|recycled footage]]).

===Strange developments===
Shoehorning loads of new characters with new powers can compel the writers to do things with the plot that, in all probability, they otherwise wouldn't.

*Marvel UK had to promote the [[Special Teams]] toys ''before'' they knew how they'd be appearing in the US reprints. To get around this, [[Simon Furman]] wrote a story arc titled "[[Second Generation!]]", where [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], Optimus and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] <s>watched an advert</s> saw a Matrix-induced vision of the Special Teams in action. These events were previewed in "The Special Teams Have Arrived", nine issues earlier, with no indication that they were part of a vision, making their place in continuity uncertain.
*In the US Marvel comics, the simultaneous introduction of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] and the introduction of the Pretenders both saw a lot of rigamarole involved in explaining why both the Autobots and the Decepticons had new members with identical numbers/gimmicks at the same time.
*Season 3 of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] almost completely ignored the characters of the previous two seasons that were no longer on toy shelves. The 1985 Autobot cars, for example, are not seen at all. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and the 1985 Mini-Vehicles, by contrast, show up now and again, as their toys were still shipping. Even Starscream, who was ''dead'', managed to get a couple of Season 3 episodes all to himself; again, his toy sold through 1986.
*One season later, "[[The Rebirth]]" — the last episodes of the entire series — was almost entirely spent on introducing new characters and giving old ones upgrades, leaving just barely enough time to provide any kind of conclusion.
*''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' was absolutely crazy about this. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus]] (whose toy was long gone) kicks the bucket only three episodes in for the sake of a sacrifice that would be nullified only a few episodes later, putting new(er) toy [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] back in the command chair for a short while. In the tenth episode, Rodimus departs the series and hands the title of Supreme Commander to brand-spanking-new toy [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], who's had a few months, tops, of combat experience. Much like Season 3, ''Headmasters'' also ignored most of the Season 3 regulars ([[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, the [[Quintesson]]s) or removed them altogether, sometimes fairly dubiously ([[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] leave with Rodimus, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] gets shot a bit and dies, [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is buried in ice and nobody digs him up until ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Battlestars (story page)|Battlestars]]''). By the end of the series, the only remaining Autobots from the first three seasons were the [[Special Teams]], [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] and his cassettes, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]].
*[[Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 2|''Transformers Comic-Magazin'' #2]] wrote an entire story devoted to Optimus sternly explaining which Autobots and Decepticons were on sale in [[Germany]] in 1989. The reason he had to? [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] had ''shot an Autobot''!
*The first thirteen issues of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Armada]]'' comic were focused around the Mini-Cons, with plots often revolving around their desire to be seen as equals and not be enslaved. Then without ''any'' prior set-up, the last five issues turn into a dimension-spanning battle against [[Unicron]]—who had just had a new and expensive toy.
*[[Tigerhawk]] debuts in "[[Other Victories]]", where he's the reason the Predacons lose their base and [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] is killed. This disrupts any ending for the Tarantulas/[[Vok]] storyline, as the episode is left with little time to properly explain the mysteries of either character and the plot of last episode, Tarantulas trying to destroy the whole ''Ark'', is reduced to two lines about the [[Tripredacus Council]].
[[File:Samprowl.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|<s>Upgrades are bad.</s> Upgrades are GOOD. We have always been at war with <s>Eurasia</s> Eastasia.]]
*"[[A Fistful of Energon]]" has [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] learn not to use upgrades, and he gives up using powerful samurai armour. But whoops, Hasbro thought "hey, we could make a toy out of that armour"! And so in [[Five Servos of Doom|a later episode]], Prowl ''regains'' it and the show hurriedly claims that the upgrade is fine ''now'' because Prowl realizes now that it's the Autobot, not the upgrade.
*The [[France|French]] decided to be good sports and start using propeller-driven nuclear bombers again in [[All Hail Megatron issue 11|''All Hail Megatron'' #11]], just so [[Octane|Tankor]] could be used.
*[[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]] has been on Earth for a while, in hiding from other Decepticons while he waits for orders from [[the Fallen]] in "[[Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout]]". Ransack is a member of a race that can scan any object and take its form as a disguise. Ransack moves around in the cunning disguise of ''a 100-year-old plane''. (At least, unlike the previous example, the oldness of the alt mode was pointed out.)
*In Titan's ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comic, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] go from being [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee's]] responsibility to bugging [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to being [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe's]] responsibility in the space of three issues, all to allow each issue to focus on a specific toy-bearing movie star. Similarly, only one or two Decepticons per issue are sent on a mission, when presumably the Fallen might want to send loads of guys to silence the twins.
*In ''Dark of the Moon'', nearly all of the Transformers switch from built-in weaponry to handheld weaponry. It just so happens that the gimmick of the ''Dark of the Moon'' toys was that they had "MechTech" weapons that could be held by any other figure.
*Also in ''Dark of the Moon'', most Autobots transform into [[Stealth Force]] mode, a weaponized vehicle mode that allows them to access various weapons in their otherwise defenseless disguises, an incredibly useful combat mode that's never used in any prior or later films. Uniquely, this was something Hasbro came up with for the toyline on their own; director [[Michael Bay]] decided to incorporate it into the film only after seeing what they were working on for the then-upcoming toyline and taking a personal liking to it.
*The [[subline imprint]] of the ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|toyline]] was the ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#BH|Beast Hunters]]'' line, which took hold at about the time of the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|show]]'s third season, which was given the subtitle of the imprint. In the episode "[[Project Predacon]]", [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] awkwardly redubs [[Team Prime]] as the "Beast Hunters", when they begin looking for Predacon fossils. The Autobots must've felt the same way as we did about the sudden name change, since really only the protocol-obsessed [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]] begins using the term. Thanks to behind the scene troubles and the whole concept being a late addition to the series, the team never actually ''hunts any beasts'', as only three Predacons ever take a central role in the story.
[[File:YouMeAndTheUniverse-Scoopcolors.jpg||thumb|upright=1.4|Talk about "shoehorned in".]]
*In [[Spotlight: Trailcutter]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|Trailbreaker]] has an existential crisis, and worries that everyone only sees him as 'the forcefield guy'. Deciding to revamp his image, he decides that he'll now go by the much slicker(?) "Trailcutter"... just as [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Generations|Thrilling 30 Trailcutter]] hit store shelves.
*The [[subline imprint]] for the ''Generations'' line from 2015 to 2016 was ''[[Combiner Wars (franchise)|Combiner Wars]]'', hence IDW's tie-in comic had to introduce a heapload of combiners in a universe that regarded combination as a lost art with unpredictable side-effects. (Devastator, Menasor, Superion, and Monstructor were around, but they had each been introduced separately, and each with their own unique explanations, over the course of ''ten years''.) Enter the [[Enigma of Combination]], an artifact of Nexus Prime with the power to merge any Transformers into a combiner. Not only is this artifact used on Superion, Menasor, and Defensor, it is also used on Optimus Prime and other selected Autobots to create [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]. The fact that Optimus had two Combiner Wars toys (one released, one upcoming at the time of the story's publication) might have influenced this decision.
*Also, the big toy of 2015 was a Titan Class Devastator... in his classic configuration instead of IDW's newly introduced 'Prowlastator' form. Unfortunately, Scrapper had been long dead and hence was unable to take his spot as the combiner's leg. However, IDW had another bulldozer-bot conveniently lying around — [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]. Naturally, he was merged with the other Constructicons by the aforementioned Enigma, restoring Devastator's classic silhouette.
*A long-running plot thread of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'', starting all the way back in [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue 5]], was [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] preparing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to succeed him as the ''[[Lost Light]]''{{'}}s Chief Medical Officer. [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|Issue 40]] ''finally'' sees Ratchet stepping down and leaving the ship (so he could participate in the events of ''[[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone|Drift - Empire of Stone]]''), officially declaring First Aid "the new Chief Medical Officer"... but after only two issues in his new position, [[The One Where They Go to Earth|issue 43]] sees First Aid himself leave the ''Lost Light'' under a flimsy in-story pretense so he could participate in the events of ''Combiner Wars'', appointing [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] as his own successor (although he would later return to the ''Lost Light'' following the conclusion of ''Combiner Wars'').
*In a follow-up story, Galvatron creates two combiners out of random soldiers and foes. To plug the new merch, these are called [[Galvatronus (CW)|Galvatronus]] and [[Sky Reign]] but most of the characters that made them up in toy form were either on Cybertron, the ''[[Lost Light]]'', or dead at the time. Unusually for this page, Hasbro allowed IDW to use random limbs as long as the names were right but this leads to the comic pimping a toy you can't buy (though you could make it with others), and in Galvatronus' case a toy that doesn't even have the same face as in the comic.
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===Awkward continuity===
[[File:Earthforce.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This happened... er.... look just buy the toys, ok?!]]
Sometimes the requirement to feature new toys can be so strong that continuity takes a major backseat and stories are produced that feature combinations of characters that make the story very difficult to slot into the main continuity. The Marvel UK comic was especially prone to this as it could not always foresee where, when and how characters would be introduced:

*The ''[[Transformers Annual 1985]]'' contains many stories featuring toys from the 1985 release long before they were formally introduced in the regular comic, often interacting with other characters who would be out of action by then. As a result, few of the stories easily fit the continuity of the weekly comic.
*The demands of Hasbro UK for the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] to be featured heavily even before the US ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' mini-series was available meant that both the ''[[Transformers Annual 1987]]'' and the regular strip "[[Worlds Apart!]]" contain a slightly different set of events that are at odds with the mini-series.
*The requirement to give prominence to the rereleased toys in the [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] range resulted in one of the biggest continuity trainwrecks of all, [[Earthforce]]. Over three decades later fans are still uncertain where it fits in continuity, and even [[Simon Furman]] admits to being unsure.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Looking back, as I try my hardest not to do, it's very hard to tie the Earthforce stories into a specific time frame (in terms of the US continuity), because (if I'm brutally honest) I didn't try too hard to make it work in the first place. By that point, I was just trying to tell a bunch of fun UK stories that didn't necessarily impact on the larger (US) storyline. How was I to know 15 or so years later people would be trying to reconcile it all?|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914233035/http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php|name=Simon Furman|site=TransFans.co.uk|title=Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past'|year=2004|month=08}}</ref>
*Germany's ''[[Transformers Comic-Magazin]]'' started in 1989 and reprinted older Marvel US and UK strips. Since, of course, these would rarely show the current toys, Comic-Magazin ran text stories from #2 that showcased ''completely different'' Transformers that were on Earth at the same time, and just happened not to be seen in the strips.
*Trapped between the need to pimp toys and the problem of not knowing what the plot of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' would be, Titan just threw up their hands and unambiguously set their lead strip in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Alternate universe|an alternate universe]]. Similarly, the [[Dark of the Moon (video games)|video games]] for ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]]'' were all prequels so that the games would not directly contradict the then-upcoming movie's plot while still using some of the characters and settings who would be featured (some minor plot contradictions ''did'' occur, but few fans have ever accepted the video games to be in perfect continuity with the films anyway).
*Based on evidence from various sources, it's been speculated that the episode "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" was originally meant to star [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], who at the time had been exiled from the Decepticons and was on somewhat friendly terms with the Autobots. Instead, his role was taken over by new toy [[Octane]]. The only other episode to prominently feature Octane, "[[Thief in the Night]]", which was aired ''after'' "Starscream's Ghost", kinda sorta explains his falling out with the Decepticons—except it doesn't: While said episode ''does'' have him go rogue, not only is he ''still'' a bad guy—by the end of that episode, ''Galvatron is no longer on bad terms with Octane''! Likewise, the episode "[[The God Gambit]]" starred [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Starscream and Thrust, with Astrotrain (a new toy at the time) taking on a leadership role more akin to Megatron rather than the bus he's reduced to in almost every other episode.
*The Japanese broadcast of ''Animated'' outright skipped "[[Rise of the Constructicons]]" and "[[Sari, No One's Home]]", as they largely revolve around the toy-less [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]]. Meanwhile, "[[Sound and Fury (episode)|Sound and Fury]]" was moved up to be the first episode to air after the pilot to promote Soundwave's toys, which is at odds with continuity since Megatron only came back online during "[[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]", which was pushed to air ''after'' "Sound and Fury".
{{-}}

===Power levels===
In order to make new characters seem more ''totally awesome'', they're often depicted as ultra-powerful in their initial appearances. Once they become old news, they frequently seem to lose their super-charged abilities.

*The original ''Transformers'' cartoon introduced [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] as the ultimate threat. Once newer combiner teams came along, however, he was less of a threat, easily defeated at various times by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and even [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]].
[[File:Buzzsawyikes4.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Buzzsaw reminds Omega Supreme he's not a new toy any more.]]
*The Marvel comics feature [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] as nigh-invulnerable and ultimately powerful in [[Command Performances!|his debut issue]], slaughtering all but two of the Decepticon forces sent to attack him. Just [[Dark Star|two years later]], he's getting his butt handed to him by the likes of [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], one of his original victims. He was also drawn as [[Scale|truly colossal]] in his first appearance, before becoming just a head taller than [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] by the time of his death.
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s first action was to turn Starscream into a pile of ash in a single shot from his cannon mode, and he accomplishes an even more impressive feat upon his reintroduction in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]]" when he destroys the entire planetoid of Thrull. In later episodes, his attacks seem to be, at most, somewhat stronger than those of the other Decepticons, and characters can withstand shots from him in cannon mode without any serious injuries.
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], in a weird case of this, actually seemingly ''[[Scale|shrank]]'' between the third season of the G1 toon and [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'']], going from being drawn as a genuine giant to barely bigger than the average combiner. Even in official [[scale charts]], he dropped from being shown as 800 meters tall to about 45. This was likely to avoid upstaging new-kid-on-the-block [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus.]]
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] was, amazingly, something of a threat in early episodes; he holds his own against [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] in his debut. He only became significantly weaker than the other Predacons during the second season.
*In her first appearance on the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] effortlessly blasts [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to pieces. She never displays such a level of power again.
*Similarly, [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] was presented as a huge threat when he first appeared, but just a few episodes later, he seems just slightly tougher than the average Predacon (save for a few notable occasions).
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] was actually a credible threat for his first couple of episodes.
*The [[Commando (RID)|Commandos]] were far more powerful and competent than the Predacons, who were made even ''less'' powerful and competent as episodes went on. Remarkably, this was actually used in the plot, with Megatron focusing on the new toys while the Predacons became underdogs trying to get their old status back and one-up the new guys.
[[File:ArmTVTidalWave.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Before he shrank in the wash.]]
*''Any'' new toy character in the Unicron Trilogy cartoons is almost guaranteed to win the day's battle.
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] was a staggering behemoth as big as the sky in his introduction, and his ability to combine with Megatron gave the battle advantage to the Decepticons until his equally powerful counterpart [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] was introduced. By the time of the ''Energon'' cartoon, Tidal Wave is just this tall guy (but not as tall as he used to be) and is treated as just another Decepticon, even after he gets a body upgrade in the form of "Mirage".
*When the newly redecoed Jetfire and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus]] combine in Dreamwave's Armada comic, they are so powerful ''they can hurt Unicron himself''.
*[[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] ruler [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] was incredibly powerful when he was first introduced, but later on, he's getting slaps on the wrist by [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] and [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]], and schooled by [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], ultimately becoming more of a sympathetic comedic bumbler than a credible threat.
*The Decepticons in ''Animated'' started off as being so horrifically powerful that the entire Autobot team had to take on a ''single'' one. By Season 3, this no longer happens. Uniquely, this was ''deliberate'' by the writers: they wanted to show the Decepticons as supreme threats, and have the Autobots gradually being better at dealing with them.
*The [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] in ''Prime'' started off pretty tough; easily wearing down [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in a group, then just two giving [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] a tough time. In the next episode, they've got Stormtrooper aim, and basically exist to give the Autobots someone to kill while saving the named Decepticons from the scrapheap. It gets to the point where in the third season, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] actually ''counts'' on the Vehicons failing to execute [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]], and Wheeljack makes several amusing comments about the Vehicons' incompetence.
*Additionally, the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] started off as nightmarishly strong monsters. One wears ''[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'' to the point of exhaustion before dying (admittedly, Megs was deprived of his main asset when Airachnid webbed his fusion cannon). However, for the remainder of the series, the Insecticons are just as weak as the Vehicons, being blasted down in one shot, despite a return to form in "[[Tunnel Vision (episode)|Tunnel Vision]]" and "[[Toxicity]]" (the latter of which saw the debut of notorious Autobot killer [[Hardshell]]).
*When [[Lightlong|Lightning]] [[Optimus Prime (WK)|Optimus]] first debuted in ''Wild King'', he was pretty powerful, able to send [[Leafback]] flying in a single blow and fight on even terms with [[Captain Volca|Flame]] [[Megatron (WK)|Megatron]] compared to regular Optimus, requiring the latter to further combine into Flame-Grass Megatron to seemingly defeat him. However, 2 episodes later, ''[[Ignite Leo|a single energy beast]]'' is more than capable of doing that, with the only reason Lightning Optimus doesn't fall being [[Hydrophant]] gaining the courage to strike back, but even then he still had to combine with Hydrophant into Lightning Aqua Optimus to defeat his opponent.
{{-}}

===New bodies===
There's rarely a compelling reason for a Transformer to get a brand-new body in fiction; it's simply to promote a new toy. It has become a default way to keep a popular character on shelves, rather than having to kill them off and introduce a new character to keep moving toys. Sometimes fiction writers are able to work these alterations in elegantly... sometimes not.

[[File:Bumblebeeskindeep.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Ratchet pulls a Kitty Pryde on Bumblebee.]]
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] was rebuilt into Goldbug following his near-destruction... and was later re-rebuilt back into Bumblebee to sell the [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|new Classic Pretender toy]]. The reason given in [[Skin Deep|the comic storyline]] was that [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] reverted him without his consent because Ratchet liked his old form better, something Bumblebee is strangely fine with.
*Season 2 of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' introduced the new [[Transmetal]] toys in short order, requiring some strange sci-fi waffling to explain why members of both teams suddenly got special new bodies. The writers had originally planned to introduce these changes gradually, across the length of Season 2, but Hasbro ordered them to be brought in immediately. (The slow-and-gradual notion would eventually appear during Season 3.)
[[File:Retailbuyer decisiontree.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" ''three times''; at the start of each subsequent series, he's given a different body but called Megatron ''again'', because the name "Megatron" just sells more toys. (This also means Hasbro gets to keep the [[trademark]] "Galvatron".) The Japanese versions handled this differently (with Megatron known as Megatron throughout Armada even after his upgrade, and being known as Galvatron throughout all of Energon) due to different trademark laws. Galaxy Force (the Japanese version of Cybertron) played it straight with Master Megatron being upgraded into Master Galvatron.
*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of Jetfire and Optimus during the Unicron arc.
*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of [[burning spirit]] into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.
*In the course of the [[Transformers (film)|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Voilà, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf! He later pulls the ''exact same thing'' in ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'', but by now, he's been established as having a fragile ego, explaining the constant desire to switch alternate modes.
*When [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''Transformers'' comic originally came out, there were no Generation 1-themed toys to flog, and many characters were given altered designs for the series. Then along came ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'', featuring new toys of Generation 1 characters, and suddenly multiple characters get new, toy-accurate bodies in ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'', for no apparent in-story reason. Later, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] even gets a namechange to ''Silver''streak to fit his toy.
*Sometimes, IDW's comics don't even bother with a reason: you just get the latest issue and a character suddenly resembles the latest toy. This can sometimes be explained as artist interpretation, but at other times...
*[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] was originally grey, but when he was reunited with the ''Animated'' Decepticons, he changed his colours to purple while referring to it as his proper look. Why he changed colouration to go undercover was not explained, but it may have something to do with a purple-coloured Shockwave toy being out when that episode aired.
*In ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] start out as an old ice cream truck combiner but after a disastrous mission [[NEST]] decides to upgrade them to new individual [[General Motors]] vehicles. New toys ''and'' product placement!
*[[Starscream (Armada)#Generations|''Armada'' Starscream]] got a new toy in 2014. There wasn't an ''Armada'' comic but there ''was'' a Generation 1 comic with a Starscream, which was then [[pack-in material|packed in]] with the toy series including Armada Starscream. And lo and behold, for ''[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]'' Starscream got a new body! A year later, he swapped to ''another'' body for "[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]", which was his then-new Leader Class toy, and several issues were devoted to him choosing it and then flaunting it. Then again, this ''is'' Starscream we're talking about...
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] finally got a new toy as well. Problem is, his comic body didn't look much like the toy. Then, in ''[[Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Dark Cybertron Chapter 11]]'', he revealed his new invention: reactive armor that changed his body to look like his opponent's. Who did he use this armor to battle? Why, it's Starscream, the guy his toy was retooled from!
*2015's "[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]" comic series brought back almost all of the combiner characters that have appeared in the IDW continuity thus far. However, [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] was apparently killed by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] quit the Stunticons... so that [[Alpha Bravo]] and [[Offroad (CW)|Offroad]] can replace them! Meanwhile, Starscream rebuilds Devastator; not only does Devastator suddenly resemble his toy counterpart, but [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] is no longer a required member of the combiner team, leaving him free to combine with Optimus Prime and company to become the brand-new combiner [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]. Superion and Menasor, who had made previous appearances in IDW fiction, are both rebuilt by the [[Enigma of Combination]], causing their bodies to more closely resemble their toy counterparts.

===Character pimping===
Characters with toys may get more attention than those without:

*"[[Matrix Quest]]" has four separate teams on a mission. You could use any three Transformers in one of these teams, right? Nope, Furman has toys to promote: out go nine new Autobot characters and three existing ones with new toys.
*[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge's]] presence in all three of his first three ''Beast Wars'' episodes: one for his origin, another for him joining the Maximals after all, and then an abrupt appearance at the very end of "[[Cutting Edge]]" where he turns up and single-handedly drives off a Predacon force.
*When ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)#Japanese release|Animated]]'' was released in Japan, episodes focusing on the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicon]]s were never broadcast on television (instead being reduced to bonus content on the DVDs), as the Constructicons did not have toys. The episode order was also rearranged (and thus the internal narrative of the series, as well) so that episodes introducing new toys could air earlier than those that didn't.
*IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlight]]'' came back in 2013 in order to promote six of the upcoming ''Generations'' toys. Even [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], a little-used character who would never have been given a ''Spotlight'' otherwise! (Initially published through Diamond and Comixology as per IDW's usual practice, these comics were subsequently packed-in with the toys they were based on, aiming to use the higher sales of the toys to boost comic sales in a "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" scenario.) Likewise, Waspinator, having a new toy out in late 2013, began making appearances and took on increased importance in the IDW universe. An upcoming [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] toy brought forth a Tankor appearance in Dark Cybertron. The opening arcs of the second seasons of ''More Than Meets The Eye'' and ''Robots in Disguise'' (as well as ''Windblade'' vol. 1) in 2014 also heavily feature casts of characters with new toys, such as Nightbeat, Rattrap, Arcee, and Jetfire.
* When [[Steeljaw (RID)|Steeljaw]] frees some Decepticons in the second season of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', the freed 'Cons include his former minions [[Clampdown (RID)|Clampdown]] and [[Thunderhoof (RID)|Thunderhoof]], yet not the other two members of the Pack, [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]] and [[Underbite]]. He instead frees [[Bisk (RID)|Bisk]], [[Groundpounder (RID)|Groundpounder]], [[Overload (RID)|Overload]], [[Quillfire (RID)|Quillfire]] and [[Springload (RID)|Springload]]. There's no reason to neglect those who have already proven to be able to work together in the Pack (and thus Steeljaw should know would help in his eventual coup), except for the fact that the toys of both Fracture and Underbite had already sold, and the newly freed Decepticons have new figures on the shelves.

===Abrupt conclusions===
[[File:MarvelUSG2-12.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|It's the end of the road for Transformers Generation 2! That can't bode well for the toyline.]]
Just as ''Transformers'' fiction lives at Hasbro's pleasure, so too does it die. Falling sales, a change of plans, and standard [[rebranding]] can all cause a storyline to come to a sudden end when Hasbro decides to pull the plug.

*The American Generation 1 cartoon got a somewhat rushed conclusion in the form of "[[The Rebirth]]", rather than a full fourth season.
*The Generation 1 comics were nearly canceled at [[On the Edge of Extinction!|issue #75]], but granted a reprieve. The stay of execution was only temporary, however; with the Generation 1 toyline ending, the comic was terminated a mere five issues later, resulting in a rather hasty concluding plotline.
*Hasbro was only willing to support the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Generation 2'' comic]] for twelve issues, unless it proved an unqualified (perhaps phenomenal) success. Aware of this from the start, writer Simon Furman was able to plot a story arc that reached its finale as the series ended (and poked fun at it with a character whose name is a pun on "[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Gee, axe us]]".)
*The writers of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon reportedly never had any idea if they'd be back for another season. When the axe fell with Season 3, they had only three episodes left to wrap up the whole series.
*Hasbro nearly killed off the just-begun comic series ''[[Transformers: The Wreckers|The Wreckers]]'' in 2003, wishing instead for [[3H Productions|3H]] to focus on a ''[[Transformers: Universe (comic)|Universe]]'' comic advertising its current toyline.
*Even though ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' wasn't abruptly canceled, Kids WB ended the series on the [[cliffhanger]] of the episode "[[Revelation (episode)|Revelation]]", leaving millions of kids tuning in next time only to get a re-run of ''Xiaolin Showdown''. The reason? The Cybertron Defense Team toys hadn't hit stores yet.
*With ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' coming out in June, Titan had to end their alternate universe storyline in May so they could tie in early—an issue earlier than planned. The main strip handled this, with the notable exception of [[Jazz (Movie)#Titan Magazines Transformers movie comics|the Jazz plot arc]] going completely unresolved, but it played havoc with working out the IDW reprints!
*According to [[Rik Alvarez]], IDW was asked to drop their G1 continuity and move to the brand-spanking new [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] one. (They said "nah".)
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==Death==
===Killing off old product===
[[File:Tftm1986a.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Guess who's no longer in the Mini Vehicles case assortment?]]
[[File:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Publisher's clearing house.]]
[[File:BW Scorponok Terrorsaur deaths.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Scorponok, Terrorsaur, we're condemning you to a fiery death 'cause Waspinator has a bigger fan club.]]
The most obvious To Sell Toys effect comes from the temporary nature of retail sales. Even in the 1980s, toys rarely stayed on the shelves past two years; today that timespan is much smaller. Once a toy is no longer selling, Hasbro has no interest in supporting fiction about that character—especially when there are newer toys to promote. Therefore, writers are often compelled to remove characters from the story by killing them off. Sometimes this happens through carefully developed story arcs, but it's easier to do it with huge, apocalyptic battles with massive numbers of casualties.

*Right before the introduction of most of the 1985 cast, the Marvel comic saw eleven of the original Autobots taken offline within a single issue in "[[Prime Time!]]". A few issues later, six of the original Decepticons met [[Command Performances!|a similar fate]] at the hands of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (which doubled as character pimping for the big guy). Though it was suggested they could be repaired, the vast majority of casualties wouldn't reappear in the US until they popped up in crowd shots [[Totaled!|thirty issues later]], and a number had their next appearance being a ''second'' death in the Underbase Saga.
*In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', numerous main characters are killed or changed in the movie's first 30 minutes, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]. They are replaced by a slew of new characters; in fact, the poster for the movie shows ''only'' new characters. And [[Laserbeak]].
*Numerous characters are killed in the Marvel UK comics saga "[[Time Wars]]". The Grim Reaper seemed to spare either popular characters (Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]]) or newer characters ([[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]], [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], for example.)
*The [[Underbase Saga]] features a super-powerful [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] killing literally ''dozens'' of characters; over fifty characters are shown being offlined in the story, with even more implied by later issues to have been taken out off-panel. The survivors were mostly from the [[Pretender]], [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] ranks, those being the then-current toy lines. However, the explanation ([[Underbase]] power didn't affect those TFs with organic components) meant that even the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], new toys at the time and introduced three issues before, met their end.
*The climactic [[On the Edge of Extinction!|battle with Unicron]] 25 issues later killed off many of the Underbase survivors, whose shelf run had ended.
*With its enormously expensive CGI animation, ''Beast Wars'' was particularly vulnerable to toy-based interference. The expense of creating and animating a CGI body model meant that the character roster had to remain fairly constant; the introduction of all-new characters usually required the removal of an equal number of existing characters. And so, [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] die just in time for the arrival of [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. (Frustrated with the situation, the writers carefully planned out<ref>http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html</ref> the demise of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], anticipating that someone would have to be removed to make way for [[Rampage (BW)|newer characters]].)
*''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]'' would end up killing a large number of Autobots in [[The Reign of Starscream issue 5|issue #5]], after their toys had been around for a while; as they'd not made an appearance in the comics until this mini, this is both an example of Huge Cast ''and'' Product Clearing. It would then go on to bump off some Decepticons, while its sequel ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' slaughtered ''hordes'' of Decepticons with old toys. Mowry is the new Furman...
*The ''Dark of the Moon'' [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|console video game]] is a prequel to the film and can't afford to kill off most of its characters due for an appearance in the then-upcoming film. Luckily, there's several characters who've been around since the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' franchise who can be used to give the game some bosses to kill off like [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]], [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]], and [[Stratosphere]]! Like the prior comics, ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' also wipes out a lot of characters not due for an appearance in ''Dark of the Moon'' like [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] and [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]], though some stragglers like the Twins, Arcee, and Chromia survive.
*Another odd case of this in the [[live-action film series]], which, as well as advertising toys, also serves as advertising for [[General Motors]] vehicles. Hence, Autobots whose cars are no longer in demand have an uncanny tendency to either lose prominence or perish. The most prominent example would be [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] — the GMC Topkick had been discontinued for two years by ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]]'', and so, despite a fifty-dollar toy on the shelves, Ironhide dies halfway in. Similarly, [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] is the major Autobot casualty of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' due to his Hummer H2 vehicle mode being a thing of the past by the time the film hit theaters (though unlike Ironhide, Ratchet had next to no representation in the toyline).
*IDW's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''Robots in Disguise'']] ongoing has to promote a [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]... with [[Alpha Bravo|a new helicopter]] instead of [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]]. Hence, Slingshot is the one to suffer most and die from the injuries caused when [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] tore him in half. This is especially weird considering that Devastator tore through Superion from the ''right'', and Slingshot was Superion's ''left'' arm at the time. Not to mention that Silverbolt, the torso, was explicitly ripped in half... The series would go on to have [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] leave the Stunticons over a humiliating defeat... one he suffered years ago, in [[The Question|Spotlight: Bumblebee]]. Naturally, the empty position was filled by new toy [[Offroad (CW)|Offroad]]. Then Hasbro decided to release Quickslinger and Brake-Neck (Slingshot and Wildrider renamed for trademark issues) ''much'' later after the others' release, part of a strategy that effectively forced fans to buy toys ''both'' of the "replacement" characters ''and'' the original characters.

This has become less common in recent years, as Hasbro has come to realize that their target audiences can actually get attached to certain [[character]]s, and might not enjoy seeing them die random, brutal, meaningless [[death]]s.
{{-}}

===Hi-and-die===
[[File:Chuffer cof.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Likely dialog: "SHEEEAAGH!!"]]
Kids don't want to buy a toy of a character who's dead. So if the plot calls for someone to die, smart money bets on the character who has a toy as the survivor. The guy without a toy, who you've never heard of before? Toast. This is the ''Transformers'' version of ''[[Star Trek]]''{{'}}s infamous {{w|redshirt syndrome}}. The stereotypical hi-and-die character is killed off in the same episode/issue that introduces him, if not the very same scene.

*This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#UK comics|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], Autobot/zombie food [[Chuffer]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies/mutant fodder [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (Marvel)|Flattop]], and the sixth member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].
*The U.S. comics also used this approach on occasion, as with [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s poignantly adorable buddy [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]].
*[[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]] showed up and died in [[Transmutate (episode)|that episode]], of course Hasbro doesn't make [[Transmutate (BW)#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|a toy]] [[Action Master|that don't transform]], right?
*The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock (Energon)|Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast]]'s hands, providing motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]].
*''Animated'' chucked in [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] so Ratchet could have a tragic past where he failed to save someone. (And ''then'' she got a toy!)
*The [[Transformers Animated (Titan)|''Animated'' comic]] wants to do a story arc about an Autobot who's really a spy and then have him killed. Quick, [[Afterburn|make someone up]]!
*''[[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]]'' invents hordes of characters solely to populate the story with casualties while preserving the classic characters: [[Chromatron]], [[Gauntlet (WFC)|Gauntlet]], [[Halogen (WFC)|Halogen]], [[Drixco]], [[Revo]], [[Catalycon]], and dozens of other unnamed Autobots, Decepticons and [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]].
*[[James Roberts]] elevated hi-and-die to an artform; though his run on ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' is crammed with minor non-toy characters who wind up dead, many still received some backstory, history, or distinctive characterization before — or even after — being killed off. Examples from ''More than Meets the Eye''{{'}}s first "season" include [[Polaris]], [[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]], [[Shock (G1)|Shock]], [[Ore]], [[Animus]], [[Dent]], [[Sonic (IDW)|Sonic]], [[Boom]], [[Piston (Wrecker)|Piston]], [[Crest]], [[Torque (G1)|Torque]], [[Sherma]], [[Momus]], "[[Fallout (G1)|Fallout]]", "[[Streaker]]", [[Heavies|Hammer and Anvil]], [[Trepan]], [[Frak]], [[Rushcut]], [[Rossum]], [[Tripodeca]], [[Pivot]], [[Scattergun]], [[Blockus]], [[Datum]], [[Ramp]], and [[Suture (G1)|Suture]]. Similarly, ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' introduced us to [[Squadron X]], comprising just about every Decepticon hi-and-die character from the Marvel continuity, who were then all slaughtered by Impactor.
*The first episode of the ''[[Transformers: Combiner Wars (cartoon)|Combiner Wars]]'' cartoon invented [[Maxima]], a purple recolour of [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], who appeared in one scene and immediately died, fuelling Windblade's vendetta against the Combiners seen in the rest of the series.
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] shows up during the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|Transformers War For Cybertron Trilogy]]'' cartoon, even though she did ''not'' have a new toy as part of the [[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|toyline]]. Since she ends up as part of a squad filled with characters who ''do'' have toys, and her animation model is simply a redeco of [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia's]], no prizes for guessing who ends up being the one to bite the dust.
{{-}}

===Resurrection===
Killing off a character isn't always toy-motivated; sometimes it's a dramatic plot development. But it can also be a problem if Hasbro decides to make a new toy of that character.

[[File:Inferno dies agenda2.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Only a flesh wound!]]
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has been resurrected [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|so many times]] that it's practically a defining character trait. His original revival in the cartoon didn't correspond to any actual toy release, but the Marvel comic brought him back specifically to advertise his [[Powermaster]] form. A second death-and-revival introduced his [[Action Master]] body. And a ''third'' death-and-revival in ''Generation 2'' brought him into his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#G2Hero|Hero]] toy form.
*The Japanese killed off Optimus (or "Convoy" as they called him) in [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'']]. A few years later, they not only brought him back with a new toy, the ''entire franchise'' for that year was called ''[[Transformers: Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]]''.
*Numerous "dead" characters were brought back into the Marvel comic series when their Classics and/or Action Master versions were released. Many were "deactivated" rather than outright dead; however, very few ''non'' Action Master characters showed up alongside them.
*The series writers for ''Beast Wars'' considered [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] dead and gone at the end of Season 1. Hasbro, however, had a [[Transmetal]] Optimus Primal toy to promote, and so he was returned to life in Season 2. Hasbro wanted him brought back in the first minutes of the season premiere, but the writers managed to convince them that it would be better to do so at the ''end'' of the two-episode story following the premiere.
*At the end of Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'', [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] was pretty clearly shown being killed—being ''disintegrated''—but in the next season appeared to have just been bruised and cracked, because Hasbro was not ready to have a Mega-scaled toy removed from the series.
*Pretty much ''nobody'' could successfully die in the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]]. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Dagger]], and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] all die and/or are resurrected from the dead during the course of the show.
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] still had toys out in 2008. The [[bio]] for AllSpark-Enhanced Autobot Jazz states he was brought back from near-death by the AllSpark and is "more powerful than ever". Voilà, Jazz comes back from the dead thanks to the AllSpark in [[Transformers Comic issue 16|Titan's tie-in comic]]! Optimus even uses the ''term'' "Autobot Jazz" in [[Transformers Comic issue 21|a later issue]]...
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] was shot in the head and abandoned on [[Gorlam Prime]] back in "[[Spotlight: Hardhead]]". Six years later, Hasbro were releasing a new Nightbeat toy and back he comes into ''Dark Cybertron'', a chatty undead from the [[Dead Universe]]. He proceeds to survive the destruction of the Dead Universe and wound up on the ''Lost Light'' before dying again years later.
*[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s IDW incarnation first appeared in the ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' limited series, set millions of years in the past. The final issue originally left his exact fate following his final confrontation with Megatron ambiguous; according to artist [[Alex Milne]], Sentinel was ''not'' dead ''yet'' as far as he was concerned, and the script had called for him to look like he could go either way.<ref name="milne">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110822003501/http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=37411 Post by Alex Milne on the IDW Publishing Forums]</ref> However, ''[[Spotlight: Optimus Prime]]'', published around the same time, at least ''implied'' that he was dead in the present day just like in other continuities, given how Optimus Prime had succeeded him. Subsequently, ''[[Spotlight: Blurr]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'', among others, presented [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] as the Prime who chronologically succeeded Sentinel, before being himself killed by Megatron and succeeded by Optimus. Fast forward to several years later, when Hasbro's [[Titans Return (toyline)|''Titans Return'' toy line]] introduced a new Sentinel Prime toy that was also a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] with a [[Titan Master]] named [[Infinitus]], and lo and behold, the IDW version of Sentinel, having been presumed dead for four million years, suddenly makes an unexpected return in a ''[[The Last Autobot|Titans Return]]'' one-shot, with absolutely no buildup beforehand, and is revealed to actually ''be'' a smaller robot named Infinitus who survived the destruction of his larger body. After menacing everyone a little for a few issues, he gets dropped down a very big hole, never to be spoken of again.
{{-}}

===Untouchables===
[[File:Armorhide drawhisfire.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Really, they could just stand there making rude noises at Starscream.]]
Obviously, if a character ''does'' have a current toy (or soon will), they're ([[Cliffjumper (WFC)|usually]]) not going to die, even if the plot or common sense indicates they should. This is sometimes because Hasbro itself declares a character unkillable, and so comics and TV writers must follow suit.
*In "[[Optimal Situation]]", [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] had betrayed [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to the Maximals, ruining his greatest shot at victory. As he declared, "There will be no more betrayals!", she would pay the price: being knocked into stasis lock so the Maximals could fix her and she could stay on their team.
*Megatron himself was in a prime position to be terminated, as were the Maximals later on, in "[[The Weak Component]]". Since this was only episode 6 and everyone had toys out, the cast politely agreed not to take this opportunity to end a brutal war for the planet.
*Titan's Movie strip was moved to an alternate universe, where you'd [[Rhythms of Darkness!|expect nobody to be safe from death]]. However, most of the cast had toys out, so whether it was a desperate guerrilla fight against Decepticon occupation, the rise of [[Unicron]], a [[Decepticon Civil War]], or the final battle, very few characters bought it. The big exception was [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]], dying in his first battle.
*In ''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' (mentioned earlier), James Roberts observed that Impactor was the only character who was guaranteed not to be killed. However, Hasbro shot down the idea of Perceptor or Springer dying, and so most of the fatalities were less well-known characters like Pyro, Ironfist, and eternally unlucky Wreckers Twin Twist and Topspin.
*Similar to his Beast Era counterpart, ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] was worn down to the point of exhaustion, and was at [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s mercy. Optimus, now [[One Shall Fall|sworn to outright kill Megatron when he gets the chance]], is about to pull the trigger, but ends up backing down when he's threatened by Decepticon reinforcements... in this case, the laughing stock redshirt Vehicons. It doesn't help that the ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' toyline had ''just'' gotten on shelves, but seriously? Optimus felt threatened by ''Vehicons''?
*If a Decepticon with a current toy is about to be captured in ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', they can pull off the most miraculous of escapes, sometimes [[Bee Cool|disappearing under our heroes' noses]].
*Starscream, the end.

==Notable exceptions==
There are, however, a few notable exceptions to the To Sell Toys effect, such as fictional characters without a toy counterpart, and other anomalies:

===Toys not released in the relevant market===
[[File:Swoopg1marvelukfirst.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|YOU CAN'T HAVE ME.]]
Occasionally the ''Transformers'' fiction released in a particular country features characters whose toys were not released in that country. The Marvel UK comic featured two variations of this phenomenon:

*Characters inherited from the U.S. strips. Some, such as [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], were given fairly prominent roles in the U.S. stories reprinted in the UK comic and so it was hard to ignore them completely in the UK originated material despite their toys not being around to need advertising. However the decision to develop the Predacons (even before their US appearances were reprinted), to have entire storylines focusing on Swoop, and also to keep Shockwave in continuity even after he'd been (supposedly) killed off in the US comic goes beyond this.
*Characters not featured in the U.S. strips. Bizarrely the UK comic also made use of some characters such as [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], [[Chop Shop (G1)|Chop Shop]], and [[Venom (G1)|Venom]], despite their toys not being available on UK toy shelves. None of these characters were inherited from the US material.

Writer [[Simon Furman]] has since stated that when writing the stories he was generally unaware of which toys were unavailable in the UK.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=We largely took our cue from what characters were being introduced into the US storyline. If there was a release schedule for the toys in the UK, we rarely saw it... But in the case of Swoop and the Predacons, I don't think I was consciously aware (at the time) that we were dealing with toys not generally available in the UK. They were just extant characters, and therefore fair game.|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914233035/http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php|name=Simon Furman|site=TransFans.co.uk|title=Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past'|year=2004|month=08}}</ref>

This would happen again with Titan, as foreign exclusives such as [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] and [[Slap Dash (ROTF)|Slap Dash]] palled around with UK-available toys.

Another example would be the original text stores published by [[Condor Verlag]] in their ''[[Transformers Comic-Magazin]]'': The text story from [[Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 11|issue 11]] features the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], even though catalogs from the era, backed up by German fans' recollections, suggest that the German release of the ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line-up omitted the Classic Combaticons, possibly due to their "war" theme.
{{-}}

===Post-Marvel, pre-2013 G1 comics===
[[File:Infiltration 1b.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hey, Runamuck, it's our first appearance on a comic book cover in twenty years!" "Heh heh, now if only we could appear on toy store shelves..."]]
Both [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] comics, the two recent holders of the license to publish ''Transformers'' comic books, sometimes produce comics using whichever toy line is current (e.g., Dreamwave's ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Armada]]'' comic or IDW's [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]] tie-ins), and sometimes publish comics using whatever characters they please (e.g., ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''). The characters in their "discretionary" comics are often not currently available in toy form ([[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], a character appearing in numerous stories from IDW's G1 continuity during their early years, only had [[Hardhead (G1)#Universe (2008)|another toy]] on shelves at around 2009, a good twenty-two years since [[Hardhead (G1)#Generation 1|his last toy]]), sometimes are drawn with bodies that have ''never'' been toys (most of the ''War Within'' characters), and sometimes are toys that were never available outside of specific countries ([[Lio Convoy]] in IDW's ''Beast Wars'').

[[Chris Ryall]], IDW Editor-in-Chief and writer of the miniseries adapting the 2007 movie to comics, had stated on IDW's forums that Hasbro does not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").<ref>http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=69377</ref> By the time of ''All Hail Megatron'', however, the ''Universe'' line came out and Hasbro asked IDW to start using some of those designs.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=102461#102461 Guido reveals the Hasbro request]</ref> Though this practice did not influence the subsequent [[The Transformers (IDW)|ongoing series]], it did raise its head again in 2013, as Hasbro and IDW began working together to create new toys based on character designs from the comics, to promote upcoming toys with New Bodies and to include the [[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]] event (including various preludes) with the toys.

===New toys, same basic design===
In more recent times (mostly in the case of the [[live-action film series]]), Hasbro has used a combination of minor [[redeco]]s, [[retool]]s and sculpts based on the same basic designs to create new toys, instead of giving recurring characters a major design overhaul for the next installment. The fiction then rarely, if ever, acknowledges any of those minor design changes. According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], some people at Hasbro even argued against changing the designs of some returning characters in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'', so that parents would '''not''' have to buy the same toy twice for their children just because of a minor change or modification to the characters' designs.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2186879&postcount=171 Roberto Orci posting at TFW2005.com]</ref> (Hasbro still released new, or modified, toys of those characters, prompting [[completist]]s to buy them as well, and the film gave some of the characters slight tweaks in their [[alternate mode]]s, based on changes in the real-life vehicle designs, which the toys had to incorporate.)

===Killing off characters with new toys===
Even characters with new or expensive toys can get the axe early on if the plot calls for it... or when poor timing caused by unplanned executive decisions resulted in bad coordination between in-fiction developments and toy release schedules.
* In ''Beast Wars'', [[Tigerhawk]] was introduced and then killed off within three episodes, due to corporate uncertainty about whether the [[Size class#Beast Wars|Ultra-sized toy]] would actually be produced.
*Despite being killed off in the middle of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] got a lot of new toys, including a Leader Class figure, a Voyager Class figure, and a Halloween costume for children!
*''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] was hyped up as a major character in the lead-up to the show's premiere, and got several toys like the other members of the main cast. He dies within the first five minutes of the [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|premiere episode]]. However, later he gets his fair share of screentime by [[Out of the Past|flashbacks]] and the like.
*Due to behind the scenes budget issues and the ''Prime'' [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|toyline]] getting pushed back thanks to the ''Dark of the Moon'' [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|toyline]], [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] is quickly shut away inside a stasis pod in "[[Armada (episode)|Armada]]" for much of the remainder of the series at the ''same time'' as the mass release of her toy; [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]] also suffered a grimmer fate as he was killed off just a few episodes earlier (by Airachnid herself, no less). Even more egregious than that would be [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]], who would be killed off in the show just ''one day'' before his toy hit shelves.
*IDW [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] gets a new ''Titans Return'' toy in mid late 2016, but was killed off at about the same time his toy was hitting shelves in the [[All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|final issue]] of the second season of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]''.
*In ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers 2023]]'', Slingshot is killed off in issue [[Transformers (2023) issue 21|#21]], even though he had received a new toy as part of the ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' toyline that had just come out a few months prior.

===New toys with minimal fictional appearances===
Sometimes, characters that have a new or expensive toy barely see use in fiction.
*Generation 1 Whirl and Roadbuster were larger and more expensive than many of the other Autobots, but never appeared in the original cartoon. They were featured in the UK comics as members of the Wreckers.
*Sixshot's only appearance in the original cartoon is a quick sequence where he transforms into each of his alt modes to defeat the Aerialbots. He is never seen again. He does not appear at all in the original comics.
*In ''Transformers: Armada'', Optimus Prime is the only character to not receive an upgrade after being defeated by Nemesis Prime, despite having an expensive $40 redeco on store shelves. Optimus does receive the redeco colors in the final episode of the series, but he returns to his old colors by the episode's conclusion.
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|"Silver Knight" Optimus Prime]] had an entire thematic segment of the [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|''Age of Extinction'' toyline]] dedicated to him that was exclusive to [[Target]] stores. However, the planned upgrade of Optimus Prime was cut from the theatrical release of ''Age of Extinction''.
*''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Quickslinger and Brake-Neck, meant to be [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]], did not get any focus in the accompanying IDW fiction: Slingshot is dead and Wildrider's whereabouts are unknown after his leaving the Stunticons. Instead, their selling point is giving fans the chance to complete G1-accurate [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] toys. Meanwhile, the Autobot [[Rook (CW)|Rook]] made only a background appearance in the event, and was so overlooked he had to be digitally added ''to'' those backgrounds; [[Alpha Bravo]], his [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] counterpart, gets a bit more but nothing you'd miss. (When Rook ''did'' get some work later, he was promptly killed off!)
*''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' introduced a massive amount of new toys and a ''massive'' amount of Headmasters, including many familiar G1 characters redone as Headmasters. However, very few of these new toys were given focus in IDW's [[Titans Return (comic)|tie-in comic arc]], including prominent characters such as [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. ([[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] is a notable exception, returning after a long absence.) Also, despite the heavy emphasis on [[Titan Master]]s in the toyline, only one character, [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], displayed actual Headmaster ability. [[Alpha Trion]] is briefly decapitated and turned into a lifeless body for [[Infinitus]] to take control of, for no real reason other than to show off the head-swapping gimmick inherent in all ''Titans Return'' figures. And, with a colossal new [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Generations|Titan-class]] toy for [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] as the centerpiece of the line, you'd expect some significant toy-shilling action. Instead, Fortress Maximus's brand-new Titan body gets smacked around a bit before utterly failing in its one job of defending [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]]'s [[space bridge]] from the [[zombie]] Titans.
*Most likely caused by the complaints from fans about the small amount of Decepticons in the 2015 [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|''Robots in Disguise'' toyline]], [[Steeljaw (RID)|Steeljaw]] breaks out many monsters of the week from the first season. Each one gets a figure, yet they all get one or two episodes to shine. [[Bisk (RID)|Bisk]] is the greatest example, appearing very briefly in Episode 4 of Season 1, getting captured, going free, and getting captured again in the next Episode.
**Every major 'Con from or affiliated with Decepticon Island gets Mini-Cons, who do very little but appear anyway only because they had toys. Ratchet gets one as well.
[[File:TF-TLK-Berserker.jpg|right|upright=1.7|thumb|'''DELUXE ROOK''' with Amazing '''STANDING AROUND ACTION!''']]
* After having a Deluxe-sized figure despite being the largest [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobot]] in ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'', [[Scorn]] got a larger, more movie-accurate Voyager class figure for the toyline of ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (toyline)|The Last Knight]]''. Unfortunately, Scorn didn't even appear in the [[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|actual film]]!
* A more egregious ''The Last Knight'' example occurs in the case of [[Berserker]]. Despite being on-screen for only ''8.39 seconds'' (in which he's a prisoner of war and not even released from incarceration), and having only one line, Berserker got several toys to himself, one of which was an entirely new Deluxe class figure. This is in stark contrast to more prominent Decepticons [[Onslaught (ROTF)|Onslaught]], [[Dreadbot]], and [[Mohawk]], none of whom received toys until Mohawk got a ''[[Studio Series]]'' figure ''seven years later''. Set photos seem to indicate that Berserker was going to have a larger role than he did, explaining why he was given such a prominent role in the toyline.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Decepticon Army

2026-03-06T20:02:48Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Trivia */ removing a bit of snark.

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=45
|prev=The Omega Train
|next=Ironhide Team
|title="Deception Army" "Decepticon Army"
|japanese=バラバラ、デストロン軍団
|romaji=Barabara, Destron Gundan
|translation=Scattered, the Destron Army
|image=Decepticon Army main.jpg
|caption=Hey, guess what this episode ''isn't'' about? At all? In any way?
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[November 12|12 November]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 11]], [[2005]] (Canada) [[May 23]], 2005 (USA)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Kicker searches for his family below Cybertron, while Galvatron and a damaged Optimus square off on the planet's surface.'''

==Synopsis==
A [[space bridge]] disgorges [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], carrying the injured [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]. Rodimus has Landmine take Jetfire to sick bay at [[Ocean City]], while he heads back through the space bridge.

The gas-covered [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] continues moving through space. On its surface, [[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]] is still trying to take out [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] with the [[Energon grid (technology)|energon grid]]. After sending [[Superion Maximus]] ahead to reach [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], Optimus finds himself under attack from [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. Galvatron goes to [[Super Mode|Hyper Mode]] to attack, but Six Shot finally nails Optimus with a blast from the energon grid, sending Optimus crashing to the surface in flames. Galvatron is predictably furious at the interference; he sends [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] and [[Constructicon Maximus]] to search for the fallen Autobot leader.

The Omega Train roars through a station full of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]], its passengers blasting them as they go. Kicker calls for a halt at the next station, figuring the Decepticons are waiting for them. He has [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] contact Optimus, knowing full well that this will give away their position.

[[File:Energon-Train-Attack.jpg‎|upright=1.3|thumb|left|Hot Shot and Arcee decide it's well and truly time they made a stand and deliver a short, sharp lesson to the awaiting Terrorcons.]] Optimus lies damaged and separated from [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]]. He tells Hot Shot and the rest to carry on with their mission. [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega]] decides to go to him, but when Kicker points out that Optimus mentioned a leg wound, he has Omega hold up.

The [[Construction Team|five nameless construction vehicles]] that make up Constructicon Maximus are digging through the rubble, searching for Optimus, as Galvatron watches.

Kicker sends Omega ahead to an industrial complex, there to take something to Optimus. He figures it's about time they did some looking after their leader, instead of the usual vice versa.

[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] leads [[Team Ironhide|his troops]] through Cybertron's tunnel, arriving at a firefight at the medical complex. The four troops move in. Ironhide wins the day with his "turbo blast attack", which involves spinning his head around at dizzying speed while firing randomly.

[[File:Energon-Terrorcons-Attack-Omnicons.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|War of the most minor characters in the series.]] While watching the monitors, Six Shot gets another rebuke from Galvatron, and promises not to do ''anything''. Period. He shuts off his monitors, and says that he quits.

In the medical center, Bulkhead seems fully recovered, enough to scare the other patients and prompt a reproach from a [[Autobot nurse|nurse-bot]]. Bulkhead replies by pulling out a paper fan. [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] ask Ironhide for updates from the surface, prompting Ironhide to tell them to ''shut up and listen'' while pumping his fist in triumph, which in turn causes his fanboys to come kneel at his feet.

Omega Supreme arrives somewhere, and says he can sense Kicker's presence.

Galvatron finally digs out Optimus. Optimus nearly has to take a blast meant for Wing Saber, but Superion Maximus arrives in time to save him, and challenges Galvatron. His firepower is ineffective, but before Galvatron can counter, Prime's [[Prime Force|drone squad]] arrives and attacks, followed by Omega Supreme. Prime links up with his drones and bashes Galvatron around.

[[File:Energon-Bulkheads-Fan.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|left|Don't ask.]]

Kicker and Hot Shot are almost to their destination.

Omega lends some firepower to Superion Maximus. Galvatron manages to exploit Optimus's injuries, and summons a fleet of Terrorcons.

Kicker finally finds his family's chamber... and it's empty. Spilled food and scattered possessions indicate a hasty exit. Kicker suspects they're hiding in The Core.

Galvatron tells Optimus that it's all over, but Ironhide arrives and challenges him. [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] arrives to lend a hand, followed by Prowl and Downshift. Lots of people shoot. Nobody gets hurts much. The Omnicons restore Optimus and Wing Saber, who promptly combine.

Optimus and Galvatron make a big explosion, and Galvatron comes out the loser. He's still laughing, though, and orders Six Shot to deploy the energon gas. He gets only silence in response. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], still climbing down the shaft toward the [[Super Energon Temple|Super Energon chamber]] with [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]], are equally unresponsive. Galvatron and Starscream fly off to deal with Six Shot, leaving Scorponok in charge of the battle.

[[File:Energon-Super-Optimus-Burning-Justice.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|[[Burning spirit]]. That's our story and we're sticking to it.]] Kicker finally finds [[Sally Jones|Sally]] and [[Miranda Jones|his mom]], and a reunion ensues. It only takes him a second to realize that Dr. Jones and [[Rad White|Rad]] are both absent.

Dr. Jones's captors make a rough landing at the bottom of the Super Energon shaft, leaving Dr. Jones with some nasty back pain. Snow Cat and Demolishor run off to rejoin Galvatron and get powered up, leaving Dr. Jones with a golden opportunity to get away.

Galvatron gives Six Shot a thrashing for ignoring him. But Starscream reports that they're locked out of the energon grid; Six Shot laughs and laughs, as Galvatron needs him to control the planet.

Demolishor and Snow Cat prepare to take a dip in the Super Energon pool, but a giant looming shadow bursts out of it. Amid their screams, [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] wonders what they saw, and wonders what the Autobots will do as Cybertron prepares to exit the space bridge.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (1)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (2)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] (6)
*[[Superion Maximus]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] (12)
*[[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] (13)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Rhyming Omnicon fanboys]] (22–24)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (25)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (26)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (28)
*[[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] (29)
*[[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]] (30)
*[[Autobot nurse]] (31)
*[[Prime Force|Digger-3]] (34)
*[[Prime Force|Copter-2]] (36)
*[[Prime Force|Submarine-4]] (37)
*[[Prime Force|Fire-1]] (38)
*[[Omega Supreme (Energon)#Omega|Omega]] (39)
*[[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] (46)

|c2=
*[[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]] (4)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (8)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]] drones (10)
*[[Cruellock]] drones (11)
*[[Construction Team]] (16–20)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] drones (27)
*[[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]] (32)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (33)
*[[Constructicon Maximus]] (35)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (40)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (41)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (14)
*[[Brian Jones]] (42)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (43)
*[[Sally Jones]] (44)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (45) (voice only)
}}

==Quotes==
"May I have your attention? As the train approaches the station, please remain behind the white line at all times, and GET READY TO EAT LEAD, FREAKS!"
:—'''Arcee''' speaks from the [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Train]] over the loudspeaker to the Terrorcons

"You and me! Got that, Galvatron?" 
"Why not? I'm an equal-opportunity destroyer of Autobots."
:—'''Superion Maximus''' and '''Galvatron'''

"I hope you have health insurance, Prime!"
:—'''Galvatron'''

==Notes==
===Lost in translation===
* As Rodimus prepares to re-enter the space bridge, the dub has him say that he hopes Optimus "can punch a hole to get us out", which... makes no sense at all. Punch a hole in ''what''? Get out of ''what''? The original line is Rodimus saying that he's sure they gave Optimus the opening he needed.
* The dub strangely parses Kicker's request for Omega Supreme to stop as "shut it down". Although an uncommon phrase from real railroading, more likely this is another of ''Energon''{{'}}s famous errors.
* When Hot Shot says that contacting Optimus will give away their position, dub Kicker cockily says "exactly!", as if he's planning a trap or something. In ''Super Link'', he just replies that the enemy already knows where they are.
* In the middle of Kicker's comments about Optimus's stubborn selflessness, the dub omits a key line about how Kicker once hated him. Without it, the rest of the speech kinda falls apart.
* The scene in the medical center is botched by the dub. In ''Super Link'', during the brief cut to the outside of the building, one of the nurses cries out in shock—ha ha, Bulkhead groped her! The dub paves it over, having the nurse say that Bulkhead is scaring the other patients....with his strangely animated bobbing, apparently.
* Ironhide's "Shut up and listen" should be "shut up and follow me", hence the pumped-up fist of triumph and the fanboys rallying to him.
* Omega Supreme doesn't "sense Kicker's presence" in the industrial complex; he just says that Kicker's wish has been carried out.
* Primus isn't in this episode, but the dub still replaces a mention of his name with "the core".
* Dub Starscream advises Galvatron "give back complete control to Six Shot". He's supposed to advise him to ''take'' control back ''from'' Six Shot.
* Demolishor and Snow Cat aren't "going back to Galvatron" to get powered up; it's a dub insertion.

===Pain count===
* "Uh?": 12
* Stock footage: 6
* Let's do it: 2
* You're mine: 1

===Animation and technical errors===
* [[Steamhammer (Energon)|The nameless construction vehicle that serves as Constructicon Maximus's torso]] rolls without actually moving its treads.

===Real-world references===
* As the Omega Train rolls through, Arcee makes station announcements over a PA system, warning passengers to stay behind the white line (and to prepare to eat lead), and wishing the commuters a pleasant day—''not!''

* As The Omega Force Gun fires, we can hear the classic ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' blaster sound.

===Trivia===
[[File:E45 titlecard.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|They got it right eventually.]]
* The episode's nonsensical broadcast title is semi-derived from the ''Super Link'' title, "Scattered, the Destron Army", referring to Galvatron's inability to summon his troops to help him out... which was kind of a stretch to begin with. Evidently, they intended to just call it "Decepticon Army", and typo'd it. [[Scorpinok (episode)|For the]] [[A Tale of Two Heros|fourth]] [[Imprisoned Inferno|time]]. Like "Improsoned Inferno", however, it was corrected for the DVD release.
* The dub keeps the original [[Taiyō no Transform!!|''Super Link'' theme song]]-based background music as Optimus and Wing Saber combine, rather than replacing it with the normal music (based on ''Energon''{{'}}s [[theme song]].)
*As in the last episode, Omega's combined train mode has his battleship half attached to the back of his train half. This is not possible with the toy but the two halves can combine the other way round, with the train's cab slotting into the battleship's engine compartment to create a "Cybertronian Armored Super Train".
* Prime and Galvatron's faces both get the hand-drawn upgrade in the following fight scene.
* Optimus introduces his "Meteor Attack Mode", which involves his drones spinning around him and Wing Saber amid lots of flying energy. It even comes with nifty 2D animation too!

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'armata dei Decepticon'''" ("The Decepticon Army")
::*Rodimus never says that he hopes Optimus "can punch a hole to get us out".
::*Arcee's line: "I hope you're having a pleasent day... not!" is changed to "We ask you to fasten your seatbelts... oh!". That final "oh!" makes the scene... weird.
::*Starscream's line about "give back complete control to Six Shot" and the one about Demolishor and Snow Cat "going back to Galvatron" are corrected.
::*"Meteor Attack Mode" is translated as "Attacco Meteoritico" ("Meteorites Attack"), despite it involving meteors, not meteorites.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2005 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 012 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Talk:Rhyming Omnicon fanboys

2026-03-06T15:53:42Z

StarGayCybertron: I think I might have a guess at who the red guy's VA is.

FIRRIB

2026-03-05T01:23:08Z

StarGayCybertron: /* 2005 IDW continuity */

{{quote|Yes, in AHM Rumble is RED.|[[Joana Lafuente]]<ref>[http://khaamar.deviantart.com/art/All-Hail-Megatron-9-cover-112520321 Joana LaFuente's response.]</ref>|center=true}}
{{quote|Okay guys, let's get this right this time. Rumble is BLUE, Frenzy is RED!|[[Derrick J. Wyatt]]<ref>[http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2008/12/first-we-crack-shell.html Derrick Wyatt's opinion]</ref>|center=true}}
{{quote|[Frenzy]'s blue because Hasbro said so.|[[Shane McCarthy]]<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffvrLk_6Seo#t=28s Shane McCarthy's response during IDW's panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2008.]</ref>|center=true}}
{{quote|Now it’s up to [[you]] to decide which Decepticon is red or blue!|Product description for [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations Selects]] Soundwave Spy Patrol (3rd Unit)<ref>[https://hasbropulse.com/collections/transformers/products/transformers-generations-selects-micromaster-wfc-gs10-soundwave-spy-patrol-3rd-unit-4-pack Hasbro Pulse listing for "Transformers Generations Selects Micromaster WFC-GS10 Soundwave Spy Patrol (3rd Unit) 4-Pack".]</ref>|center=true}}
[[File:FIRRIB.jpg|upright=2|thumb|Soundwave, moments before being sent back to workplace sensitivity training.]]
An [[Abbreviations|acronym]] sometimes bandied about by fans, '''FIRRIB''' means "[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] is red, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] is blue". The phrase originated on [[alt.toys.transformers]] circa [[1994]], essentially as a (largely joking) rallying cry for those who favored [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] over various other media portrayals of the Transformers. In time, the counterpoint '''FIBRIR''' emerged, standing for "Frenzy is blue, Rumble is red". The forms '''RIBFIR''' and '''RIRFIB''' are also known.

The debate revolves around the colors of the [[Decepticon]] [[Mini-Cassette]]s, Rumble and Frenzy. It was [[Hasbro]]'s intent that Rumble be black and red, and Frenzy be two shades of blue. These color schemes are used in the toyline, [[Marvel Comics]] and many storybooks and ancillary media from the early years of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]], and naturally, it was intended for the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon series]] to render the characters in this manner as well (as proven by the show's [[production bible]], which identifies Rumble as the "red robot"). However, as a result of some unspecified error somewhere in production, the two robots had their color schemes swapped, leaving the animated incarnation of Rumble blue, and Frenzy red. Contrary to this, even the season 3 show bible still identifies Rumble as "red robot" and Frenzy as "blue robot" as part of the 1986 toy lineup.<ref name="s3bible">[https://sunbowmarvelarchive.blogspot.com/p/transformers-1986-character-binder.html Transformers: 1986 character binder] a the Sunbow Marvel Archive.</ref>

The blue robot received many appearances early in the cartoon, often introducing himself in rhyme ("[[Divide and Conquer|So, you wanna rumble with Rumble, eh?]]"), while the red robot only appeared in a handful of episodes. Thanks to the widespread recognition the cartoon received, the concept of Rumble being blue was therefore ingrained into the minds of many viewers. As such, years later, [[Fandom|fans]] would argue vehemently (though often tongue-in-cheek) over which coloration was "correct", based mainly on their personal preference for the cartoon or comic.

The FIRRIB movement was codified by a cartoon fan named Scott Wells in 1994,<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/7f7aa2ec041325c4/d066fdb5fb0bdaf9?lnk=gst&q=FIRRIB#d066fdb5fb0bdaf9 ATT FAQ file, 1994]</ref> who coined the acronym FIRRIB. The FIRRIB idea quickly caught on with other cartoon fans on alt.toys.transformers, frequently appearing in signature files; its counterpoint, the comic- and toy-based FIBRIR, soon appeared as well. After endless discussion threads fueled by little more than personal preference, the subject eventually landed in the group's FAQ file as a do-not-ask question.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/75181b5ca5175ca3?&q=FIRRIB+FAQ ATT FAQ file, 1998]</ref> Almost three decades later, it's still a topic that will inevitably result in dozens of posts arguing back and forth with the same arguments over and over again every time it's brought up.

The Japanese dub of the Generation 1 cartoon rectifies the error, making the animation match the toys by simply switching the characters' names around. Japanese-originated media and releases generally take the FIBRIR position, though exceptions exist.

As later incarnations of the characters draw on both the cartoon and toys as influences, the waters have become muddier still:

Items in the following table are listed in release order. E.g., the original toys came first.

{|border="0" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" style="text-align:left"
!
!Frenzy
!Rumble
|-
![[The Transformers (toyline)|Original toys]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"| Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"| Red
|-
![[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comics]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"| Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"| Red
|-
![[The Transformers (cartoon)|US cartoon]]
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|-
![[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Japanese cartoon]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Ladybird Books]]
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|none
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Kid Stuff]]
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|none
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Dreamwave Generation One continuity]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers continuity]]
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|-
![[2005 IDW continuity]]
|'''[[#2005 IDW continuity|SEE BELOW]]'''
|-
![[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]] toys
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|none
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Diamond Select Toys|Diamond Select]]
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|-
![[Transformers Music Label|Music Label]] earphones
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|none
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Transformers G1: Awakening|G1: The Awakening]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Transformers (2010 toyline)]]
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|none
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue (canceled)
|-
![[Transformers United]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Transformers: Devastation]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Transformers: Earth Wars]]
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|-
![[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"| none
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"| Red
|-
![[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"| Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"| Red
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"| '''(See the notes, though)'''
|-
![[2019 IDW continuity]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"| Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"| Red
|-
![[World of Warships: Transformers]]
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"| none
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"| Red
|-
![[My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise!|My Little Pony/Transformers]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"| Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"| none
|-
![[Transformers/Back to the Future]]
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|none
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|-
![[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|Both
|-
![[Studio Series]]
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|-
![[Energon Universe]]
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|-
![[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|none
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|-
![[Transformers Go! Go!|Go! Go!]]
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|style="color:#000;background:#fff;"|none
|-
![[Transformers: Worst Bot Ever|Worst Bot Ever]]
|style="color:#000;background:#f00;"|Red
|style="color:#fff;background:#00f;"|Blue
|}

It is generally agreed that pointing out that Rumble was actually ''purple'' in the original cartoon is not helpful.

==2005 IDW continuity==
The treatment of Rumble and Frenzy in first IDW continuity bears special mention. Some might believe that this "controversy" is not to be taken seriously, but IDW comics show that FIRRIB/FIBRIR is being fought to this day on the battlefields of the publisher's art and editing rooms. Whereas most entries on this list at least remain consistent within a given continuity, FIRRIB/FIBRIR changed ''repeatedly'' back-and-forth in IDW comics over the years.

Rumble and Frenzy first appeared in IDW's early limited series, ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]''. Seen in their toy colors of one blue and one red-and-black, the duo went the entire series without being individually addressed by name. Although the red robot used piledrivers on occasion, at the time this was potentially ambiguous thanks to prior media, such as the Generation 1 cartoon, depicting both Rumble and Frenzy with those weapons. However, IDW's stance on the matter appeared to be cemented in their next appearance, ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'', which firmly established Rumble as a red robot with piledrivers and Frenzy as a blue robot with sonic powers and drills. This setup continued into the era of [[The Transformers (IDW)|the new ongoing series]], with Frenzy's appearance in companion miniseries ''[[The Transformers: Bumblebee|Bumblebee]]'' coloring him blue.

''However'', when the duo were reunited to appear in the ongoing series itself, they were switched to their cartoon configuration; the sonic-blasting Frenzy was now red-and-black, while piledriving Rumble was distinctively cartoon purple. After the ongoing series' conclusion, the FIRRIB layout returned in the digital series ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'', set during the early days of the war.

Subsequently, as cast members of the ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' series, the duo underwent yet more color switches. After an unnamed cameo for the red-and-black robot in [[The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|issue 1]], Rumble and Frenzy reappeared in the [[Priscilla Tramontano]]-colored [[The End of the Beginning of the World|issue 11]] with Rumble firmly back as the red-and-black cassette and Frenzy, for the first time ever, colored cartoon purple. For their subsequent, [[Josh Perez]]-colored appearances during the Decepticon uprising, the duo had new tank bodies built for them, and Frenzy was toy blue instead of cartoon purple. When Tramontano returned to color issues [[Shockpoint|21]] and [[Soundwaves (issue)|22]], she once again utilized red-and-black and cartoon purple color schemes, only now pile-driving Rumble was purple and Frenzy was red!

Quite which of these numerous color changes were the result of deliberate artistic choice, innocent mistake, or even Hasbro mandate is wholly unclear.

==Similar cases==
[[File:AutoBerserk-Grapple.jpg|thumb|Rare toy-accurate Grapple cartoon appearance!]]
While the coloration of Frenzy and Rumble is the most well-known instance of the original cartoon's color choices not matching the [[toy]]s its [[character]]s are based on, there are similar cases, some of which have also resulted in fan dissent regarding the question which is to be considered the "correct" coloration for the character in question:
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s toy sported a black head, but possibly in order to differentiate him further from his [[mold]]-mate [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys|Sideswipe]], the cartoon changed the head's color to red. His comic appearances usually use the toy's black head, while new toys are a mixed bag ([[TakaraTomy]] leans more towards a [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] red head, while [[Hasbro]] appears to prefer the original toy's black head). Thus far, however, none of Takara's [[Generation 1 reissues|reissues]] of the original toy have featured a show-accurate red head (as the headpiece is molded together with other components of the figure, such as the fists, front calf plates, and front bumper, as evidenced on [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|G2]] Sideswipe having these components in red).
[[File:TF-WFC-E-Voyager-Grapple.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Cartoon-accurate Grapple toy!]]
*[[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]]'s original toy sported a black head, but the cartoon changed it to orange, possibly to differentiate him further from his mold-mate [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]. The episode "[[Auto Berserk]]", however, consistently gave him a (mostly) toy-accurate black head. The [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comics]] once again followed the toy's coloration.
*[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys|Bluestreak]] is a huge mess: While early catalogs depicted him in a blue and silver deco based on his original [[Diaclone]] colors, which is also used for the [[instructions]] and the toy's [[package art]], the toy itself sports an entirely silver deco for the vehicle mode. The cartoon, on the other hand, gave him a silver and black vehicle mode deco based on ''another'' Diaclone color scheme. Later toys have alternatively used variations of any of the three color schemes, although only Takara have thus far released a reissue of the original toy in "show colors" through [[e-HOBBY]], and there has been no reissue in the "blue" Diaclone deco at all yet. [[Hasbro]] would eventually play into the confusion around Bluestreak's name by naming the ''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' release of Bluestreak based on his "original" blue Diaclone color scheme "[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|''Silver''streak]]". Comedy friggin' gold.
*Although [[Ratchet (G1)/toys|Ratchet]]'s toy doesn't really ''have'' a head (simply a "face" [[sticker]] on a seat), he was given a proper head for his character model. However, said head is colored differently across various media: Whereas the cartoon features a white helmet with a black crest, the Marvel comics instead feature a red helmet with a white crest with [[Nelson Yomtov|surprising consistency]]. The [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave comics]] alternate between the two versions, with the ''[[Transformers: The War Within|War Within]]'' comics using the Marvel colors and the various ''[[Transformers: Generation 1 (Dreamwave)|Generation 1]]'' titles favoring the cartoon color scheme. The [[2005 IDW continuity]] follows the Marvel red-with-white-crest helmet in the present day, with flashbacks to a "young" [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' giving him a red helmet with ''black'' crest, similar to the way [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] has been shown to have "greyed". Modern toys mostly follow the cartoon version again, with the exception of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Deluxe Class figure]], which ''inverts'' the Marvel colors, sporting a white helmet with a ''red'' crest. Some other figures (such as ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Ratchet]] and ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Ratchet]]) have followed suit, and in addition, the latter version also [[:File:Devastation5 Ratchet Jazz.jpg|appeared in error]] in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Devastation|Devastation]]'' limited series, but was corrected for the trade paperback collection to his standard red-with-white. Following his return to ''More than Meets the Eye'' after a brief absence, his helmet colors were changed without explanation to white with a red crest, which he wore until the end of the series.
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]'s cartoon color scheme is based on his blue-chested ''Diaclone'' predecessor rather than his red-chested ''Transformers'' release. This became an issue during ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'', when that toyline's [[Swoop (G1)/toys#Power of the Primes|Swoop]] figure used a cartoon-based color scheme, though Hasbro later released a "[[Swoop (G1)/toys#POTPGS|Red Swoop]]" redeco as one of the first ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' figures.
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell's]] toy has a purple chest with a yellow front. His cartoon model got an odd case of this, in that the purple parts became gray in his robot mode, but not his beetle mode. Due to this, most modern Bombshell figures tend to favor toy colors, given that they're accurate to one of his modes in the cartoon and avoid the difficulty of figuring out how to finagle the color change into his transformation.
*[[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]]'s original [[:File:G1-Sinnertwin-boxart.jpg|toy artwork]] and commercial depictions depict his secondary color as royal blue, as opposed to the turquoisey shade he has in most other media.
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus's]] toys originally only used a purple face aside a white helmet; his ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' figure was the first to apply an animation-accurate head coloration.
*Then there's the thing with [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s [[character model|animation model]] using the colors of an early [[prototype]] (as shown in early [[stock photography|catalogs]]), while the actual toy sports an entirely different deco... and Takara released a variation of the toy in yet ''another'' different deco. Takara later released a reissue of the original toy in a color scheme resembling (but not identical to) the prototype through e-HOBBY, while other toys by Hasbro and Takara have been alternatively based on any of the three decos.
*On a smaller, but far more widespread scale, the cartoon tended to color-code the eyes of characters by faction, especially in the first two years: Autobots had blue eyes, Decepticons had red eyes. Meanwhile, in the toyline, many of the larger toys in both factions had yellow eyes, a lot of the smaller ones had silver eyes, and it wasn't uncommon to see red-eyed Autobots (most notably [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]). Modern figures tend to stick to the cartoon rules, but there are exceptions; Grimlock's toys and modern designs overwhelmingly favor red eyes, and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] is known to have yellow eyes on occasion.
*Very much in the same fashion as FIRRIB, ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyjack (RID)|Skyjack]] and [[Cyberwarp (RID)|Cyberwarp]] have inverted color schemes in their toy designs; Skyjack has green stripes in her artwork with yellow stripes on her toy, and vice versa for Cyberwarp.
*[[Double Punch (ROTB)|Double Punch]]'s concept art depicts him with blue accents, his toy would ultimately use red accents.<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://www.artstation.com/artwork/8bReL6|name=Fred Pashe|quote=In 2021, I was given the opportunity & privilege to work with MPC LA on this Feature, creating some the Previs models.|site=Artstation|year=2023|month=06|day=11}}</ref>
*Due to his nature as a redeco of [[Flywheels#War for Cybertron: Siege|Skytread]], ''Siege'' [[Slamdance (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Slamdance]] features an inverted color scheme in comparison to his original toy.

==Notes==
[[File:RumbleisRed.jpg|thumb|Product #5731 also includes [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].]]
*In the season 1 episode "[[Heavy Metal War]]", [[Teletraan I]] displays files on the Decepticons. The texts are, for the most part, lifted directly from the show's [[production bible]], including Hasbro's product code numbers for the toys (which are listed on the toys' [[packaging]]). As a consequence, Rumble (misspelled "Runble") is given the detail "red robot".
*The ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#Hasbro Reveal the Shield subline|Reveal the Shield]]'' "[[Rumble (G1)/toys#Transformers .282010.29|Demolition Rumble]]" toy, which was ultimately [[unreleased toy|never released]] due to the cancellation of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toy line]], would have been the first Hasbro-released toy to follow the cartoon coloration. Even more oddly, though, the deco was specifically based on the gold weapon [[variant]] of the Generation 1 Frenzy toy available in 1986.
*Hasbro's [[Aligned continuity family]] material, such as ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'', the ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]'' [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|toyline]], and the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' portion of the [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|''Generations'' toyline]], uses the G1 cartoon's "FIRRIB" color choices for its [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]] characters, whilst Takara continued to use "FIBRIR" for their version of the ''Prime'' and ''Generations'' toylines. Though clearly patterned after their Generation 1 predecessors, they represent different-universe versions of these [[character]]s, so they're listed here instead of the chart above.
*Similarly, the ''[[Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers]]'' incarnations of [[Frenzy (AB)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (AB)|Rumble]] use the cartoon's "FIRRIB" color choices, but are technically considered separate entities from the above, having started as pigs before being turned into [[Deceptihog]]s.
*''[[Transformers: EarthSpark (franchise)|EarthSpark]]'' dodges the question entirely by leaving Rumble absent and coloring its incarnation of [[Frenzy (ES)|Frenzy]] purple, technically making her red ''and'' blue at the same time.
*The ''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Rumble (ROTF)#Studio Series|Concept Art Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (Movie)#Studio Series|Concept Art Frenzy]] go with the cartoon colors.
*While the ''War for Cybertron Trilogy''{{'}}s toy names follow the "FIBRIR" pattern as marked above, the official product description for the set that includes the blue robot takes a more 'laissez-faire' approach — the first recorded example of Hasbro directly embracing the chaos, and subsequently quoted at the top of this article. The ''[[Studio Series]]'' toys, meanwhile, went for [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] colors, but explicitly pointed out the unusual nature of these colors-and-names combinations by officially calling the toys "Rumble (Blue)" and "Frenzy (Red)".

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

[[Category:Fan terminology]]
[[Category:Fandom]]

Nemesis Prime (G1)

2026-02-28T14:52:44Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Missing Link */ Added a simpler write up for Nemesis's new toy, now that it's been revealed he's apparently the Nemesis ship rebuilt.

{{factions|decepticon|unicron}}
{{disambig3.5|the evil clones of Optimus Prime|the corrupted Dead Universe version of Nova Prime from the [[2005 IDW continuity]]|Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime}}
:''Nemesis Prime is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:All Spark chpt 06 black optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"I could feel all my bad parts being drawn away into this thing. All my nasty habits, my filthy desires... they were now the stuff of this Anti-Me."]]

'''Nemesis Prime''' is the dark mirror of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], striking terror into his victims' hearts while wearing the face of their hero. He is imbued with many of the [[Autobot]] leader's abilities, but lacks all moral restraint. His nature varies between universes: sometimes he is a [[Cloning|clone]] built by Decepticons or [[Doctor Arkeville|human mad scientists]], in others he's a twisted future incarnation of [[Nova Prime]] or even Optimus Prime himself, corrupted by sources of evil like [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] or the [[Dead Universe]]. Regardless, there is one thing that never changes: Nemesis brings dread and destruction wherever he goes. His only friends are the [[Battle Master]]s [[Giza (POTP)|Giza]] and [[Fangtron]].

He also hates [[Christmas]].

{{bigquote|A warrior finds honor only in the total destruction of his enemies.|Nemesis Prime's [[bio]] quote.}}

==Fiction==
===''Alternators'' toy bio===
[[File:AltNemesisPrimeArt.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Serpentor|THIS, I COMMAND]]!]]

[[Doctor Arkeville]] spent years personally constructing Nemesis Prime piece by stolen piece, hiding his handiwork from both [[Concurrence]] agents and the Decepticons. Designed to be the ultimate military commander, he had arguably the mightiest [[Binaltech (technology)|Binaltech]] Transformer body ever constructed, but it remained without a life-force. Dr. Arkeville planned to acquire one by tapping into an amazingly powerful extra-spatial source that the Autobot Translink Project had uncovered.<ref>[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=6142 Nemesis Prime's ''Alternators'' bio.] This was not on the toy's packaging, but rather distributed online to Transformers news sites to promote the figure's availability at San Diego Comic-Con. It was later confirmed to be the work of [[Hasbro]] copywriter Forest Lee.{{fact}}</ref>

===''Story of Binaltech''===
Dr. Arkeville, seeking to create an evil leader greater than [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], used a subspace impulse cloner to duplicate Optimus Prime (with a snazzy black-and-teal paint job). To this end, Arkeville twisted Prime's imported essence to evil with a rewriting program, but the clone still lacked life. He experimented with a subspace linkup to channel a life force, but the operation was interrupted: A time warp suddenly appeared and produced a [[Spark|mysterious orb]] which touched the clone body, causing the clone to both activate and vanish.

Meanwhile, on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], the Autobots were enacting [[Operation: Distant Thunder]] to undo the changes that [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] had wrought upon the timeline. The Autobots had just sent a drone into the past with the intent of restoring the correct timeline, expecting reality to change around them, returning to its proper state. Instead, the successful restoration of the correct flow of history caused their alternate timeline to become undone, as all of their reality was torn apart by warp holes. At that moment, Arkeville's clone appeared before them, extending his hands as an orb of light engulfed first the island, then the entire world. The warp holes were extinguished, and the clone announced that it had used the power of the spark that now inhabited it to preserve the "Binal-Time" that the Autobots inhabited. The Autobots continued questioning this "Black Optimus", who explained that he was a spark who had been sent back in time from the distant future, referring to himself only as "the [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Protector]]". His mission was to preserve the Binaltechs, as their existence would, in the future, bring about the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]], a "great existence" involving beings who would ensure prosperity and protection across the multiverse.

When these explanations were done, the clone's core AI suddenly asserted itself, and he began taunting the Autobots, even manifesting a Decepticon symbol on his body. Using what remained of the Protector's power, the clone rejected his foreign spark and formed a warp portal back to Arkeville's lab. Reduced to an automated state, the clone still was able to leap through the portal to its creator. There, the doctor initiated another subspace translink experiment, this one succeeding in connecting the clone to an ancient, evil, greedy life force. At last, Arkeville's creation became Nemesis Prime. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

What happened to Dr. Arkeville after that is unknown, but soon after activation, Nemesis Prime began to make his move. When Megatron's forces attacked the [[Earth Defense Command]] base on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], Nemesis Prime appeared to block any further progress by the Decepticon leader, refusing to let him dominate Earth's solar system, which Nemesis Prime desired for himself. Megatron was disgusted that an Earth-born machine would wear the Decepticon [[insignia]], but just as they were about to battle, across the galaxy, on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] accomplished his mission to activate the [[Quintesson]]-created [[Large switch|killswitch]], deactivating all non-Binaltech Transformers. Megatron was frozen, and Nemesis Prime calmly seized the opportunity to take power, ordering Shockwave to gather as many Decepticon bodies as possible. Seeing the logic in this order, Shockwave complied. Nemesis Prime sat on Megatron's throne and plotted future moves. {{storylink|Kill Switch}}

Seeking to make himself a true match for Optimus Prime, Nemesis Prime schemed to create an artificial [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] by using a device to wrench minds from their bodies and combine them in a crystalline storage unit. Attempting a test run in a human settlement in [[Australia]], Nemesis Prime was thwarted by a contingent of Autobots led by Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. The two Primes went one-on-one during the ensuing battle, but when Optimus was sent tumbling into a riverbank, the Protector's spark flew to his aid and fused with him, lending Prime its power. Supercharged by the power of the Protector's spark, Optimus absorbed Nemesis Prime's next attack and redirected it upon his dark twin, who was engulfed and finally destroyed as his body exploded into shards. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 4}}

===''Universe'' toy bio===
[[File:NemesisPrimebox.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|"They'll never guess I'm evil."]]
Nemesis Prime was the product of a mad plan by [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], who put a lowly, unknown warrior through an excruciating rebuilding process, tortuously reforging him into the very image of Optimus Prime. Through forcible data uploads and brainwashing, the Decepticon was imbued with memories and skills culled from many sources, giving him much of Optimus Prime's knowledge and combat algorithms. This, however, cost him not just his sense of identity, but also any framework with which to process this knowledge. His creator having since perished, Nemesis Prime became a threat to all, skulking in the dark parts of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and targeting both Autobots and Decepticons in his murderous insanity.<ref>[http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/ProductsByBrand.htm?BR=496&ST=SO&ID=22380&PG=1 ''Universe Classic Series'' Nemesis Prime's on-package bio]</ref>

===''Lil Formers''===
Upon learning about [[Optimus Prime (SG)|the negative-polarity version]] of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Nemesis Prime accused him of "biting his style." {{storylink|Lil Formers}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Revenge (All Spark)|Revenge}} {{storylink|The False Power}}}}

===''Masterpiece'' toy bios===
After spotting a fragment of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s body floating in space, the bodiless [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] swallowed it and used material from his head in combination with the fragment to create an evil clone of the Autobot leader. The new herald was sent to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], where he joined the [[Decepticon]] ranks after killing many Autobots and acquired the "Nemesis Prime" moniker. When Unicron's head neared Cybertron, Nemesis Prime barged into [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s [[Energy Dock]] and slaughtered the Decepticons stationed there while absorbing the energy into his [[Dead Matrix]] to bring about Unicron's resurrection. The Autobots were alerted to the battle, and Nemesis Prime faced off against Optimus Prime himself.
{{storylink|Story of Black Convoy}}
{{storylink|Nemesis Prime (G1)#Masterpiece|Masterpiece MP-49 Black Convoy bio}}
<ref>[https://soundwavesoblivion.blogspot.com/2020/11/masterpiece-black-convoy-mp-49.html MP-49 Black Convoy bio] This bio is paraphrased from MP-10B's [[Story of Black Convoy|in-package story]] and on-package bio. </ref>

===Loyal Subjects figure bio===
Nemesis Prime took the form of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and went on a rampage bent on destroying whole worlds. It had no thoughts or allegiance to either Autobot or Decepticon and merely craved destruction. Its rampage threatened to upset the balance of power.

At one point shortly before [[Christmas]] it attacked [[Santa Claus]]'s village, utterly destroying it and incinerating the reindeer. It was challenged by {{w|The Elf on the Shelf|a teleporting elf}} who fought valiantly but was twisted into a scratch-back. Nemesis Prime was in the process of choking Saint Nick himself when it was transported away on December 14 by [[You|one who wished to wield his awesome power for their own]]...<ref>No seriously, this is the long bio of the Loyal Subjects 8" vinyl figure. [https://web.archive.org/web/20171115171953/https://theloyalsubjects.com/blog/nemsis-prime]</ref>

===Renegade Rhetoric===
The [[Optimus Prime (G1)#The Battle for Planet Earth|Optimus Prime]] of [[Primax 085.0 Eta]] was abducted by [[Megatron (G1)#The Battle for Planet Earth|Megatron]]'s [[Renegade Decepticon]]s to another reality and subjected to a stolen [[Brainwave Scanner]] stolen from Professor [[Peter Anthony Morris|Morris]]. The Decepticons used it to turn Optimus Prime into Nemesis Prime, who turned the defense systems of the [[Spychanger|Spy Changer]]s' base against them. {{storylink|Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric|Renegade Rhetoric (2), 2016/05/12}} Subsequently, however, Nemesis Prime made a play for leadership of the Decepticons, gaining the loyalty of [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Crash Test (G2)|Crash Test]]. [[Wheeljack (G1)#The Battle for Planet Earth|Wheeljack]] mused that turning Optimus evil may not have been the Decepticons' best idea. {{storylink|Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric|Renegade Rhetoric (2), 2016/05/19}}

===''Power of the Primes'' marketing material===
An evil clone of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Nemesis Prime was fueled by the [[Dark Matrix of Leadership]], driven to annihilate all in his path. Nemesis Prime could further augment himself by bonding with [[Prime Master]]s. {{storylink|#Power of the Primes|''Power of the Primes'' Evolution Nemesis Prime packaging bio}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' continuity===
====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor| [[Jake Foushee]] (English), [[Taitem Kusunoki]] (Japanese)|[[Reiner Schöne]] (German), [[Rody Benghezala]] (French), [[Víctor Hugo Aguilar]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Raja Sevak]] (Hindi), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Portuguese)}}
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep6-Nemesis-Prime-sees-Allspark-spirits.jpg|thumb|left|300px|...and all I got was this lousy [[Black redeco|edgelord color scheme]].]]
After a nearly endless war that resulted in the [[AllSpark]] parting from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for good, {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}} [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] killed [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], lamenting that they should have worked together. Afraid of the possibility of this occurring in the past, {{storylink|Kingdom episode 5}} [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] resurrected and enslaved Optimus as Nemesis Prime. As the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s died out, Unicron and his minions were a constant threat to the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}} that emerged from the uninhabitable Cybertron. Both groups eventually time-traveled to the prehistoric [[Earth]], with the Predacons seeking to change the future. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}}

While the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' was stranded in the [[Dead Universe]], a humbled [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] showed Optimus Prime a vision of a possible future where he died and fell down a dark path, becoming Nemesis Prime. {{storylink|Earthrise episode 5}} When the ''Ark'' crashed on prehistoric Earth, [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] led an attack on its crew, believing Prime to be Nemesis Prime. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 1}} Prime recognized the fear in the Primal's eyes when he saw him as the same reason he called the Autobot leader "Nemesis". {{storylink|Kingdom episode 3}} While stranded on Earth, the Allspark, as a projection of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], recognized Optimus Prime as its "nemesis" and attacked him. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 4}} [[Megatron (BW)|Predacon Megatron]] would also recognize Prime as Nemesis Prime, believing he could be using Primal just as much as the original Megatron was using the Predacon leader. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 5}}

[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Ep6-Unicron-punishes-Galvatron-Nemesis.jpg|thumb|300px|Pretty much what happens when you don't live in a society.]]

Nemesis Prime eventually conspired with [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to rebel against their master and used the Dead Universe to travel through time, intending to coerce Megatron to use the Allspark and destroy Unicron at the cost of Cybertron. After the ''Ark'' returned to Cybertron, Optimus Prime's vision in the Dead Universe came true, and Nemesis Prime tracked down the AllSpark and battled both Optimus and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. As he was joined by Galvatron and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], the former explained their plan and revealed that their existence was the result of Prime's removal of the Allspark and subsequent failure to return it.

But before Galvatron could make a move, a four-way alliance of Autobots, Decepticons, Maximals, and Predacons arrived, all standing in solidarity against the forces of Unicron. Galvatron mocked the prospect of Megatron being a part of the united factions until the latter actually turned on him thanks to Optimus and Starscream. Nemesis Prime initiated the battle by blasting Megatron and stood his ground against the factions. Just as Nemesis received orders to take the Allspark, the very relic soon deployed a defense of its own: the sparks of Transformers who died throughout the war. Nemesis Prime and Galvatron charged at the spirits only to be struck down by the spirit of [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]].

Having survived the attack, Nemesis Prime and Galvatron were left stranded in space only to be found by Unicron once more. After scolding his minions and musing that their journey through the Dead Universe had given him "ideas", Unicron drew the two towards him to initiate the reformatting process as they screamed in agony. {{storylink|Kingdom episode 6}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material====
Closer than ever to reaching the [[AllSpark]], the Decepticons awakened after crash-landing on pre-[[Ice Age]] [[Earth]]. While battling the Autobots, both sides were joined by the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], their epic battle changing their combined destinies. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref name="kingdom">[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

Nemesis Prime was a [[Cybertronian military insignia|Ground Command Infantry General]], {{storylink|#War for Cybertron: Siege|''Siege'' toy packaging}} whose function was the dark future of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], and [[trans-scan]]ned into an Earth truck. His [[Dark Matrix of Leadership|Dark Matrix]] and dark [[ion blaster]] were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were his maliciousness, brutality, desperation, and single-mindedness. Nemesis Prime's message from the future was that his existence will be threatened when Optimus Prime fights his dark future. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref name="kingdom" />

===''Legacy VS500 Collection Special Comic''===
Nemesis Prime was a spectator of the second week of the [[Speedia 500]] on [[Velocitron]]. {{storylink|Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 3}}

===''Missing Link'' toy bio===
{{stub}}

==Games==
===''Bot Shots Battle Game!''===
[[File:Bsbg-nemesis-prime.jpg|upright=1.25|thumb|Evil Clone in Mukky's colors.]]
Nemesis Prime 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!}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
[[File:TFLegends-NemesisPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|left|No amount of trimming will ''ever'' make those smokestacks [[For safety reasons|safe]].]]
Nemesis Prime was constructed from scrap and stolen parts by [[Doctor Arkeville]] in an attempt to create a robot rivaling Optimus Prime. The uncontrolled fury of the creation resulted in it getting loose and going on a rampage that was only stopped by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. Nemesis Prime was forced into a retreat. {{storylink|Nemesis Rising}}

A different, but identical looking, Nemesis Prime was the future version of [[Nova Prime]], who travelled back in time to attack the Autobots, including his own younger self. Along with [[Axer (G1)|Axer]], [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], and [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], Nemesis Prime was transported back to threaten Cybertron. His younger counterpart, Nova Prime, teamed up with [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] in an attempt to curb his threat, while [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] watched the battle from afar. Nemesis Prime ultimately succeeded in his task, overcoming both Nova Prime and (somehow) Galvatron, claiming the oncoming darkness for his own. {{storylink|Prime Evil}}
{{--}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|Red (AB)#As Nemesis Prime}}
Nemesis Prime appears as a character unlockable in Challenge Events. He is portrayed by Red. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsNemesisPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|With this cannon on my roof, they'll never know I'm not a real truck!]]
Nemesis Prime participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Uncommon character who could be recruited by collecting 35 units of Cybermetal and 16 units of Transmetal. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Devastation''===
{{Note|A Nemesis Prime costume for Optimus Prime appears as downloadable content.}}

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] could don Nemesis Prime's colors during the Autobots' battle to stop the Decepticons from cyberforming Earth. When wearing the paintjob, he would comment that it "felt odd" and that it made him a real "robot in disguise". {{storylink|Transformers: Devastation}}

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

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file: TransformersEarthWarsNemesisPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|JACK IS BACK IN BLACK!!!!]]

The result of forbidden [[Cloning|cyber-cloning]] experiments, Nemesis Prime is the anti-thesis to Optimus Prime, his polar opposite. Everything Optimus stands for, Nemesis exists to tear down/take apart.

Though programmed with some of Optimus's memories and skills, Nemesis lacked the experience necessary to process the data, and - bereft of guidance - became dark and twisted. Now Nemesis skulks in the shadows of Cybertron, sowing chaos in his wake. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Nemesis Prime bio}}

When Nemesis first arrived on earth, he promptly proclaimed who he was to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. He then tracked down Optimus Prime's location with the help of [[Luca]], and went to destroy the Autobot outpost, only to be thwarted by Hot Rod. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Light Our Darkest Hour event}}

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest star rating''': 2 star
*'''Weapons''' Nemesis Prime has an Ion blaster the same make as Optimus Prime, and a Flame thrower. He uses the Ion cannon to blast the target a few times, then gets closer and burns it with his flame thrower.
*'''Ability: Power of the Darkness''': Make a friendly bot invulnerable to damage, knockback, and stun effects for 6 seconds! Upgrading this ability will increase duration
**'''Cost''': 6 ability points +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:nemesis-prime Nemesis Prime at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]

===''Transformers: Forged to Fight''===
[[File:FTFNemesis Prime.JPG|thumb|350px|Not even Kabam is above redecos.]]

Nemesis Prime was a clone of Optimus Prime created using a [[subspace impulse cloner]]. Although he wore the Decepticon mark, his true allegiances were unclear. {{storylink|Transformers: Forged to Fight}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Nemesis Prime was constructed on [[Lucifer]]. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Galactic Trials''===
{{voiceactor|[[Jordan Reynolds]]}}
Aligned with neither faction, Nemesis Prime stole the [[Artifacts of the Primes]] in order to become more powerful. However during his escape from Cybertron with the artifacts his ship was shot down by the planet's defenses, causing the artifacts to be scattered across space. Damaged from the failed heist, Nemesis went into hiding in order to repair himself. His actions lead to the Autobots and Decepticons competing in race like battles known as the Galactic Trials in order to locate the artifacts. Eventually the Autobots were successfully able to retrieve all of them before Nemesis Prime could finish repairing himself. Though victorious, the threat of Nemesis's return was far from over. {{storylink|Transformers: Galactic Trials}}

==Toys==
===''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)===
[[File:RID-toy ScourgeSpyChanger.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|"I'm gonna put some dirt in your eye."]]
*'''X-Brawn / Scourge''' (Basic, 2002)
{{note|The [[Spychanger]] version of [[Scourge (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Scourge]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Nemesis Prime in [[Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric|Renegade Rhetoric]].}}

: Released in the fourth wave of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' Basic figures, Scourge is a simplified [[Spychanger]]-styled version of his larger toy. Aside from being the only all-new tooling toy of the character, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly. He was only available in a 2-pack with a similarly-styled version of [[X-Brawn#Spychanger|X-Brawn]].

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

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

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/ScourgeGobot/scourge.htm More information on Spychanger Scourge at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Alternators''===
[[File:AltNemesisPrime toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|In Australia, I'm a shelfwarmer.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Dodge Ram SRT-10 Nemesis Prime''' (Alternator, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''24'''
:*''Accessories'': Engine/blaster
{{toydesigner|[[Steve Bono]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Nemesis Prime is a [[Black redeco|black]] [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]/[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Optimus Prime]] with red translucent windows and blue paint detail. Like Optimus, he transforms into a Dodge Ram SRT-10 at 1:24 scale, with opening doors, hood, and tailgate, plus an open passenger compartment. His engine transforms into a handgun.

: He was initially sold [[exclusive]]ly at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2006 and for a limited time at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], selling out roughly an hour after its 2pm sales debut. Prior to that, he was released in large quantities at regular retail in various Asian countries, becoming a [[shelfwarmer]] there, ironically.

: Later, he was offered in Australia through online stores. A few weeks later he showed up in massive numbers in the Australian retail store Toyworld for half the price.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/NemesisPrime/nemesisprime.htm More information on Nemesis Prime at TFU.info]''
{{AlternatorsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{-}}

===''Binaltech Asterisk''===
*'''Black Convoy meets Melissa''' (2006?)
**''ID number:'' '''BTA-04'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/blaster

:A planned release of the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Alternators|Optimus Prime]] in Japanese markets, ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk|Binaltech Asterisk]]'' Black Convoy was solicited to retailers in 2005, in a set with [[Marissa Faireborn|Melissa Faireborn]]. However, those solicitations were withdrawn and the toy quietly cancelled by the end of the year, with the mold and Melissa instead being released as ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Kiss Players|Convoy]] × [[Marissa Faireborn#Kiss Players 2|Melissa]] in [[2006]].

:Black Convoy was solicited at the same time as ''Binaltech'' [[Ginrai (human)#Binaltech |BT-17 Ginrai]], which was also cancelled and would have used the same mold.
{{AlternatorsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{canceledtoy}}

===''Binaltech''===
[[File:BTBlackConvoy toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I am the evil clone of an evil clone! How do you beat this?]]
*'''Black Convoy''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''BT-17'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/[[Concussion blaster]]

: Black Convoy is the first ''Binaltech'' release since [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] in early 2006, and was available exclusively in Japan at the winter Wonder Festival in 2007. His plastic colors are different from Nemesis Prime's, with grey plastic replacing the black on his shins, waist, shoulders and forearms. In addition, Nemesis Prime's windows are tinted red, but Black Convoy's windows are completely clear. His paint deco is based upon ''Kiss Players'' Convoy's, arranged in the same patterns but using teal, and he has vacuum-metallized wheels and front grill. The paint deco on his head is meant to evoke that of ''Car Robots'' [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]]. Perhaps the most important differences are that he has die-cast metal parts, and most of his truck body panels are coated in gloss black paint.

: Perhaps due to cost-cutting, this toy was released in the large bubble-on-a-tray packaging also used in the ''Alternators'' line. However, he came with no character or packaging art.

: This figure was later [[repurposing|repurposed]] into a new body for [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] in the ''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' fiction.
::*[[Source:Transformers Binaltech bios#17|Archive of ''Binaltech'' Black Convoy's bio and tech specs]]
{{AlternatorsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:Nemesisprimesdcc08.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Straxus died before he could finish my trailer.]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (Voyager Class, 2008)
**''Series:'' Classic Series
**''Accessories:'' 2 smokestacks/"Stellar Converter Cannon", wind vane/"Disruptor Cannon"
{{toydesigner|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

:Nemesis Prime is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Classics|Optimus Prime]], transforming into a modern cab-over style truck of made up model, dominated by a large aero fairing on his roof. Premiering as a [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2008 [[exclusive]], it later saw wider release via [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] as part of the Classics Series of the 2008 ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toyline. The figure largely follows the same paint application map as the original figure, with some minor omissions as well as new paint applications. As well, it features metallic purple and silver [[tampograph]]s of the Decepticon symbol on its forearm and shoulder, as well as red paint blocking the [[light-piping]] feature in the figure's head.

:In robot mode, his aero fairing transforms into a large "Disruptor Cannon", and his smokestacks transform into a smaller "Stellar Converter Cannon". Additionally, both can combine together to form a back-mounted shoulder weapon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/SDCCNemesisPrime/nemesisprime.htm More information on ''Universe'' Nemesis Prime at tfu.info.]''
{{ClassicsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:Bot Shots S1 BP005 Nemesis Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|For the last time, I am NOT Primal!]]
*'''Nemesis Prime / Megatron / Acid Storm''' (Multi-pack, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''BP005'''
***''Fist strength'': '''855'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''555'''
***''Sword strength'': '''215'''

: A [[redeco]] of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], Nemesis Prime is a teeny little long-nosed semi truck with "trailer", with a spring-loaded automatic transformation to robot mode triggered when his front bumper is pressed. He has a "spinner" in his chest that shows his three attack types and power levels. Despite being a Decepticon, he still has Optimus Prime's [[Autobot]] hood ornament. He was only available in a three-pack with a black version of [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] and [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BSNemesisPrime/nemesisprime.htm More information on Nemesis Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Masterpiece''===
[[File:MP10 Black Convoy Official.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Do you know what "nemesis" means...?]]
*'''Black Convoy''' ([[March 30]], [[2013]] / [[December 28]], [[2017]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10B'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Laser blaster]], Battle axe, [[Dead Matrix#Masterpiece|Dead Matrix]]

: ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-10B Black Convoy is a [[black redeco]] and minor [[retool]] of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10|MP-10 Convoy]], in the typical black/grey/teal color scheme with red windows, and with a tampoed Decepticon [[insignia]] shoulder panel instead of the molded [[Autobot]] one, but lacking the [[Combat Deck (G1)#MP10|trailer]], [[Roller (G1)#Masterpiece|Roller]], and the [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Masterpiece|Spike Witwicky figure]].

:He transforms into a Freightliner FL86, and comes with a hand-held laser blaster which can collapse and store inside a compartment on his back in either mode, as well as a battle axe that slips over Black Convoy's right hand. His chest opens up to reveal the removable Dead Matrix, which is made of [[die-cast]] metal, and can be held by one of Black Convoy's hands.

:When purchased from sellers supplied by Hasbro Asia, Black Convoy came with a [[collector coin]], in a unique black metallic finish. The coin is mounted on a card resembling a dark-tinted Matrix which slides open laterally, like the Matrix itself, to reveal the coin inside.

:TakaraTomy reissued this figure in December 2017.
{{MP10Mold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MP49}}
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MP-49-Black-Convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"If you want the shots, I'll take the staff job. Double the money."]]
*'''Black Convoy''' ([[July 25]], [[2020]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-49'''
**''Hasbro release name:'' '''Black Convoy (Nemesis Prime)'''
**''Accessories:'' Alternate head, [[Laser rifle]], [[Fire Blast effect|Beam effect part]], Dead Matrix, Energy axe
: MP-49 Black Convoy is a black redeco and slight retool of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP44|MP-44 Convoy]], cast in the typical black/grey/teal color scheme with red windows, plus some more toy-based paint apps absent on Convoy. He omits many of the original figure's accessories (as well as the soundbox gimmick), keeping only the alternate character model head, Dead Matrix and Laser Rifle alongside the Energy Axe and blast effects (which are now molded in clear teal plastic). The knee joints are different compared to the original release, modified in order to move smoothly, preventing the original knee breaking issue. Since this release has no voice chip, there’s a new piece with no holes in the backpack and the sound button parts have also been removed. This Black Convoy is the first ''Masterpiece'' figure of the character with its own ID number rather than that of the mold's original release with "B" appended.
{{MP44Mold}}
{{--}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-Toy NemesisPrimeKreon.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Imagine being able to turn into this]].]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2013)
**''Collection'': '''Collection 3'''
**''Bag number'': '''***** 52'''
**''Accessories'': Stand brick, Optimus rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:As part of the third wave of [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] [[Micro-Changer]]s, Nemesis Prime is a Kreon that can be rebuilt into a cabover-style semi truck. He unsurprisingly reuses all of [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]]'s parts, including his helmet, gun, and smokestacks, but comes with extra parts to turn him into a truck.

: This Micro-Changer assortment was the last one to appear at [[Target]], with later waves showing up only at [[Toys"R"Us]] or drug/discount stores.

: Nemesis can't seem to catch a break in the [[stock photography]] department. His promotional online shots show him with his headpiece turned around inside his helmet, showing only flat gray plastic instead of red eyes. Meanwhile, his truck-mode picture on the front page of his [[instructions]] is lacking the red windscreen [[paint operation]]s. In both photo sets, his helmet is missing all of its silver paint.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Kre-ONemesisPrime/nemesisprime.htm More information on Nemesis Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2015Kreon}}
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (Kreon Micro-Changer, [[2017]])
**''Collection'': '''Collection 3'''
**''Accessories'': Logo plate, Optimus rifle

:In 2017, the Collection 3 Micro-Changers were re-released in a whole new production run, first appearing at [[Walgreens]] stores in the US. These releases use the almost-entirely-[[retool]]ed 2015 Kreon (making most parts incompatible with older Kreons), with slightly-differently-hued plastics than the originals. Nemesis Prime's [[tampograph]]s are slightly altered, changing the flat light gray to metallic silver... and losing all of the silver on his helmet, ''and'' the cab-brick's windows.

:This release has no individual-identification code on the bag, requiring you to use the feel-through-the-bag method or just buy blind and hope.
{{--}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Thrilling-30-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"... a righteous infliction of retribution manifested by an appropriate agent...]]
*'''Nemesis Prime & Spinister''' (Legends Class, [[2014]])
**''Series / Number'': '''02 / 018'''
**''Accessories'': Rotors
:A redeco of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#GenerationsLegends|''Thrilling 30'' Legends Class Optimus Prime]], ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Nemesis Prime is about the size of a ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class toy. He transforms from a generic cab-over truck into a robot based on Optimus Prime's appearance in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]], and features [[5 mm post|5 mm-compatible]] hands and roof. He features teal paint on his hands, feet, knees, forehead, and even his mouthplate.

: He comes with [[Spinister (G1)#Generations|Spinister]], who can transform into a helicopter, a robot with [[C joint|3 mm-compatible]] hands, and a weapon with a 5mm handle.

:Hasbro's original [[Stock photography|stock photo]] for the figure depicting a hand-painted prototype shows Nemesis with Optimus Prime's ion cannon, which the final toy does not include. That weapon is instead included with the [[wave]]-mate [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Suppressor|Cliffjumper]]/[[Suppressor (Generations)|Suppressor]] two-pack. The version of the photo featured on the back of the toy's packaging is massively edited (in addition to being shown as mirrored), with the weapon edited out and the rotor piece moved from Spinister's back to the hand that originally held the weapon. The stock photos also show a Decepticon insignia tampographed on his vehicle mode, which the final product didn't have.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Decepticon/GenNemesisPrime/nemesisprime.htm More information on ''Generations'' Nemesis Prime at TFU.info]''
{{GenerationsLegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

===Black Convoy Pen===
[[File:BlackConvoyPen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Personified in this case by a horrible 'bot...]]
*'''Transformers Black Convoy Pen''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Blaster, cap

: A redeco of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Optimus Prime Pen|Optimus Prime Pen]] produced by [[Sentinel (company)|Sentinel]] as part of the 30th anniversary of ''Transformers'', Black Convoy Pen is a well-articulated little robot that folds into the shape of a rather chunky, but functional ballpoint pen. The tip of the pen is formed from his blaster, with the barrel acting as a cap.

: This mold was also used to make [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Ultra Magnus Pen|Ultra Magnus Pen]].
{{--}}

===''Bearbrick''===
[[File:Bearbrick NemesisPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"...me."]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (June [[2015]])

:A redeco of the [[Bearbrick]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Optimus Prime]] figure, Nemesis Prime transforms into a cuddly Bearbrick bear and back. He has no accessories, but holes in his robot mode hands can accommodate other toys' weapons. This figure is an exclusive release shared by the online retailer [http://www.hmv.co.jp/ hmv.co.jp] and Lawson convenience stores in Japan.

: This mold was also used to make Bearbrick ''Age of Extinction'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Bearbrick|Optimus Prime]] and retooled into [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Megatron]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Bumblebee]], and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Starscream]].
{{--}}

===''Q-Transformers''===
[[File:QTransformers BlackConvoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"So what if I don't come with an evil Spike-clone guy or a slaghead Roller! You'll still buy me anyway because I have a trailer!"]]
*'''Black Convoy''' ([[November 14]], [[2015]])
**''ID number:'' '''QT-33'''

:A redeco of ''[[Q-Transformers]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|Convoy]], Black Convoy transforms from a [[super deformed]] truck with integrated trailer to a cute little robot. On the package card, his English name is given as "Black Optimus Prime," but with a Decepticon logo, similar to ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#UnitedBlack|Black Optimus Prime]].

:This mold was retooled into ''Q-Transformers'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|Ultra Magnus]].

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

===''Alt-Modes''===
[[File:Alt-Modes NemesisPrime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|*''laughs''* "This is something else."]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (Alt-Modes, [[2016]])
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Collection'': '''1, 2'''

:A redeco and minor (yet still fairly substantial) retool of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Alt-Modes|Optimus Prime]] from the ''[[Alt-Modes]]'' portion of ''Generations'', Nemesis Prime is a super deformed toy whose body transforms into a truck when the Decepticon faction symbol on his head is flipped. He was [[Blindpacking|blind-boxed]] and available in two of the cases from the first collection.

:This mold was retooled into [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Alt-Modes|Ultra Magnus]].
{{--}}

===''Power of the Primes''===
[[File:POTP-Leader-Evolved-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.5|''Dashing through the snow'' ''In a one-box open sleigh'' ''O'er the shelves we go'' ''Not selling all the way!'']]
*'''Evolution Nemesis Prime''' (Leader Class, [[2018]])
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''PP-42'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': '''[[December 29]], 2018'''
**''Accesories'': trailer/evolution armor, ion-blaster (formed by two blasters), [[Dark Matrix of Leadership#Toys|Dark Matrix of Leadership]] frame, Matrix core, two forearm blasters, [[Dark Saber#Toys|Dark Saber]], [[Giza (POTP)#Toys|Decepticon Giza]]
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro)<ref>[[October 29]], [[2025]] "[https://tfwikicommunity.wordpress.com/2025/10/29/a-stampede-of-hooves-and-tires-my-saturday-with-the-hasbro-team-mcm-comic-con-25/ A Stampede of Hooves & Tires: My Saturday with the Hasbro Team @ MCM Comic Con ’25]" interview with [[Evan Brooks]] and [[Emily Bader]] (and [[Lenny Panzica]] and [[Joe Kyde]]) at the TFWiki Community blog</ref>, [[Ken Christiansen]] (concept artist)}}

:''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' "Evolution Nemesis Prime" is an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]-exclusive retool of ''Power of the Primes'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Power of the Primes|Optimus Prime]] with two new heads—the evolution one based on ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Toxitron (Universe)#Generations|Toxitron]]'s (originally intended to be a "Nemesis Prime")—as well as new weapons. He transforms from a truck with a trailer into a robot and back. The individual truck transforms into '''Nemesis Pax''' and is able to form the core of Nemesis Prime's robot mode, while the trailer forms Nemesis Prime's entire body. His [[ion blaster]] can be split into two weapons, or plug into Nemesis Pax's hand as shown in stock photography to serve as a shoulder-mounted cannon. He includes the Dark Matrix of Leadership, which can store in his chest in the 'Evolved' form. The center of his Matrix can be replaced with any [[Prime Master]].

:He includes a pair of blasters that can be mounted on his forearms ([[Homage|homaging]] ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)#Toys|Nemesis Prime]]) or on his trailer (in the fashion of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#PMOP|Powermaster Optimus Prime]]) by flipping out a panel on each side of the trailer. He also comes with the Dark Saber and Giza, a robotic bird who transforms into a sword (in reference to the [[Giza (Prime)|Arms Micron partner]] of [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|''Prime'' Nemesis Prime]]).

:Unlike other ''Power of the Primes'' figures, Nemesis Prime does not include a collector card featuring a [[Prime Master/Combinations|Prime Master power description]].

:Like his moldmate Optimus, Nemesis Prime is prone to having a small number of [[quality control]] issues. Depending on the individual copy, Nemesis Prime may have two left/right arms and/or legs/feet on the evolution armor, an unpainted face in Nemesis Pax mode, a missing Nemesis Pax head, or missing stickers on the trailer. It is also known for many copies to have weak or floppy ankles in combined robot mode, making standing difficult even on a properly assembled specimen.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as one of the [[Three Musketeers]] in the ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''.
{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-Voyager-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"You remember [[Alpha Trion]]? The bot you murdered in cold blood?" "What does it matter to you anyway?" "'''EVERYTHING!!!'''"]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' ([[March 28]], [[2020]])
**''Accessories:'' Ancient Sword, "W-M3 RF Ion Blaster"

:''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Nemesis Prime is (inevitably) a [[black redeco]] of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Voyager Class Optimus Prime mold]], transforming from robot to short-smokestacked Cybertronian armored truck and back. He also comes with the [[ion blaster]] (the only weapon for this release) compatible with the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]], and the "Ancient Sword", redecoed from the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Alpha Trion/toys#Titans Return|Alpha Trion]] figure. Unlike most of the ''Siege'' brethren, Nemesis Prime is practically spotless, but retains multiple hardpoints all over himself and his weapons to accommodate "Fire Blasts" from the [[Battle Master]]s assortment, which can be used to simulate blaster fire or explosions.

:In vehicle mode, opening the figure's windows shows the [[Dark Matrix of Leadership|Dark Matrix]] molded into the plastic behind the windows (of course, it was the [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Matrix of Leadership]] on the original Optimus Prime toy). Due to the transformation, the Matrix doesn't end up in the chest in robot mode. Whether through coincidence or design, it's possible to fit a ''Power of the Primes'' Matrix core (and by extension, a [[Prime Master]] or [[Titan Master]]) in his chest.

:The Ancient Sword can also be mounted onto one of the peg holes on Nemesis's back. Depending on the individual copy, the painted socket may or may not cause stress marks.

:Nemesis Prime was released as a TakaraTomy Mall exclusive in Japan. He was also sold online through [[EB Games]] and [[Zing]] in Australia.

:Peculiarly, his packaging labels him as an Autobot and he reuses an unaltered version of Optimus Prime's artwork. In addition, the figure comes with ''Siege'' Optimus Prime's instructions, which predictably, reference the W-50 Dual-Mech Energon Strikeshield included with that figure, and does not mention this figure's Ancient Sword.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as one of the [[Three Musketeers]] in the ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''.
{{WFCSiegeOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy''===
[[File:WFC-Netflix-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''All I Want For Christmas Is For Everyone Who Recorded A Cover Of All I Want For Christmas Is You To Be Kicked In The Robonads For An Hour.'']]
*'''Spoiler Pack''' (Leader Unboxing, 2020)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''WFC-16'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[March 27]], [[2021]]
**''Accessories:'' [[Dark Saber#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Dark Saber]], "W-M3 RF Ion Blaster", two forearm blasters, shield/ramp, artillery robot, trailer/[[Combat Deck (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Combat Deck]], [[Giza (POTP)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Giza]], [[Fangtron#Toys|Fangtron]] [[Battle Master]], [[Fire Blast effect]], 3 [[energon cube#War for Cybertron Trilogy|energon cubes]], [[Play-Doh|compound]]
{{toydesigner|[[AJ Piejko-Brown]] (packaging)}}

:Promoting the ''Earthrise'' chapter of the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon]], this ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' Leader Unboxing set contains a redeco of ''Siege'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Optimus Prime]] as Nemesis Prime. The figure comes with ''Siege'' Optimus's "W-M3 RF Ion Blaster" (but not his "W-50 Dual-Mech Energon Strikeshield") and various rehashed extras, in an attempt to justify the price. These include: a redecoed trailer from ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Optimus Prime]]; the Dark Saber, [[Giza (POTP)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Giza]], and oversized forearm blaster accessories, all from the [[#Power_of_the_Primes|''Power of the Primes'' Evolution Leader Class toy]]; [[Fangtron#Toys|Fangtron]], a [[redeco]] of ''Earthrise'' Battle Master [[Slitherfang#Toys|Slitherfang]], along with their blast effect part; and a [[Play-Doh]]-like compound through which a buyer can dig to reveal energon cubes, rereleased from those included with ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Ultra Magnus's]] Spoiler Pack. Fangtron and the Combat Deck ramp are both compatible with the [[A.I.R. Lock System]], as the former can turn into a ramp or a shield for Nemesis Prime. The toy also features a different deco to the above TakaraTomy Mall exclusive: he is molded in charcoal-colored plastic instead of black, and the vehicle stripes, bumper guns, and wheel rims are silver instead of teal.

:An additional, undocumented but confirmed third "hover truck" mode exists, which is achieved by folding all of his wheels under his vehicle mode. While the back wheels don't lock in anywhere, the two front wheels actually have small tabs that plug into slots on the back of the wheel sections that aren't used for either of his other modes.<ref>[http://www.toyboxsoapbox.com/2018/11/13/transformers-siege-voyager-optimus-prime-review/ "At some convention somewhere one Hasbro rep let slip that Siege Optimus Prime also had a hidden hover truck mode."] on Toybox Soapbox</ref>

:The Hasbro stock photography for the truck mode is also ''laughably'' mistransformed, with the robot mode crotch being plainly visible, an error that requires considerable amount of effort to replicate with the actual toy. In addition, neither the truck windows nor panels that cover the robot mode hands are compressed fully.

:Like the same line's [[Soundwave_(G1)/toys#2020Netflix|Soundwave]] and [[Megatron_(G1)/Generations_toys#War_for_Cybertron_Trilogy|Megatron]], this Nemesis is prone to [[photodegradation]]. Over time, his unpaintable POM joints become yellowed.

:Much like previous Spoiler Pack, this set is in a windowless box designed to look like an ammo crate and features translatable [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]]. The text on the package reads "FANGTRON" and "GIZA", while the 'spoiler' text inside features a Decepticon-themed quote: "YOU MUST STAY TRUE / TO WHOM THE MATRIX HAS / CHOSEN, FOR IF YOU / DON’T, A MUCH / DARKER FUTURE AWAITS" and an Autobot-themed one: "THE DEAD UNIVERSE IS / UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU’VE / EXPERIENCED, PRIME", which are both quotes from [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] in [[Earthrise episode 5]]. The lateral side of the package also features the artwork of Nemesis Prime, edited from the art of ''Earthrise'' Optimus Prime. Compared to the previous Spoiler Pack, the packaging itself has no plastic insert.

:This set is a shared exclusive between online retailers and [[Walmart]] in Canada and the USA. In New Zealand, the set was sold exclusively at Toy World and Mighty Ape. Like the previous Spoiler Pack, the TakaraTomy release is packaged in a standard windowed box.

:Within the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|''War for Cybertron Trilogy'']] animated series, this figure [[repurposing|represents]] an Optimus Prime fallen to darkness, not an evil clone.
{{WFCSiegeOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{WFCEarthriseOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

===''Legacy''===
[[File:TF-Legacy-Core-Class-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Nemesmall Prime.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Nemesis Prime''' (Core Class, 2023)}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-37'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[September 30]], 2023
:*''Accessories'': Energon Axe
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] and [[Evan Brooks]]<ref>[[January 31]], [[2023]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l33J9hIaQm8 Hasbro Pulse Transformers Fanstream] on YouTube, with [[Delaney Norris]], [[Evan Brooks]], [[Mark Maher]] and [[Ben MacCrae]].</ref> (Hasbro), [[Ittoku Kuwazu]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released as part of the fifth wave of the ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy: Evolution]]'' Core Class toys, Nemesis Prime is a [[black redeco]] of ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' Core Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Optimus Prime]]. His transformation shares engineering with the [[#Thrilling 30|''Thrilling 30'' Legends figure]], but with sculpted detailing directly based on the ''Earthrise'' Optimus Prime mold, down to details like the ''vestigial knee flaps'' from the ''Siege'' mold. Rather than the Ion Blaster, Nemesis Prime comes with an Energon Axe (previously depicted on Prime's instructions) that can mount onto one of his forearms if his hands are folded away.

: Oddly enough, Nemesis Prime's package art features a trailer, which the toy does not include. This is because the art is recolored from ''Kingdom'' WFC-K11 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#K11|Optimus Prime]]'s packaging. He's also towing said trailer backward.

: As a redeco of the Core Class mold, Nemesis Prime can hitch the trailer (with the trailer hitch/shield panel on) from the Hasbro Pulse exclusive Optimus Prime & Bumblebee 2-pack.
{{--}}

===''Swapticons''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Clench / Nemesis Prime''' (Two-pack, [[2025]])}}</ul>
:*''Swapticons number'': '''1'''
:''[[Swapticons]]'' Nemesis Prime is a recolor of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Swapticons|Optimus Prime]] and transforms into the front half of a truck. Using a coupling mechanism with the head, he can be combined with the packed in [[Clench (G1)#Swapticons|Clench]], though it's compatible with every other figure in the line for a multitude of combinations. His smokestacks/arms are on a pivot, allowing them to be raised and lowered while his head can swivel. His face is a sticker that wraps all the way around his head.
{{-}}

===''Hot Wheels''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1| '''Nemesis Prime''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[September 16]], 2025
:*''Accessories'': Ion blaster, left & right fists
{{toydesigner|Manson Cheung, Dwayne Vance and Matt Gabe (Mattel)}}

:The second ''Transformers'' release produced under the "Mattel Creations" line, Nemesis Prime is a redeco of the previous [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Hot Wheels|Optimus Prime]] figure and retains all of the functionality of that toy. Nemesis is priced slightly lower, attributed to the use of standard paint as opposed to the glossy "Spectraflame" paint used on Optimus.

:The order page for the figure went live on September 16, 2025, and it sold out in less than 20 minutes.

{{-}}

===''Missing Link''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Nemesis Prime''' ([[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''ID Number'': '''C-01N'''
:*Accessories: "[[Fusion Cannon]]" rifle, [[Executioner Axe]], "[[Heart of Cybertron]]" matrix, "[[Trailer|Wheelhouse]]" trailer/"[[Proton Scourger]]" anti-aircraft gun, [[Giza (POTP)#Missing Link|Giza]], 4 Missiles, Fuel Pump, Nozzle and Hose

:''[[Missing Link]]'' Nemesis Prime is the, as always, expected redeco of ''Missing Link'' C-01 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Missing Link|Convoy]] in the character's usual black and teal colour scheme. As the mold is a direct recreation of the original ''The Transformers'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Toys|Optimus Prime]] toy but with the benefit of forty years of advances in toy engineering, it retains almost all of the original toy's [[gimmick]]s and comes with the same accessories as the previous versions of the toy. What differs greatly is the naming of these accessories, notably his version of [[Roller_(G1)#Missing_Link|Roller]] is now a version of [[Giza (POTP)|Giza]] and his Matrix is described as a version of the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. Also his bio notes that he is apparently not a clone of Optimus, but rather a rebuilt version of the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''.

{{toystub}}
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
===''Titanium Series''===
[[File:Titanium Series Nemesis Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.11]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (3" Robot Masters)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand

:Had it been released, this toy would have been a redeco of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Titanium Series|''War Within'' Optimus Prime]]. His unpublished bio described a character much like the ''Universe'' version mentioned above, but without reference to Straxus or any type of origin story. As a redeco of a ''War Within'' toy, this Nemesis would presumably—but not necessarily—have been part of the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|comics continuity]].

:When on display at [[BotCon 2006]], Nemesis was stood on a Decepticon display stand, but his stock photo in the late-wave ''Titanium Series'' [[Pack-in material|pack-in leaflet]] made use of an Autobot stand. Weird.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===''The Loyal Subjects''===
[[File:Loyalsubjects-nemesisprime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"You killed Santa"! "No, ''I'' am Santa"!]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (8" Figure, 2013)
: A [[redeco]] of the 8" [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Loyal Subjects|Optimus Prime]] vinyl figure, Nemesis Prime features shoulder and neck articulation and comes with a large gun. The figure was limited to a series of 500.

: This mold was also used for the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#The Loyal Subjects|8" Optimus Prime, "Dead Prime", and DIY Optimus Prime]] figures.

::*''[https://www.theloyalsubjects.com/blog/nemsis-prime Nemesis Prime figure announcement (with bio) from the ''Loyal Subjects'' blog]''
::*[https://www.theloyalsubjects.com/store/nemesis-prime Nemesis Prime's other bio from the Loyal Subjects' web-store.]
{{--}}

===''D-Style''===
[[File:D-Style-NemesisPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Next time, I'll see if [[Deep Cover]] has a jet pack I can borrow, instead.]]
*'''Black Convoy''' (2015)
**''ID number:'' 46
**''Accessories:'' Two fists, two pointing hands, laser blaster, battle axe, Dead Matrix, "Trailer" vehicle mode, jet pack

:''[[D-Style]]'' Black Convoy is a redeco of ''D-Style'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#D-Style|Convoy]], a super deformed model kit produced by [[Kotobukiya]]. He comes with redecoes of Convoy's accessories—assorted hands, a blaster, an axe, a [[Dead Matrix]] that stores in his chest, a tiny representation of his truck mode which can carry his blaster—plus a new one: [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]'s jet pack, which can be plugged into Convoy's back to replicate his use of it in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]". Moving Black Convoy's antennae causes his mouthplate to move up and down.
{{--}}

===Mecha Nations===
[[File:Mn002-blackconvoy.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Black Convoy''' (2014)
**''ID Number:'' '''MN02'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Energon Axe, Removable Armor, Megatron gun, alternate hands.

:Created by [[Kids Logic]], this [[super deformed]] G1 Black Convoy is, naturally, a redeco of their [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Mecha Nations|previous Optimus Prime figure]] in traditional Black Convoy/Nemesis Prime colors.

:He stands 6" tall and is articulated, featuring a metallic color scheme, removable armor and replacement hands. He also features LED light up eyes, lights, weapons and [[Dead Matrix]].

:This figure was also redecoed into Mecha Nations [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Mecha Nations|Ultra Magnus]].
{{--}}

===Bitfig===
[[File:Bitfig-Black-Convoy.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Black Convoy''' (06-2017)
:Part of the second wave of Transformers Bitfig capsule toys by [[TakaraTomy A.R.T.S.]], Black Convoy is a redeco of Convoy whose design is inspired by his appearance in the G1 cartoon. Black Convoy is articulated at the neck and shoulders. Bitfig toys were packaged in capsules color coded to the toy they contained.
{{--}}

===Prime 1 Studio===
====''Premium Masterline''====
[[File:Prime 1 Studio Premium Masterline Nemesis Prime.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (2017)
**''ID Number'': '''PMTF-03'''
**''Accessories'': Base, Fusion axe

:[[Prime 1 Studio]] ''Premium Masterline'' Nemesis Prime is a black redeco of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Prime 1 Studio|Optimus Prime]] statue from the same series. He comes with a Fusion axe that can replace his Ion Blaster-holding hand and features LED lights on his eyes.

:This release was limited to 250 pieces. The statue was also redecoed as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Prime 1 Studio|Ultra Magnus]].
{{-}}

====''Cutie1''====
*'''Nemesis Prime & TR Silver Megatron Set''' (2-pack, 2023)
**''Accessories'': Stand

:A striking departure from previous Prime 1 Studio offerings, ''Cutie1'' Nemesis Prime is a lovable yet scary looking soft vinyl figure stylized as a button-eyed doll with chibi proportions. Unsurprisingly, he's a redeco of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Cutie1|Optimus Prime]] and comes in a set with [[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#Cutie1Set|TR Silver Megatron]].

{{--}}

===''Transformers Trading Card Game''===
[[File:W1NemesisPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Nemesis Prime, Dark Clone''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''SRT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T28/T40'''
**''Stars: ''12
:'''Nemesis Prime, Dark Clone''' 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.

{{-}}
[[File:EENemesisPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9]]
*'''Nemesis Prime, Dark Clone''' (2019)
**'''Wave 1: Energon Edition'''
**''Rarity: '''''SRT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T04/T06'''
**''Stars: ''12
:Released as part of the TCG's Wave 1: Energon Edition, this card is a reprint of Wave 1's '''Nemesis Prime, Dark Clone'''. Printed on semi-transparent plastic instead of a normal Character Card, this version features new art based on the ''[[Power of the Primes (toyline)|Power of the Primes]]'' Nemesis Prime toy by [[Ken Christiansen]].
{{--}}

===Flame Toys===
[[File:Flame-Toys-Model-Kit-Nemesis-Prime-Attack-Mode.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Nemesis Prime (Attack Mode)''' ([[October 4]], 2018)
**''Accessories:'' Ion cannon, axe, 4 hands

:Debuted as an exclusive item for [[New York Comic Con|NYCC]] 2018, "Nemesis Prime (Attack Mode)" is an articulated, non-transforming, Voyager Class-sized {{w|Gunpla}}-style model kit redecoed from the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Furai Model|Optimus Prime (Attack Mode) model kit]] mold. Using parts made of hard ABS plastic and some polycaps, Optimus Prime (Attack Mode) is an original design created by Flame Toys in collaboration with [[Akira Amemiya]] of [[Studio Trigger]].

:For straight-assembly builders, Nemesis Prime features a sheet of foil stickers for detail (notably the shoulder insignias), though 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.

{{-}}{{anchor|Furai08}}
[[File:Flame-Toys-Model-Kit-Nemesis-Prime-IDW.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Nemesis Prime (IDW ver.)''' ([[July 18]], 2019)
**''Number:'' '''08'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion cannon, 4 hands

:Debuted at [[San Diego Comic-Con|SDCC]] 2019, and then sold as a Barnes & Noble exclusive, the second Nemesis Prime model kit is a redeco of the second [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Furai03|Optimus Prime]] model kit, patterned on [[Don Figueroa]]'s [[:File:Ongoing Issue 1-Optimus Surrenders.jpg|2009 comic design]] for Optimus in [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]]. As with the Attack Mode kit, the finished IDW-style kit is Voyager-sized.

{{-}}{{anchor|FuraiG1mode}}
*'''Nemesis Prime G1mode''' ([[July]], 2021)
**''Number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion cannon, 10 hands, axe
The third Nemesis Prime model kit is a redeco of the third [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Furai12|Optimus Prime]] model kit, based on his appearance in the G1 cartoon.

{{--}}

===''Mighty Muggs''===
[[File:MightyMuggs 2018 Nemesis.jpg|thumb|upright=1.44]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' ([[2019]])
**''ID number:'' '''05'''

:Nemesis was released in the second wave of the 2018 [[Mighty Muggs]] relaunch, redecoed from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#2018mightymugg|Optimus Prime]]. As with his heroic counterpart, his helmet can be bopped to alter his mood. He features three different faces: [[Mouthplate|classic]], distressingly happy, and moderately smug. For some reason, his eyes are blue, rather than their usual red.
{{--}}

===''Pop!''===
[[File:Funko Pop Nemesis Prime G1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.44]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (2021)
**''ID number:'' '''36'''

:A redeco of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Pop!|Optimus Prime]] released as part of the ''Pop! Retro Toys'' segment and exclusive to Funko Shop, [[Funko Pop!|Funko]]'s ''Pop!'' Nemesis Prime is a super deformed vinyl figure based on Optimus's original Generation 1 toy.

{{-}}{{anchor|Digital Pop!}}
*'''Nemesis Prime''' ([[Funko Pop!#Digital Pop! NFTs|Digital ''Pop!'']], 2022)
**''Rarity:''
***''Monochrome:'' '''Common'''
***''Static:'' '''Common'''
***''Glowing:'' '''Uncommon'''
***''Chrome:'' '''Uncommon'''
***''Original:'' '''Rare'''
:{{W|Non-fungible token|NFT}}s depicting Nemesis Prime in the Funko style.
<center><gallery heights=200>
File:TRANSFORMERS_COMMON_NEMESIS-PRIME_MONOCHROME.gif
File:TRANSFORMERS_COMMON_NEMESIS-PRIME_STATIC.gif
File:TRANSFORMERS_UNCOMMON_NEMESIS-PRIME_GLOW.gif|If it weren't for the overlay you'd think this was Optimus.
File:TRANSFORMERS_UNCOMMON_NEMESIS-PRIME_PURPLECHROME.gif
File:TRANSFORMERS_RARE_NEMESIS-PRIME_ORIGINAL.gif
</gallery></center>

{{-}}{{anchor|Pop! Pin}}
[[File:Funko-Pop-Pin-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.44]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (''Pop!'' Pin, 2022)
**''ID number:'' '''18'''
**''Accessories:'' Display stand
:A metallic enamel pin based on Nemesis Prime's vinyl figure measuring 4-inches tall, approximately the same as a regular vinyl.

:Nemesis was released as a limited edition chase variant of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Pop! Pin|Optimus Prime]] pin.
{{--}}

===Threezero===
====DLX====
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (2021)
**''Accessories:'' TBA
{{charstubtoys}}
{{--}}

====MDLX====
[[File:Threezero-MDLX-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (2022)
**''Known designers:'' Kelvin Sau
**''Accessories:'' one ion blaster, one energon axe, Dark Matrix, five pairs of hands (relaxed, closed, rifle- axe- and Matrix-holding)
:A redeco of [[Threezero]]'s [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#MDLX|MDLX Optimus Prime]], Nemesis Prime is an original design taking inspiration from the original cartoon but with the aesthetics in the vein of the live-action movies. Nemesis Prime is a smaller scaled non-transforming action figure in the vein of contemporary collector-oriented lines like Figma and S.H. Figuarts. Like those lines, the figure is extremely well-articulated and detailed, features interchangeable hands and accessories, namely his ion blaster, energon axe and Dark Matrix. He comes with a suite of hands in pairs: closed fists, splayed-out relaxed hands, and three different pairs meant to specifically hold each one of the aforementioned accessories. His window chest is magnetically attached and as such can be removed to store the Matrix when not in use. His instructions erroneously call the Dark Matrix the [[Creation Matrix]] in one of its two callouts.

:Like [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Threezero|Cliffjumper]] before him, Nemesis was released in the United States as a ''PX Previews'' exclusive.

:He was also redecoed into [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Threezero|Ultra Magnus]]. Nemesis is also compatible with [[Starscream (G1)/merchandise#MDLX|Starscream]]'s wing assembly and head sculpt, which can be plugged into his back and swapped with, respectively.

::*''[https://www.threezerohk.com/product/transformers-mdlx-nemesis-prime/ More information on MDLX Nemesis Prime at Threezero]

===Nendoroid===
[[File:Nendoroid G1 Nemesis Prime.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Baby. Baby boy. Evil.]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' ([[2022]])
**''Nendoroid ID Number'': '''1814'''
**''Accessories'': Ion blaster, Energon-axe, pointing hand

:[[Nendoroid]] Nemesis Prime is a [[super deformed]], non-converting figure redecoed from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Nendoroid|Optimus Prime]].

:As with most Nendoroids, Nemesis Prime can interchange body parts with compatible figures, and comes with an alternative "pointing hand" accessory to aid with specific posing. The figure is packed with an Ion blaster and an Energon-axe, the latter of which replaces Nemesis's hand when wielded. He also features articulation at the head, knees, shoulders, elbows, and even his chest.

:This sculpt was produced by Toyhouse with Nendoron's supervision.
{{--}}

===Icon Heroes===
*'''Nemesis Prime X Soundblaster Retro Pin Set''' (2022)
: A hard enamel pin based on Optimus Prime's original G1 package art but in Nemesis Prime colors made by Icon Heroes. It comes carded with a [[Soundwave (G1)/merchandise#Icon Heroes|Soundblaster]] pin.

: This pin was also available in traditional [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Icon Heroes|Optimus Prime]] colors.
{{--}}

===Jada Toys===
[[File:JadaMetalsDieCastG1NemesisPrime1-24.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb|It's really just a matter of time until all other Jada Optimuses are also redecoed anyway.]]
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (Scale 1/24 Die Cast Vehicle, 2022)
:Released by [[Jada Toys]], this 1/24 scaled non-transforming die-cast truck with rubber tires is a redeco of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Jada Toys|Optimus Prime]] and features opening doors to reveal a highly detailed interior. The truck also features a sculpted robot mode underneath its chassis.

:The artwork for Nemesis's robot mode depicts him being a recolor of ''Prime Wars Trilogy'''s Optimus.

{{-}}{{anchor|Nano Metalfigs}}
[[File:JadaNanoMetalfigsSeries2G1BW-18pack.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb]]
*'''Transformers Series 2 18-pack''' (4cm Die Cast Figure Multipack, 2022)
:''Nano Metalfigs'' Series 2 Nemesis Prime is a redeco of Series 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Nano Metalfigs|Optimus Prime]], an incredibly small die-cast figurine molded doing an action pose. He has a little base attached to his feet for balancing reasons.

:He comes in an impressive multipack with [[Jada Toys#Nano Metalfigs|seventeen other figurines]]. This mold was later redecoed as a golden [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#NanoMetalfigs3|Optimus Prime]] in the Series 3 18-pack.
{{--}}

===XM Studios===
*'''Nemesis Prime''' (2022)

:This hand-painted porcelain statue is, interestingly, ''not'' a redeco of [[XM Studios]]' earlier such statue of Optimus Prime, but rather is an entirely new sculpt. Nemesis Prime has [[Light-emitting diode|light-up eyes]] and alternate arms to allow for different poses or the use of his rifle and energon axe. The set also includes a sculpted version of Nemesis's truck mode to be displayed alongside the robot.

:Standing 27" tall, 399 were produced, with a suggested retail of about $1,600 US.
{{--}}

===Kotobukiya Bishoujo Series===
[[File:Bishoujo Nemesis Prime.jpg|thumb|Live fast, die young Bad girls do it well]]
*'''Bishoujo Series Transformers Black Convoy/Nemesis Prime''' (July 2023)
**''Accessories'': Alternate masked face
**''Known designers:'' [[Shunya Yamashita]] (artist)

:''[[Kotobukiya]] [[Bishoujo Series]]'' Black Convoy/Nemesis Prime is a redeco and slight retool of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Kotobukiya Bishoujo Series|Optimus Prime]] from the same line of PVC figures. In addition to being recolored in the usual Nemesis black and teal, she has been given a new face sculpt, and the Optimus figure's trailer briefcase has been swapped out for a bright red energy sword.

:Like Optimus, ''Bishoujo Series'' Nemesis Prime also comes with an alternate [[Mouthplate|masked]] head piece, and is attached to a purple display base designed after the Decepticon insignia.

:The figure was a limited release, only available via Kotobukiya's website and at specific events, such as the 2023 Anime Expo convention.
{{-}}

===Yolopark===
====AMK Pro====
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Nemesis Prime''' (2024)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Stand, [[Ion blaster]], [[Energon-axe]], [[Matrix of Leadership]], Megatron gun mode.

:Released as part of Yolopark's AMK Pro line, this "Limited Edition" Nemesis Prime is a [[black redeco]] of the Optimus Prime kit, coming in pre-assembled modules as opposed to traditional model kit runners. This allows him to be assembled quickly and easily without tools. Unlike Yolopark's regular AMK line, the AMK Pro line features diecast parts as well as light-up features. In Prime's case, his eyes will light up when tapping his head with a magnet. The feature requires one CR927 battery which is not included.

:The fully assembled figure bears a striking resemblance to the ''Masterpiece'' Black Convoy 3.0 and features an opening Matrix chamber and fully articulated hands, eliminating the need for alternate hands. Both the ion blaster and Megatron gun can tab into his hands, though removing the stalk from the Megatron gun makes this much easier.

{{-}}

====AMK Mini Series====
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Nemesis Prime''' (2024)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 additional pairs of hands (Splayed, Pointing), [[Ion blaster]]

:First released for the ''AMK Mini Series'' blind box, this Nemesis Prime is a smaller version of the character, being a redeco of Optimus. Like the original mold, Nemesis features swappable hand parts and his usual Ion Blaster.

: As a blind-boxed figure, the line-up had a 1/60 probability of obtaining Nemesis Prime, which was 30 times more than Skywarp. However, Nemesis Prime has also been released individually in a single box, with initial sightings in the Filipino market in July 2025.

{{-}}

===Blokees===
====Galaxy Version====
[[File:Blokees-TF-Galaxy-Version-04-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Nemesis Prime''' (2024)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Galaxy Version 04 - Fractured Space-Time'''
:*''Accessories:'' Spare balljoint piece, figure stand, 2 open hands, 2 forearm blasters, Dark Saber, holdable Autobot/Decepticon insignias

:Released in the fourth wave of the ''Galaxy Version'' line of blind boxes, ''[[Blokees]]'' Nemesis is a roughly 4-inch-tall, highly-articulated, and non-transforming snap-on model kit of the Decepticon clone, redecoed from parts of the first wave's Optimus Prime. He is built on a "Standard Body" skeleton shared with other Blokees figures in the line, but with different body pieces to make them distinct. As advertised in the box, Nemesis has a pull rate of 1 in every 9 boxes, or three times across four cases. Despite what the instructions depict regarding the retooled secure joint, Nemesis still utilizes the circular hinge connection for his head and faceplate construction.

:As a redeco of the ''Galaxy Version'' Optimus Prime kit, Nemesis retains the peg holes for the jetpack from the ''Shining Version'' Sideswipe kit.

:In addition to the 2 pairs of closed and open hands, Nemesis also comes with a new set of weapons replacing the original mold's Ion Blaster and Energon Axe, namely the twin forearm blasters and the [[Dark Saber]] modeled after his accessories from the [[Nemesis_Prime_(G1)#Power_of_the_Primes|''Power of the Primes'']] toy.
{{-}}
====Blokees Wheels====
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Nemesis Prime''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Blokees Figure Club exclusive'''
:The award for collecting 12 different Blokees Wheels C-01 figures and scanning the QR Code to unlock their profile in Blokees Figure Club on WeChat and later the global Blokees App, this Nemesis Prime model kit is a redeco of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Blokees Wheels|Optimus Prime]] based on his Earth truck mode designed by [[Don Figueroa]] for [[IDW Publishing]]'s 2009-2011 ''[[The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers]]'' series in Nemesis Prime's iconic evergreen paint scheme. While everything else is molded in ABS plastic, the cab section is made out of "2.5x density" Solidex to evoke the feeling of die-cast cars like [[Hot Wheels]]. He uses the same universal Chassis Connector as the rest of the lineup, and his front section can be opened to allow the chase kits' driver figures to sit inside; the seats can also accommodate the [[Matrix of Leadership]] included with his wavemate [[Scamper#Blokees Wheels|Scamper]]. The truck bed has a standard-size port which serves as a trailer hitch, used by the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Blokees Wheels|''CT 01'']] individual-release version of this kit which includes the trailer.
{{-}}

===Auldey===
[[File:Auldey-TF-AAE-Nemesis.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Nemesis''' (Alpha Action Elite, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Attack on Earth'''
:*''ID Number'': '''AAE-012'''
:*''Accessories:'' 4 pairs of hands, Sword, pauldrons (left and right), cape, trading card
{{toydesigner|[[Lam Ahtek]]}}

:Sold as part of [[Auldey]]'s "Alpha Action Elite (AAE)" series of blindboxes, this Nemesis Prime is a 5-inch non-transforming but highly articulated action figure, redecoed from the [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/merchandise#Auldey|first ''AAE'' Optimus Prime mold]]. Aside from his additional pairs of hands. Nemesis also comes with a sword instead of an Ion Blaster, and a black redeco of ''AAE-S'' Starscream's coronation cape and shoulder pauldrons. Nemesis also features a removable chest window piece, which reveals an empty cavity for a Matrix of Leadership-shaped accessory from this line. Unlike the original mold, Nemesis uses the improved neck joint used for the ''AAE Select'''s release of Optimus.

:As advertised in the box, the lineup had a 12/72 probability of getting Nemesis.
{{--}}

==Notes==
*[[Forest Lee|The author of Nemesis Prime's ''Alternators'' bio]] has said that the "extra-spatial source" that Arkeville tapped into was actually a pocket dimension that served as [[Unicron]]'s power battery—and that Unicron gave Arkeville exactly what he wanted, in the form of a [[spark]] fragment from Unicron's [[Nemesis Prime (Universe)|own attempt at cloning an Optimus Prime]].{{fact}}
*Nemesis Prime's ''Universe'' bio seems directly inspired by the Marvel UK "[[Two Megatrons!]]" storyline, which revealed that Straxus had rebuilt a "[[Archforce|hapless trooper]]" into a Megatron clone, complete with copied brain patterns. Unlike Nemesis Prime, however, this clone became a repository for Straxus's consciousness after Straxus's botched attempt to invade the original Megatron's mind.
*According to [[Hasbro]] copy writer [[Forest Lee]], the reference to Straxus was included in Comic-Con 2008 Nemesis Prime's bio entirely to make [[David Willis]] happy.
*Stellar Converter Cannons are also weapons found on the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Primus]] toy.
*The Loyal Subjects figure had 2 bios: a short version copied verbatim from the ''Armada'' [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] article and a longer original write-up that includes a bizarre Christmas-themed rampage.
*The ''Masterpiece'' Black Convoy toy is used to represent a Decepticon truck transporting [[Megatron (G1)|GT-R Megatron]] to a race in the [[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (story page)|''Transformers GT'' story pages]], though there is no indication it's actually him.
*[[Fun Publications]] scrapped preliminary plans to do a ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Nemesis Prime toy from [[Motormaster (G1)#Combiner Wars|Motormaster]] because TakaraTomy effectively did so with [[Grand Scourge#Toys|''Unite Warriors'' Grand Scourge]] from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Combiner Wars|Optimus Prime]]. Thus the Club release of Motormaster's alternate "pretooled" head went to [[Toxitron (Universe)#Combiner Wars|Toxitron]] instead.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/127659-future-of-unite-warriors-from-figure-king/page-2#entry3212769 Post by Powered Convoy on The Allspark Forums, 2016/04/22]</ref>
*Meanwhile, Nemesis Prime's design in ''Forged to Fight'' is a straight recoloring of Optimus Prime in parallel with Grand Scourge.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Black Convoy''' (ブラックコンボイ ''Burakku Konboi''), '''Nemesis Prime''' (ネメシスプライム ''Nemeshisu Puraimu''), '''Nemesis Pax''' (''Power of the Primes'', ネメシスパックス ''Nemeshisu Pakkusu'')
*''Cantonese:'' '''Am Hak O Baak Man''' (暗黑柯柏文, "Dark Optimus Prime")
*''Hungarian'' '''Nemezis fővezér'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Ànhēi Qíng Tiān Zhù''' (暗黑擎天柱, "Dark Optimus Prime")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Alternators Decepticons]]
[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Bitfig]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Evil clones]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legacy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Man-made Transformers]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Power of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:SDCC exclusives]]
[[Category:TakaraTomy Mall exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Decepticons]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]

Age of Primes (End of G1 Universe)

2026-02-18T15:31:58Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Other notes */

{{disambig3|Age of Primes}}

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers: End of G1 Universe|The Transformers: End of G1 Universe]]'' Chapter Two
|prev=Dark Amber Leo Prime (Second)
|next=
|seriesissue2=TakaraTomy online comic
|prev2=We're Back!
|next2=
|image=End of G1 Universe 02.jpg
|caption=
|title="Age of Primes"
|japanese=プライムの時代
|romaji=Prime no Jidai
|publisher=[[TakaraTomy]]
|story by=
|art by=
|packaged with=
|date=[[2026]] [[February 17]]
|continuity=[[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|manga=[[Hayato Sakamoto]]
|color=[[Josh Perez]] (1, 12, 13p), [[Tai Koshii]] (2, 3p), [[Lebanon Sugi]] (4, 5,8, 9p) [[Ricken]] (6, 7, 14p) [[Yuki Ohshima]] (7, 8, 9, 10, 11p)
|editor=[[Kouji Nimura]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Lio Convoy returns to Cybertron, only to find it less than welcoming.'''

==Synopsis==
Millennia after the end of [[human]]ity's time on [[Earth]], it is the end of the [[Second Great War]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as [[Lio Convoy]] (in the form of the Legendary Green Lion) and [[Big Convoy]] bring an end to [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], who has taken on [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]]'s form. [[Primus#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Vector Sigma]], in gratitude, grants both Lio and Big the title of "[[Great Convoy]]", but the latter turns down the honor, preferring to roam the galaxy as a loner.

After Cybertron is rebuilt in the wake of Unicron's rampage, Great Lio Convoy announces to a gathering of [[Predacon (BW)|Destrons]] and [[Maximal|Cybertrons]] of the dissolution of the old factions, of the age of [[Convoy]]s, culminating in the foundation of a new unified faction, the Maximals—led by the [[Prime Leader]]s. [[Magmatron]] approves of the reorganization, noting that "[[Prime]]" was a title from before the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] that can apply to Cybertron and Destron alike while "Convoy" is an exclusively Cybertron title. After rechristening himself as "Leo Prime", the former Lio Convoy goes forth as [[Supreme Commander|Senior Commander]] to take on any threat, including the [[Unicron#Aligned continuity family|Unicron]] of [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|another universe]].

In this other universe, [[Go Prime]] confronts the "interloper", explaining that he has split the timeline as part of an experiment to save it from a "crisis". Leo Prime and [[Moon (BW)|L.P.]] are distracted, however, by the fact that the [[quantum gate]] they have used is being used by the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]] of this world to travel to the [[G1 World]]! Returning to his native universe, Leo Prime meets up with [[Delta Magnus]], who handles the Predacon extermination with his [[Primal Vanguard]], and [[Blue Bolts (RID)|Bluebolt]], who has been upgraded into a [[Transformer]] in their own right by [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|God Magnus]]. Leo Prime gets chewed out by the [[Prime Council]] for allowing the Predacons to invade their universe, but [[The Fallen|Megatronus the Fallen Prime]] lays words of gratitude for Leo Prime, who forgave him for [[Train Wars|his invasion of Cybertron from his own universe]] long ago, and grants him amnesty. The Fallen sends Leo Prime on his next mission: to investigate, with the [[Dimensional Patrol]], the [[Legends World]] created by the [[Zamojin (species)|Zamojin]]. There, Megatronus explains, is [[spirit energy|an energy]] they can potentially use to counterbalance [[Angolmois Energy]]. Despite Leo Prime's reassurance that little remains of it, the Fallen is insistent—Angolmois Energy created this universe, and those that possess its power are capable of ending this universe, as happened to the [[Precursor World|previous universe]]. Thus, another energy to replace it for the G1 World is necessary. Leo Prime acquiesces. After Leo leaves, [[Quintus Prime]] and Megatronus set in motion the "[[Anti-Angolmois Energy Act]]" to rid the universe of Angolmois Energy.

In the streets of Cybertron, [[Starscream (BW)|Hellscream]] and [[BB (BW)|Max-B]] fall victim to the act, having their Angolmois Energy drained by the Primal Vanguard and reverted to their prior forms. [[Megastorm|Gigastrom]], [[Dirge (BW)|Dirgegun]], and [[Thrust (BW)|Thrust]] manage to flee. The Primal Vanguard finds the pure-Angolmois Energy Transformer known as [[Lio Junior]], but Quintus Prime keeps him as is to serve as bait for his father...

In the resurrected Legends World, Leo Prime catches wind of his son's capture and bids farewell to [[Lio Convoy#Legends World|his alternate self]] and [[Lio Junior#Legends World|his son]]. Concluding that the Zamojin's [[spirit energy]] will not impede the universe's decay, Leo Prime returns to [[Gaia]] with Bluebolt, where he uses the traces of Angolmois Energy there to retake the form of [[white lion|an old friend]], once again becoming Lio Convoy, the Legendary Green Lion. Throughout the universe, disasters unfold and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] take the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' to a [[black hole (phenomenon)|black hole]] to find alternate sources of energy.

Bluebolt and Lio Convoy return to Cybertron, finding it has been converted to a factory to make another form of energy. Confronting the two, Megatronus explains that, as Vector Sigma is the current self of the Oracle, a being of Angolmois Energy himself, they took the supercomputer prisoner. Lio Convoy accuses the Fallen of fearing the power that once defeated him, but the democratically elected Prime claims that he will never accept the energy of Unicron the destroyer. With the help of Bluebolt, Lio Convoy manages to take down Megatronus's accomplices, but the Fallen Prime reveals his new energy—the [[Allspark]] itself! Putting the energy of their race's lifeforce in a container, Megatronus seeks to move on to the next universe with said energy, bringing over their "finest citizens". His ranting is cut short as Lio Convoy stabs him, killing the villain. Lio Convoy swears to take Angolmois Energy to save the current world, giving up his life to revive the fallen Bluebolt. Distraught at his friend's death, they resolve to take his body to Gaia and use its Angolmois Energy to resurrect the lion.

Later, [[Untite]] sets a course for the Predacon base on [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]], moaning that [[Dark Amber Leo Prime]] has eaten up all of the cargo on his ship. Suddenly, an image of Lio Convoy emanates from Dark Amber's [[Energon Matrix]] and the two selves of the lion finally meet in person. Lio Convoy enjoins Leo Prime to save the universe together, thus proving the righteousness of Angolmois Energy.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|
|h1=[[Maximal]]s/[[Autobot]]s|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Big Convoy]] (2)
*[[Lio Convoy|Lio Convoy/ Great Lio Convoy/ Leo Prime]] (3)
*[[Longrack (BW)|Longrack]] (4)
*[[Break]] (5)
*[[Tonbot]] (6)
*[[Ikard]] (7)
*[[Diver (BW)|Diver]] (8)
*[[Tasmania Kid]] (9)
*[[Sharp Edge]] (13)
*[[Stampy (BW)|Stampy]] (14)
*[[Heinrad (BW)|Heinrad]] (17)
*[[Bump]] (19)
*[[Santon]] (20)
*[[Powerhug (BW)|Powerhug]] (22)
*[[Randy (BW)|Randy]] (25)
*[[Apache]] (26)
*[[Rockbuster]] (27)
*[[Mach Kick]] (28)
*[[Survive]] (29)
*[[NAVI (Yukikaze)|NAVI]] (31)
*[[Colada]] (32)
*[[Scuba]] (34)
*[[Star Upper (BW)|Star Upper]] (35)
*[[Bighorn]] (36)
*[[Tripledacus]] (37)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] (44)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (45)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (46)
*[[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] (47)
*[[Go Prime]] (48)
*[[Delta Magnus]] (49)
*[[Primal Vanguard]] (50)
*[[Blue Bolts (RID)|Bluebolt]] (52)
*[[Lio Junior]] (63)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (78)
*[[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] (80)
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] (81)
*[[Dark Amber Leo Prime]] (83)}}

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]/[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
{{collist|2|*[[Archadis]] (10)
*[[Hydra (BW)|Hydra]] (11)
*[[Megastorm|Gigastorm]] (13)
*[[Scylla]] (16)
*[[Hardhead (BW)|Hardhead]] (18)
*[[Starscream (BW)|Hellscream/Starscream]] (21)
*[[Halfshell]] (23)
*[[Autolauncher]] (24)
*[[Autojetter]] (30)
*[[Autostinger]] (33)
*[[Sling (BW)|Sling]] (38)
*[[Guiledart]] (39)
*[[Dead End (BW)|Dead End]] (40)
*[[DNAVI]] (41)
*[[Magmatron]] (42)
*[[Saberback]] (43)
*[[Thrust (BW)|Thrustor]] (61)
*[[Dirge (BW)|Dirgegun]] (62)
*[[BB (BW)|Max-B/BB]] (64)
*[[Ope]] (67)
*[[Bazooka (BW)|Bazooka]] (68)
*[[Crazybolt (BW)|Crazybolt]] (69)
*[[Lawbhammer]] (70)
*[[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (71)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (72)
*[[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (73)
*[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (74)
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (75)
*[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]] (76)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (77)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (79)
*[[Untite]] (82)}}

|h3=|c4=
*[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] (1)
*[[Artemis]] (12)
*[[Moon (BW)|Moon/L.P.]] (15)
*[[Grimwing (Prime)|Grimwing]] (51)
*[[Lazerback (Prime)|Lazerback]] (52)
*[[Onyx Prime]] (54)
*[[The Fallen|Megatronus the Fallen Prime]] (55)
*[[Solus Prime]] (56)
*[[Prima|Prima Prime]] (57)
*[[Maccadam|Alchemist Prime]] (58)
*[[Amalgamous Prime]] (59)
*[[Quintus Prime]] (60)
*[[Lio Junior#Legends World|Lio Junior]] (65)
*[[Lio Convoy#Legends World|Lio Convoy]] (66)
}}

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*This comic bridges the end of the ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' cartoon with the [[Dark Amber Leo Prime (First)|previous]] [[Dark Amber Leo Prime (Second)|instalment]] of ''[[The Transformers: End of G1 Universe]]'', released four years prior to this one, incorporating the various multiversal adventures Lio Convoy is known to have gone on during that time, as previously established by both the ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Takara Prime toyline|Transformers: Prime]]'' and ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' lines.
*The first three pages retell Unicron's attack on Cybertron at [[The Final Battle (BWN)|the climax]] of ''Beast Wars Neo''.
*Heinrad wearing a cloak might be a callback to his clothing in "[[Controverse]]".
*"Leo Prime" is the Hasbro-market name for Lio Convoy, having been used on most toys of the character released by the company. In 2012, TakaraTomy used this name for their ''Transformers: Prime'' toy of the character, accompanied by a bio which explained that Lio Convoy had switched to using this name in-universe after the events of ''Beast Wars Neo''. Subsequently, in 2023, the bio for MP-48+ Dark Amber Leo Prime explained that he renamed himself because the Convoys had been replaced by the "Prime Leaders," a change we see enacted in this comic. The term "Prime Leader" itself was a previously ''very''-little-used rank that appears to originate in the ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]'' guidebook, derived from a misunderstanding of a line of dialogue from the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Dark Designs]]."
*Leo Prime's brief visit to the world of ''Transformers: Prime'' was established by the bio included with his ''Prime'' toy. This scene is set in the previously-unseen time-gap between ''Prime'' and ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (franchise)|Triple Combination: Transformers Go!]]'', and depicts the arrival of the [[Predacon (Prime)|Predacons]] on Earth, as described in the ''Go!'' backstory. The Autobots present—[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]], and [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]]—are the figures who were available in the first wave of the ''Go!'' toyline.
*Speaking of ''Go!'': famously, TakaraTomy opted not to import the third season of ''Transformers: Prime,'' and instead produced ''Go!'' as their own, original continuation of the story. This comic provides an in-universe explanation for the timeline branch, revealing that it was the work of Go Prime, who used the time-twisting power of his [[Black Legendisc]] to split the timeline in two. Go Prime was introduced by ''Transformers Go!'', then later retconned into—as he explains here—a 'bot from [[Precursor World]] who had hopped dimensions into the ''Prime'' universe in the ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''.
*Bluebolt started out life as the "Blue Bolts," a non-living weapon wielded by [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|God Magnus]] in ''[[Transformers: Car Robots (franchise)|Car Robots]]''. For the new toy of Magnus released through [[HasLab]] in 2025, the weapon was upgraded into a full Transformer with a robot mode, and appears in this form in this comic. By coincidence, around the time this toy being developed, a new character called "Bluebolt" was introduced in the previous chapter of the ''End of G1 Universe'' manga. This character was not originally intended to be related to the ''Car Robots'' weapon, but, riffing on the similar name, manga author Hayato Sakamoto imagined them to be the one and the same, and makes the connection explict in this chapter, showing the character reformatted from one form to the other.
*Megatronus's attempted invasion of Cybertron occurred in the ''[[Train Wars]]'' manga.
*The Fallen states that he and the other Primes were elected to their positions of authority, aligning with how the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command]]" established that Maximal leaders are democratically elected through secret ballot.
*Sakamoto's focus on the dangers of Angolmois Energy continues a plot point from the ''Generations Selects Special Comic''. Characters seen being hunted for the Angolmois in their systems include [[Megastorm|Gigastorm]], the [[Cyborg Beast]]s, and [[Lio Junior]], who were all upgraded or created throug the energy's power, as seen in the [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars II'' cartoon]]. Lio Junior has been upgraded from his original form to a "[[virtual redeco]]" of his dad's original body.
*Leo Prime's trip to the Legends World and his friendship with the Lio Convoy and Lio Junior of that universe (which led to him being upgraded to the new [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] body he had in this scene) was depicted in [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 41|the manga packed with the ''Legends'' Leo Prime toy]]. He said goodbye to them in the [[Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|''Legends'' epilogue]].
*The "old friend" from Gaia that Lio Convoy speaks of is the [[white lion]] who rescued him when he crashed on the planet at the start of the ''Beast Wars II'' cartoon, upon whom his alternate mode was based, as seen in "[[White Lion, Run!]]".
*The 'bots seen as disaster shakes Cybertron are mostly a collection of minor supporting 'bots from the ''Beast Wars Neo'' anime: [[Bazooka (BW)|Bazooka]], [[Crazybolt (BW)|Crazybolt]], [[Randy (BW)|Randy]], [[Hydra (BW)|Hydra]], and Hydra's robot pal [[Ope]]. Also present in [[Seacon (BWII)|Seacon]] leader [[Halfshell]], and his crewmate [[Lawbhammer]], a new addition to the group, introduced in [[God Neptune comic 2|God Neptune's chapter]] of the ''Generations Selects Special Comic.''
*The concluding caption ("Next Time: The Mystery of the Speedia 500!") indicates that the events of ''[[Velocitron Speedia 500 Part 1|Velocitron Speedia 500]]'' take place after this story.

===Transformers references===
*Great Lio Convoy's cloak, with it's large furred ruff, appears to be based on his [[Lio Convoy#Flame Toys|Furai Model kit design]] from Flame Toys.
*Incidentally, Lio Convoy's reorganization of the Cybertron and Destron factions (so named in Japanese) into one unified "Maximal" faction is similar to the 2006 [[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)|IDW ''Beast Wars'' comic continuity]], wherein "[[Cybertron (BW faction)|Cybertron]]" was a (failed) attempt to integrate the Maximals and Predacons into one united front, with the "[[Destron (BW)|Destrons]]" as a reactionary rebellion.
*The red virtual redecos of [[Beachcomber (G1)#Power of the Primes|''Power of the Primes'' Beachcomber]] that make up the [[Primal Vanguard]] grunts are based on [[Powerdrive]], the previous incarnation of the current [[Delta Magnus]].
*The name "Prime Council" (プライム評議会) may be a counterpoint to the "[[Convoy Council]]" (コンボイ評議会) from the ''Beast Wars Neo'' manga, set in a different continuity.
*The Stunticons and ''Nemesis'' are all drawn based on their ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' toys; notably, they appeared together in those designs in the aforementioned ''Velocitron Speedia 500'' comic which ''End of G1 Universe'' looks set to revisit.
*Two moons appear orbiting Cybertron. Given the destruction of [[Moonbase One]] and [[Moonbase Two]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', might these be [[Moonbase 3]] and [[Moon Base Four]], which were pioneered by other continuities?
*The Quantum Gate is based on the [[Quantum Dial]] accessory included with [[Canon/Transformers]] [[Reflector (G1)#Canon/Transformers|Refraktor R5]].
*Megatronus's AllSpark is the accessory included with Canon/Transformers [[Nemesis Prime R5]].

===Other notes===
*The title of this chapter obviously ties in with the ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes]]'' toyline, with the incarnations of the [[Thirteen]] featured in the story being based on their concurrent figures in the line.

==External links==
*[https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tf_nl/nl-01-web-comic Comic at the TakaraTomy ''New Legends'' website]

[[Category:End of G1 Universe issues]]
[[Category:New Legends issues]]

Kranix (G1)

2026-02-16T02:12:29Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Notes */

{{factions|unicron|minicon|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Lithone|the Aligned Transformer|Kranix (ROTDS)}}
:''Kranix is a [[Lithone (species)|Lithone]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:G1KranixColorModel.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]

'''Kranix''' is the last survivor of the consumed planet [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]]. Well-versed in the art of combat, the friar warrior Kranix has an advanced artificial intelligence, possessing a full range of emotion. But unlike his companion [[Arblus]], this emotion does not cripple him with fear. Rather, he's friendly and polite, seeming almost human.

That is, until his present situation, which has carved a fault line in his chivalrous exterior.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Norman Alden]] (English), [[Toshiro Ishii]] (Japanese)|[[Gao Quansheng]] (Chinese), [[Pierre Hatet]] (French), [[Roberto Macedo]] (Brazilian Portuguese, VHS dub), [[Willy Schäfer]] (German, first Movie Dub), [[Aart Veder]] (German, second Movie Dub for DVD)}}
[[File:TFTMKranixArblus.jpg|thumb|left]]
On the planet Lithone, Arblus and Kranix were either friends with or the assistants to [[Lithone scientist|a scientist]]. The pair brought the scientist a couple of fluid-filled vials while he worked, although Kranix was the only one to do any carrying (lazy Arblus). Unfortunately, the building shook, sending the chemicals to the floor.

It wasn't seismic activity, however — running to a nearby window, the Lithones saw it was the menace they knew as [[Unicron]]! Kranix compelled his companions to get to the escape ships, but only the one he and Arblus was on managed to escape his planet's destruction, as another shuttle was caught in Unicron's pull as he finished his destruction of the planet itself. After Lithone was destroyed, Kranix and Arblus somehow became prisoners on [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]], the home of the dreaded [[Quintesson]]s and [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]].

[[File:TFTM Kranix's Doom.jpg|thumb]]
Not long afterward, the [[Autobot]]s [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] were placed in the cell next to Kranix during Arblus' execution. Kranix told them of the Quintessons and his planet's demise, but would not enjoy their company long, for Quintesson guards soon came to take Kranix to his fate, while he plead for mercy, as he was the last survivor of his planet (to anyone's knowledge). Over the plank above the Sharkticon pit, Kranix protested the mockery of justice that the Quintessons represented in their so-called court. He was then sentenced to death by the Quintesson judges and fed to the Sharkticons. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie|The Transformers: The Movie}}

{{note|Kranix's involvement in these events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic mini-series ''[[Transformers: The Animated Movie]]'' and the storybook "[[Transformers the Movie (Ladybird adaptation)|Transformers the Movie]]".}}

====''Deviations''====
Before Kranix could be tried by the Quintessons, an team of Autobots led by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] chased them away and Kranix was freed from his cell. Kranix explained to the Autobots about the threat of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], and was invited to join the Autobots in their journey to stop the planet-eater. {{storylink|Transformers: Deviations|Deviations}}

===''The Transformers: The Movie'' comic===
When Unicron attacked the planet Lithone, he devoured it by emitting a corrosive mist. Arblus was dissolved and eaten by the mist, but Kranix was able to transform into a spaceship and escape. {{storylink|The Planet-Eater!}} He was then captured by the Quintessons, and locked up to await his trial within the five-faced creatures' kangaroo court. In his cell, he met Kup, Hot Rod, and Grimlock, and told them of Unicron's coming. Afterwards, he was brought before a Quintesson judge, found "innocent," and fed to a pool of Sharkticons as "punishment." {{storylink|Judgment Day!}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
Kranix and Arblus could do nothing but watch as their world was consumed by the recently awakened Unicron. {{storylink|Generation 1 issue 0|Generation 1 #0}}

===''Knights of Unicron''===
The Kranix Memorial Stadium, located on Planet Lithone, was the nineteenth venue for the [[Knights of Unicron (band)|Knights of Unicron]] on their 2014 "Till All Are One" tour. {{storylink|Knights of Unicron}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
In some universes where Lithone became a [[tainted world]], Unicron implanted a vestige of Kranix's intellect into what was left of his homeworld. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/09}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Devastation''===
Kranix lived a simple life in [[Tagan Heights|Tagon Heights]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] before joining the crew of the ''[[Proudstar]]'' on the Mission of Cybertronian [[Expansion]], traveling the galaxy and [[cyberforming]] uninhabited planets such as [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]], even injecting [[Ore-13]] into their cores. These planets would find future use as [[Cybertronian colonies]]. The group set down on [[Unicron|a planet]] that had no need of cyberforming to restock. While there, Kranix felt someone was watching them—someone powerful and evil. Following this, many of his crewmates changed; even the noble [[Nova Prime]] seemed to be driven more by ego rather than his righteous mission. He later blamed the mysterious mechanical planet for the changes in his friends.

This came to a head when Nova Prime selected an [[Earth|inhabited planet]] for his cause. Though disgusted by its [[human|nonmechanical inhabitants]], Kranix felt that they had as much right to live as any and secretly sabotaged the ''Proudstar'' to collide with the planet when its cyberforming protocols were initiated. Praying that [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] wouldn't find his treachery, Kranix planned to make his escape back to Lithone. {{storylink|Transformers: Devastation}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2010)===
[[File:TF2010-toy Kranix.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm a planet now? How'd that happen?]]
*'''Unicron''' (Supreme Class, 2011)
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:Kranix is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Dead End (Armada)#Toys|Dead End]] figure. Available only with the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' series]] [[Unicron/toys#Transformers (2010)|Unicron]], Kranix transforms into a mechanical "moon" with a cannon, and can fit into a specially-shaped socket on Unicron's planet form to act as a turret.

:Unicron and Kranix were exclusive to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon.com]] in the US and Canadian [[Toys"R"Us]] stores, while being available at general retail in parts of Southeast Asia. He was also released in Chile as a Ripley exclusive during [[Christmas]] [[2011]].

:This mold was used to make [[Dead End Drone|Bug Drone]] and [[Dead End General|Bug General]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Mini-Con/Kranix/kranix.htm More information on Kranix at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Platinum Edition''===
[[File:Platinum-Edition-Kranix.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The ''Transformers x Bakugan'' crossover we all wanted.]]
*'''Unicron''' (Supreme Class, 2016)

:Part of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' offerings for 2016 intended to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', Unicron is a minor redeco of the 2010 ''Transformers'' figure, including a re-release or minor redeco of Kranix.

:Like several of the 2016 ''Platinum Edition'' sets, Unicron saw a very limited release: Essentially, he was only ever officially released in some of Hasbro's Asian markets such as Hong Kong. A small number of US-based online retailers (such as [[BigBadToyStore]]), plus a few more from Canada and the United Kingdom, stocked him as well, having obtained their stock through Asian vendors.
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy''===
[[File:TF-WFC-Trilogy-Kranix.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm not a planet anymore! Nor am I that sick spaceship mode, for that matter...]]
*'''Quintesson Pit of Judgement''' (Multi-pack, 2020)
{{toydesigner|[[Ken Christiansen]] (concept artist), [[Mario Carreiro]] and [[AJ Piejko-Brown]] (packaging)}}

:Poor Kranix is the "guest of honor," as it were, in this [[giftset]] commemorating his own execution. Kranix is made available as a [[Slug figure|non-articulated, non-transforming figurine]]. [[Stock photography|Promotional images]] of this set showed the included [[Sharkticon (species)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Sharkticon]] toy biting him. He's also small enough to fit inside the [[Quintesson Judge#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Quintesson Judge]]'s cage accessory. Hilariously enough, his size means he can slip through the cage bars at the right angle.

:This set was [[exclusive]]ly available through [[Hasbro Pulse]], and was available first for people who attended the Hasbro Fans Expo in [[Hong Kong]] and preordered the set.
{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:TF-SS-TFTM-Deluxe-Kranix.jpg|thumb|300px|If only Kranix had his trusty gas pump nozzle on him when Unicron attacked..]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Kranix''' (Deluxe Class, [[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''The Transformers: The Movie'''''
:*''Accessories'': Blaster

: Released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', ''[[Studio Series]]'' Deluxe Kranix is the first "proper" depiction of the character as a transforming toy, with a screen-accurate robot mode that turns into the spaceship mode seen in his ''[[The Transformers Universe (Marvel)|The Transformers Universe]]'' character profile as seen below. The spaceship's mounted cannon detaches as a blaster for his robot mode. Oddly enough, his packaging marks him as an Autobot, despite him having no alignment and not even being a Cybertronian in the first place.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:TFU Movie Kranix.jpg|thumb|"The ships! Get to the ships, it's our only... Wait, I'M a ship!"]]
*In a very early draft of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', Lithone was a planet of living rock creatures, and Kranix was named '''G'''ranix (from "granite", you get it?). Although this was amended for later drafts, one or two instances of this original spelling made it through the spell-check, into a much later version of the script, puzzling fans for over a decade.
*It is never revealed within the film how Kranix ended up on Quintessa after escaping Unicron. A deleted line of dialogue explained that the Quintessons hunted down those who escaped the wrath of Unicron and put them on trial, with the sentence always being the same—'''death!''' In the same draft that had the Lithones as rock creatures, meanwhile, Kranix had actually come to Quintessa on a scientific expedition.
* Kranix's animation model (as seen in his ''[[The Transformers Universe (Marvel)|The Transformers Universe]]'' character profile) shows him with a vehicle mode that was not used in the film itself. He does use it in the Marvel adaption of the film, which was based on an early version of the script. This alt mode was immortalised in toy form finally with his ''Studio Series'' figure.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Kranix''' (クラニクス ''Kuranikusu'')

[[Category:Dark of the Moon Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 aliens]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Transformers]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Robots]]
[[Category:Studio Series Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Variable species characters]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron Trilogy characters]]

Astrotrain (G1)/toys

2026-02-15T04:32:37Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Studio Series */

{{suite}}

[[File:G1 boxart Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|What's the purpose of possessing Astrotrain?|thumb]]

'''Astrotrain''' can transport all his trainload of toys around!

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Astrotrain toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And then I transform into a train and a rocket and a Transformer again... (''Hasbro version shown'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, [[1985]] / [[1986]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''48'''
:*''Accessories'': "[[Ionic displacer rifle|Ionic Displacer Rifle]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the second year of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original US ''Transformers'' toyline]] (first in European and Japanese markets), Astrotrain can transform into either a black-and-purple {{w|JNR Class D51}} steam locomotive or an off-white-and-purple {{w|Space Shuttle orbiter}}. The train mode can roll on wide-ish toy train tracks, but it can’t turn corners very well. Astrotrain was one of the earliest ''Transformers'' toys to feature [[ball joint]]s for his shoulders, a decade before they became a design standard.

:[[File:Astrotraincatalog.jpg|thumb|upright=0.66|left|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Blitzwing]] called. He wants his weapons back.]]

: Takara's 1985 release of Astrotrain had a color scheme based upon the real-life versions of the vehicles he transformed into, with a white-and-black Space Shuttle mode (complete with [[NASA]] decals!) and a near-wholly-black steam locomotive. In 1986, Takara re-released Astrotrain, this time in his US toy colors.

{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Astrotrain_japanese_toy.jpg‎|upright=1.15|thumb|(''Takara version shown'')]]

: Like [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#The Transformers|several]] [[Thrust (G1)/toys#The Transformers|other]] [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#The Transformers|toys]] from Generation 1, [[Hasbro]]'s [[catalog]]s<ref name="catalogs">[http://www.botchthecrab.com/gallery.asp?gallery=10 Transformers catalogs] at Botchthecrab.com. ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain's prototypes are depicted in both the 1985 and 1986 US catalogs and in the 1985 UK catalog.</ref><ref name="tf85">[https://imgur.com/a/lOw2Y Toy Fair 1985 catalog] that depicts ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain's prototypes.</ref><ref name="origin">[http://tfsource.com/blog/origin-of-the-species-part-3/ "Origin of the Species, Part 3"] at the TFScource blog, featuring a scan from the 1985 Milton Bradley catalog that also depicts the ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain prototypes.</ref> depict [[prototype]]s that differ from the final product: Not only do the prototypes sport a gray and purple color scheme (which served as the basis for the color scheme used in the cartoon), they also have several notable sculpting and tooling differences compared to the production version; namely, arms that extend on a slide joint, different feet, and a different head sculpt that was also used as the basis for his [[character model]]. In the US and UK catalogs, he was even shown with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys|Blitzwing]]'s weapons, whereas in the European [[Milton Bradley]] catalog, he sported different decals compared to stickers used for the final toy. The resin hardcopy prototypes didn't actually transform; instead, separate prototypes existed for each mode.<ref name="animeastro">[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Animeastro_template.html Original Astrotrain prototype at TF-1.com]</ref> The [[stock photography|stock photos]] of Astrotrain on the toy's [[packaging]], on the other hand, depict the final toy's sculpt in its (mostly) final colors, even though the center of the helmet is painted yellow instead of red. The same near-final prototype was also featured in the 1985 J.C. Penney wish book.<ref name="1985wish">[http://www.x-entertainment.com/articles/0969/ 1985 J.C. Penney wish book] at X-Entertainment.</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|1991Classic}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, [[1991]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Astrotrain was re-released with his original U.S. color scheme in the [[Classics (Europe)|European/Australian ''Classics'' series]] in 1991. Near as can be told, there are no notable differences between this and the original release.
{{-}}

===''The Transformers Collection''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' ([[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''11'''
:*''Accessories'': "[[Ionic displacer rifle|Ionic Displacer Rifle]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (packaging artist)}}

:In 2004, Takara reissued Astrotrain in his original Japanese white and black color scheme as part of their ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' line of [[Generation 1 reissues|reissues]]. The "[[NASA]]" stickers were changed to "ASTR".

::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Astrotrain_template.html More information on Transformers Collection Astrotrain at TF-1.com]''
{{-}}

===''Collector's Edition''===
{{anchor|Exclusive}}
[[File:Takara-collectors-edition-astrotrain-proto-colors.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|right|Don't laugh, or he'll become a pain train.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain Proto Color Version''' (Triple Changer, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''48'''
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Often referred to as "Anime Astrotrain" by collectors, this version sports a color scheme based on the original prototype mentioned above, though the gray plastic is brighter than on the actual prototype, and the hue for the purple parts leans more towards red than blue.

: He was [[exclusive]]ly available from [[e-HOBBY]] and released as a ''[[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'' companion to ''The Transformers Collection'' reissue (see above). The toys shipped out in January.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Destron/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Astrotrain Proto Color Version at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Animeastro_template.html More information on Anime Astrotrain (and the original Astrotrain prototype) at TF-1.com]''
{{-}}

===''Commemorative Series''===
[[File:Commemorative Astrotrain 2005 2012.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Something for the variant collectors.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain/Decepticon Astrotrain''' (Commemorative Series IX, [[2005]]/[[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"
{{toydesigner|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (packaging artist)}}

:Following the Japanese reissue, Hasbro intended to make Astrotrain (retaining his previously Japanese market-only colors) available in the United States as well as part of their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues in 2004. However, [[Toys"R"Us]] (who had carried the ''Commemorative Series'' figures as exclusives) decided to discontinue the line due to low sales, and even though [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#Commemorative Series|Ricochet]], the other ''Commemorative Series IX'' figure besides Astrotrain, still managed to get released, Astrotrain was not.

:Since considerable quantities of Astrotrain had already been produced, Hasbro decided to make the figure available through their newly-launched [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] website, serving as a test to see whether exclusives were a viable option for the store. In addition, Astrotrain was also released in Australia (where the ''Commemorative Series'' had previously also been exclusive to Toys"R"Us) as a [[Kmart]] exclusive, for a deep discount price. Despite being an exclusive, he could also be found clogging up shelves in smaller, privately owned toy shops.

:In 2012, several ''Commemorative Series'' figures, among them Astrotrain, were re-released in Hasbro's Asian markets, in slightly altered packaging that (in Astrotrain's case, at least) lacked the "Commemorative Series IX" label, saw his name changed to "Decepticon Astrotrain", had the box next to his name that contains the text "Decepticon Triple Changer" reduced in size and "Triple Changer" changed from uppercase to mixed case, updated the Hasbro logo to the then-current version, added a "choking hazard" safety warning label and moved the "Ages 5+" recommendation above the product code number.
{{-}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:ClassicsAstrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|...and a rocket and a train and a Transformer and man it's hard work!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe Class, [[2006]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist)}}

:''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Astrotrain, like much of the ''Classics'' line, is an extensive update of the original Astrotrain design based heavily upon his cartoon appearances and using modern toy engineering techniques. He still transforms into a spaceship resembling a NASA Space Shuttle, but with two [[kibble|rather obvious]] locomotive front halves on the sides of the rear hull. Instead of a steam locomotive, his secondary [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] is a {{w|Tsubame (train)|Tsubame}} {{w|800 Series Shinkansen|800}} bullet train. His [[robot mode]] is based heavily upon his Generation 1 cartoon animation model design, and is armed with a large purple laser rifle similar to the original toy's rifle (the side of the rifle has a [[Mini-Con]] shaped port on it, if one chooses to do it). However, purple highlights aside, his deco's color scheme is predominantly based on the original Takara toy. The shuttle nosecone folding onto the legs is based on ''Jet Granbird'' from ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave Fighter of the Sun Fighbird]]'', which was also co-designed by [[Takashi Kunihiro]].

:A design fluke that was acknowledged on Hasbro's official Transformers website allows Astrotrain to connect to ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Ultra Class [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] or his redecos, ''Cybertron'' Sky Shadow or [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|movie toyline]] [[Jetstorm (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Jetstorm]], via his landing gear. (Coincidentally, Jetfire's alternate mode is based on a Ukrainian Antonov An-225 Mriya, which was used to transport the Buran orbiter, the Soviet [[knockoff|counterpart]] of the NASA Space Shuttle, on its back.)

:As with most ''Classics'' toys, he has a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Shouki#Generations|Shouki]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on ''Classics'' Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BumblebeeAstrotrain2Pack}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Bumblebee and Astrotrain''' (Multi-pack, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

: Astrotrain was also made available as part of a special two-pack with Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee_(G1)/toys#BumblebeeAstrotrain2Pack|Bumblebee]]. Aside from the unique packaging, the toys are identical to their single releases. This value pack was found in Australia.
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!''===
[[File:Henkei Astrotrain toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''One man on a lonely platform One case sitting by his side Two eyes staring cold and silent 
Shows fear as he turns to hide Ah, ah, we fade to grey!'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''D-03'''
:*''Release date'': [[April 24]], 2008
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

:In 2008, ''Classics'' Astrotrain was released in Japan as part of the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei! Transformers]]'' line by [[TakaraTomy]]. The figure was extensively redecoed into a dark grey and purple colour scheme based on the character’s appearance in the Generation 1 cartoon. Instead of the Hasbro ''Classics'' release's rubsign, he has two Decepticon sigils tampographed onto his wings. All ''Henkei'' toys feature a somewhat randomly [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] part somewhere upon them, and Astrotrain is no exception: the trim of his chestplate and engine array are vacuumized purple, with the engines themselves left as unpainted silver chrome.
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:TF-Specialist-Decepticons-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|We need to use at least one pic of this mold to give credit to the designers for not just going the lazy route and using the same nose/cockpit section for both altmodes.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Specialist: Decepticons''' (Multi-pack, [[2014]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[March 25]], 2014
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

:This release of Astrotrain looks superficially similar to the ''Henkei'' version, but saturated with metallic paint and with some deco changes, most conspicuous in train mode. It was sold as part of a Hasbro Asia-[[exclusive]] [[giftset]] along with metallic-painted redecoes of [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generations|Galvatron]] and [[Octane#Generations|Octane]].
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (campaign item)===
[[File:AOE-toy Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain ''' (Limited Micron, 2014)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[August 8]], 2014

: Astrotrain is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Blast Master#Generations|Payload]] cast in clear-purple plastic, transforming from a robot into both a modified {{w|Boeing X-37|X-37B space shuttle}}<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/96686-generations-legends-targetmaster-moulds/?p=2423893 Designer Joe Kyde on "The Allspark" messageboard, 2013/11/10]</ref> and a double-barreled blaster that can be wielded by any larger figure with [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]].

: As a [[campaign item]], this toy was available at Japanese [[Toys"R"Us]] stores starting in August 2014 (and lasting "until supplies run out") with the purchase of 3,000 yen of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Lost Age]]'' product.

: Astrotrain was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' incarnation of [[Cybaxx (SG)|Cybaxx]]. The mold was also used to make ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Boltax (G1)#Combiner Wars|Cybaxx]] and [[Spacewarp#Combiner Wars|Spacewarp]].
{{-}}

===''Platinum Edition''===
{{anchor|Platinum}}
[[File:Platinum-edition-g1-astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Astrotrain was late getting to the G2 party.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Triple Changers''' (Platinum Edition, [[2015]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

:Part of a ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' two-pack with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Platinum|Blitzwing]] released under the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' line, this reissue of Astrotrain features an unprecedented orange, white, and blue color scheme. The exact inspiration for this deco is unknown, with the currently prevalent theory being that it's supposedly an homage to ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1989 (Victory)|Victory]]'' [[Machtackle]]'s colors.

:This set was officially an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive in the United States and Canada. However, it was also stocked by US-based online retailers [[BigBadToyStore]] and TFSource, who supposedly obtained it as an import from Asia. It was available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In the United Kingdom, it was available via A1Toys.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Star Dasher]] in ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]''.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/PlatinumAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on ''Platinum Edition'' Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
{{anchor|SDCC2015}}
[[File:KreO-Toy AstrotrainClass85.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|As close as we'll get to an Action Master Astrotrain, at least officially.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Kreon Class of '85''' (Kreon figure set, 2015)}}</ul>
:*''Set number'' '''B5152'''
:*''Voted'': Designated Driver
:*''Accessories'': Long rifle

:''[[Kre-O]]'' Astrotrain is a small brick-built [[Kreon]] figure, using the 2015-style construction with raised hands and the sturdier "peg-in-peg" torso/waist connection (which makes his parts largely incompatible with prior years' Kreons). His coloration is based on the [[#Generation 1|original Astrotrain toy prototype pictured in catalogs]], being mostly gray with a yellow visor, though his chest [[tampograph]]'s linework has the cartoon model's folded-away tailfin-chestplate.

: He was only available as part of the [[San Diego Comic-Con]]-[[exclusive]] "[[Kreon Class of '85]]" 30-Kreon set. This set was also sold online through [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] after the show.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/SDCCKre-OAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Class of '85 Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Titans Return''===
{{anchor|TitansReturn}}
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Voyager-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''And all this science I don't understand It's just my job five days a week
 A rocket man, a rocket man...'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Darkmoon & Astrotrain''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 guns, [[Darkmoon]] Titan Master
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

: A [[retool]] of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Generations|Sentinel Prime]], Astrotrain can transform from robot to shuttle to armored train and back. He comes with [[Darkmoon]], a [[Titan Master]] figure that can transform from a robot into his head (but any [[Titan Master]]-class figure is compatible). Like all ''Titans Return'' Voyager-class figures, he has spring-loaded parts designed to "bulk up" his head; in his case, a pair of pylons that pop up on either side of his head, replicating the shoulder "landing gear" on his original Generation 1 character model. Like Sentinel, the train engine ends ''can'' be used as feet, but they sit at an awkward angle that makes it hard for Astrotrain to stand upright. His two guns can combine to form one larger weapon which Darkmoon (or any Titan Master) can operate in robot mode, The largest of the two can be piloted by any Titan Master figure in both modes. His guns also attach to form his Vehicle mode weapons. In Australia and some Asian countries, Astrotrain and his wavemate Alpha Trion were prominent shelfwarmers.

:Unfortunately, due to being used for transformation, the port for the collector display stand on his two-piece rear waist tends to be misaligned, and the hole is not shallow enough to fully secure its connection.

:The Hasbro Asia exclusive giveaway sticker sheet can be used to enhance the figure's details.<ref>https://news.tfw2005.com/2016/09/23/hasbro-asia-titans-return-stickers-wave-2-325179</ref>

:This mold also served as the model for the [[Omega Sentinel (Energon)|Omega Sentinel]] in the [[Primus Vanguard]].
{{-}}

===''Legends''===
[[File:TF-Legends-LG40-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And a fancy rocket, and a fancy battle train, and back to fancy robot. I'm super fancy!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' ([[2017]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''LG40'''
:*''Release date'': [[January 28]], 2017
:*''Accessories'': 2 guns, Headmaster

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Astrotrain is a redeco of the [[#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' mold]] in a cartoon-based deco, with the front shuttle and the train sections possessing paint operations to evoke the cockpit windows.

:The other side of his instructions features [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|the 40th ''Legends'' bonus edition manga]].
{{TRInfinitusMold}}
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
{{anchor|Siege}}
[[File:WFC-Siege-Leader-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Runaway train, never coming back.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2019]])}}</ul>
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-S51'''
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SG-47'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[March 28]], [[2020]]
:*''Hidden message code'': '''IONICDISPLACER'''
:*''Accessories'': 2 "JF-50 Ionic Displacer Blasters," "JF-30 Astro Blaster," "W-15 Destabilizer Cannon," "W-40 Turbo-Core Derailer" (combine to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon"), tender/launchpad

:''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Astrotrain is a heavily-cartoon-inspired figure that transforms from robot to either a space shuttle or steam locomotive (not a modern locomotive like every toy of his since the original). Despite being released in the ''Siege'' line, his alternate modes are clearly styled after Earth vehicles. This, together with his [[A.I.R. Lock System]] compatibility, makes it seem a lot like he was designed with ''Earthrise'' in mind, and indeed his toy later received a straight rerelease in that line. He features the trademark ''Siege'' "battle damage" paint applications on his legs, as well as multiple hardpoints all over himself and his weapons to accommodate "Fire Blasts" from the [[Battle Master]]s assortment, which can be used to simulate blaster fire or explosions.

:As with other Leader Class figures in the line, Astrotrain himself is roughly Voyager-sized, with his accessories accounting for the rest of the pricepoint. In addition to five [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]] weapons (including one based on his original toy's blaster), which can be combined to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon", he includes a tender large enough to store all five weapons inside. The tender can be converted into a small launch pad base (designed as a treaded crawler vehicle with two cabs) for his shuttle mode. The launch pad features a pair of A.I.R. Lock System connectors, but unfortunately doesn't seem able to unfold flat as designed. It can also turn into a weapons rack, which can be mounted on Astrotrain's back in robot mode, with a pair of foot pads for extra stability since the backpack makes Astrotrain ''incredibly'' back-heavy.

:The toy's coloration, with mostly-grey wings rather than the purple on his final model; is seemingly based on either a [[:File:AstrotrainTakeover.jpg|pre-final character model]] that was used in the G1 cartoon episode "[[Triple Takeover]]" or [[Miscolorings based on the Generation 1 cartoon|a fan coloring]] of his pre-final model sheet that also features a cartoon screen captured-head that became popular online.

:Astrotrain was redecoed (with a new head) to ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Velocitron Speedia 500 Collection]]'' [[Galaxy Shuttle#Legacy|Victory Universe Galaxy Shuttle]].
{{-}}

===''Vintage G1''===
[[File:VintageG1Astrotrain.jpeg|thumb|upright=1|This toy outlasted the actual space shuttle.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, 2019)}}</ul>
:*''Accessory'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Astrotrain was reissued in the ''[[Vintage|Vintage G1]]'' series, announced for Spring 2020 but unexpectedly hitting store shelves in December 2019. This was the first Astrotrain reissue to feature the color scheme of the original Hasbro-release toy—though the purple plastic is noticeably darker on this version. Plus, his [[rubsign]] uses the new style, with a highly reflective silver border and a solid-red symbol.

: Like all ''Vintage G1'' releases, Astrotrain was a [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] in the United States and Canada.
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''===
[[File:WFC-E12 Astrotrain Packaging Stock.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2020]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''WFC-E12
:*''Accessories'': 2 "JF-50 Ionic Displacer Blasters," "JF-30 Astro Blaster," "W-15 Destabilizer Cannon," "W-40 Turbo-Core Derailer" (combine to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon"), tender/launchpad, decoder

:Astrotrain's [[A.I.R. Lock System]]-compatible base connectors saw him get a [[package refresh]] in the ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' line with no changes save for his box being updated. Even the flawed hinge in the coal tender was retained without any changes, preventing it from properly assuming launchpad mode.

:Like all Earthrise toys, the inside of the back of Astrotrain's package includes an exclusive clip-and-save piece of a larger star map. Also in the box is a thin red piece of transparent plastic with which to read the star map. Astrotrain's piece of the map contains the labeled location of the planet "[[Caminus (planet)|CAMINUS]]".
{{-}}

===''Dramatic Capture Series''===
[[File:TF-DCS-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Triple Takeover''' ([[2025]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[March]] 2025
:*''Accessories'': 3 blasters
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released a part of the ''[[Dramatic Capture Series]]'' line by TakaraTomy, this Astrotrain is a redeco of his ''War for Cybertron: Siege'' figure in "[[Triple Takeover]]"-accurate colors, cast in brighter and more saturated colors as well as using the nonfinal wing deco utilized for that episode. The ''Siege'' version's tender/launchpad, gatling gun, and missile pod are omitted for this release, leaving Astrotrain armed only with his ionic displacer rifle and a pair of symmetrical blasters.

:Unfortunately, repeatedly transforming Astrotrain into either of his vehicle modes will inevitably cause the paint on his toes to become scratched or chipped, as they fit ''extremely tightly'' into the divots on his shins when folded up for transformation.

:Astrotrain is packaged with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Starscream]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Blitzwing]].

{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:TF-SS-TFTM-Leader-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|300px|He was told to jettison some weight. Just... not like that.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''The Transformers: The Movie'''''
:*''Accessories'':

: Released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', ''[[Studio Series]]'' Astrotrain is a completely new mold and unlike the previous 'Siege' figure, is fully Leader class sized and is not a voyager figure with extra accessories to fill out the price. He again transforms into his usual steam train and shuttle modes, though their proportions are very different from the previous figure, in an attempt to be more cartoon-accurate. He comes with two blasters, one based on his usual Ionic Displacer and two effect parts, one for his weapons and one to simulate smoke coming out of the stack in his train mode. His colouring is also slightly different from previous figures, being very faithful to his final cartoon colours, with his wings now being fully purple. In addition, his robot torso can also be reconfigured into a toy-based design, with his tailfin forming a toy-inspired chestplate.

: He is unfortunately mistransformed in his [[Stock photography]], with his chest clearly not being folded down properly to complete his robot mode. His steam train form is also mistransformed.

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Astrotrain''' (Decoy, 1986)
**''Decoy number:'' '''38'''

:[[Decoy]] Astrotrain is a small, purple rubber figure made available with certain toys in the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original toyline]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Decoys/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Decoy Astrotrain at TFU.info]''

===Boss Original Figure===
*'''Astrotrain''' (Boss Original Figure, 2008)

:Released in a line of PVC figures available exclusively with containers of [[Boss Coffee]], this version of Astrotrain is rendered in grey and violet.

===''Transformers Trading Card Game''===
[[File:W4CaptainAstrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Starring Steve Carrell. Coming soon to ''Netflix''.]]
*'''Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''CT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T01/T52'''
**''Stars: ''12

:Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is one of 52 character cards released as part of Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. In order to depict the [[Triple Changer]] nature of the character, Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is a folding card, with both Alt Modes depicted when the card is folded in half, and Bot Mode depicted when the card is unfolded.

:The card's Bot Mode artwork is reused from the ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Astrotrain toy, while both Alt Modes receive original artwork, with lines by [[Dan Khanna]] and colors by [[Marcus Reyno]].

:Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is notable as being the first character in the game with the <nowiki>''Train''</nowiki> trait. Due to the game's cancellation, he remains the only train in the game.
{{-}}

===''ReAction''===
*'''Astrotrain''' (2020)
**''Accessories'': Blaster

:Released in the first wave of [[Super7]]'s line of multi-property 3.75-inch "retro" action figures, ''[[ReAction]]'' Astrotrain is a non-converting 3 3/4-inch action figure based on his appearance in the original cartoon, with 5 points of articulation (swivel neck, shoulders, hips) and holes in his feet for use with some variety of stand. Unlike the first-series figures, both of his hands are open to hold his weapon accessory.

: As with all releases in the ''ReAction'' toyline, Astrotrain comes packaged on a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style of [[Kenner]]'s ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' action figures from the late 1970s to early '80s.

{{-}}

===Eaglemoss===
* '''Transformers Gen-1 Chess Set''' (<s>2021</s>)
:In the planned [[Chess#Eaglemoss|Transformers Chess Set]] by [[Eaglemoss]], a relatively large and very well detailed statue of Astrotrain was slated to be one of the Rook pieces on the Decepticon side.

:A Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds for this project was launched, but failed to meet its goal by September 24, 2021 and the whole thing was canceled.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Broadside and Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Broadside & Astrotrain Set''' ([[February 6]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''39 & 40'''

:Released as part of the sixth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and Astrotrain along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#40|Translation of Astrotrain's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{-}}
===''Pop!''===
*'''Astrotrain''' (2024)
**''ID number:'' '''133'''

:Released as part of the ''Pop! Retro Toys'' segment in celebration of the 40 years of the franchise, [[Funko Pop!|Funko]]'s ''Pop!'' Astrotrain is a super deformed vinyl figure based on his original Generation 1 toy in white and purple colors.
{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
[[File:Blokees-TF-Defender-06-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|250px|Jettisoned a bit too much weight.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 06 - Brutal Fang'''
:*''Pull Rate'': 1/12
:*''Accessories'': Blaster

:Sold as part of [[Blokees]]' 6th wave of Defender Version blind-boxed kits, this Astrotrain is a 2.2-inch (5.5 cm) figure, a few inches smaller than the ''Galaxy/Shining'' Version kits, but still articulated.

:Like most of the larger Galaxy/Shining Version kits, Astrotrain features a simple neck joint that is colored to match his optics, allowing it to be see-through from his head's eye holes.

{{--}}

==Notes==
*Given the timing, the Generation 1 Astrotrain was probably an asset carried over from the [[Diaclone#Posthumous Diaclone|scrapped 1985 range]] of the [[pre-Transformer]] ''[[Diaclone]]'' toyline. Evidence also suggests fellow ''Transformers'' character [[Octane#Notes|Octane]] shares this origin.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:E-HOBBY exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:SDCC exclusives]]
[[Category:Titans Return Decepticons]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Decepticons]]

Astrotrain (G1)/toys

2026-02-15T04:31:48Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Studio Series */

{{suite}}

[[File:G1 boxart Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|What's the purpose of possessing Astrotrain?|thumb]]

'''Astrotrain''' can transport all his trainload of toys around!

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Astrotrain toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And then I transform into a train and a rocket and a Transformer again... (''Hasbro version shown'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, [[1985]] / [[1986]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''48'''
:*''Accessories'': "[[Ionic displacer rifle|Ionic Displacer Rifle]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the second year of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original US ''Transformers'' toyline]] (first in European and Japanese markets), Astrotrain can transform into either a black-and-purple {{w|JNR Class D51}} steam locomotive or an off-white-and-purple {{w|Space Shuttle orbiter}}. The train mode can roll on wide-ish toy train tracks, but it can’t turn corners very well. Astrotrain was one of the earliest ''Transformers'' toys to feature [[ball joint]]s for his shoulders, a decade before they became a design standard.

:[[File:Astrotraincatalog.jpg|thumb|upright=0.66|left|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Blitzwing]] called. He wants his weapons back.]]

: Takara's 1985 release of Astrotrain had a color scheme based upon the real-life versions of the vehicles he transformed into, with a white-and-black Space Shuttle mode (complete with [[NASA]] decals!) and a near-wholly-black steam locomotive. In 1986, Takara re-released Astrotrain, this time in his US toy colors.

{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Astrotrain_japanese_toy.jpg‎|upright=1.15|thumb|(''Takara version shown'')]]

: Like [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#The Transformers|several]] [[Thrust (G1)/toys#The Transformers|other]] [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#The Transformers|toys]] from Generation 1, [[Hasbro]]'s [[catalog]]s<ref name="catalogs">[http://www.botchthecrab.com/gallery.asp?gallery=10 Transformers catalogs] at Botchthecrab.com. ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain's prototypes are depicted in both the 1985 and 1986 US catalogs and in the 1985 UK catalog.</ref><ref name="tf85">[https://imgur.com/a/lOw2Y Toy Fair 1985 catalog] that depicts ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain's prototypes.</ref><ref name="origin">[http://tfsource.com/blog/origin-of-the-species-part-3/ "Origin of the Species, Part 3"] at the TFScource blog, featuring a scan from the 1985 Milton Bradley catalog that also depicts the ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain prototypes.</ref> depict [[prototype]]s that differ from the final product: Not only do the prototypes sport a gray and purple color scheme (which served as the basis for the color scheme used in the cartoon), they also have several notable sculpting and tooling differences compared to the production version; namely, arms that extend on a slide joint, different feet, and a different head sculpt that was also used as the basis for his [[character model]]. In the US and UK catalogs, he was even shown with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys|Blitzwing]]'s weapons, whereas in the European [[Milton Bradley]] catalog, he sported different decals compared to stickers used for the final toy. The resin hardcopy prototypes didn't actually transform; instead, separate prototypes existed for each mode.<ref name="animeastro">[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Animeastro_template.html Original Astrotrain prototype at TF-1.com]</ref> The [[stock photography|stock photos]] of Astrotrain on the toy's [[packaging]], on the other hand, depict the final toy's sculpt in its (mostly) final colors, even though the center of the helmet is painted yellow instead of red. The same near-final prototype was also featured in the 1985 J.C. Penney wish book.<ref name="1985wish">[http://www.x-entertainment.com/articles/0969/ 1985 J.C. Penney wish book] at X-Entertainment.</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|1991Classic}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, [[1991]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Astrotrain was re-released with his original U.S. color scheme in the [[Classics (Europe)|European/Australian ''Classics'' series]] in 1991. Near as can be told, there are no notable differences between this and the original release.
{{-}}

===''The Transformers Collection''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' ([[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''11'''
:*''Accessories'': "[[Ionic displacer rifle|Ionic Displacer Rifle]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (packaging artist)}}

:In 2004, Takara reissued Astrotrain in his original Japanese white and black color scheme as part of their ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' line of [[Generation 1 reissues|reissues]]. The "[[NASA]]" stickers were changed to "ASTR".

::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Astrotrain_template.html More information on Transformers Collection Astrotrain at TF-1.com]''
{{-}}

===''Collector's Edition''===
{{anchor|Exclusive}}
[[File:Takara-collectors-edition-astrotrain-proto-colors.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|right|Don't laugh, or he'll become a pain train.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain Proto Color Version''' (Triple Changer, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''48'''
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Often referred to as "Anime Astrotrain" by collectors, this version sports a color scheme based on the original prototype mentioned above, though the gray plastic is brighter than on the actual prototype, and the hue for the purple parts leans more towards red than blue.

: He was [[exclusive]]ly available from [[e-HOBBY]] and released as a ''[[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'' companion to ''The Transformers Collection'' reissue (see above). The toys shipped out in January.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Destron/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Astrotrain Proto Color Version at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Animeastro_template.html More information on Anime Astrotrain (and the original Astrotrain prototype) at TF-1.com]''
{{-}}

===''Commemorative Series''===
[[File:Commemorative Astrotrain 2005 2012.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Something for the variant collectors.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain/Decepticon Astrotrain''' (Commemorative Series IX, [[2005]]/[[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"
{{toydesigner|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (packaging artist)}}

:Following the Japanese reissue, Hasbro intended to make Astrotrain (retaining his previously Japanese market-only colors) available in the United States as well as part of their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues in 2004. However, [[Toys"R"Us]] (who had carried the ''Commemorative Series'' figures as exclusives) decided to discontinue the line due to low sales, and even though [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#Commemorative Series|Ricochet]], the other ''Commemorative Series IX'' figure besides Astrotrain, still managed to get released, Astrotrain was not.

:Since considerable quantities of Astrotrain had already been produced, Hasbro decided to make the figure available through their newly-launched [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] website, serving as a test to see whether exclusives were a viable option for the store. In addition, Astrotrain was also released in Australia (where the ''Commemorative Series'' had previously also been exclusive to Toys"R"Us) as a [[Kmart]] exclusive, for a deep discount price. Despite being an exclusive, he could also be found clogging up shelves in smaller, privately owned toy shops.

:In 2012, several ''Commemorative Series'' figures, among them Astrotrain, were re-released in Hasbro's Asian markets, in slightly altered packaging that (in Astrotrain's case, at least) lacked the "Commemorative Series IX" label, saw his name changed to "Decepticon Astrotrain", had the box next to his name that contains the text "Decepticon Triple Changer" reduced in size and "Triple Changer" changed from uppercase to mixed case, updated the Hasbro logo to the then-current version, added a "choking hazard" safety warning label and moved the "Ages 5+" recommendation above the product code number.
{{-}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:ClassicsAstrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|...and a rocket and a train and a Transformer and man it's hard work!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe Class, [[2006]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist)}}

:''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Astrotrain, like much of the ''Classics'' line, is an extensive update of the original Astrotrain design based heavily upon his cartoon appearances and using modern toy engineering techniques. He still transforms into a spaceship resembling a NASA Space Shuttle, but with two [[kibble|rather obvious]] locomotive front halves on the sides of the rear hull. Instead of a steam locomotive, his secondary [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] is a {{w|Tsubame (train)|Tsubame}} {{w|800 Series Shinkansen|800}} bullet train. His [[robot mode]] is based heavily upon his Generation 1 cartoon animation model design, and is armed with a large purple laser rifle similar to the original toy's rifle (the side of the rifle has a [[Mini-Con]] shaped port on it, if one chooses to do it). However, purple highlights aside, his deco's color scheme is predominantly based on the original Takara toy. The shuttle nosecone folding onto the legs is based on ''Jet Granbird'' from ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave Fighter of the Sun Fighbird]]'', which was also co-designed by [[Takashi Kunihiro]].

:A design fluke that was acknowledged on Hasbro's official Transformers website allows Astrotrain to connect to ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Ultra Class [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] or his redecos, ''Cybertron'' Sky Shadow or [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|movie toyline]] [[Jetstorm (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Jetstorm]], via his landing gear. (Coincidentally, Jetfire's alternate mode is based on a Ukrainian Antonov An-225 Mriya, which was used to transport the Buran orbiter, the Soviet [[knockoff|counterpart]] of the NASA Space Shuttle, on its back.)

:As with most ''Classics'' toys, he has a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Shouki#Generations|Shouki]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on ''Classics'' Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BumblebeeAstrotrain2Pack}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Bumblebee and Astrotrain''' (Multi-pack, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

: Astrotrain was also made available as part of a special two-pack with Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee_(G1)/toys#BumblebeeAstrotrain2Pack|Bumblebee]]. Aside from the unique packaging, the toys are identical to their single releases. This value pack was found in Australia.
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!''===
[[File:Henkei Astrotrain toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''One man on a lonely platform One case sitting by his side Two eyes staring cold and silent 
Shows fear as he turns to hide Ah, ah, we fade to grey!'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''D-03'''
:*''Release date'': [[April 24]], 2008
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

:In 2008, ''Classics'' Astrotrain was released in Japan as part of the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei! Transformers]]'' line by [[TakaraTomy]]. The figure was extensively redecoed into a dark grey and purple colour scheme based on the character’s appearance in the Generation 1 cartoon. Instead of the Hasbro ''Classics'' release's rubsign, he has two Decepticon sigils tampographed onto his wings. All ''Henkei'' toys feature a somewhat randomly [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] part somewhere upon them, and Astrotrain is no exception: the trim of his chestplate and engine array are vacuumized purple, with the engines themselves left as unpainted silver chrome.
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:TF-Specialist-Decepticons-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|We need to use at least one pic of this mold to give credit to the designers for not just going the lazy route and using the same nose/cockpit section for both altmodes.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Specialist: Decepticons''' (Multi-pack, [[2014]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[March 25]], 2014
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

:This release of Astrotrain looks superficially similar to the ''Henkei'' version, but saturated with metallic paint and with some deco changes, most conspicuous in train mode. It was sold as part of a Hasbro Asia-[[exclusive]] [[giftset]] along with metallic-painted redecoes of [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generations|Galvatron]] and [[Octane#Generations|Octane]].
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (campaign item)===
[[File:AOE-toy Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain ''' (Limited Micron, 2014)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[August 8]], 2014

: Astrotrain is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Blast Master#Generations|Payload]] cast in clear-purple plastic, transforming from a robot into both a modified {{w|Boeing X-37|X-37B space shuttle}}<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/96686-generations-legends-targetmaster-moulds/?p=2423893 Designer Joe Kyde on "The Allspark" messageboard, 2013/11/10]</ref> and a double-barreled blaster that can be wielded by any larger figure with [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]].

: As a [[campaign item]], this toy was available at Japanese [[Toys"R"Us]] stores starting in August 2014 (and lasting "until supplies run out") with the purchase of 3,000 yen of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Lost Age]]'' product.

: Astrotrain was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' incarnation of [[Cybaxx (SG)|Cybaxx]]. The mold was also used to make ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Boltax (G1)#Combiner Wars|Cybaxx]] and [[Spacewarp#Combiner Wars|Spacewarp]].
{{-}}

===''Platinum Edition''===
{{anchor|Platinum}}
[[File:Platinum-edition-g1-astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Astrotrain was late getting to the G2 party.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Triple Changers''' (Platinum Edition, [[2015]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

:Part of a ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' two-pack with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Platinum|Blitzwing]] released under the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' line, this reissue of Astrotrain features an unprecedented orange, white, and blue color scheme. The exact inspiration for this deco is unknown, with the currently prevalent theory being that it's supposedly an homage to ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1989 (Victory)|Victory]]'' [[Machtackle]]'s colors.

:This set was officially an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive in the United States and Canada. However, it was also stocked by US-based online retailers [[BigBadToyStore]] and TFSource, who supposedly obtained it as an import from Asia. It was available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In the United Kingdom, it was available via A1Toys.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Star Dasher]] in ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]''.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/PlatinumAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on ''Platinum Edition'' Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
{{anchor|SDCC2015}}
[[File:KreO-Toy AstrotrainClass85.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|As close as we'll get to an Action Master Astrotrain, at least officially.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Kreon Class of '85''' (Kreon figure set, 2015)}}</ul>
:*''Set number'' '''B5152'''
:*''Voted'': Designated Driver
:*''Accessories'': Long rifle

:''[[Kre-O]]'' Astrotrain is a small brick-built [[Kreon]] figure, using the 2015-style construction with raised hands and the sturdier "peg-in-peg" torso/waist connection (which makes his parts largely incompatible with prior years' Kreons). His coloration is based on the [[#Generation 1|original Astrotrain toy prototype pictured in catalogs]], being mostly gray with a yellow visor, though his chest [[tampograph]]'s linework has the cartoon model's folded-away tailfin-chestplate.

: He was only available as part of the [[San Diego Comic-Con]]-[[exclusive]] "[[Kreon Class of '85]]" 30-Kreon set. This set was also sold online through [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] after the show.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/SDCCKre-OAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Class of '85 Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Titans Return''===
{{anchor|TitansReturn}}
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Voyager-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''And all this science I don't understand It's just my job five days a week
 A rocket man, a rocket man...'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Darkmoon & Astrotrain''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 guns, [[Darkmoon]] Titan Master
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

: A [[retool]] of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Generations|Sentinel Prime]], Astrotrain can transform from robot to shuttle to armored train and back. He comes with [[Darkmoon]], a [[Titan Master]] figure that can transform from a robot into his head (but any [[Titan Master]]-class figure is compatible). Like all ''Titans Return'' Voyager-class figures, he has spring-loaded parts designed to "bulk up" his head; in his case, a pair of pylons that pop up on either side of his head, replicating the shoulder "landing gear" on his original Generation 1 character model. Like Sentinel, the train engine ends ''can'' be used as feet, but they sit at an awkward angle that makes it hard for Astrotrain to stand upright. His two guns can combine to form one larger weapon which Darkmoon (or any Titan Master) can operate in robot mode, The largest of the two can be piloted by any Titan Master figure in both modes. His guns also attach to form his Vehicle mode weapons. In Australia and some Asian countries, Astrotrain and his wavemate Alpha Trion were prominent shelfwarmers.

:Unfortunately, due to being used for transformation, the port for the collector display stand on his two-piece rear waist tends to be misaligned, and the hole is not shallow enough to fully secure its connection.

:The Hasbro Asia exclusive giveaway sticker sheet can be used to enhance the figure's details.<ref>https://news.tfw2005.com/2016/09/23/hasbro-asia-titans-return-stickers-wave-2-325179</ref>

:This mold also served as the model for the [[Omega Sentinel (Energon)|Omega Sentinel]] in the [[Primus Vanguard]].
{{-}}

===''Legends''===
[[File:TF-Legends-LG40-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And a fancy rocket, and a fancy battle train, and back to fancy robot. I'm super fancy!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' ([[2017]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''LG40'''
:*''Release date'': [[January 28]], 2017
:*''Accessories'': 2 guns, Headmaster

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Astrotrain is a redeco of the [[#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' mold]] in a cartoon-based deco, with the front shuttle and the train sections possessing paint operations to evoke the cockpit windows.

:The other side of his instructions features [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|the 40th ''Legends'' bonus edition manga]].
{{TRInfinitusMold}}
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
{{anchor|Siege}}
[[File:WFC-Siege-Leader-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Runaway train, never coming back.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2019]])}}</ul>
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-S51'''
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SG-47'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[March 28]], [[2020]]
:*''Hidden message code'': '''IONICDISPLACER'''
:*''Accessories'': 2 "JF-50 Ionic Displacer Blasters," "JF-30 Astro Blaster," "W-15 Destabilizer Cannon," "W-40 Turbo-Core Derailer" (combine to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon"), tender/launchpad

:''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Astrotrain is a heavily-cartoon-inspired figure that transforms from robot to either a space shuttle or steam locomotive (not a modern locomotive like every toy of his since the original). Despite being released in the ''Siege'' line, his alternate modes are clearly styled after Earth vehicles. This, together with his [[A.I.R. Lock System]] compatibility, makes it seem a lot like he was designed with ''Earthrise'' in mind, and indeed his toy later received a straight rerelease in that line. He features the trademark ''Siege'' "battle damage" paint applications on his legs, as well as multiple hardpoints all over himself and his weapons to accommodate "Fire Blasts" from the [[Battle Master]]s assortment, which can be used to simulate blaster fire or explosions.

:As with other Leader Class figures in the line, Astrotrain himself is roughly Voyager-sized, with his accessories accounting for the rest of the pricepoint. In addition to five [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]] weapons (including one based on his original toy's blaster), which can be combined to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon", he includes a tender large enough to store all five weapons inside. The tender can be converted into a small launch pad base (designed as a treaded crawler vehicle with two cabs) for his shuttle mode. The launch pad features a pair of A.I.R. Lock System connectors, but unfortunately doesn't seem able to unfold flat as designed. It can also turn into a weapons rack, which can be mounted on Astrotrain's back in robot mode, with a pair of foot pads for extra stability since the backpack makes Astrotrain ''incredibly'' back-heavy.

:The toy's coloration, with mostly-grey wings rather than the purple on his final model; is seemingly based on either a [[:File:AstrotrainTakeover.jpg|pre-final character model]] that was used in the G1 cartoon episode "[[Triple Takeover]]" or [[Miscolorings based on the Generation 1 cartoon|a fan coloring]] of his pre-final model sheet that also features a cartoon screen captured-head that became popular online.

:Astrotrain was redecoed (with a new head) to ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Velocitron Speedia 500 Collection]]'' [[Galaxy Shuttle#Legacy|Victory Universe Galaxy Shuttle]].
{{-}}

===''Vintage G1''===
[[File:VintageG1Astrotrain.jpeg|thumb|upright=1|This toy outlasted the actual space shuttle.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, 2019)}}</ul>
:*''Accessory'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Astrotrain was reissued in the ''[[Vintage|Vintage G1]]'' series, announced for Spring 2020 but unexpectedly hitting store shelves in December 2019. This was the first Astrotrain reissue to feature the color scheme of the original Hasbro-release toy—though the purple plastic is noticeably darker on this version. Plus, his [[rubsign]] uses the new style, with a highly reflective silver border and a solid-red symbol.

: Like all ''Vintage G1'' releases, Astrotrain was a [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] in the United States and Canada.
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''===
[[File:WFC-E12 Astrotrain Packaging Stock.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2020]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''WFC-E12
:*''Accessories'': 2 "JF-50 Ionic Displacer Blasters," "JF-30 Astro Blaster," "W-15 Destabilizer Cannon," "W-40 Turbo-Core Derailer" (combine to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon"), tender/launchpad, decoder

:Astrotrain's [[A.I.R. Lock System]]-compatible base connectors saw him get a [[package refresh]] in the ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' line with no changes save for his box being updated. Even the flawed hinge in the coal tender was retained without any changes, preventing it from properly assuming launchpad mode.

:Like all Earthrise toys, the inside of the back of Astrotrain's package includes an exclusive clip-and-save piece of a larger star map. Also in the box is a thin red piece of transparent plastic with which to read the star map. Astrotrain's piece of the map contains the labeled location of the planet "[[Caminus (planet)|CAMINUS]]".
{{-}}

===''Dramatic Capture Series''===
[[File:TF-DCS-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Triple Takeover''' ([[2025]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[March]] 2025
:*''Accessories'': 3 blasters
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released a part of the ''[[Dramatic Capture Series]]'' line by TakaraTomy, this Astrotrain is a redeco of his ''War for Cybertron: Siege'' figure in "[[Triple Takeover]]"-accurate colors, cast in brighter and more saturated colors as well as using the nonfinal wing deco utilized for that episode. The ''Siege'' version's tender/launchpad, gatling gun, and missile pod are omitted for this release, leaving Astrotrain armed only with his ionic displacer rifle and a pair of symmetrical blasters.

:Unfortunately, repeatedly transforming Astrotrain into either of his vehicle modes will inevitably cause the paint on his toes to become scratched or chipped, as they fit ''extremely tightly'' into the divots on his shins when folded up for transformation.

:Astrotrain is packaged with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Starscream]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Blitzwing]].

{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:TF-SS-TFTM-Leader-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|300px|He was told to jettison some weight. Just... not like that.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''The Transformers: The Movie'''''
:*''Accessories'':

: Released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', ''[[Studio Series]]'' Astrotrain is a completely new mold and unlike the previous 'Siege' figure, is fully Leader class sized and is not a voyager figure with extra accessories to fill out the price. He again transforms into his usual steam train and shuttle modes, though their proportions are very different from the previous figure, in an attempt to be more cartoon-accurate. He comes with two blasters, one based on his usual Ionic Displacer and two effect parts, one for his weapons and one to simulate smoke coming out of the stack in his train mode. His colouring is also slightly different from previous figures, being very faithful to his final cartoon colours, with his wings now being fully purple. In addition, his robot torso can also be reconfigured into a toy-based design. His tailfin can also detach and plug into his chest if one wishes to recreated his original toy's chestplate.

: He is unfortunately mistransformed in his [[Stock photography]], with his chest clearly not being folded down properly to complete his robot mode. His steam train form is also mistransformed.

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Astrotrain''' (Decoy, 1986)
**''Decoy number:'' '''38'''

:[[Decoy]] Astrotrain is a small, purple rubber figure made available with certain toys in the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original toyline]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Decoys/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Decoy Astrotrain at TFU.info]''

===Boss Original Figure===
*'''Astrotrain''' (Boss Original Figure, 2008)

:Released in a line of PVC figures available exclusively with containers of [[Boss Coffee]], this version of Astrotrain is rendered in grey and violet.

===''Transformers Trading Card Game''===
[[File:W4CaptainAstrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Starring Steve Carrell. Coming soon to ''Netflix''.]]
*'''Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''CT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T01/T52'''
**''Stars: ''12

:Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is one of 52 character cards released as part of Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. In order to depict the [[Triple Changer]] nature of the character, Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is a folding card, with both Alt Modes depicted when the card is folded in half, and Bot Mode depicted when the card is unfolded.

:The card's Bot Mode artwork is reused from the ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Astrotrain toy, while both Alt Modes receive original artwork, with lines by [[Dan Khanna]] and colors by [[Marcus Reyno]].

:Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is notable as being the first character in the game with the <nowiki>''Train''</nowiki> trait. Due to the game's cancellation, he remains the only train in the game.
{{-}}

===''ReAction''===
*'''Astrotrain''' (2020)
**''Accessories'': Blaster

:Released in the first wave of [[Super7]]'s line of multi-property 3.75-inch "retro" action figures, ''[[ReAction]]'' Astrotrain is a non-converting 3 3/4-inch action figure based on his appearance in the original cartoon, with 5 points of articulation (swivel neck, shoulders, hips) and holes in his feet for use with some variety of stand. Unlike the first-series figures, both of his hands are open to hold his weapon accessory.

: As with all releases in the ''ReAction'' toyline, Astrotrain comes packaged on a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style of [[Kenner]]'s ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' action figures from the late 1970s to early '80s.

{{-}}

===Eaglemoss===
* '''Transformers Gen-1 Chess Set''' (<s>2021</s>)
:In the planned [[Chess#Eaglemoss|Transformers Chess Set]] by [[Eaglemoss]], a relatively large and very well detailed statue of Astrotrain was slated to be one of the Rook pieces on the Decepticon side.

:A Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds for this project was launched, but failed to meet its goal by September 24, 2021 and the whole thing was canceled.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Broadside and Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Broadside & Astrotrain Set''' ([[February 6]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''39 & 40'''

:Released as part of the sixth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and Astrotrain along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#40|Translation of Astrotrain's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{-}}
===''Pop!''===
*'''Astrotrain''' (2024)
**''ID number:'' '''133'''

:Released as part of the ''Pop! Retro Toys'' segment in celebration of the 40 years of the franchise, [[Funko Pop!|Funko]]'s ''Pop!'' Astrotrain is a super deformed vinyl figure based on his original Generation 1 toy in white and purple colors.
{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
[[File:Blokees-TF-Defender-06-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|250px|Jettisoned a bit too much weight.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 06 - Brutal Fang'''
:*''Pull Rate'': 1/12
:*''Accessories'': Blaster

:Sold as part of [[Blokees]]' 6th wave of Defender Version blind-boxed kits, this Astrotrain is a 2.2-inch (5.5 cm) figure, a few inches smaller than the ''Galaxy/Shining'' Version kits, but still articulated.

:Like most of the larger Galaxy/Shining Version kits, Astrotrain features a simple neck joint that is colored to match his optics, allowing it to be see-through from his head's eye holes.

{{--}}

==Notes==
*Given the timing, the Generation 1 Astrotrain was probably an asset carried over from the [[Diaclone#Posthumous Diaclone|scrapped 1985 range]] of the [[pre-Transformer]] ''[[Diaclone]]'' toyline. Evidence also suggests fellow ''Transformers'' character [[Octane#Notes|Octane]] shares this origin.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:E-HOBBY exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:SDCC exclusives]]
[[Category:Titans Return Decepticons]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Decepticons]]

Optimus Prime (Overgear)

2026-02-14T04:41:40Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Transformers Overgear */

{{factions|autobot|}}
{{disambig3|Optimus Prime}}
:''Optimus Prime is the [[Autobot]] leader from [[Transformers Overgear|Overgear]].''
'''Optimus Prime''' is the leader of the [[Autobot#Overgear|Autobot Resistance]] on [[Earth]].

==Toys==
===''Transformers Overgear''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' ([[2027]])}}</ul>

:Optimus Prime was confirmed to be part of ''[[Transformers Overgear]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s second wave, with a grayscale CGI model depicting his upcoming figure. Optimus transforms into a large artillery truck, whose cannon detaches to become a large rifle he can wield in robot mode. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/live/o8d7nHV5pss</ref>

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Overgear Autobots]]

Onslaught (G1)

2026-02-14T02:48:25Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Age of the Primes */ added details about Shockwave and Bruticus's combined mode.

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|autobot|eliteguard|ascenticon|exarchon}}
{{disambig3|Onslaught}}
:''Onslaught is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:MTMTEOnslaught.jpg|upright=2|thumb|''The Combaticons are warring! Onslaught is ROARING! He is one metamorphin' DUDICUS!'']]
'''Onslaught''' (aka '''Combatmaster''') is what you'd call the "hands-off" type. He doesn't enjoy getting his mitts dirty, but instead prefers the thrill of designing battle plans, strategies, and tactics, and then watching his [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] soldiers carry them out. While he typically crafts his strategies to exclude his direct involvement, Onslaught is no coward. When required, he will engage in battle with strength, cunning and earthquaking fury. This darker, more brutish side of Onslaught might lead some [[Decepticon]]s into thinking he has a secret blood-lust stashed away in his circuits. But truth be told, he's really just ticked off that his plans didn't work out the way they were supposed to.

Onslaught can combine with his fellow Combaticons to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], who is considerably dumber than Onslaught.

{{bigquote|I beg your pardon?! My strategies are brilliant!|Onslaught to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]|"[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[S. Marc Jordan]] (English), [[Terry McGovern]] (English, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1"), [[Steve Bulen|Steve Bulin]] (English, "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Yū Shimaka|Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese), [[Jin Horikawa]] (Japanese, "The Rebirth")|[[Zhan Che]] (Chinese), [[Hans-Rainer Müller]] (German, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1-3"), [[Walter von Hauff]] (German, "Surprise Party"), [[Thomas Rau]] (German, "Starscream's Ghost"), [[Bernd Simon]] (German, "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Gerd Rigauer]] (German, ''Generation 2'' dub), [[Hélio Ribeiro]] (Portuguese), [[Orlando Drummond]] (Portuguese, "Starscream’s Brigade" & "B.O.T."), [[Mário Monjardim]] (Portuguese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1"), [[Júlio Chaves]] (Portuguese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3"), [[Henry Djanik]] (European French), [[Francis Lax]] (European French, "Surprise Party" & "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Serge Lhorca]] (European French, "Starscream's Ghost"), Unknown (European French, "Aerial Assault" & "Five Faces of Darkness", Parts 1 & 3)}}
[[File:StarscreamsBrigade OnslaughtVortex.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Heave! Next time, Vortex, ''chew'' your food!"]]
Onslaught was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the Air Commander's latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. The transplant caused the vehicles to immediately reconfigure themselves: Onslaught in particular went from being a {{w|half-track}} troop carrier to being a flatbed missile-truck, before turning into a robot. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; in the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty though having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel.

Onslaught and his fellow Combaticons agreed to work with Starscream to overthrow Megatron on the promise of being given the vital components. Onslaught worked in capturing two [[Autobot]]s, though he got into an argument with [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] over who was responsible for the act. Later, while recharging at a power station, Starscream's brigade was confronted by the Decepticons under Megatron's command. Anticipating that [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] might come into play, Starscream ordered Onslaught and the other Combaticons to merge into the dim-witted [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. The Combaticon combiner managed to soundly defeat Devastator, but was in turn defeated by a surprise attack by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. For their treachery, Megatron banished Onslaught, his comrades and Starscream in space on a desolate asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[File:Revenge of bruticus 4 changing course.jpg|thumb|200px|Megatron felt quite foolish once Onslaught showed him the one loose wire preventing his [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]] from flying again.]]

After a falling out with Starscream, Onslaught became the mastermind of "Operation Revenge" and helped defeat [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s forces on Cybertron. He also used his external backpack and altered the Space Bridge to send Earth into the sun. It didn't work as he was defeated by the allied Decepticons and Autobots. Then Megatron had the Combaticons, including Onslaught, reprogrammed to serve him. Poor guy, can't seem to get a break. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[File:AerialAssault Onslaughtattacks.jpg|left|200px|thumb|In Soviet Russia, [[Aerialbot (G1)|skeet]] shoots back!]]
After that little lobotomy, the Combaticons were deployed to Earth's Middle East to assist in Megatron's scheme to steal military jets, rebuild them into cars, drive them out of the owners' nations, and then rebuild them back into drone jets in friendly territory. Yeah. Onslaught and the other Combaticons attacked the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] when they snooped around, managing to force [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] to crash into a cave (YAY!). Later, Onslaught and the ground-based Combaticons formed an anti-aircraft screen against an Aerialbot attack on [[Giant Purple Griffin|the Fortress]], then merged into Bruticus, but was rather quickly defeated by [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] before being blown away by the exploding oil wells. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

Back in the [[United States of America|United States]], Onslaught led the Combaticons in driving down the road (yes, including Blast Off and Vortex) of a random city for no apparent reason until they were confronted by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. Though the Combaticons formed Bruticus, they were blown to pieces by a single shot from the Autobot, with [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] being the only survivor. Swindle later sold the parts of his comrades, but was forced to buy them back for Megatron's next Crazy Scheme. The Combaticons formed Bruticus to operate the orbital disruptor cannon, but was shot by the cannon itself when [[B.O.T. (G1)|B.O.T.]] tampered with it. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[File:FFoD1 DamagedOnslaught.jpg|200px|thumb|Stoopid 'Cons never lisssen t'me. I'ma bloody genius, a strategic maschter *hic*maschtermind, but they's still following a [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|looney wit'a big gun]]. Just—it just ain't right. *hic*Aw, I'm gonna over-energize all over my face-plate...]]
By the year 2006, the Decepticons had been forced into retreat on the ruined, burned out world of [[Chaar]]. Though he admired [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s eager attitude to attack, he noted that the Decepticons didn't have the energon reserves to do so. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} When it was found that [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] were snooping around, the Decepticons began beating them to death before being scared off by a [[Skuxxoid]] ship. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} When the [[Quintesson]]s landed on Chaar and proposed an alliance, Onslaught reiterated his earlier concern about the Autobots' military superiority but ultimately joined the rest of the Decepticons, save [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] in their attack on the Autobots anyway. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} Much later, [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] sent Onslaught, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] to assassinate the Decepticon exile [[Octane]]. Onslaught attempted to hold his troops until the proper moment presented itself, but Octane was still able to seek cover before their laser fire could terminate him. The traitor's Autobot partner, [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], then used his eponymous ability to blind and disorient the Combaticons long enough for the two [[Triple Changer]]s to escape. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

When the [[First Inter Galactic Peace Conference]] was to be held, Onslaught led the Combaticons in attacking the shuttle bay that was to bring the delegates to the conference, succeeding in destroying several ships before retreating. {{storylink|Surprise Party}} As part of Bruticus, Onslaught watched the Decepticon assault on [[Paradron]], {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}} and was part of a destructive battle that stretched across [[Japan]]. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}} Along with the other Decepticons, Onslaught was infected by the [[Hate Plague]] when it swept across the galaxy. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

During the battle for the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], Onslaught led his Combaticons in the crafting of a giant [[planetary engine|planetary rocket engine]] that would be used to propel Cybertron into orbit around Earth, harvesting the innards of the defeated Autobots for the necessary parts and fuel. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
{{charstubfiction}}

=====Scramble City=====
{{voiceactor|[[Yū Shimaka]] (Japanese)}}

When the Stunticons were dispatched to hinder the Autobots from constructing [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]], they were attacked by the Aerialbots and did not fare too well. Onslaught's Combaticons arrived to help, and together Bruticus and Menasor easily overpowered Superion. However, Scramble City itself soon arrived and blasted both combiners away. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Michitaka Kobayashi]] (Japanese), [[Kōji Totani]] (Japanese, ep 25)}}
[[File:UltraMagnusDies Combaticons.jpg|upright=1.65|thumb|"Jeez, Galvatron, why put HIM with the Combaticons?"]]

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

The Combaticons were later part of ''another'' attack on Cybertron, during which they killed plenty of [[Generic|soldiers]] before getting into another fight with Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} They lost. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} When the Decepticons planted a giant carnivorous plant in [[San Francisco]], the Combaticons and Stunticons were stationed to attack any Autobots who arrived to kill it. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Sixshot later sent the Combaticons, [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]] to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Florida|Miami]], in order to lure Autobot troops away from [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} The Combaticons also unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Onslaught was present when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] held a speech about Galvatron's recent death and took control of the Decepticons. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} Bruticus was later part of a small group of Decepticons who tried to lead Fortress Maximus away from the Decepticon base on [[Master (planet)|Master]]. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} The combiner then stood by and laughed as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' in the Atlantic Ocean. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} As Bruticus, the Combaticons participated in the final battle with the Autobots at the North Pole, and retreated into space when Scorponok's energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{--}}

=====''Unite Warriors''=====
The Combaticons hosted an illegal arms trading market during which Onslaught purchased a variety of weapons from [[El Presidente]]. {{storylink|Shopping at the Dark Bazaar!}}

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

=====''United EX''=====
Onslaught of the Combaticons helped forge a new era of Decepticons combination warriors. With High Regent [[Scrash (G1)|Scrash]], he provided combination data from his Bruticus form to create the devastating [[Battle Gaia]], while undergoing his own enhancements to become strategic commander for the [[Master Chaos]] brigade as '''Combatmaster''' (コンバットマスター ''Konbattomasutā'').

When [[Straxus (G1)|Rollermaster]] failed to defeat the Autobot [[Blaze Master|Choppermaster]] alone, Combatmaster travelled to Switzerland to finish the job. He stole the PCC Combat Drones from Choppermaster and buried the helicopter in an avalanche. Back at Decepticon headquarters, he and Scrash coordinated Battle Gaia's attack on the Autobots to help cover for the Master Chaos activities. {{storylink|Prelude to the Siege}}

Next, Combatmaster struck another drone-operating Master Class Autobot, the junior officer [[Rapido|Racemaster]]. Although his ambush was well positioned, Combatmaster did not account for the sheer speed Racemaster and his drones were capable of achieving. The Race Drones and their commander soon out-distanced Combatmaster and his artillery, making a successful getaway. {{storylink|Weapons of a New Generation}}

Later, Combatmaster and Master Chaos fought to defend a dig site from Autobot interference. {{storylink|Unearthed Future}}

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
In [[2050]], Bruticus and the Decepticons joined the revolution of the [[Selector]]s against their human masters. The [[Quintesson]]s and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s sided with the humans, and [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] attacked all while craving Angolmois Energy. In battle with a scrambled version of [[Computron (G1)|Computron]], Abominus crashed into Bruticus and Menasor and stole some of their limb components to make an even stronger version of himself. Onslaught was left abandoned on the battlefield as [[Abomenaticus]] charged back into the fight. {{storylink|Abominus comic 2}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[File:DecepticonTrailerBrigade1.jpg|left|upright=0.95|thumb|"Eleven foot six? Damn you!"]]
When Menasor's baseball stadium/command base was attacked by Superion and Defensor, Bruticus (so by proxy, Onslaught) came to his aid. He quickly took out Defensor, damaging [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and preventing the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] from combining again. However, Superion blasted Brawl and Swindle away with his [[electrostatic discharger rifle]], allowing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] to steal their places as Bruticus's legs and fly away with Onslaught and his troops. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

In order to make the Autobots look bad, Onslaught joined the Stunticons in destroying factories while wearing the Autobot [[insignia]]. When they were caught, all but him and [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] fled the scene, but Onslaught had an ace up his sleeve: Together, he and Motormaster made up the [[Decepticon Trailer Corps]]! With their spinning "Decepticon Great Wheel" attack, the subgroup leaders held the Autobots at bay for a while, but were eventually defeated by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s "Prime-Magnus Finish Double" kick. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7}}

Onslaught then led his Combaticons in hunting down a [[Battle Dog|dog]] that had been converted into a Decepticon weapon. They managed to fatally wound it, but the [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] got them good. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
In the year [[2010]], Onslaught participated in a Decepticon attack on the planet Feminia. He and his team merged into Bruticus in order to battle alongside Menasor and Devastator against their Autobot counterparts Superion, Defensor and Omega Supreme. The fight was fairly evenly matched until Galvatron called up his ace-in-the-hole, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], whose power was unmatched by any of the Autobots... except for the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], who essentially tied Predaking's shoelaces together until he fell over, straight into Bruticus and his chums, sending them all toppling to the ground and knocking them to bits. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and the Decepticons kidnapped the scientist Doctor [[Dalton]] to help advance their combination technology. When the Aerialbots and Protectobots arrived to save Dalton, Onslaught and Motormaster merged with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in base mode, deploying their fellow Decepticons into battle. The Decepticon combiners then formed Bruticus and Menasor, but were ultimately defeated by their Autobot counterparts. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
In the early days of the war, Onslaught was a top Autobot cadet at [[Omnihelix Academy]], specializing in battle strategy and tactics. His skill was impressive that he was elected a field leader for the [[Elite Guard|Autobot Elite Guard]] straight out of the Academy, acting as head of the experimental new Special Ops Team, the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 33|Onslaught's profile in Club magazine #33}}

[[File:EliteGuardCombaticons TheComingStorm2.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2|Sorry guys, I traded out our combining ability for this jacked up bod.]]
Onslaught and the Combaticons were assembled by [[Magnum]] and [[Sentinel Major]] to take out the various [[Decepticon Warlord|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. At Elite Guard headquarters they were introduced to one of the other recently minted units, [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] and his Strike Team. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

After a short exchange, Onslaught and Metalhawk brought their teams before [[Big Bang (G1)|Big Bang]] for their first mission together. It was a rather pedestrian assignment, lending military-grade explosives and know-how to a civilian archeological dig. The mission was primarily designed to smooth some ruffled feathers in the High Council about the Elite Guard in general.

Upon arrival in [[Median]], however, events became a bit more serious. The dig had uncovered Cybertronian construction facilities that indicated an inherent dichotomy in Transformer design. Onslaught personally scoffed at the scientists' theory that this dichotomy could explain and excuse the warlike nature of the Decepticon rebels, but the more pressing find was the second part of their discovery: a spark of unprecedented power called the [[Heart of the Dragon]], allegedly housing the essence of a Transformer whose power levels went off the scale. Decepticon rogues called the [[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtroopers]] had learned of the Heart, and were planning a raid on Median to steal it.

As the rest of the Elite Guard did their best to fortify the dilapidated city, Onslaught and Metalhawk grilled [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flipsides]] and the other dig members about the Stormtroopers and any information they had. When the attack came, Onslaught's plan took down the Stormtroopers' advance assault, [[Roadgrabber]] and his exo-shell, by hiding a pit behind an obviously weak part in the defenses as a lure. The Decepticon leader [[Rage (G1)|Rage]] and his three lieutenants managed to sweep by Metalhawk, however, forcing Onslaught's secondary team to hunt them down. The Stormtroopers split-and-run tactics were enough to keep all the Elite Guard chasing their tails long enough for Rage to grab the Heart, however. [[Terror-Tread]] and [[Cement-Head]], two massive Decepticons held in reverse, then surprised and distracted the Elite Guard long enough for Rage and the others to escape.

The Elite Guard chased the Stormtroopers back to their mobile base, the [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. Onslaught and the others managed to make their way inside, where they were confronted by [[Brimstone (G1 Decepticon)|Brimstone]], the reincarnated physical form of the Heart of the Dragon. Despite his small stature, Brimstone still had the ability to decouple molecules with his plasma breath, making him a formidable foe. Onslaught led the Elite Guard in a swift but strategic advance to the rear, giving [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] time to rig all his explosives for one massive blast. Although Brimstone was still standing after the blast, his outer casing had been damaged enough to let his internal energies rage out of control, destroying the Metrotitan in one enormous blast.

Back at Elite Guard headquarters, Onslaught and Metalhawk made their field reports to Magnum. Despite the unconventional nature of the mission in some regards, Magnum congratulated his men on a job well done. They were deployed again almost immediately for a mission to [[Praxium]]. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

The Special Ops Team and Strike Team worked so well as a combined unit that Magnum kept them together for several weeks. Onslaught and Metalhawk became close comrades, as did their men, sharing stories about the different warlords they brought down, such as [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and [[Blue Bacchus]]. Onslaught was aware that Metalhawk could be squeamish about some of the darker parts of warfare, though, and so he made sure [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] had privacy during their interrogations of a Decepticon [[Warrior|prisoner of war]].

Onslaught coordinated their next strike against a Decepticon faction leader named [[Shadowcaster]]. Using explosives and fog grenades, the Elite Guard carried out Onslaught's battle plan, forcing Shadowcaster out in the open for the Combaticon leader to take out with a killshot. Despite the mission's success, Onslaught felt something was amiss. Shadowcaster hardly seemed the type to lead a parade, much less a Decepticon splinter cell. Smelling a larger party at work, Onslaught kept the Combaticons out in the field while Metalhawk and the Strike Team returned to base. Onslaught's instincts were right on target, but even they couldn't keep him and his team from being captured by Warlord [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and his troops. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}

After being held for some time in a cell behind unbreakable Oan force bars, Onslaught and the Combaticons were inexplicably released by the polite and apologetic [[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]] and [[Vanquish]]. Although wary of their intentions, Onslaught agreed to follow the Decepticons to Deathsaurus's throne room for a meeting. The silver-tongued Decepticon Warlord then proceeded to sway the Combaticons to his side. He appealed to Onslaught's pride and vanity, innocently mocking how easily the Combaticons were captured by his forces and intimating that all their greatest successes had been alongside the Strike Team, not on their own. After putting Onslaught on the defensive, Deathsaurus proclaimed how ''he'' truly believed in Onslaught's gift for tactics, and was willing to support the Combaticons in a bid to seize power for themselves. After all, how better to prove their superiority and ensure peace on Cybertron than to eliminate the Elite Guard and establish themselves in the Guard's place? Onslaught and his men gave in to their darker impulses and agreed to work alongside Deathsaurus, receiving the upgrades he promised them as well. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}}

[[File:ComingStorm6-isthatso.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|And this, this IS MY BOOM STICK!!]]
Sometime later, the Combaticons launched their attack on Elite Guard headquarters accompanied by some of Deathsaurus's [[Seeker (body-type)|Skyraider-Seeker Brigade]]. Onslaught chose not to reveal their trump card until the Combaticons appeared surrounded and defeated by the Guard. He then initiated their combination into the massive [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], crushing their former commanding officer Sentinel Major in one mighty hand. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} Bruticus killed most of the assembled Guard before [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] was able to blind the giant, forcing the Combaticons to disengage. Onslaught reacted to Metalhawk standing in their way by simply blowing a hole through his old comrade, and the Combaticons headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs, but not before Onslaught promised they'd be back to deal with the Council. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

During repairs, Onslaught was stunned to learn that Deathsaurus had had it rigged so that the combination into Bruticus could be triggered at Deathsaurus's will. Protesting that it wasn't part of the deal, Onslaught was nonetheless forced to form the torso of Bruticus, though the blinded giant proved difficult for Deathsaurus's Constructicons to control. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 1}} {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} The Combaticons subsequently defended the base against Magnum and the remains of the Elite Guard. Onslaught confirmed to Magnum that Deathsaurus hadn't tampered with the Combaticons' brain modules at all, and they'd turned of their own free will. As they fought the Guard, Onslaught taunted [[Thunder Clash]] while he was grappling with [[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]], much to the latter Autobot's annoyance. Finally he ordered the Combaticons to merge, only them to be blasted mid-combination. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}}

To Onslaught's dismay, the culprits were more survivors the massacre at Elite Guard HQ. He agreed with Brawl's sentiment that they should take the opportunity to end some more Autobots and started to give the command to attempt another merge, only to find that Blast Off was inconveniently missing. When Deathsaurus called a retreat, Onslaught briefly considered staying to find Blast Off, and his hesitation allowed [[Flak (G1)|Flak]] to belt him. He and his entire team were subsequently taken captive by the Autobots. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

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

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Onslaught afterdeath.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|{{w|Onslaught (Marvel Comics)|NO ONE is safe!}}]]
Onslaught was the leader of the Combaticons, ''one of the [[Special Teams]], whose coming was foretold by the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. In a vision shared by [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], the Combaticons and the Stunticons clashed against the Aerialbots and the Protectobots within proximity to the [[Pullen Power Plant]].'' {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}} {{storylink|Second Generation!}} Onslaught and his team were first seen on Earth launching a raid on a hydrothermocline plant, where they were met by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]. In order to avoid destroying the plant, and at the behest of the human [[Ethan Zachary]], both Optimus and Megatron agreed to have their team fight inside the [[Multi-World]] computer game. The Decepticons didn't fare too well. Onslaught faced off against Hot Spot in the game's "Slimepit" area, where he got "fused by a fireball" and his in-game avatar was destroyed. In the end, however, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] would win the game when Optimus Prime forfeited, causing the Autobot leader to be destroyed. Onslaught carried Megatron's prize, the [[hydrothermocline]], back to base. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}} ''These events were observed by the [[time travel]]ling [[Dicet Alpha-zero]].'' {{storylink|The Quest!}}

As the Decepticons prepared to abandon their [[Wyoming base]] to relocate to [[Club Con|a new island headquarters]], Onslaught bore witness as his teammate Brawl attempted to cheer up a despondent Megatron by reminding him of Prime's death, but Megatron responded by crushing Brawl's head in a fit of rage. [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] took charge of the evacuation, and Onslaught and the others departed. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}

[[File:Onslaught ladies night.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|BEHOLD MY MIGHTY HAND!]]
''Later on, Onslaught led his team (including a repaired Brawl) to kill [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] while he was trapped in the cooled lava flow of [[Mount Verona]]. After making short work of the human military encamped on the site, the Combaticons set up explosive charges around the volcano to obliterate the entire area. The operation was met with the interference of [[Cindy Newell|three]] [[Susan Hoffman|human]] [[Joy Meadows|women]], though Onslaught managed to evade their traps. He had them at his mercy after the rest of his troops wound up incapacitated by their efforts, only to be met at gunpoint by [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]] and the [[Throttlebot]]s. Onslaught fled, swearing vengeance against the Autobots.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}} ''In response to that humiliation,'' Onslaught and the Combaticons hunted the Throttlebots down. The Throttlebots were trapped in a used car lot and the Combaticons were forced to bid for them in an auction against RAAT and the Protectobots, but Onslaught cut through this by trying to have the lot's owner assassinated. RAAT would get the Throttlebots and the Combaticons were beaten by [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} However, Blaster had been arrested by the Protectobots under orders from the current Autobot commander, [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. Onslaught and his team chose to track the Protectobots on their return journey to the Ark, and ambushed them as they drove through a sprawling train yard. Once he and his teammates were in position, Onslaught had the Combaticons merge into Bruticus, who downed the similarly combined [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] after a prolonged battle. But the dim-witted Bruticus was tricked by Blaster into lowering his guard, who then collapsed an electrical tower atop of him, knocking him out. Whereas the rest of the team was left where they lay, [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] was captured by the enemy. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

[[File:Onslaught Marvel41.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|The dream is dead.]]
Onslaught was on the Decepticons' island base when Shockwave and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] launched it into space to prevent the Autobots from rescuing their prisoner, Buster Witwicky. As Shockwave was sent plunging back into the Earth's atmosphere, Onslaught found himself under Ratbat's command. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}} Onslaught's shining moment came when he got to lead a massed Decepticon assault on the Autobots, which came close to wiping them all out. [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]], who had been dueling for supremacy over the Autobots at the time, were able to put aside their differences however, and rallied their troops against the Decepticons' attack. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Some time later, the Decepticons acquired two dormant [[Raindance|Autobot]] [[Grand Slam (G1)|mini-cassettes]] carrying data on the powerful [[Underbase]]. Once Buster was put through a [[Realvision]] simulation to test out the simulator itself, Onslaught helped escort the boy back to his cell, allowing Ratbat and Starscream to view the data privately. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}}

''Eventually, the Combaticons fell under the command of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. On his orders, Onslaught's team staged a raid on the [[Rutter U.S. Military Base]]. There, they secured two armed warheads and components from an advanced guidance computer. The Protectobots intervened part-way through the theft, but once Blast Off cleared the area with the loot, the rest of the team used hit-and-run tactics to fend their rivals off, eventually managing their own getaway.''

''Afterwards, the remaining Combaticons went to check on [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s progress at [[Alternate Reality, Inc.]], where Scorponok had likewise tasked them to steal a [[floppy disk]] containing a back-up copy of Optimus Prime's mind. They found [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] about to shoot the jets out of the sky, and blasted the Combiner in the back, crippling him before he could pull the trigger. With the mission a success, Onslaught's group then made themselves scarce.'' {{storylink|Prime Bomb!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[File:Soundwave decepticons space pirates.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"It's okay, the foot shall lead you now!"]]
In an alternate timeline after the attack of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] in [[2006]], Onslaught was still active in 2008 and was one of [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s top lieutenants. After Soundwave learned that most of the Autobots were allegedly off-world, he led a massive attack on the Autobot-controlled territories in order to once and for all gain control of Cybertron. The information proved false, and the Decepticons were caught in a [[Quintesson]] ambush. They were forced to call upon the Autobots for help in thwarting the aliens' forced colonization of Cybertron. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{-}}

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

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:Totalwar-combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8]]
Onslaught was one of the Decepticons operating aboard the [[Warworld]]. At the death of [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]], a [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] killed light years away, Onslaught was briefly overcome by pain, hinting of a genetic connection between these two. {{storylink|Swarm (issue)|Swarm}} When legions of enemy Cybertronians boarded the Warworld, Onslaught and the Combaticons stood against them. He was likely off-lined in the skirmish that ensued. {{storylink|Total War!}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
Onslaught was among the Decepticons under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s leadership, who set up a hidden base in a human industrial estate not far from [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Following a failed raid on the Autobot fortress, Onslaught carried a recovery crew out to pick up the damaged [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]. They returned to base, unaware that they'd been followed by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and a short time later they were chased out of the base by the full Autobot force. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}

===The Special Teams===
Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons were created by Starscream on a remote Pacific island, by combining military vehicles with Energon cubes. They then drove to the [[Pullen Power Plant]], passing Optimus Prime en route, though the Autobot leader was none-the-wiser to the Decepticons in disguise. Onslaught, Brawl and Swindle arrived first on the battlefield, coming upon Menasor already engaged in battle with Defensor. Onslaught then ordered to rest of his team to merge with him to form Bruticus. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}
{{-}}

===St. Michael ''The Transformers'' Sticker Book===
{{notemultipath}}
Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons served under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] on a Decepticon ship, when they managed to shoot down the ship being captained by Ultra Magnus. After the Autobots crash-landed on planet [[Barrenikon]], the Decepticons landed their ship nearby to finish off their enemies. In the many possible adventures that followed, Onslaught and the other Decepticons often underestimated you, which often led to them losing to the Autobots, leaving them either stranded on Barrenikon, or fleeing after they received too much damage. That is, if you somehow didn't get yourself killed at their hands. {{storylink|The Transformers Sticker Book (St. Michael)|The Transformers Sticker Book}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Onslaughtwarwithin.jpg|thumb|Those Autobots are in for some "wheel" trouble now!]]
Onslaught unleashed his considerable firepower against the Autobots during the Decepticon assault against [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}} and was on the front lines when the Decepticons managed to breach the last of the Autobots' defenses and penetrated the [[Decagon]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #5}} He and his fellow Combaticons were later upgraded into Combiners. After the Crisis Intervention Accords were enacted, however, it is unknown if Onslaught joined up separately with any faction.

After the Great Shutdown and the peace that followed it, Onslaught and the Combaticons were labeled as war criminals and held in stasis in a penitentiary. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} That is, at least until Starscream freed them, and loaded them up aboard a [[Sky Lynx (G1)|shuttle]], planning to use their might to plunder Earth. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

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

Damaged or not, the Combaticons soon had to face a powerful enemy when the crazed zealot [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] appeared on Earth, but before they could attack him, Bruticus' head was blown apart by [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] in the Autobot supply ship ''[[Orion]]''. In the aftermath, Bruticus's barely-conscious body was battered upon by an angry Brawn. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} Onslaught and the other Decepticons were made the Autobots' prisoners, until Starscream negotiated a deal for their release in exchange for his aid against Sunstorm. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}}

[[File:Onslaught G1DW routeofallevil.jpg|left|thumb|Well, isn't he a bossy one...]]
The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. Starscream ordered them to defeat the magnificent Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as a means to train themselves for greater battles. Unfortunately, the Combaticons did not fare well when the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, with Onslaught nearly crushed by the Lynx's right paw as he was issuing orders. After Starscream deactivated Sky Lynx, Onslaught berated his team as buffoons for not paying attention to his battle plan.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] showed up as soon after Sky Lynx shut down. Onslaught ordered his men to keep moving and maintain formation so as to remain smaller, faster targets, then as they neared Predaking, formed Bruticus. This encounter did not end well either... {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
The discovery that Swindle was selling Decepticon weapons on the black market lead Megatron to berate Onslaught on his inability to keep his team member under control. Onslaught asked for another chance to get Swindle under control, but Megatron denied his request, giving [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] the task of bringing Swindle in. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
The Combaticons were among the Decepticon army on Cybertron when [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] took control of it. As the new Decepticon leader was assaulted by Optimus Prime, he called Onslaught and several other subgroup leaders to his aid. Prime fought back, grabbing [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]'s [[sword]] and slashing Onslaught with it. It is unclear if this killed him or merely damaged him, but Onslaught wasn't seen for the remainder of the battle. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===''The Beast Within''===
Onslaught participated in a savage all-out Decepticon offensive against the Autobots. With the Decepticons maintaining the advantage throughout the battle, Onslaught was amongst those who approached a crippled Optimus Prime, ready to dispatch the Autobot leader. Before they could deliver the finishing blow, the Dinobots combined into [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]], shifting the Decepticons’ priorities. Onslaught combined with his fellow Combaticons in order to square off against The Beast. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|''[[Spotlight: Arcee]]''}}
[[File:Autocracy12-BrawlOnslaughtSkullgrinBlitzwing.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Who died and put ''Blitzwing'' in charge of ''me''?]]
Onslaught was one of many bots to come from distant regions of Cybertron to attend Megatron's speeches and demonstrations of power as the Decepticon faction began to take shape. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

After the execution of [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] and the Decepticon rise to power, Onslaught fought alongside [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Skullgrin]], and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] against an Autobot resurgence. They were driven back by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]]. {{storylink|Endgame}} When [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] took command of the Decepticons, the Combaticons rebelled and left Cybertron, becoming mercenaries. While breaking into a weapons vault on the [[Presidium (planet)|Presidium]] they were approached by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and offered ample payment for returning to the Decepticon fold, which Onslaught accepted. {{storylink|Primacy issue 2|Primacy #2}} He went on to participate in [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s all-out attack on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}} where he attacked [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]], seeing the Autobot's destruction as his ticket into [[Decepticon High Command]]. He was stopped when the disillusioned Decepticon [[Slinger]] shot him in the eyes. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}}

[[File:SpotlightArcee Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Onslaught transforms into Brawl. Wait.]]
As the war went on, Onslaught led the Combaticon tactical unit assigned to the [[Decepticon Secret Service]] under [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzaitron]]'s command. They were the storming squad which participated in the ground assault raid of the [[Garrus-9]] penal facility, successfully blasting their way through Autobot resistance and capturing [[Pretender Monster|the "gestalt" transformers]]. He was the only one not to wee himself over [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|the raging death that is Arcee]], and he berated the other Combaticons for fearing her. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

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

A few years later, Onslaught went to [[Earth]], where he was captured by the human organization [[Skywatch]]. He was among the deactivated captives retrieved by [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]]'s team as they searched for more allies for their quest to get off the planet. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}} When Swindle unleashed Menasor on the Autobots and the combiner was defeated, Onslaught was one of the Decepticons who managed to slip away. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

[[File:Land Ironclads Onslaught Drinks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|It has a mouth! It has a mouth!!!!]]
After reuniting with Brawl and Vortex, Onslaught was hired by [[North Korea]]n leader [[Kim Jong Du]] to lead an attack on [[South Korea]], destroying a South Korean military outpost at the de-militarized zone in the process. He was surprised by a shot from a tank, but Brawl and Vortex quickly joined in and wiped out the human forces. This attack was directly responsible for the [[President of the United States]] declaring any country working with Cybertronians was considered in possession of weapons of mass destruction. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|The Land Ironclads}} None of the Combaticons much enjoyed working for humans, but unfortunately these humans knew more about the production of [[energon]] than they did. Onslaught assured the others he was formulating a better plan, but it was clear that they needed Swindle for these situations. As the Combaticons argued amongst themselves, the Autobots and [[Skywatch]] performed a surprise attack on them. Onslaught and the others were overwhelmed at first, but soon turned the tide after noting that the Autobots were forced to stay in their vehicle modes and that their only air support was a [[Jetfire (G1)|scientist]]. They took out two Autobots and fled back to North Korea without suffering much damage. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|Ranks of Bronze}}

[[File:Hawk Among the Sparrows Onslaught vs Optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Seriously man, I don't swing that way!]]
As Onslaught toasted to their victory in North Korea, the Autobots returned and resumed their assault, having dealt with their transformation issue. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] began wrestling with Onslaught while also telling him that helping the humans with their infighting would only lead to chaos. Onslaught was unimpressed by his words, since the Autobots had their own human "masters" in Skywatch, but found himself defeated when rebellious Decepticon [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] bombed him. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|Hawk Among the Sparrows}} As the battle got close to the [[China|Chinese]] border, the combatants found that the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] had allied themselves with the Chinese government just like the Combaticons had with North Korea. The Predacons were willing to let them off with a warning, but as they turned to leave, Onslaught decided to shake things up by shooting [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] in the back. [[File:All My Sins Remembered Heheheh.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.9|[[Runamuck (G1)|Heh heh, fire. Fire.]]]] Mistaking this for an Autobot attack, the Predacons attacked Optimus Prime and the others, while Onslaught presumably giggled to himself. The battle ended when [[Russia]] attempted to [[Nuclear weapon|nuke]] everyone present: Onslaught confirmed this via radio contact with the North Koreans. In the end, the Combaticons were set free as the Autobots didn't have the resources to keep them as prisoners, but their alliance with Kim Jong Du ended with a boom as Thundercracker bombed North Korea's energon factories. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|All My Sins Remembered}}

When the war ended, Onslaught returned to Cybertron with a large group of Decepticons. The Decepticons felt oppressed under a provisional government of Autobots, [[NAIL|Non-Aligned Cybertronians]], and... Starscream. Starscream approached Onslaught to buy his services as he made his play for Iacon's leadership. In exchange for protecting him from those like the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] or unruly bots, Starscream would allow Onslaught a position of power when the time came. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} When Megatron arrived at the new Cybertronian settlements, Onslaught and the other Decepticons began rioting in the streets to celebrate his return. {{storylink|City on Fire}} When Starscream successfully became the ruler of Iacon, he reneged on his deal with Onslaught, who was furious over the betrayal. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} Following [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s installation as Cybertron's new capital, Onslaught and many other disgruntled Decepticons chose to live in slums outside the city instead. When they caught Optimus Prime making his way through their territory, many of them formed a mob and attacked him. {{storylink|City of Steel (issue)|City of Steel}} He later skulked by as a group of Camiens were passing out fliers regarding Optimus Prime's divinity in the district. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}

[[File:ChooseMe OnslaughtGrenade.jpg|thumb|right|That's all very sweet, but they're definitely going to do some terrorism with that.]]
He later rejoined his fellow Combaticon teammates as they stewed over Starscream's leadership, and upon throwing an energon canister at a viewscreen promoting his success in uniting some of the lost colonies, Onslaught declared that they wouldn't let Starscream forget the past, not without having to go through them first. They sprayed "SWINDLE LIVES" on a wall {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} thanks to being informed by an anonymous informant, "[[Rattrap (BW)|DC-357]]", that Swindle was alive and had damaging info on Starscream. {{storylink|07:00:00}} In light of the newly announced "Chosen One Day", Onslaught got a new grenade as a gift from his teammates. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

At Brawl's suggestion, Onslaught rejoined the Decepticon movement as they prepared for [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron's]] conquest of Earth. Brawl and Needlenose led a team of Decepticons to the Space Bridge nexus, where they transported aboard the ''[[Ark-7]]'' to overpower the Autobots in Earth orbit. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} Onslaught and the Decepticons engaged Arcee, [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Alpha Trion]] before the ship crashed into Shanghai, China. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} When that all went tits up, he abandoned the operation on Earth and fled back to Cybertron, where he continued to search the underbelly of Cybertron for the missing Swindle.

[[file:Onslaught_Riot_from_Applicable_Skills_Open_Road.jpg|thumb|upright=1|frame|left|230x230px|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esE_uA-XkJ8 MY NAME IS ONSLAUGHT AND I HATE STARSCREAMS]]]As the [[Badgeless]] began to brutalise Decepticons for information, Onslaught became sure DC-357 was onto something but the other Combaticons became worried he was ''too'' focused, costing them paying jobs. The idea of dropping the search made Onslaught storm off in a huff, {{storylink|07:00:00}} and when he came back, he found riots breaking out over a police killing. He decided they shouldn't touch this as it was likely to turn the colonists against their cause and he felt this might be a Starscream plot to draw them out. That's when Blast Off admitted he'd ''done'' the killing in disguise as a Badgeless, so he could film it, send it to the press, and provoke an uprising. Onslaught hit on a sneaky plan: he started a large protest that marched on Starscream to shake the tree and see what happened, and when what happened was Ironhide was made head of the cops and opened them up to anyone who wanted. Onslaught then started a fight so that Blast Off could 'stop him' and 'denounce' his plans, thus getting into the police as someone Ironhide would trust. Blast Off did the deed so well, Onslaught was proud! {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

Onslaught eventually learned from Blast Off that Wheeljack and Rattrap had taken Swindle. Outraged, Onslaught took Brawl and went to Rattrap's, brutally beating him down to figure out where he took Swindle. Soon Vortex and Blast Off arrived with Chromia and Wheeljack, and Onslaught and the other Combaticons forced them to lead them to the brain-dead Swindle. Onslaught was unperturbed by Swindle's condition, and forced Rattrap to retrieve the [[Enigma of Combination]]. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}}

[[File:TheLineBetweenUs CombaticonsAntespace.jpg|thumb|upright=2.0|right]]
Onslaught used the Enigma on himself and his team, forming [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], hoping that he might be able to access the dirt Swindle had on Starscream. As Bruticus rampaged through Iacon, within the combiner's psyche, Onslaught soon found what he was looking for. Though Windblade tried to appeal to Onslaught within the combiner to help her take down Starscream with their evidence, it was to no avail. Eventually Ironhide was forced to fire a rocket at Bruticus' head, and the shock forced the Combaticons to disconnect. Windblade frantically tried to get Onslaught and the Combaticons to wake up to share what they had learned, but failed. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

Onslaught and his fellow Combaticons were imprisoned and awaiting trial, though Ironhide was reluctant to prosecute them if their mental scarring proved too great. {{storylink|Ping}}

[[File:ThePriceOfYou-smoochy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3|What sounds better, "Blastslaught" or "On/Off"?]]
The Combaticons were still comatose when Starscream told the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] to turn them to his side as one of his combiners. In Blast Off's mind he woke up next to Onslaught, revealing that Blast Off had a thing for his commander. It was soon revealed by Starscream, who was also there, that this was all a dream and that if Blast Off took his offer to help him sway the Combaticons for his side he could make this a reality. All he needed in exchange was for Blast Off to cover any holes in their story. Blast Off eventually agreed, and as a result, Onslaught and the others were made to believe that Onslaught's original deal with Starscream had worked out, with the Combaticons having been his secret and loyal bodyguards, Onslaught's public protest was done to draw out dissenters, and that their forming of Bruticus had been a last-ditch attempt to save Swindle's life with Starscream's approval. Soon, Onslaught woke up, seeing Blast Off by his side. He then touched Blast Off's hand, revealing Starscream kept his promise to make Onslaught notice him. {{storylink|The Price of You}} After Onslaught assured Blast Off that he felt fine, Starscream arrived and began playing upon the manipulation to Onslaught's memories, claiming he had felt vulnerable without him around and assured the Combaticon leader that their risk to save Swindle had paid off. Soon the Combaticons "resumed" their work of protecting Starscream, and prior to Onslaught's first day back he and Blast Off arranged a date. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

Onslaught was among the security detail for the ceremony to welcome Earth into the Council of Worlds. When [[Iron Ring|a group of human assailants]] attacked, he mobilised to fight back and evacuate Starscream. {{storylink|First Strike issue 1|First Strike #1}}

Onslaught and Vortex later ushered Circuit and Longtooth out of the Council chambers during Windblade's official return to her post, but when Vortex dared the two reporters to resist, Onslaught warned him not to cause trouble. During the final debate before the election to decide the new leader of Cybertron, Starscream revealed all of his crimes to the public, including the manipulation of the Combaticons. As a result, Onslaught and the other Combaticons were imprisoned for their rampage as Bruticus, with Onslaught shunning Blast Off for his cooperation in manipulating them. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

{{-}}

===''Universe'' toy bio===
Delighting in successful strikes on the Autobots, Onslaught was the type to remain out of battle to direct tactics. His entrance into the battlefield was typically a sign that something had gone wrong with the plan. {{storylink|#Uni08Ultra|''Universe'' Ultra Class Onslaught toy bio}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Generations'' manga===
When the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of another universe attempted to attack [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Onslaught and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] defended their leader. However, Starscream possessed Onslaught and began wreaking havoc with his body. Starscream was exorcised out of his host after [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] projected an illusory [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], scaring Starscream back to his home dimension. {{storylink|Starscream's New Body}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Another Episode, Part 1}} {{storylink|Another Episode, Part 2}}

===Starscream's New Power===
[[File:Starscream's New Power Combaticons.jpg|thumb|100px]]
Onslaught attempted to apprehend Starscream, only to be driven back when the latter managed to get his hands on some weapons from [[Shockwave's Tower|Shockwave's research lab]]. {{storylink|Starscream's New Power}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
Summoned by Starscream to act as his elite squad (whose first mission, of course, was to overthrow [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]), Onslaught rolled onto the scene alongside [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], and [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (who Starscream had swayed to his side by making him one of his elites and even threw in a new paintjob). He boasted that they could leave the strategy to him, and was irritated when Vortex offered to stay behind and guard the base. When the Combaticons combined into Bruticus, Vortex constant worry for the base's safety compelled the team to withdraw. When Starscream, under imminent threat of a beating from Megatron, contacted the team to demand to know where they were, Onslaught joined his teammates in happily informing their illustrious leader they were all protecting the base together. Aww. {{Storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
The Combaticons infiltrated [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] disguised as their vehicles, with Onslaught taking on the form of [[Ghostrider]]'s stealth bomber. During the Decepticon-[[Cobra]] attack on the [[United Nations]], the Combaticons revealed themselves and combined into Bruticus to fight [[GIJONIN]]. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}}
{{-}}

===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===
The [[Combaticon (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Combaticons]] fought multiple tours together. It's likely that the first one of these was when they all changed their alternate modes to Earth-based ones. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

Onslaught was the team's commander, and had shaped it into a nearly unstoppable strike force. He had high expectations for them, putting exacting precision in both his planning and orders. {{storylink|Onslaught (G1)#Combiner Wars|Onslaught's bio}}

[[Brawl (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Brawl]] was often needled and frustrated by his fellow Combaticons in order to make better use of his focused battlefield fury. He often needed to be told important information multiple times, but he ''was'' learning from Onslaught. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

The other Combaticons knew better than to trust [[Swindle (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Swindle]] with ''anything''. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}

Bruticus as a combined form was created by [[Shockwave (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Shockwave]] for the express purpose of pummeling Autobots. {{storylink|Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Shockwave's bio}}

[[Blast Off (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Blast Off]] was captured at one point, leaving the team unable to form Bruticus. Eventually, they were reunited. Onslaught subsequently mandated that he switch his alternate mode once again in order to stay close, so - much to Blast Off's anger - he reformatted into a fighter jet. Onslaught welcomed this new temperment because he considered his subordinate to be a more effective soldier afterwards. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

The Combaticons were posted on Cybertron during the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Vortex's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

===''Combiner Wars'' cartoon===
Onslaught was among the Decepticon troops who bore witness to a pivotal duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron, one meant to end the war before the never-ending arms race between the two factions spiralled further out of control. {{storylink|Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Optimus Prime}}

===''Win If You Dare''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare|Win If You Dare}}}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Constructicons Rising, Part 4|''Galaxies'' #4]]}}
[[File:ConstructiconsRisingPart4 Combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
At some point, Onslaught posed in a group photo with many Cybertronians, including Blast Off. {{storylink|Open Comms}} A member of [[The Rise]], Onslaught was sent to [[Mayalx]] by Shockwave to collect the large bounty of [[energon cube]]s that the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] had processed. {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 4}}

Once he returned to Cybertron, Onslaught assumed a position of authority in the Rise, supporting Shockwave after [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and many of the terrorist cell were fully assimilated into Megatron's Decepticons at Iacon. {{storylink|Escape Part Three}} He assigned [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]] and "Team Stream" to sentry duty at the Rise base while also maintaining security around the radioactive and disturbing [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} Mercifully, Vortex soon arrived to spell Onslaught and take a shift watching over the unsettling Seeker. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}

[[File:WarsEndPartThree JumpstreamSavesCyclonus.jpg|right|thumb|upright=2.0|Oof, right in the dude-icus!]]
When [[Exarchon]] returned, the Combaticons were summoned by [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] to Shockwave's base. When [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] rejected the Threefold Spark's sales pitch and teleported away, Onslaught was ready to pursue only for Exarchon to overrule him. {{storylink|War's End Part One}} Instead, Exarchon ordered them to reinforce his iteration in the [[Sonic Canyons]], with Onslaught coming to blows with [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] when the Decepticons arrived. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} A group of Autobots became involved as well, but they all pulled back once [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] arrived from deep space at Shockwave's call. Onslaught and the others cautiously welcomed Devastator, along with The Rise's other lieutenant [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]] as reinforcements. Exarchon became greedy, however, and tried to impose his spark on Devastator rather than using him as an ally. {{storylink|War's End Part Three}} He failed, but it left the Constructicons disabled and useless as support. The Combaticons soon faced a united attack from the Autobots and Decepticons again. Exarchon was defeated, trapped in a Titan spark cage, which was then destroyed. Onslaught and his cohorts were taken into Decepticon custody. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

====Alternate future====
In one possible future, [[Exarchon]] returned and conquered Cybertron. He used Onslaught, Megatron and Shockwave as hosts for his Threefold Spark. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} Exarchon briefly encountered the time-traveling [[Jumpstream]], but didn't realize her significance and turned her over to the [[Thraal]]. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}

===Energon Universe===
[[File:TF2023 no. 9 – Onslaught & Brawl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.12]]
Onslaught and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] had chased down and cornered [[Elita One (G1)#Energon Universe|Elita One]]. This wouldn't stay the case for long though as the [[Autobot]] slipped through a [[space bridge]], following her, he commanded his team to combine, only to jump clear of the bridge as Elita destroyed it, bisecting [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and cutting Onslaught off from the rest of his team. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 9|Transformers #9}}

As repairs to the space bridge proceeded, Onslaught kept to himself, assuring Brawl that he would be repaired soon and overhearing [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s disagreements with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Onslaught rejoined his fellows when the [[energon]] generated by the [[feeder]] re-opened the space bridge and brought [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to [[Earth]]'s orbit. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 10|Transformers #10}} Following the ensuing battle with the Autobots, a chunk of Cybertron crashed into the ocean, with Onslaught and Brawl caught up in the ensuing tsunami. Luckily, the pair were rescued by Astrotrain and Starscream. Later, the group returned to the crashed section of Cybertron and reunited with the remaining Combaticons. Onslaught and Brawl corroborated Starscream's assertions that Soundwave was an ill-fitting leader. The group then watched as Starscream slaughtered most of his human rescuers. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 14|Transformers #14}}

Once the Combaticons were repaired, Starscream led them into battle against Soundwave, the quintet combining into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 15|Transformers #15}}
{{ongoing}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Onslaught, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] were part of a Decepticon attack force that assaulted the Autobots' launch site. All three were rammed by Ultra Magnus in his vehicle mode as he entered the fray. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Ultra Magnus|Ultra Magnus commercial}}
*Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons charged down a ravine to face-off against [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As they neared him, the Combaticons combined into Bruticus and took to the skies. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Bruticus and Metroplex|Bruticus and Metroplex commercial}}
Onslaught was part of a massive battle between Kreons. He and the Combaticons combined into Bruticus to gain the advantage in battle, and then chased the Autobots off alongside [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. {{storylink|Commercial#Kre-O|KRE-O Transformers Micro Changers and Combiners Construction Sets commercial}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{Note|Onslaught is a non-playable character. He appears among the legion of Decepticon duplicates in the Autobot campaign.}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
In the early days of the war, Megatron tasked Onslaught and [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] with breaching Iacon's defences. The two Decepticons were opposed by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], and were ultimately unsuccessful in taking the city due to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s involvement. {{storylink|Assault on Iacon}}

Onslaught was active in the Decepticon/Autobot war when [[Doctor Arkeville]] created [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]. He didn't take an active role when the Doctor's creation went on a rampage and was stopped by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] however. {{storylink|Nemesis Rising}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsOnslaught.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
Onslaught participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Super Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 250 units of Cybermetal, 75 units of Transmetal, and 10 cores of this character. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:OnslaughtEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=2| Tactical Oversight? Nah. Just lots of BOOM.]]
It would be easy to dismiss Onslaught as a brutish thug. But to him his greatest weapon is not his photon missiles, but his amazing tactical mind.

The key to victory is planning, and Onslaught executes his strategies with exacting and dispassionate logic. It's only when things don't go to plan that he gets frustrated and lashes out.
Which, admittedly, is often. VERY often. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Onslaught bio}}

Onslaught is one of Megatron's more elite warriors, and he is leader of the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] on Cybertron, save Swindle. He is contacted by Megatron to get them to earth. He arrives in time for the battle of the Codex Key. He really hates Swindle for leaving the Combaticons for profit, seeing as it left the Combaticons at a tactical disadvantage.

When Megatron states he needs a new combiner to take on Optimus's new combiner, he immediately <s>forces</s> "recruits" the Combaticons to form their gestalt Bruticus, despite Onslaught's complaints they are not ready to unleash Bruticus yet. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}

Onslaught noticed Swindle's absence, and his team concluded that Swindle was off to sell information on [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s interdimensional recruitment plan to the Autobots. They pursued Swindle to the meeting location, and a battle ensued. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Rogue Trader}}

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest star rating''': 3 Star (2 star beta)
*'''Weapons''': Onslaught uses a unique [[grenade launcher]] custom modified to lay down a blanket of grenades onto the battlefield. It deals heavy damage to any target, or anything around it for that matter, Onslaught has in sights. '''KABOOM!'''
*'''Ability: Line barrage''': Shoots 12 small rockets from long range delivering damage in a line across the target.
**'''Ability Cost''': 7 ability points. +3 for continued usage.
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive''===
[[File:BBOOnslaught.jpg|thumb|100px]]
Onslaught is featured as a boss battle once the player reaches 43,700,000 points. He is in command of the seventeenth Decepticon base attacked and destroyed during a series of Autobot raids. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Onslaught was a military genius and the leader of the Combaticons. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}} At some point during the war, Onslaught was imprisoned in a [[crystalline containment vessel|containment vessel]] and missed Devastator's first deployment. {{storylink|The Enigma of Combination}}

On Earth, Onslaught and the other Combaticons acted as a liaison between the Decepticons and the forces of Cobra, offering them advanced alien technology in exchange for their full cooperation. While meeting with [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] in southern [[France]], the Autobots attacked; in the ensuing fight, Onslaught dealt [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] a debilitating injury before [[Bulkhead (G1)|Bulkhead]] cleared an escape route. The Combaticons, minus Swindle, spent days pursuing the Autobots across southern France before bumping into a [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] encampment; leery of their advanced weapons and unable to form Bruticus, the Combaticons retreated. {{storylink|Cobra/Con Fusion}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1Onslaught toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The Real American Decepticon]]
*'''Onslaught''' ([[1986]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''C5'''
**''Takara/GiG ID number:'' '''D-64'''
**''Accessories'': "[[Sonic stun-gun]]" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Originally designed for the aborted ''[[Diaclone]]'' line ''[[Diaclone#Jizai Gattai|Jizai Gattai]]'' (自在合体 "Limitless Combination") and then brought over to the ''Transformers'' toyline, ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Onslaught transforms into a dark blue and green mobile anti-aircraft truck of made-up origin (though the cab is probably a White Road Boss with sleeper cab), armed with a large double-barreled cannon mounted on the flatbed of his vehicle mode. Like all of the original four [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and Transformers 2010)|Scramble City]]-style combiner team leaders, he can also assume a base/gun emplacement mode with a ramp that smaller Combaticons can use, which can be connected to both the Autobot city [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] (a feature not mentioned in either toy's instructions, for obvious reasons) and to the Decepticon city [[Trypticon (G1)#Toys|Trypticon]] (a feature only documented in Trypticon's instructions). As with [[Motormaster (G1)#Toys|Motormaster]] and [[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]], Onslaught was originally designed to feature a spring-loaded launching mechanism in base mode that would propel the smaller vehicles off him. Hasbro dropped the feature, likely [[for safety reasons]], but it was retained on the Japanese edition of the figure. Onslaught has three distinct [[variant|variants]], the first version having a painted metal chest and silver plastics, the second version replacing the metal chest with silver plastic, and the third swapping the silver plastics for light grey (originating from Macau, as opposed to China or Japan). While the metal version came first and the silver plastic version appears to have had the widest release, none of the three variations are particularly rare.

:In robot mode, Onslaught is armed with a long olive [[sonic stun-gun]] and is accessorized by a small chest plate. The gun can store on his backpack in either mode via two rectangular pegs which hold onto his gun sight. Holes in the side of the gun are, probably coincidentally, just the right size to peg in the smaller weapons from the other Combaticons—a feature that would be canonized only for the later Ruination version of the mold.

:Onslaught combines with the other Combaticon toys into [[Bruticus (G1)#Toys|Bruticus]], forming the central body component of the super-robot with the addition of a large silver chest plate and Bruticus's head. He also comes with Bruticus's hands and feet.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Bruticus}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (multi-pack, [[1985]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''D-69'''
**''Accessories'': "[[Sonic stun-gun]]" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:In addition to his single release, Onslaught was also sold in a "Bruticus" [[giftset]] alongside the other Combaticons. The gift set was never available in the USA or Canada, but only in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

: In 1988, [[GiG]] also re-released the Bruticus set in Italy, with five random "Exogini Transformers" ([[Decoy]]s) added.

{{anchor|1991Classic}}
*'''Classic Onslaught''' ([[1991]])
**''Accessories'': "Sonic stun-gun" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Onslaught was re-released in the European-market "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" line in 1991, with his [[rubsign]] removed. This version was sold in several packaging variants featuring different languages, with the Spanish version somehow ending up with the hilariously nonsensical name "Oslat".
{{--}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Tom Kenny|I'm a Goofy Goober, yeah!]]]]
*'''Onslaught''' ([[1993]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''C5'''
**''Accessories'': "Sonic stun gun" rifle, double-barreled turret, missile launcher, 2 missiles, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Released in the second year of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', Onslaught was redecoed in a rather outlandish color scheme of bright yellow-orange covered in purple camouflage, with purple and black replacing olive and silver. The factory-applied stickers on the back of his truck mode proudly state that he is indeed Onslaught. In this form he was reputedly "one metamorphin' dude-icus."

:His new spring-loaded missile launcher was taken from [http://www.yojoe.com/action/91/snowserpent2.shtml Snow Serpent] from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' toyline, and was the same one used by ''Generation 2'' [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Sideswipe]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Jazz]]. His backpack cannon was [[retool]]ed with a peg-hole to mount this new launcher. In theory the other smaller Combaticons can also hold the launcher, and their weapons can store on Onslaught's backpack now. Not that Onslaught's about to lend his gun to Swindle or Brawl.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on G2 Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2FOC}}{{anchor|G2BoxSet}}
[[File:G2toy-OnslaughtAmazon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"It's not easy bein' cheesy."]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Box set, [[2012]])
**''Accessories'': Dual cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Franks]] (deco artist)}}

:Part of a giftset [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]], this version of Onslaught is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Onslaught (WFC)#Toys|Onslaught]] in ''Generation 2'' colors. As usual, he forms the torso of Bruticus. Though [[:File:GenerationsG2Onslaught.JPG|stock photography depicted Onslaught]] with a black head and black deco on his gun, the final toy rendered both of these in unpainted purple plastic.

:This toy was [[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Impactor (Prime)#Toys|Impactor]].
{{--}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:TFU08-toy Onslaught Legend.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Because ''Classics'' Legends [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] was ''super''-popular.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Legends Class, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''Series'': Classic Series

: Part of the very first wave of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] toys, Onslaught is a [[redeco]] of Legends Class ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)#LOC|Red Alert]], transforming into a SWAT-deco'd BTR-90 armored personnel carrier mounted with a top-mounted missile similar to a SCUD launcher. The missile is permanently sculpted in the open-tipped "cannon" mode the larger version of this toy can assume. The deco's resemblance to the original Onslaught is iffy, but it ''is'' not far from the deco of the next toy of him, below.

: Onslaught uses the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|live-action-movie]]-style Decepticon symbol, a common minor error among toys of this era.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Classics|Perceptor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/LegendsOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe Legends Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2008Ultra}}{{anchor|Uni08Ultra}}
[[File:UniverseOnslaughtToys-HasbroTakara.JPG|upright=1.67|thumb|They found your phone number and want to ask you a few questions. (''Hasbro version on left, Takara version on right)]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Ultra Class, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''Series'': Classic Series
:*''Accessories'': Shield
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the first wave of ''Universe'' Ultra Class toys, this version of Onslaught transforms into a six-wheeled SWAT assault truck with positionable mine-scoops and a rotating double-barreled turret on top. "MONZO 12782" is [[tampograph]]ed onto the front of the vehicle mode on both versions, a reference by Hasbro to the ever-helpful [[Fandom|fan]] [[Matthew Karpowich]] (aka [[User:Monzo|Monzo]]) and his birthdate, [[December 7]], [[1982]], or 12-7-82. When the button on his rotating turret is pressed, electronic lights in his head and turret flash and one hears either machine gun fire or a siren sound, either of which are continuous if held down. Rolling the vehicle's middle left tire activates a third sound effect of him causing extensive property damage on something unfortunate enough to get caught under his wheels. A looped driving sound will then be continuously played until the tire stops rolling, when a final sound of the vehicle driving away/to a halt is played. The first waves of Onslaughts gave only very brief clips of sound when the button gimmick was activated. (The siren ended up sounding like a set car alarm.) This was changed in the Japanese release and as a [[Variant|running change]] in the U.S. version, so that the gun and siren noises are now restored to their intended full lengths.

: He comes with a riot shield, which can either connect to a flip up tab on Onslaught's left arm in robot mode, or store on top of his turret in either mode. The small flap at the top of the shield is used to access the turret's button, either by pressing on the flap itself, or by flipping it open and pressing the button directly. A button on Onslaught's right arm spring-deploys an arm-mounted weapon. His cannons can be removed, but are not meant to be accessories, as the pop-off points are simply there to prevent breakage if the toy is dropped.

: The [[stock photography]] also shows him as [[:File:Onslaughtuniversetoy.jpg|having black cannons and hands, and being slightly mis-transformed]].

: The Japanese [[TakaraTomy]] version of Onslaught was released in American ''Universe'' packaging as a [[USA Edition]] toy... but it's ''not'' the Hasbro deco. He is redecoed to more closely resemble the colours of the original Onslaught toy and his appearance in the original ''The Transformers'' cartoon. His sparkly metallic slate-blue is replaced with swirly metallic teal, the blue paint on his arms and crotch is replaced by a dark greenish-blue, and the silver and dark silver on the sides of his face are replaced by teal. He also has slightly more paint on his face, with his mouth-plate being painted silver.

: This mold was redecoed as ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Hardhead (G1)#Universe (2008)|Hardhead]] and retooled as ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Clench (G1)#Timelines|Clench]]. The Clench tooling also served as the basis of the non-toy ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Torca (BW)|Torca]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/TFUOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe Ultra-Class Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BrutMaxSet}}
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy Onslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]] stole his design, so he stole Grindcore's colors.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus Maximus''' (Multi-pack, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''Series'': G1 Series

: The third ''Universe'' Onslaught toy is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Barricade (Energon)#Toys|Barricade]], transforming into an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier with a rear-mounted (non-firing) missile rack that turns and elevates. (Amusingly, Barricade has a more Onslaught-accurate colour scheme than ''Universe'' Onslaught.) The alphanumeric code "C5" tampographed on the front of his vehicle mode is a reference to the original Onslaught toy's American release's team ID number. For a little extra Generation 1 flair, Onslaught's (as well as any other variations of the sculpt) missile rack in vehicle-mode can be clicked back to be dragged behind, elongating the entire vehicle, similar to the original toy.

: Onslaught also has a paint error on the right robot knee, in that there is no paint around the hole immediately below the knee, where there ''is'' paint on the left one. This error is also evident in the box photos for the individual robot mode, but not the combined mode, curiously. When combined with the other Combaticons, Onslaught forms the torso.

: He was only available as part of the ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus [[giftset]], which was initially intended to be released as a [[Target]] exclusive in the United States, but ultimately ended up being only available in some non-American markets such as Australia and Singapore. Instead, American markets eventually received a [[rebranding|rebranded]] version of this giftset (with no changes to the toys themselves) in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging (thereby creating a new [[live-action film series]] [[Onslaught (ROTF)|Onslaught]] character), exclusively available at Target stores in the United States and at Zellers stores in Canada. ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Onslaught retains the aforementioned paint error.

: This sculpt was redecoed into the ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' versions of Onslaught (see [[#United|below]]) and was retooled to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Heatwave (Timelines)#Toys|Heatwave]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TargetOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe multipack Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Encore''===
*'''Bruticus''' ([[2009]])
**''ID number:'' '''16'''

:A reissue of the original G1 Onslaught toy at first sight, this toy is actually a redeco of the ''Robots in Disguise'' Mega-Octane retool of the sculpt, complete with shortened rifle, a plastic chest, and all other subsequent mold changes. Additionally, the Japan-only base mode launcher mechanism was reinstated for this release. Unfortunately, the sculpt also has quite a bit of visible mold wear-and-tear thanks to the inordinate number of times the Onslaught sculpt has been reused and retooled over the years.

:This version of Onslaught was only available as part of a Bruticus gift set released under [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' line of reissues.
{{G1CombaticonMold}}
{{--}}

===''United EX''===
[[File:UnitedEX-Combatmaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combatmaster Prime Mode''' ([[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''EX-01'''
:*''Release date'': [[September 22]], 2012
:*''Accessories'': "Kannonier Drone", "Morser Drone", "Panzer Drone", "Spaher Drone"

: Released in the first wave of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers United EX|United EX]]'' toyline, Combatmaster is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Bombshock (PCC)|Bombshock]] toy, transforming into a twin-barreled artillery cannon truck of indeterminate model. He also has a "Prime Mode" where he becomes the torso of a super robot, capable of using any auto-transforming Power Core Combiner drone-machine molds for limbs.

: He comes with four color-coordinated military vehicle drone-limbs, redecos of the [[Combaticon (PCC)|Combaticon]]s. Each one has a square socket for a Power Core Combiner connection; when attached via the blue plugs on a Commander figure, the vehicles automatically transform into a super-robot limb, and snaps back to vehicle mode when disconnected. Despite the universal connector, each drone can only form one limb type (but can be swapped from left to right):

:*1: '''Morser Drone''' [Missile Carrier Drone]—Arm (Combatmaster's right)
:*2: '''Panzer Drone''' [Tank Drone]—Arm (Combatmaster's left)
:*3: '''Kannonier Drone''' [APC Drone]—Leg (Combatmaster's right)
:*4: '''Spaher Drone''' [Armored Car Drone]—Leg (Combatmaster's left)

: The drones are named after German terms related to military, which is the motif of Combatmaster himself as well as [[Combaticon (G1)|the group that he led]].

: Combatmaster's mold was also used to make [[Steelshot]]. The drone-limb molds were also used to make components for two other Power Core Combiner teams: the Missile Carrier Drone and Armored Car Drone molds were used for the [[Destron (PCC)|Destrons]], while the APC Drone and Tank Drone molds were used for the [[Protectobot (PCC)|Protectobots]].

:As a redeco of the Bombshock mold, Combatmaster is likely to be plagued with the same assembly errors.
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:Generationstoy-RetailOnslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Onslaught''' (Deluxe Class, [[2012]])
**''Series/number'': '''01/#004'''
**'''PART 1 OF 5!'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''TG07'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[January 26]], [[2013]]
**''Accessories:'' Cannons
{{note|The Aligned Onslaught toy appeared as Generation 1 Onslaught in many continuities.}}

:A [[redeco]] of Onslaught from the [[Bruticus (WFC)#FOCDeluxe|Decepticon Bruticus]] gift set was available individually alongside his fellow Combaticons as part of the second [[wave]] of the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]''-themed 2012-onwards Deluxe Class ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' assortment. Overall, these versions of the Combaticons replace the [[show-accuracy|game-accurate]], the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]]-inspired decos with more "flashy" colors apparently homaging the color scheme of [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]]. Onslaught, however, is an exception to this: Although his colors are brighter and more vivid, the colors themselves are more game-accurate, replacing the dull shade of ocher with dark blue as the main color.

:Aside from the colors, mass retail Onslaught is identical to the version from the Decepticon Bruticus gift set.

:The TakaraTomy Japanese release features a shade of dark blue similar to Hasbro's. Naturally, it features more paint applications, such as blue on the wheels and painted "light" details.

:Unsurprisingly for an Aligned toy inspired by Generation 1, ''Fall of Cybertron'' Onslaught was used in multiple Generation 1-based stories. The Hasbro deco [[Onslaught (G1)#Starscream's New Power|appeared]] in the short comic "[[Starscream's New Power]]" while the TakaraTomy deco [[Onslaught (G1)#Transformers: All Spark|appeared]] in the ''[[Transformers: All Spark]]'' manga series and the ''[[Transformers Cloud]]'' stories. This toy also serves as an approximate stand-in for Onslaught's 2012 body in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic series.<ref>Onslaught appears in [[City on Fire|''Robots in Disguise'' #12]] redesigned according to [[:File:WFC Onslaught bot.jpg|his concept art]] for the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|''War for Cybertron'' game]].</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on retail Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:United Bruticus Maximus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, [[November 7]], 2012)

:Released exclusively by TakaraTomy in non-Japanese Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has paint layouts similar to the previous ''Universe'' (2008)/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a much greater emphasis on G1-accurate colors. Onslaught's color scheme is perhaps the most different from the previous release, being very similar to his Generation 1 toy in robot mode, but is almost completely gray when transformed into Bruticus' torso, to reflect the large gray chest plate on the original Bruticus toy. Additionally, Bruticus' hands/feet/weapons, which were previously cast in translucent colored plastic are now opaque gray.
{{--}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[Image:BotShots Onslaught.jpg|thumb|right|300px|I'm only doing the o_O face because someone stole one of my cannons... and my release date!]]
*'''Combaticons''' (Multi-pack, 2013?)
**''Number'': '''T0??'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}
***''Fist strength'': '''447'''
***''Blaster strength'':
***''Sword strength'':
:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' Onslaught is a redeco of [[Warpath (G1)#Bot Shots|Warpath]], transforming into a tank. As a Flip Shot, an impact to the front of his vehicle mode causes him to flip up when autotransforming. He was to be sold in a five-pack with [[Blast Off (G1)#Bot Shots|Blast Off]], [[Brawl (Movie)#5Pack|Decepticon Brawl]], [[Swindle (G1)#Bot Shots|Swindle]], and [[Vortex (G1)#Bot Shots|Vortex]], but this never saw release.

:This mold was originally used to make [[Brawl (Movie)#BotShotFlipShot|Flip Shot Brawl]].

{{canceledtoy}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[Image:KreO-Toy Onslaught.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Where'd my cannons go?!]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A2225'''
**''Pieces'': '''79'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:Onslaught comes as part of the [[Bruticus (G1)#Kre-O|Bruticus]] [[Micro-Changer]] combiner set, and can be rebuilt from his robot mode into a truck. He can also contribute his bricks to form Bruticus. Unlike Swindle but like Brawl and Vortex, he is based on his [[#Toys|Generation 1 toy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Kre-OOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Kre-O'' Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Combiner3pack}}
*'''Combiner Robot Mega Pack''' (3-pack, 2016)
**''Set number'': '''B6425'''
**''Pieces'': '''245'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: Bruticus was reissued in a 3-pack along with [[Superion (G1)#Kre-O|Superion]] and [[Menasor (G1)#Kre-O|Menasor]], with ''most'' of the components unchanged from the previous release. For this version however, Onslaught came with bronze clip-on smokestacks rather than the original's silver.

: This three-pack was sold in Dollar General stores for a whopping $12. Considering the original releases of each combiner cost $10 ''each'', that's quite a bargain!
{{--}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:Combiner Wars Onslaught toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I like big guns and I cannot lie!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right cannons
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' product for 2016, Onslaught is a heavy retool of [[Hot Spot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Hot Spot]], replacing most the robot mode's parts from the waist up and turning the vehicle mode backwards, resulting in a transformation into an anti-aircraft truck rather than a fire truck. Being a ''Combiner Wars'' Voyager, he can combine with any four of that line's Deluxes, though he is meant to combine with his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)#Combiner Wars|Combaticon]]s to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Combiner Wars|Bruticus]]. His guns can combine end-to-end to form a larger gun for Bruticus. While it may seem as if his turret cannot rotate, folding the combiner chestplate parts at the side of the truck mode up will allow it to do so. [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Shockwave]] can also ''loosely'' sit in a designated port on top of Onslaught's vehicle mode, between Bruticus' face cover and the crotch plate.

:When Hasbro originally announced the figure at [[BotCon 2015]], he was advertised as having a tan Bruticus chestplate for a Generation 1 Onslaught-accurate color scheme as the first release and a silver chestplate for a Generation 1 Bruticus-accurate color scheme as a [[variant#Running changes|running change]]. Instead, only the version with a silver chest plate ever made it to retail, with the tan chestplate version never being released.

:While this toy officially omits the base mode of [[#Toys|his G1 self]], many [[fan mode]] base configurations exist to homage the G1 toy and even dock with Titan Class [[Trypticon (G1)#Titans Return|Trypticon]].

: Onslaught and the last three waves of ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe and Voyager figures later showed up at TJ Maxx at reduced prices.

:This version of the Hot Spot/Onslaught mold served as the basis for [[Soundwave (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Soundwave]]'s appearance in "[[Epilogue Two]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{CWHotSpotMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|G2BruticusSet}}
[[File:CW-toy Onslaught G2.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Onslaught is a long time practitioner of the ancient art of disco!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right cannons

: The entire ''Combiner Wars'' Combaticon team was redecoed into close approximations of their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' colors; Onslaught is a lighter, pure-yellow, and his formerly-black parts are now a very very dark brown. Unfortunately, he still has the original Decepticon faction symbol, not the ''Generation 2'' style one.

: Also unfortunately, it appears that this Onslaught suffers from the same [[misassembly]] as [[Pyra Magna#Toys|Pyra Magna]]: The knee struts are reversed on both legs, preventing his assemblies from locking in properly for robot mode. In an undocumented feature also shared with Pyra Magna, the backs of his feet can flip out to provide better support.

: This version of the team was only available as a large boxed set, which also included a ''Generation 2''-ish version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#CWG2|Shockwave]]. This was the fourth of five different combiner "Collection Pack" box sets, which were "shared exclusives" sold by numerous online retailers... though many ultimately ended up at US discounters like Ross and TJ Maxx.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWG2Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' G2 Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-Unite-Warriors-UW07-Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Swindle dumped a bucket of blue paint on me. I'd kill him if I didn't need to combine with him.]]
*'''Bruticus''' (giftset, [[June 25]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-07'''
**''Accessories'': Individual Combaton weapons, Combatron extremities

:''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' Onslaught is a redeco of the [[#Combiner Wars|''Combiner Wars'' mold]] in a color layout based on his cartoon model, with changes such as a blue head with silver faceplate and yellow visor, blue shoulders, black hands, and a Bruticus chestplate [[Bruticus (G1)#Notes|colored like Blast Off]]. He also features additional paint details in vehicle mode, including a painted grill and rims. ''Unite Warriors'' Onslaught was sold only in a multi-pack with the other Combatrons.

:As a Voyager Class ''Unite Warriors'' figure, he can combine with any Deluxe Class figures from either Hasbro's ''Combiner Wars'' subline or Takara's ''Unite Warriors'' line, though he was meant to combine with his Combatrons to from [[Bruticus (G1)#Unite Warriors|Bruticus]].

:The stock photo on the right has him mistransformed; his knees aren't fully locked.
{{CWHotSpotMold}}
{{--}}

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:TF-AOTP-Commander-Onslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Who needs guns with cannons like ''these''!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combaticon Onslaught''' (Commander Class, [[2026]])}} </ul>
:*'''4 of 5: [[Bruticus (G1)#Age of the Primes|Bruticus]]'''
:*''Accessories'': trailer/Bruticus frame
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro)<ref>[[July 25]], [[2025]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T18IQaMuGVk Transformers Brand Panel Recap | SDCC 2025 | Hasbro Pulse] on YouTube, with [[Mark Maher]], [[Evan Brooks]], and [[Nate Purswell]].</ref>, [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Y30qeI_a4 Footage of the Hasbro Transformers brand panel] at [[San Diego Comic-Con#2025|San Diego Comic-Con 2025]] featuring [[Mark Maher]], [[Evan Brooks]], and [[Nate Purswell]] on the "Toys are Russ" YouTube channel.</ref>|[[Amy Bence]] (packaging)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMdjxMNBa7k Footage of the joint Hasbro/McFarlane Toys/Iron Studios panel] at [[CCXP#2025|CCXP 2025]] with [[Nate Purswell]] and [[Emily Bader]], recorded at the "Oficina dos Joes" YouTube channel</ref>}}

:The second Commander Class figure in the ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' line, Onslaught is a cartoon-accurate figure that transforms into his usual artillery truck mode, although only the front portion of the truck forms his robot mode, with his back cannons being faux parts. The remaining trailer with the actual cannons can turn slightly, and transforms into a battle station similar to the [[#The Transformers|original toy]], on which one of his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)#Age of the Primes|Combaticons]] can be placed in vehicle mode. Onslaught can man the rotating turret in this form.

:Of course, the trailer also transforms into a combiner frame for all the Combaticon toys to plug into to form Bruticus. In the name of cartoon accuracy, Bruticus's chestplate is styled after [[Blast Off (G1)#Age of the Primes|Blast Off]]'s shuttle mode, though it does omit the brown coloring. Unlike the previous frame combiners ''Age of the Primes'' [[Superion (G1)#Age of the Primes|Superion]] and ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' [[Menasor (G1)#Legacy|Menasor]], the majority of Bruticus's lower legs is formed by the leg-bots themselves. Since the toy cannot recreate cartoon Onslaught's ability to magically turn completely gray when turning into torso mode and the Combaticon figures attaching to the frame have far greater color variety than Onslaught's dark blue and green, the trailer shuffles around the color scheme to win some and lose some: Bruticus' head, thighs, and lower body provided by the trailer are a mix of gray and silver tones with the toes of the frame's feet painted the same color as the figures needed to complete the legs, but the rest of the frame is in Onslaught's standard colors with the otherwise accurately-colored trailer mode featuring unprecedented gray and silver combiner kibble under the cannons. His frame arms can be swapped with those of Superion and Menasor, allowing one to mix-and-match the combiners. His instructions also show a combined mode with ''Studio Series'' [[Shockwave_(G1)/toys#Studio_Series|Shockwave]], with Shockwave transforming into a shoulder cannon for Bruticus.

:Unfortunately, Onslaught does not come with his own gun, while Bruticus's gun is included with [[Swindle (G1)#Age of the Primes|Swindle]].

:Onslaught was revealed in prototype at the October 2025 MCM London Comic Con, with color renders revealed at [[CCXP#2025|CCXP 2025]]. He went up for pre-order on [[December 6]], [[2025]]. Some stock renders for Onslaught depict his hands, biceps, and thighs being green while others have them in cartoon-accurate black.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

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

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

{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
[[File:Blokees-TF-DV05-Onslaught-vehicle.jpg|thumb|300px]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught (Vehicle)''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 05 - Traitor to Tyranny'''

:Released as part of the fifth wave of the ''Defender Version'' line of blind boxes, this ''Blokees'' kit of Onslaught is molded in his anti-aircraft truck mode. Like the Constructicon vehicles and the ''T.rex'' Grimlock kit before him, Onslaught features a (largely undocumented) gimmick that allows him to form the torso of [[Bruticus_(G1)#Blokees|Bruticus]]. The chassis that connects the rear wheels also double as the rear half of Bruticus's gun.
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Onslaught's ability to combine with Metroplex is due to the fact that both were originally designed as part of the ''[[Diaclone]]'' line, where both were presumably part of the same faction. Neither were ever released under the ''Diaclone'' brand, as it had been overtaken by the Transformers.
*Like the rest of the Combaticons, Onslaught had an earlier, unused [[character model]] which superficially resembles the toy, other than the head design. There are other problems, such as wheel placement, but it's possible the artist of the unused character model was working off crappy source material.
*When the unused character model was redrawn into the final character model, it kept the odd wheel placement and gave Onslaught his toy's head, but did some bizarre things with his transformation. Like with many of the other Combaticons' final character models, such as Swindle's, his torso is the bumper, hood, and roof of the vehicle mode flattened out. Years later, Onslaught's Ultra class ''Universe'' toy attempted to replicate this [[Transformation|transformation scheme]].
*In the [[commercial]] advertising the Generation 2 Aerialbots and Combaticons, Onslaught is referred to as "one metamorphin' dudicus". It is presently unknown what a dudicus ''is'', or what qualifications Onslaught has met to be the only known one.
*The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original Onslaught toy depicted Onslaught and the Combaticons in new color schemes—Onslaught himself was mainly purple—despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.
*As revealed on Hasbro's ''Transformers'' website,<ref>[http://replay.web.archive.org/20090121131445/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=A795A47F-D56F-E112-48649ACADFB6ADDC Hasbro's preview of ''Universe'' Wave 1's toys]</ref> ''Universe'' Ultra class Onslaught's original prototype featured a larger head that lacked a neck section, and the front section of his vehicle with a (non-functional) winch folded down to become his stomach and waist, as well as more cartoon-accurate sculpted detailing on his waist. However, on the final version of this mold, the winch remains on his shoulders while another winch is molded onto the battery cover as part of his waist.
*In the Wings of Honor continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Fittingly enough, as the leader of the team Onslaught falls to the most dangerous of the Sins: Pride.
*As with most modern projects by Hasbro, the ''Combiner Wars'' [[#Combiner Wars|Voyager Class Onslaught mold]] had a "pretooled" alternate head, in Onslaught's case based on [[Demolisher (G1)#Notes|''Armada'' Demolishor]]. This head tooling was never used, though a test prototype surfaced on the Chinese site [[TaoBao]].<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/looks-like-were-getting-a-cw-demolisher.1051737/ TFW2005 thread, 19 September 2015]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Onslaught''' (オンスロート ''Onsurōto'')
*''French:'' '''Abordage''' (Canada, "Boarding")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Cudar''' ("Rascally")
*''Italian:'' '''Destroyer'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Tújí''' (Taiwan, 突擊, "Onslaught"), '''Anslo''' (Taiwan ''Universe'', 安史羅 ''Ān Shǐ Lúo''), '''Xíjí''' (China, 袭击, "Raid")
*''Spanish:'' '''Oslat''' (Spain, [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] only)
*''Russian:'' '''Osilok''' (Осилок)
*''Polish:'' '''Gwałtowny Atak''' (TM Semic Comic, "Sudden Attack")

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Onslaughtmodelsheetshood.jpg|Early model sheet
File:EuroClassicOnslaughtPurple.jpg|Miscolored ''Classics'' deco
File:Universe Onslaught originalsculpt.jpg|''Universe'' prototype sculpt
File:WFC Onslaught bot.jpg|High Moon Studios concept art which inspired Onslaught's 2012 IDW robot mode
File:WFC Onslaught vehicle.jpg|High Moon Studios concept art which inspired Onslaught's 2012 IDW vehicle mode
File:EW-skin-Onslaught-G2.jpg|''Earth Wars'' ''Generation 2''-themed skin
File:Transformers 2023 11 2nd Ptg Cover A.jpg
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Age of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Encore]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:United EX Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

Bruticus (G1)

2026-02-14T02:48:04Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Age of the Primes */ added details about Shockwave and Bruticus's combined mode.

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
{{disambig3|Bruticus}}
:''Bruticus is a [[Decepticon]] [[combiner]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Bruticusg1guido.jpg|upright=2.3|thumb|''They all combine and kick Superion's behind'' ''As the big, bad, battlin' Bruticus!'']]
'''Bruticus''' is the combined form of the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] team. A terrifying sight on the battlefield, Bruticus is among the strongest of all Transformers. He can pulverize a suspension bridge with a single 14,000 psi punch. He can lift up to 500,000 pounds. His armor is impervious to most artillery and radiation.

He's also as dumb as a sack of hammers. But as far as Decepticon combiners go, [[Devastator (G1)|mental]] [[Menasor (G1)|problems]] [[Abominus (G1)|aren't terribly]] [[Dinoking|uncommon]]. In fact, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] wishes that he had an army of Bruticuses, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] is thankful that he doesn't.

Bruticus is composed of:

*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (torso)
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (left arm)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (left leg)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (right arm)
*[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (right leg)

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Roger C. Carmel]] (English), [[Yū Shimaka|Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese)|[[Lin Dongfu]] (Chinese), [[Edgar Wald]] (Spanish), [[Thomas Rau]] (German, "Fight or Flee", "The Burden Hardest to Bear"), [[Thomas Albus]] (German, ''Generation 2'' "Starscream's Brigade", "The Revenge of Bruticus"), [[Willy Schäfer]] (German, ''Generation 2'', "Fight or Flee"), [[Serge Lhorca]] (European French), [[Georges Atlas]] (European French, "Aerial Assault"), [[Marcos Miranda]] (Portuguese), [[Ayrton Cardoso]] (Portuguese, "Fight or Flee")}}

[[File:Starscreamsbrigade megatron grabbed.jpg|160px|left|thumb]]
Bruticus became active for the first time during a battle between [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s rogue Decepticon brigade and Megatron's forces. Anticipating [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s expected moves, he waited for his former leader to order the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] to merge into [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]]. Starscream then unleashed his surprise—he similarly ordered the Combaticons to form the mighty Bruticus. Though extremely low in intelligence, even by the standards of combined robots, he was also extremely powerful, easily defeating Devastator and sending the remaining Decepticons loyal to Megatron into retreat. Unfortunately, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] arrived and formed [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], who launched an attack from behind, quickly subduing Bruticus. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[File:Bruticus cartoon.jpg|thumb|"Bruticus crush... Bruticus destroy human who draw Bruticus wrong!"]]
Starscream and the Combaticons were banished from [[Earth]] on an asteroid, and the group quickly had a falling-out. After Starscream left, the Combaticons attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], easily defeating [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and his drones. Thirsting for revenge, the Combaticons reprogrammed the [[space bridge]] to pull Earth closer to the Sun, in the hopes of destroying it and every Transformer there. The Autobots and Decepticons temporarily joined forces to retake Cybertron and prevent Earth's destruction, and with Starscream's help, they deactivated the Combaticons once they formed Bruticus through a failsafe device built into the treacherous giant's back. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron agreed that Bruticus must be destroyed, but the Decepticon leader fooled the Autobots by using Shockwave's holographic simulator to make it appear as though Bruticus was destroyed, when in reality the combiner was reprogrammed to be loyal only to Megatron. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[File:Revenge of bruticus 2 threratenShockwave.jpg|left|thumb|"Bruticus want be drawn proper!"]]
Soon afterwards, during Megatron's latest scheme on Earth involving the theft of fighter aircraft using Middle-Eastern criminals, the Combaticons were called into service to defend Megatron's [[Giant Purple Griffin]], a large... thing that apparently pumped oil. Or something. Struggling against the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], the Combaticons formed Bruticus, yet were still knocked over when the Autobot planes twisted a tow cable around his legs. The Decepticon combiner was finally defeated when the Aerialbots ignited the nearby oil wells, causing a massive explosion that sent Megatron, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and Bruticus flying away. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

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

[[File:Revenge of bruticus 16 brains.jpg|left|thumb|"See! Bruticus head not empty!"]]
For some reason, in the year 2006 the Combaticons were idly hanging around as Bruticus during the Decepticon occupation of [[Paradron]]. He served as something of a comic foil for [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]], acting as straight-man while Galvatron delivered witticisms that were completely lost on the giant warrior. Also... that old line about "losing your head if you weren't attached to it"? Apparently, you can lose a foot even if it was attached, because [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] was manning a molecular cannon while Bruticus was in the control room with Galvatron. If you don't watch those feet, they just run right off on their own. {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}}

During a Decepticon invasion of Japan, Bruticus was battling Defensor near a dojo. He enraged his opponent by negligently putting the humans in danger with their combat and, once [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] arrived to back up Defensor, Bruticus split into the individual Combaticons and fled. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

Invading [[Gregory Swofford|Swofford]] and [[Mark Morgan|Morgan]]'s lab, Bruticus was the first Decepticon infected by the [[Hate Plague]]. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
Bruticus and Menasor were defeated in battle with Defensor and the Aerialbots. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)|F!SRLT #13}}

=====Scramble City=====
{{voiceactor|[[Yū Shimaka]] (Japanese)}}

[[File:SCcelMenSupBrut.jpg|thumb|Et tu, Bruticus?]]
In 1986, the Autobots and their human allies worked diligently on their "Scramble City" project, a giant mobile fortress. Several Decepticons under the command of Starscream were dispatched to attack the secret construction site, but were defeated by the Aerialbots. Due to Starscream's failure to stop the Aerialbots, the Stunticons were quickly sent in, and soon in the battle formed Menasor. Menasor managed to corrupt Superion's formation by shooting one of ''his own'' limbs onto his opponent, rendering Superion vulnerable. However, he was soon stopped, and Superion regained his balance. Eventually, the Combaticons came in to help Menasor (though not willingly), forming Bruticus. The two tag-teamed against Superion, but were both stopped when [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City itself]] was brought into battle to end the conflict. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Michitaka Kobayashi]] (Japanese), [[Ryōichi Tanaka]] (Japanese, ep 13), [[Pierre Tremblay]], [[Jack Murphy]] (English)}}

[[File:HeadOn RaidenVsBruticus.JPG|left|thumb|"Bruticus duel with light... poles."]]
Bruticus joined up with several other Decepticon combiners during a Decepticon assault on Cybertron, {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} but they were all driven away by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} When the Combaticons were sent out to stop [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] from finding the [[Matrix of Leadership]], they clashed with the Protectobots again. Both teams combined, but Defensor eventually blasted the mountain behind Bruticus, who was buried in the ensuing rockfall. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} While defending [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] against intruders, the Combaticons formed Bruticus to fight back against the incoming [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

Bruticus scuffled with Defensor yet again during a new attack on Cybertron, {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} but was defeated by a flying punch to the neck. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} Next up, Bruticus was set with ambushing any Autobots who came to stop [[buridanka|a giant carnivorous plant]] planted by the Decepticons in [[San Francisco]]. When the [[Trainbot]]s arrived, Bruticus and [[Raiden]] did battle with energy swords. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}}

[[File:Hm35 Bruticus holding Computron.jpg|thumb]]
Bruticus was formed by the Combaticons as part of Sixshot's major strike on Earth. He attacked an Autobot outpost as four other outposts were being assaulted simultaneously by the other Decepticons. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

On the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Bruticus later helped a group of Decepticons lead Fortress Maximus away from their base. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} Later, back on Earth, he stood by and laughed as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' off the coast of Lisbon, Portugal. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Bruticus participated in the large-scale battle with the Autobots at the North Pole, and held down [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] so [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] could kick him. When [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart, Bruticus retreated into the atmosphere to watch the results alongside the rest of the Decepticon forces. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

=====''Zone'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Yukimasa Kishino]] (Japanese)}}

Over fifteen years later, after several more Decepticon leaders had come and gone, the faction came under the rulership of the supernatural entity [[Violengiguar]]. This mysterious creature's first action was to recruit a team of [[Nine Great Demon Generals]] from Decepticon history; Bruticus was enlisted as his "Flame General" and outfitted with new armor and weaponry to make him even more powerful than before. Seeking to create a [[Decepticon Zone]] to counter the [[Micro|Autobot Zone]], Violengiguar sent his generals forth to conquer planets. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 1}} Bruticus was the first to encounter the [[Autobot]]s when he attacked the planet [[Feminia]]. He was defeated by the combined might of the [[Rescue Patrol Team]], [[Super Car Patrol Team]], [[Battle Patrol|Battle Patrol Team]], [[Galaxy Rocket]] and [[Moonradar (G1)|Moonradar]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 2}}

The Generals later schooled [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] and the [[Metrosquad]] in the ways of evil, making them more than formidable foes for the Powered Masters. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 7}}

Bruticus did little with the new power Violengiguar gave him; while he joined Abominus, Menasor, and Overlord on a raid for [[Energon Z]] on planet [[Micro|Zone]], he was not seen to engage in battle at any time. His comrades waded through the barrage of firepower unleashed by Zone Base, fending off attacks by the Micromasters, and tore the Energon Z power core out of the base. Bruticus then joined his comrades in escaping with their prize, which they handed off to the other generals to take to Earth as they searched for the Zodiac there. {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}

=====''Legends'' comic=====
When the [[Cybertron Alliance]] fell apart due to the [[human]]s murdering [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s [[Kiloton|friend]], Bruticus answered Megatron's call for war. {{Storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Metroplex)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
In [[2050]], Bruticus and the Decepticons joined the revolution of the [[Selector]]s against their human masters. The [[Quintesson]]s and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s sided with the humans, and [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] attacked all while craving Angolmois Energy. In battle with a scrambled version of [[Computron (G1)|Computron]], Abominus crashed into Bruticus and Menasor and stole some of their limb components to make an even stronger version of himself. {{storylink|Abominus comic 2}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[File:FSRLmanga08 BruticusDefeated.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|"Bruticus...tummy...hurts."]]
When Superion and Defensor teamed up to take on Menasor as he was attacking a baseball stadium, Bruticus stepped in to aid his fellow Decepticon combiner. After a short skirmish, the Decepticons seemed assured a victory, until Bruticus got his legs knocked off. [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] then latched onto the stumps and blasted Bruticus away, dumping him in the Pacific Ocean, far away from Japan. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

The Combaticons pursued a dog imbued with Decepticon super-science until [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] interfered. They combined into Bruticus as a unit of Autobot [[Mini-Vehicle|Minibots]] came to aid Powerglide, but the dog granted the awesome energy within it to Powerglide, allowing him to [[Minibot combiner|combine with the other Autobots]] and blow Bruticus away. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
In the year [[2010]], Bruticus participated in a Decepticon attack on the planet Feminia, battling alongside Devastator and Menasor against their Autobot counterparts Superion, Defensor and Omega Supreme. The fight was fairly evenly matched until Galvatron called up his ace-in-the-hole, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], whose power was unmatched by any of the Autobots... except for the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], who essentially tied Predaking's shoelaces together until he fell over, straight into Bruticus and his chums, sending them all toppling to the ground and knocking them to bits.{{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
After tearing Superion into his component Aerialbots, the Combaticons merged into Bruticus and joined Menasor in defending [[Trypticon (G1)|Dinobase]] against incursion by the Protectobots. While his men kept the pair busy, [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] used his repair bay mode to fix up the injured Aerialbots, who then blinded the giants with their dazzling "Scramble Shot" fly-by attack. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

=====''Zone'' comic=====
[[File:BruticusZone1.jpg|thumb|left|"Bruticus finally drawn right... with fire."]]
The Decepticons came under the rulership of the supernatural entity [[Violengiguar]]. This mysterious creature's first action was to recruit a team of [[Nine Great Demon Generals]] from Decepticon history; Bruticus was enlisted as his "Flame General" and outfitted with new armor and weaponry to make him even more powerful than before. Seeking to create a [[Decepticon Zone]] to counter the [[Micro|Autobot Zone]], Violengiguar sent his generals forth to conquer planets. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 1}} Bruticus was the first to encounter the [[Autobot]]s when he attacked the planet [[Feminia]]. He was defeated by the combined might of the [[Rescue Patrol Team]], [[Super Car Patrol Team]], [[Battle Patrol|Battle Patrol Team]], [[Galaxy Rocket]] and [[Moonradar (G1)|Moonradar]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 2}}

The Generals later schooled [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] and the [[Metrosquad]] in the ways of evil, making them more than formidable foes for the Powered Masters. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 7}}

The [[Nine Great Demon Generals]] united to attack planet Feminia, destroying it utterly. Violengiguar next charged his Generals with collecting [[Energon Z]] and the all-powerful [[Zodiac]], which he intended to use to fuel his conquest. Bruticus, together with [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]], [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], and [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]], attacked planet Zone; striking quickly, they stole the Energon Z before the local [[Micromaster]] teams could even muster a defense. As they gloated over their success, the tiny Autobots transformed [[Zone Base]] to try and mount a counterattack, and the generals fled with their prize. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|Zone}}
{{--}}

====''The Animated Movie''====
[[File:TAM TPB Gestalt Fight.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
During the [[Battle of Autobot City]] in 2005, Bruticus and Menasor staged an attack on [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], occupying the attentions of Omega Supreme, Superion, and Defensor and preventing them from coming to the aid of their comrades in the besieged city. {{storylink|Transformers: The Animated Movie|The Animated Movie trade paperback}}
{{--}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:ComingStorm5-Bruticus.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|awww tell us how you REALLY feel]]

Combination technology was something the [[Decepticon Warlord]] [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] had long tinkered with, since the days of his fortress in [[Gygax]]. Although his early experiments were discontinued thanks to the [[Elite Guard|Autobot Elite Guard]], he remained interested in the idea, and eventually found the perfect means to implement it. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 36|Bruticus's profile in Club magazine #36}}

When the Combaticons were swayed to joining forces with Deathsaurus they received various upgrades. They demonstrated the most potent of these upgrades when they were surrounded by their former comrades in the Elite Guard and combined into Bruticus. The combiner then proceeded to crush their former commanding officer Sentinel Major with one mighty hand. This prompted the other Elite Guardsmen to attack in search of vengeance. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}}

Tragically for the Guard, Bruticus proved to be virtually unstoppable and easily wiped out several of the Elite Guard teams before [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s Strike Team arrived. Despite the heroic efforts of [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] and [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]], Bruticus quickly slew them before [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] managed to blind the mighty combiner and force him to separate. This forced the Combaticons to retreat, but not before killing Metalhawk as well. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

The Combaticons underwent repairs at Deathsaurus's base, but shocked to learn that the repairs included a remote activation for their combination into Bruticus. The combiner, confused and still blinded from his battle, lashed out at the Constructicons repairing him, and they were forced to use the override they'd fitted to stop the giant in his tracks. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 1}} {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} During the battle to defend the base against the Elite Guard, the Combaticons again attempted to form Bruticus, only to be promptly blasted. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}}
{{--}}

===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Bruticus-ukcard.jpg|upright=0.95|thumb|"Where Bruticus helmet go?"]]
''In a [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-induced vision, [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] saw the future, where Autobot and Decepticon [[Special Teams]] battled over the [[Pullen Power Plant]]. One such team was the Combaticons, who merged into the massive warrior, Bruticus. Unfortunately for the Autobots, [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] managed to tap into this induced dream, allowing the Decepticons to see the same possibilities the Autobots did.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}} {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}}

[[File:G1 Child'sPlay Defensor.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7|"Bruticus DESTROY hobo's home!"]]
Megatron and the Combaticons invaded [[Energy Futures Industries]] with the intent of stealing the powerful [[hydrothermocline]]. Confronted by Optimus Prime and the Protectobots, Megatron attempted to prove the superiority of his forces by ordering them to combine into... Bruticus! His gloating was cut short, however, when the Protectobots demonstrated the equally impressive ability to combine into... [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]! Fortunately for all sides, the fleshling [[Ethan Zachary]] arrived with a solution that didn't involve Bruticus and Defensor going at it until the entire complex (and the hydrothermocline) was annihilated. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}} ''These events were observed by the [[time travel]]ling [[Dicet Alpha-zero]].'' {{storylink|The Quest!}}

The Combaticons formed Bruticus in a northern [[California]] railyard to battle the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], who subsequently formed [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. The two soon battled to a standstill, as Bruticus's sonic stun gun proved no match for Defensor's force field, but the Decepticon eventually managed to topple his foe by smacking him around with an ''entire train''. Bruticus then noticed [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who claimed to have left the [[Autobot]]s, and seemingly killed [[Sammy Wainwright|a child]] to prove it. Bruticus was so impressed that he didn't notice Blaster toppling a power line on him, blasting him into his component parts. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}
{{--}}

===The Special Teams===
Upon the Combaticons' creation, Bruticus was imbued with Starscream's violent, criminal personality. When the Combaticons encountered Menasor and Defensor battling one another after being sent to the [[Pullen Power Plant]], Onslaught ordered to rest of his team to merge with him to form Bruticus. Bruticus was then urged by Menasor to aid him in taking down Defensor before the Aerialbots got a chance to merge into their combined formed as well. The opening was lost as the Aerialbots combined immediately, and stood next to Defensor, ready to take on their opponents. Bruticus took on Defensor while Menasor squared off against Superion. Bruticus was defeated by Defensor when he become momentarily distracted by Menasor mid-battle. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}

===Toy pack-in material===
Bruticus participated in a tumultuous battle on a moon base. He and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] shot at [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] as they entered the conflict. {{storylink|Decipher the Decepticon}}

===St. Michael ''The Transformers'' Sticker Book===
{{notemultipath}}
The Combaticons, and by extension Bruticus, were part of the crew of Decepticons serving under Galvatron near the planet Barrenikon when they shot down a ship captained by Ultra Magnus. The Combaticons only merged once in one possible scenario that followed, where they found [[you]] stuck in a quicksand hole in a swamp. Bruticus took you to the Decepticon ship as his prisoner. Though you tried to start a conversation with him to pass the time, Bruticus remained silent the entire journey to the ship's hold. {{storylink|The Transformers Sticker Book (St. Michael)|The Transformers Sticker Book}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
[[File:Bruticus-Wolves.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.0|Attack ''of'' titan.]]
Bruticus was created in [[1939]] as part of a plot by [[Destro]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to overthrow their [[Cobra Commander|respective]] [[Megatron (G1)|leaders]]. A fusion of human and Cybertronian technology, Bruticus had no mind of his own, and was made only to follow his creators' orders. {{storylink|Wolves}} Later, when the combined forces of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and the Autobots were moving against [[Cobra]], Destro betrayed Starscream and activated Bruticus, ordering him to destroy everyone. Screaming that he hated everything and that he only wanted to "sleep again", Bruticus went on a wild rampage and caused an avalanche. As the giant swept aside any Autobot resistance, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] deduced that Bruticus was an artificial creation and wasn't really "alive" like the other Transformers. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] saw only one way to stop him—destroying the [[Matrix of Leadership]] that was connected to the lifeforce of all Transformers. On Prime's orders, [[Snake-Eyes]] let Bruticus smash the Matrix, causing a flash of light that destroyed the raging giant. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:BlackSunshine Bruticusdamaged.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Bruticus suntan lotion no work!"]]
Mighty Bruticus created from members of [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. But then [[Optimus Prime (G1)|truckbot]] and [[Megatron (G1)|bossbot]] go away, thought killed, though not by Bruticus. Robots make [[Crisis Intervention Accord|deal]] which make Combaticons not work together. Bruticus not like deal, but components agree, forcing Bruticus to go to sleep... {{storylink|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide}} {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

[[Starscream (G1)|Starbot]] later take components to [[Earth|fleshie world]]. Bruticus defeat puny Autobots, make Starbot compliment, Bruticus happy. But Starbot call Bruticus stupid for letting other bots get away, make Bruticus sad. Bruticus attack [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], but Autobots blow up base. Starbot angry at Bruticus again because Starbot wanted base in one piece. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} Starbot yell at Bruticus, but not Bruticus fault. Soon, Bruticus components damaged in battle by [[Sunstorm (G1)|Burning bot]], Starbot order components to form mighty Bruticus! Bruticus try to smash Burning bot, but Burning bot too fast. ARGH! Bruticus head blown up by [[Mini-Vehicle|Little Bot]] [[Orion|spaceship]]! Bruticus go to sleep... {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}

[[File:RouteofAllEvil Bruticus.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"Give purse to BRUTICUS!"]]
Later, components training by fighting [[Sky Lynx (G1)|egobot]] when [[Predaking (G1)|strangebot]] interrupt. Components recognize danger, and form Mighty Bruticus! Strangebot attack Bruticus! Bruticus ANGRY! Bruticus try to stop strangebot guns, but strangebot use foot-gun to hurt Bruticus!

Coward Starbot fly away like coward. Strangebot, open wings like birdbot and chase, but Bruticus stop birdbot. Bruticus want birdbot to DIE! No! Stupid gun, broken! Birdbot hurt Bruticus again, and Bruticus go to sleep... {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{-}}
===''The Beast Within''===
The Combaticons merged to form Bruticus in order to fight [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]] during a particularly violent battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. He didn't last too long against the Dinobot gestalt. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}
{{-}}

===''Mystery of Convoy''===
{{see|#Games}}
====''Mystery of Convoy'' strategy guide manga====
Though Bruticus tried to sneak up on Ultra Magnus to blast him with his shoulder beam, the Autobot evaded his blast. Ultra Magnus then managed to hit Bruticus's forehead upon returning fire. Having received a blow to his weak spot, Bruticus was defeated. {{storylink|Transformers (Mystery of Convoy)#Stage 7: Watch Out for Bruticus's Shoulder Beam!|Watch Out for Bruticus's Shoulder Beam!}}

====''Alternity''====
Bruticus, amongst others, was empowered by a higher-dimensional [[Megatron (G1)#Alternity|Megatron]] in order to be pitted against a higher-dimensional [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Alternity|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|avatar]] in a cross-dimensional "game full of death and suffering". {{storylink|To Die Game!}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Another Episode, Part 1}} {{storylink|Another Episode, Part 2}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
The Combaticons attacked the Autobots in the form of Bruticus, only to halt the assault because [[Vortex (G1)#Kre-O|Vortex]] didn't want to be there, he wanted to be home and guard the Decepticon base. In order to make him happy again, the other three Combaticons separated and went home with him. {{storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}} Bruticus later helped [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] put the finishing touch on [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]'s new solar power tower, only to drop the ball and wreck the tower instead. {{storylink|Megatron's Ambition!? The Solar Tower Is Built!}} When the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] tried to capture Swindle, he combined with his buddies to form Bruticus, only for the giant to be promptly defeated by the Protectobots' own combined form, [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. {{storylink|Bad at Fighting? Rescue Team Protectobots, Dispatch!}}

At some point, Bruticus, Devastator and [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] attacked [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and were faced with [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. Making use of [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]'s fear of heights, the three scared Superion by throwing him into the air, but were defeated after the Autobot combiner re-combined onto the ground and rolled into their legs. {{storylink|Kre-O Micro-Changers Combiners comic}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
The Combaticons cast aside their [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] disguises and merged into Bruticus to join in the attack on the [[United Nations]]. He clashed with both Joes and [[GIJONIN]], using the helicopter blades on his arm to mow down the ninjas. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[The Line Between Us|''Till All Are One'' #3]]}}

[[File:TheLineBetweenUs Bruticus rampage.jpg|thumb|The [[Combiner Wars (event)|war's]] over, but better late than never.|left|upright=1.5]]
Bruticus was formed when Onslaught needed to search through the mind of a brain-dead Swindle for damaging information on [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]]. After getting the [[Enigma of Combination]] from [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], the Combaticons merged into the gestalt but were unable to properly form a combined mind due to Swindle. The combiner almost mindlessly rampaged throughout Iacon, constantly muttering that everything must burn. Vortex reveled in the power that they wielded as Bruticus, Brawl was wallowing in pain after feeling Swindle's death, Blast Off struggled to keep them all together, and Onslaught dug through Swindle's memories. As Bruticus rampaged, [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] and his security forces were called in put him down, while [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] tried to reason with Bruticus to coax out the information they had on Starscream. Bruticus promptly backhanded Windblade out of the sky and when he was about to blast Chromia, Ironhide shot a rocket at his head, blowing it to pieces and sending the Combaticons back to their components. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

Later, when the [[Mistress of Flame]] wanted [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] released to Camien custody, she suggested Swindle or [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] could be handed over instead to face justice for their crimes. Wanting to keep Menasor and Bruticus on his side, Starscream opted to release Chromia. {{storylink|Heavy}} To bring Bruticus under control, Starscream had the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] try to manipulate the Combaticons' minds so that Bruticus would be loyal only to him. Because the Combaticons minds had imprinted on each other during their combination, Airachnid found them more susceptible to the process, and thus had them believe that they had always been working for Starscream, using the inside man Blast Off to cover any holes in the story. As a result, the Combaticons came to believe that their forming of Bruticus had been a last-ditch attempt to save Swindle's life with Starscream's approval. {{storylink|The Price of You}}
{{-}}

===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===
Bruticus as a combined form for the [[Combaticon (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Combaticons]] was created by [[Shockwave (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Shockwave]] for the express purpose of pummeling Autobots. {{storylink|Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Shockwave's bio}}

===''Win If You Dare''===
[[File:WinIfYouDare BruticusDown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Every formation of Bruticus is a Telltale Crowd Play for the Combaticons.]]
The Combaticons formed Bruticus to eliminate [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] after he stumbled on to their insidious plot. However, the small Autobot's nimble driving coupled with an attack by the human military toppled Bruticus. With their combined form wracked by indecision on what to do next, the Combaticons separated, bemoaning Bruticus's lack of intelligence. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare|Win If You Dare}}

===''Transformers/Ghostbusters''===
Bruticus was among the many Decepticons who unsuccessfully tried to defend Cybertron from [[Gozer]]. {{storylink|Ghosts of Cybertron Part 2}}

===Energon Universe===
[[File:TF2023 no. 16 – Devastator and Bruticus duke it out in a forest.JPG|left|300px|thumb]]
After a failed attempt at merging during a battle aboard the downed ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 9|Transformers #9}} the Combaticons, after being recruited by Starscream, were finally able to form Bruticus during a battle against Soundwave's team of Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 15|Transformers #15}} Not to be outdone, Soundwave ordered the Constructicons to to merge into [[Devastator (G1)#Energon Universe|Devastator]]. The titanic warriors fought as their respective leaders tussled below, all watched from a distance by [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Energon Universe|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s. In a spurt of rage, Prime fired on the Decepticons with his [[fusion cannon]], causing the dam they were fighting on to collapse. Bruticus and Devastator continued their battle even as they were pushed on by the raging river. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 16|Transformers #16}}

Eventually arriving in [[Seattle]], the Decepticons' civil war continued, with Bruticus getting the top of the Space Needle thrown at them by Devastator and receiving an uppercut for good measure. The city itself suffered catastrophic damage during the fight as the Autobots rushed to save as many humans as they could from being crushed underfoot by the grappling giants. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 17|Transformers #17}} Bruticus broke off the fight with Devastator to rescue the downed Starscream, but this distraction allowed Devastator to RKO Bruticus off a skyscraper and into the pavement. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 18|Transformers #18}}

Bruticus was active once again to participate in an all-out assault on the Ark, but his feud with Devastator boiled over once again, and the two began to fight each other instead of the Autobots. [[Megatron (G1)#Energon Universe|Megatron]] managed to straighten them out, but before the two could see who could crush Autobots better, they were taken out of the fight by the newly arrived [[Superion (G1)#energon Universe|Superion]]. The Autobots retreated and Bruticus joined the other Decepticons in pursuit. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 21|Transformers #21}}

A human military force intercepted the Decepticons and Bruticus eagerly began slaughtering them, competing with Devastator over how many humans they could kill (Devastator was leading 37-23, much to Bruticus's dismay.) {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 22|Transformers #22}} The Decepticons followed the Autobots to [[Chicago]], where the two forces clashed again and Bruticus joined Devastator in confronting Superion. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 23|Transformers #23}} The fierce battle that followed left Bruticus lying in the rubble, missing his Brawl leg and complaining to Devastator. After Megatron was defeated by Optimus Prime, Bruticus followed Devastator in a retreat, taking a moment to scoop up the near-dead Starscream along the way. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 24|Transformers # 24}}

{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[File:TF-G1-Commercial-Combaticon-Bruticus.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb]]
* The Combaticons formed Bruticus in order to take on [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As his opponent changed into robot mode, Bruticus took to the skies to better avoid the citybot's weapons-fire. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Bruticus and Metroplex|Bruticus and Metroplex commercial}}
* Bruticus battled [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] in the suburbs while a small boy cheered on the Autobot. A particularly powerful blow from his opponent knocked Bruticus's arms off, but they quickly reattached themselves to that the duel could continue. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 2#Aerialbots and Combaticons|Generation 2 Aerialbots and Combaticons commercial}}
* During a massive battle between Kreons, the Combaticons combined into Bruticus. He and [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] then proceeded to send the Autobots fleeing for their tiny lives. {{storylink|Commercial#Kre-O|KRE-O Transformers Micro Changers and Combiners Construction Sets commercial}}

{{-}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Mystery of Convoy''===
*''Stage'': 7
*''Point value'': 20000
*''Hit points'': 5
Bruticus guards the exit from the [[Glacier Zone]], floating in a dark void with three hovering platforms, and launching fireballs aimed at Autobot positions. His armor makes him invulnerable, save for a conveniently glowing weak spot on his forehead. {{storylink|Transformers: Mystery of Convoy}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers: The Headmasters''===
When the Decepticons captured some of the Autobots' greatest warriors, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and Bruticus stood guard over [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] on Cybertron. They were defeated and their prisoners were rescued by [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and the other freed Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers: The Headmasters (video game)|Transformers: The Headmasters}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Bruticus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Bruticus participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. He was a Super Rare combiner that could be recruited to a team if all of his components were at max level. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:BruticusEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Bruticus, Fanmode ACTIVATE!]]

To gain another Combiner, Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] enlisted the Combaticons, despite some of their complaints. When Bruticus first successfully formed, he boasted that he beat anyone. Starscream sent him out to battle [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]] just so he could soften him up for the other 'cons to finish the job. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}

*'''Class''': Combiner
*'''Lowest Star ratings''': 3 Star
*'''Weapons''': Bruticus usually smashes things with his Fists and feet. He sometimes shoots small laser blasts out of his knuckles.
*'''Abilities:''':
**'''Earth Shatter''': Smash into the earth sending a shockwave of damage in a line towards the target area! Deals 600% more damage to Walls!
**'''Frantic Rage''': Gain 30% movement speed, 30% damage reduction, and close range Splash radius, and attack with +50% more damage for the next 10 seconds!
**'''Shockfire Missiles''' (4 star): Fire 4 rockets dealing a large amount of damage and disabling all defenses around the blast radius!

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:bruticus Bruticus at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Bruticus was a monstrous warrior who sacrificed his components' brainpower for extra brawn. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}} [[Termagax]] identified Bruticus as an example of a dysfunctional combiner, noting that he possessed none of the tactical acumen of his individual components. {{storylink|The Enigma of Combination}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:Bruticus toy.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|"Rargh... many transform Bruticus wrong... and blame Bruticus design..."]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, [[1986]], [[1991]], [[2009]])
**''Takara ID number:'' '''D-69'''

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Bruticus is formed from all five Combaticon toys. The four smaller Combaticons attach via sockets in Onslaught's shoulders and the bottom of his feet. Fists and feet pads attach onto the four limbs, and Bruticus is completed with a large chest plate and a helmet covering Onslaught's head. He wields Onslaught's [[sonic stun-gun]] in battle. The gun can also be stored on his backpack using two rectangular pegs which hold the gun in place via its targeting sight. As with all [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and Transformers 2010)|Scramble City]]-style [[combiner]] teams, his limbs can be rearranged into any slot of one's choosing.

:The package art of Bruticus has the leg formed by Brawl face forward. Having him face backward like his in-show (look at the right picture) doesn't affect the stability of the gestalt.

:Along with Metroplex, Menasor, Defensor, and Superion, Bruticus was designed for an aborted ''[[Diaclone]]'' subline that would have been called ''[[Diaclone#Jizai Gattai|Jizai Gattai]]'' (自在合体 "Limitless Combination"), which was shelved to make way for the ''Transformers'' line.

:In most markets, only the individual Combaticons were released, with the [[giftset]] only made available in Japan and Italy. The Italian box layout was based very closely on the standard Hasbro combiner giftsets at that time, down to the inclusion of a Hasbro product code number; but unlike the other [[GiG]] combiner giftsets, "Multiforce" lacked the Hasbro logo on the front of the box, and the individual components sported Takara numbers from D-64 to D-68 before their names.

:The individual Combaticons were re-released in various European markets as part of the "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" line in 1991, and a Bruticus giftset was reissued by [[TakaraTomy]] in Japan in 2009.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Bruticus/bruticus.htm More information on Bruticus at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Bruticus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Fruit Chewticus]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''[[Onslaught (G1)#Generation 2|Onslaught]]''' (Combaticon, [[1994]])}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''[[Blast Off (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Blast Off]]''' (Combaticon, 1994)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''[[Brawl (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Brawl]]''' (Combaticon, 1994)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''[[Swindle (G1)#Generation 2|Swindle]]''' (Combaticon, 1994)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''[[Vortex (G1)#Generation 2|Vortex]]''' (Combaticon, 1994)}}</ul>

: Released in the second year of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', the Combaticons were redecoed (minus any customer-applied stickers) and re-released, but only sold as individuals. Functionally, he is nearly identical to the original toy, other than being slightly enhanced by a hand-held spring-loaded missile launcher (the same launcher that came with [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Jazz]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Sideswipe]] the previous year) and a post-hole in Onslaught's cannon-backpack which allows the launcher to be stored there. All of the toys are all-plastic versions, no die-cast metal at all.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Bruticus/bruticus.htm More information on ''Generation 2'' Bruticus at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2FOC}}{{Anchor|WFC}}
[[File:G2toy-BruticusAmazon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"You all laugh when Bruticus wear these colors before. WHO'S LAUGHING NOW!?"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, [[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Multi-part "Sonic Cannon"
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Franks]] (deco artist)}}

: This version of Bruticus comes as a gift set, [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]]. Packaged in a ''Generation 2''-styled box complete with hand-painted character art, it contains [[redeco]]es of all five ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Combaticon (WFC)|Combaticons]] in their Generation 1 doppelgangers' ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' colors, complete with ''Generation 2'' Decepticon insignia. While Onslaught forms the torso, the remaining team members can serve as any of the four limbs, though the official configuration has Vortex as the left arm, Blast Off as the right arm, Brawl as the left leg, and Swindle as the right leg. The individual weapons the Combaticons have can be combined into a "Sonic Cannon" for Bruticus to wield via [[5 mm post]].

: Like the original releases of the mold, this Bruticus also possessed some balance issues. This is mostly caused by having all of the Combaticons being Deluxes, Onslaught included. Although the 4 limb Combaticons can assume either an arm or foot position, certain members fare very poorly in certain modes, such as Brawl as an arm or Blast Off as a leg, which creates further balancing problems for Bruticus.

: Preorders for the set began on [[July 6]] of 2012 via Amazon (BigBadToyStore would not put up theirs until much later), and the final product was shipped out in early/mid-November. This may be considered a tie-in to Amazon's preorder bonus for the ''Fall of Cybertron'' game: a "''Generation 2''"-themed skin for Bruticus. This set was also available at normal retail in Australia.

: These molds were [[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Ruination (FOC)#Toys|Ruination]].
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy BruticusMaximus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Why Bruticus no have hands?"]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' ([[2008]])
**''Series:'' '''G1 Series'''

:''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Bruticus, now named "Bruticus Maximus" (presumably for [[trademark]] reasons), is a redeco of the [[Destruction Team]]/[[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]] combiner from ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]''. This redeco appears to be inspired by Bruticus's G1 cartoon colors. While [[Brawl (G1)#Universe (2008)|Brawl]] and [[Vortex (G1)#Universe (2008)|Vortex]] retain their previous modes of tank and helicopter respectively, [[Blast Off (G1)#Universe (2008)|Blast Off]] is now the combiner's second tank, and [[Swindle (G1)#Universe (2008)|Swindle]] a sand-colored helicopter. As a redeco of an ''Energon'' combiner, Bruticus Maximus feature universal connection points for the limbs, allowing many different combinations and even swapping of limbs from different ''Energon'' Combiner teams.

[[File:Tf universe 25th bruticus a.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb]]
:Like [[Superion (G1)#Universe (2008)|Superion]], Bruticus Maximus, despite being initially intended as a ''Universe'' [[Target]] [[exclusive]], was only released in ''Universe'' packaging in some non-American markets such as Australia and Singapore. Instead, Target stores (and Zellers stores in Canada) received an unchanged version of the toy in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging, still named [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]], with all the individual components retaining their names as well.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TargetBruticusMaximus/bruticusmaximus.htm More information on Bruticus Maximus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Encore''===
[[File:BruticusG1-Encore.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bruticus''' ([[2009]])
**''ID number'': '''16'''

:In 2009, the Generation 1 set was reissued under the ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' line, using the [[retool]]ed molds from the first ''Robots in Disguise'' release with Onslaught's launcher mechanism from his original Japanese release.
{{G1CombaticonMold}}
{{-}}

===''United''===
[[File:United Bruticus Maximus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' (Multi-pack, [[November 7]], 2012)

:Released exclusively in Hasbro's Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has colours similar to the previous ''Universe''/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a much greater emphasis on G1 toy-accuracy. Additionally, the hand/feet/weapons previously cast in translucent coloured plastic are now opaque grey.

{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-Toy Bruticus.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Bruticus feel.... Tiny?]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A2225'''
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:One of the first ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Micro-Changer]] combiner sets, Bruticus includes four [[Kreon]]s: [[Onslaught (G1)#Kre-O|Onslaught]], [[Brawl (G1)#Kre-O|Brawl]], [[Vortex (G1)#Kre-O|Vortex]], and [[Swindle (G1)#Kre-O|Swindle]]. These four component Kreons can be rebuilt into their alternate modes or taken apart and combined into Bruticus.

:Like all Micro Changer combiner sets, Bruticus comes with only ''one'' Kre-O display brick, and a sticker sheet composed of his leg, arm and right shoulder details and a ''Kre-O'' logo. Due to the limb stickers being slightly transparent, applying them into the black-colored leg parts could render the details being semi-transparent. The instructions also did not mention where you should put the ''Kre-O'' logo sticker. Also, Bruticus's combined mode's waist part is somehow prone to falling off from the assembly while posing, and he has a problem standing straight due to how the legs are constructed.

:Despite Blast Off's exclusion from the set, he was later released in the first wave of blind bag figures and, with enough creativity, can be combined into Bruticus.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Kre-OBruticus/bruticus.htm More information on Bruticus at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|Combiner3pack}}
*'''Combiner Robot Mega Pack''' (3-pack, 2016)
**''Set number'': '''???'''
**''Pieces'': '''245'''

:3 years later, the 3 Micro-Changer combiners, Superion, Bruticus, and Menasor were reissued and released as a 3-pack. The toys were unchanged from their individual releases.

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:CWBruticus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|OH [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|SWEET]] [[Bruticus (WFC)#Generations|MERCIFUL]] DAY!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''[[Onslaught (G1)#Combiner Wars|Onslaught]]''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Blast Off (G1)#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Blast Off]]''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}
:{{Bp-d1|'''[[Blast Off (G1)#PWTSE|Decepticon Blast Off]]''' (Special Edition, 2018)}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Brawl (G1)#Combiner Wars|Brawl]]''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Swindle (G1)#Combiner Wars|Swindle]]''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Vortex (G1)#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Vortex]]''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Shockwave]]''' (Legends Class, 2016)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Bruticus is formed from all five Combaticon figures and [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Shockwave]]. Designed in the "Scramble City" style, all four Deluxe Combaticons can each become either an arm or a leg, and come with double-barrelled guns that can transform into either a foot or a fist to complete the limb. The stock photography shows Blast Off and Vortex as arms and Swindle and Brawl as legs. Shockwave transforms into the combiner robot's handheld weapon, but his overall weight makes it largely impossible for him to be held by any combiner in a firing pose without falling over or pulling the arm down. Even worse, as Onslaught is retooled from [[Hot Spot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Hot Spot]], Bruticus retains [[Defensor (G1)#Generations|Defensor]]'s forward-lean problem. Unlike Defensor however, the leaning problem can be resolved by turning Bruticus's thighs inward, forcing the pelvis armor to push against Onslaught's knees and correcting his posture, although this will force Bruticus into a strange A-legged stance.

:A promotional CGI render of the combined mode has Bruticus slightly mistransformed, having Blast Off's legs facing knees forward in his arm mode, which would leave Bruticus's left arm without a double elbow. Though difficult, it is ''possible'' to arrange Vortex's rotors in a shield-like position.

:Like [[Defensor (G1)#Generations|Defensor]] before him, all four limbs were released in the same wave, making it much easier to complete a set. He is also the first "classic" combiner in the ''Combiner Wars'' series to not have a "replacement" member. However, Blast Off was relegated to a simple redeco of [[Slingshot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Quickslinger]], leaving him with a different alt-mode (a jet instead of a space shuttle) and an inaccurate head. In 2018 Hasbro released a redeco of the Unite Warriors version of Blast Off ([[Bruticus (G1)#Unite Warriors|see below]]) as a more accurate replacement.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWBruticus/bruticus.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Bruticus at TFU.info]''

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

: The whole <s>metamorphin' Dudicus</s> big, bad, battlin' Bruticus team was redecoed in their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' colors (though [[Onslaught (G1)#CWG2|Onslaught]]'s black portions are now a super-dark brown), packed with a sorta-generically ''Generation 2''-esque, vaguely-[[Action Master]]-version-ish deco'd version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Shockwave]]. However, despite being (broadly) accurate in their base colors, all of the Combaticons have Generation 1 insignias, while Shockwave comes with the movie version of the Decepticon faction symbol.

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

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

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

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

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-UW07-Bruticus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|So cartoon accurate his chest is based on what some people would call an animation error!]]
*'''Bruticus''' (giftset, [[June 25]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-07'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:The Japanese ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' release of [[#Combiner Wars|''Combiner Wars'' Bruticus]] comes in a much more cartoon-accurate color scheme, with a recolored chest plate, and color matching hand/foot/gun pieces for [[Swindle (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|Swindle]] and [[Brawl (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|Brawl]]. He has a completely new mold in the form of [[Blast Off (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|Blast Off]] as a space shuttle, rather than the recolored jet mold of his Hasbro release. [[Vortex (G1)#Unite Warriors 2|Vortex]] also includes the more cartoon-accurate four-bladed rotor blades as opposed to the two-bladed rotors his Hasbro version carried over from the Alpha Bravo mold. Shockwave is not included with this release, as the ''Unite Warriors'' line does not utilize Legends Class molds, though you could pair Bruticus with the cycloptic scientist's [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Legends|''Legends'' release]] if you wish.

:The giftset included a [[collector coin]] when purchased from select retailers outside Japan.
{{--}}

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:Ageoftheprimes bruticus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''He's only punching gearboxes!'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus''' ([[2025]]–[[2026]])}}
:{{Bp-d1|'''1 of 5: [[Vortex (G1)#Age of the Primes|Combaticon Vortex]]'''}}
:{{Bp-d1|'''2 of 5: [[Blast Off (G1)#Age of the Primes|Combaticon Blast Off]]'''}}
:{{Bp-d1|'''3 of 5: [[Brawl (G1)#Age of the Primes|Combaticon Brawl]]'''}}
:{{Bp-d1|'''4 of 5: [[Onslaught (G1)#Age of the Primes|Combaticon Onslaught]]'''}}
:{{Bp-d1|'''5 of 5: [[Swindle (G1)#Age of the Primes|Combaticon Swindle]]'''}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]]<ref name ="AOTP Vortex IG">[https://www.instagram.com/p/DIsAFzOMAh7 Design notes] on ''Age of the Primes'' Vortex from [[Hasbro]] designer [[Mark Maher]] on Instagram</ref> (Hasbro), [[Takio Ejima]]<ref name ="AOTP Vortex IG"/> and [[Shogo Hasui]]<ref>[[October 10]], [[2025]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r18Qlx6D-wc Hasbro Action Brands NYCC 2025 Fanstream | Hasbro Pulse] on YouTube, with [[Evan Brooks]] and [[Nate Purswell]].</ref> (TakaraTomy)|[[Amy Bence]] (packaging)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMdjxMNBa7k Footage of the joint Hasbro/McFarlane Toys/Iron Studios panel] at [[CCXP#2025|CCXP 2025]] with [[Nate Purswell]] and [[Emily Bader]], recorded at the "Oficina dos Joes" YouTube channel</ref>}}

:[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|''Age of the Primes'']] Bruticus is a mostly cartoon-accurate figure (Blast Off chestplate and all, though oddly omitting the brown coloring) that utilizes parts of the frame combiner system devised for ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' [[Menasor (G1)#Legacy|Menasor]] and later used for ''Age of the Primes'' [[Superion (G1)#Age of the Primes|Superion]], with the limb bots attaching to a skeletal Bruticus formed by Onslaught. Vortex and Blast Off split in half like the arm-bots before them and are even compatible with Superion's arm frame. Where Bruticus significantly differs from the prior frame combiners is with his leg-bots; they form the shins and ankles themselves (while the back of the legs and soles of the feet are still Onslaught's frame) and are thus Voyagers rather than Deluxes to accommodate for this. Sadly, Bruticus's shoulder cannons cannot tilt forwards. However, ''Studio Series'' [[Shockwave_(G1)/toys#Studio_Series|Shockwave]] ''is'' capable of transforming into a shoulder cannon for Bruticus, as depicted in Onslaught's instructions, meaning the combiner is not entirely berift of forward weaponry.

:Due to the frame system, Vortex's front half and Blast Off are oriented incorrectly compared to the animation model. Parts of the frame do retain Onslaught's blue and green plastics instead of the cartoon's all grey, though notably the toes have been painted to match Swindle and Brawl.
{{comingsoontoy|Onslaught and Swindle}}
{{--}}

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

:Released as part of the tenth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of "[[Defensor (G1)|Guardian]]" (with his components [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Groove (G1)|Groove]], and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]) and Bruticus (with ''his'' components [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]) along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#72|Translation of Bruticus's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
{{multiple image|image1=Blokees-TF-Defender-Bruticus.jpg|width1=250|caption1=Completed Bruticus|image2=Blokees-TF-Defender-Bruticus-Combining-Accessory.jpg|width2=250|caption2=Combining Accessory set}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Brawl (Vehicle)''' (Defender Version, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Galaxy Version Defender 04- Tyrant's Fury'''
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught (Vehicle)''' (Defender Version, 2025)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Swindle (Vehicle)''' (Defender Version, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 05 - Traitor to Tyranny'''
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Blast Off (Vehicle)''' (Defender Version, 2025)}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Vortex (Vehicle)''' (Defender Version, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 06 - Brutal Fang'''
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus Combining Accessory''' (Blokees Figure Club exclusive add-on, 2025)}}</ul>

:Along with the ''T. rex'' [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#DefenderTRex|Grimlock]], the 4th wave of ''[[Blokees]]''' Defender Version line up introduces new vehicle kits of the Combaticons, starting from Brawl, and they also feature similar hardpoints for a Bruticus combiner. In addition to the combiner kibble, Bruticus also comes with an extra open-palm left hand compatible with the feet of any Defender Version kit (especially Starscream) and two-thirds of the sonic stun-gun, as the Onslaught vehicle's chassis is needed to complete the weapon. Unlike the Devastator accessory, Bruticus features newly-tooled shoulder joints that can be raised to compensate for the single shoulder pegs on Blast Off and Vortex in their arm modes, as well as double-jointed knees and ankle joints. Although not documented in the add-on's instructions, the CG stock renders show that Blast Off's elevons can flip inward in Bruticus's arm form.

:Depending on the individual quality of Blast Off's Vehicle kit, the connection between his gestalt upper arm block and the front shuttle's inner frame may detach while attempting to pose in combiner limb form. This can be resolved by gluing the two pieces together, as long as the outer Shuttle kibble is removed beforehand.

: Like Devastator, the add-on was released by redeeming all QR codes from the five cards included with each Combaticon vehicle. This could be done through the Blokees Figures Club app in China or the Blokees app globally. It was eventually also released on the official Blokees website on January 28, 2026.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:G1-Combaticon-early-patent-sketches.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
[[File:EuroClassicsBruticus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|First person to insert a "Don't shoot the caption" gag gets summarily banned.]]

* Much like the individual Combaticons who form him, Bruticus's [[character model]] has a couple of oddities, due to the majority of it being based on unfinished, vague toy design sketches (at right) instead of actual toy references.
** Bruticus's chest plate is drawn to look like it is formed from parts of [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]—mainly his wings, but the central portion of the chestplate is drawn to look like his shuttle cockpit hull, with the orientation of its details reversed. Certain detailed combination sequences, seen in "[[Aerial Assault]]," "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]", and "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]", actually show Blast Off's wings disconnecting and moving into place as the chestplate, but these sequences also misinterpret some of Bruticus's details, and wind up depicting the two wheels at the base of the chestplate, which are supposed to be part of Onslaught's torso, as being connected to the plate and hence part of Blast Off.
** While Bruticus's toy has wheels on the back of its thighs, his cartoon model only depicts this detail on his ''left'' thigh, almost certainly a product of his rear-view character model being designed without the toy for reference, like multiple other season 2 characters—not that it matters much in practise, as the odd detail is almost consistently omitted from his actual in-show appearances.
** Bruticus has two head designs in the cartoon: the detailed one seen in his full-body character model, which features in most of his animated appearances, and a simplified, more angular one that appears consistently in "[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]" and "[[Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee]]," and in select brief scenes of other episodes.
** Rather than Onslaught forming a dark blue and green torso with gray combiner kibble added, ''all'' of Onslaught aside from his backpack turns gray. As such, whatever episodes don't have Onslaught transforming into torso mode happen offscreen will have him magically turn completely gray for the viewer to scratch their head at.
* The packaging of the 1991 [[The Transformers (European toyline)|European]] [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original Onslaught toy depicted Bruticus and the Combaticons in (mostly) new color schemes, despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors were the cause of an error with the hue settings of the [[stock photography|stock photos]], rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.
* Several attributes of [[Action Master Elite]] [[Turbo Master]], including his face and chest plate, suggest that he was originally intended to be Bruticus. However, according to ''[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|Transformers Generations Deluxe]]'', at one point a non-transforming version of Action Master Bruticus was planned, which would have looked significantly different from [[Turbo Master]].
* For every version of the original Bruticus mold, the packaging art depicts the Brawl figure on backwards.
*''Earth Wars'' Bruticus's character model is a (more proportionate) recreation of his ''Combiner Wars'' toy.
* ''Earth Wars'' Bruticus's Earth Shatter ability is most likely a reference to his [[Bruticus (WFC)|''Fall of Cybertron'' counterpart]]'s shockwave ability, given how it affects a large area and do mass amounts of damage. The same could also be said about Shockfire Missiles, during his boss fight in the final few parts of ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (video game)|Fall of Cybertron]]'', in which the cannons on his back to deal damage to the player, though in this case you can actually do it ''while'' using him.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Bruticus''' (ブルーティカス ''Burūtikasu'')
*''Italian:'' '''Multiforce''' (toy and season 3)
*''Mandarin:'' '''Bruticus''' (Taiwan, 布魯提卡斯 ''Bùlǔtíkǎsī''), '''Hùn Tiān Bào''' (Mainland China, 混天豹, ''Leopard that Mixes the Sky'')
*''Portuguese:'' '''Brutus''' (Brazil comic)
*''Russian:'' '''Grubikus''' (Грубикус)
*''Polish:'' '''Tępak''' (TM Semic Comic, "Dunderhead")

[[Category:Age of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Alternity Decepticons]]
[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combined forms]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Combiners]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Encore]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Mystery of Convoy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Decepticons]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Zone Decepticons]]

Ironhide (Overgear)

2026-02-14T02:39:40Z

StarGayCybertron: Undo revision 1892061 by StarGayCybertron (talk)

{{factions|autobot|}}
{{Disambig3|Ironhide}}
:''Ironhide is an [[Autobot]] from [[Transformers Overgear|Overgear]].''
[[File:Overgear Ironhide Operation Dusk Dive.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Somewhere between [[Ironhide (Movie)|wanting to show you his cannons]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|leaking lubricants]], with a dash of [[Ironhide (Energon)|kid appeal]].]]
Captain '''Ironhide''' is a weapons specialist within the [[Autobot#Overgear|Autobot Resistance]], and the leader of its 3rd unit, codename: "[[Red Lightning]]". A hot-blooded warrior and born leader, Ironhide's talent for combat was evident from a young age. His high combat IQ allows him to adapt to any situation, no matter how dire, and he always puts his comrades above all else. He's partnered up with the human [[Jones (Overgear)|Jones]].

==Toys==
===''Transformers Overgear''===
[[File:Overgear OG-01 Ironhide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|No one will suspect the truck with a giant gatling gun on the roof!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ironhide''' ([[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''OG-01'''
:*''Release date'': October, 2026
:*''Accessories'': "LW6 Thundersteeler" gatling gun, "AM-3 Naildown" SMG, "Transfuser" handgun, "LMW14 Blade Boss" kukri

: The first release of the ''Overgear'' line, Ironhide transforms into a six-wheeled pickup truck loosely based on his [[Ironhide (Movie)|live-action]] incarnation's alt mode, resembling a modern Ford F150 pickup truck. His robot mode design hybridises his ''Generation One'', ''Energon'' and movie looks. He comes packaged with a ''lot'' of weapons, an SMG, a handgun, a knife that can peg into his robot mode chest and last but not, a massive gatling gun that doubles as a turret for his alternate mode.

: Ironhide was among the first ''Overgear'' figures revealed, alongside his wavemate [[Blackout (Overgear)]].
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Ironhide was chosen as the first Autobot in the ''Overgear'' line due to his rough and tumble personality and role as a weapons specialist embodying the spirit of the line's core gimmicks.<ref>https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/tf_overgear/og-01/img/info.png</ref>
*Ironhide's human partner is a fairly clear reference to the relationship between ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and [[Kicker Jones]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Overgear Autobots]]

Ironhide (Overgear)

2026-02-14T02:39:13Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Transformers Overgear */

{{factions|autobot|}}
{{Disambig3|Ironhide}}
:''Ironhide is an [[Autobot]] from [[Transformers Overgear|Overgear]].''
[[File:Overgear Ironhide Operation Dusk Dive.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Somewhere between [[Ironhide (Movie)|wanting to show you his cannons]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|leaking lubricants]], with a dash of [[Ironhide (Energon)|kid appeal]].]]
Captain '''Ironhide''' is a weapons specialist within the [[Autobot#Overgear|Autobot Resistance]], and the leader of its 3rd unit, codename: "[[Red Lightning]]". A hot-blooded warrior and born leader, Ironhide's talent for combat was evident from a young age. His high combat IQ allows him to adapt to any situation, no matter how dire, and he always puts his comrades above all else. He's partnered up with the human [[Jones (Overgear)|Jones]].

==Toys==
===''Transformers Overgear''===
[[File:Overgear OG-01 Ironhide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|No one will suspect the truck with a giant gatling gun on the roof!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ironhide''' ([[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''OG-01'''
:*''Release date'': October, 2026
:*''Accessories'': "LW6 Thundersteeler" gatling gun, "AM-3 Naildown" SMG, "Transfuser" handgun, "LMW14 Blade Boss" kukri

: The first release of the ''Overgear'' line, Ironhide transforms into a six-wheeled pickup truck loosely based on his [[Ironhide (Movie)|live-action]] incarnation's alt mode, resembling a modern Ford F150 pickup truck. His robot mode design hybridises his ''Generation One'', ''Energon'' and movie looks. He comes packaged with a ''lot'' of weapons, an SMG, a handgun, a knife that can peg into his robot mode chest and last but not, a massive gatling gun that doubles as a turret for his alternate mode.

: Ironhide was among the first ''Overgear'' figures revealed, alongside his wavemate [[Blackout (Overgear)]] .
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Ironhide was chosen as the first Autobot in the ''Overgear'' line due to his rough and tumble personality and role as a weapons specialist embodying the spirit of the line's core gimmicks.<ref>https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/tf_overgear/og-01/img/info.png</ref>
*Ironhide's human partner is a fairly clear reference to the relationship between ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and [[Kicker Jones]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Overgear Autobots]]

Ironhide (Overgear)

2026-02-14T02:36:55Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Transformers Overgear */

Ironhide (Overgear)

2026-02-14T02:36:37Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Transformers Overgear */ Added a simple write up of the new Overgear Ironhide figure.

{{factions|autobot|}}
{{Disambig3|Ironhide}}
:''Ironhide is an [[Autobot]] from [[Transformers Overgear|Overgear]].''
[[File:Overgear Ironhide Operation Dusk Dive.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Somewhere between [[Ironhide (Movie)|wanting to show you his cannons]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|leaking lubricants]], with a dash of [[Ironhide (Energon)|kid appeal]].]]
Captain '''Ironhide''' is a weapons specialist within the [[Autobot#Overgear|Autobot Resistance]], and the leader of its 3rd unit, codename: "[[Red Lightning]]". A hot-blooded warrior and born leader, Ironhide's talent for combat was evident from a young age. His high combat IQ allows him to adapt to any situation, no matter how dire, and he always puts his comrades above all else. He's partnered up with the human [[Jones (Overgear)|Jones]].

==Toys==
===''Transformers Overgear''===
[[File:Overgear OG-01 Ironhide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|No one will suspect the truck with a giant gatling gun on the roof!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ironhide''' ([[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''OG-01'''
:*''Release date'': October, 2026
:*''Accessories'': "LW6 Thundersteeler" gatling gun, "AM-3 Naildown" SMG, "Transfuser" handgun, "LMW14 Blade Boss" kukri

: The first release of the 'Overgear' line, Ironhide transforms into a six-wheeled pickup truck loosely based on his [[Ironhide (Movie)|live-action]] incarnation's alt mode, resembling a modern Ford F150 pickup truck. His robot mode design hybridises his ''Generation One'', ''Energon'' and movie looks. He comes packaged with a ''lot'' of weapons, an SMG, a handgun, a knife that can peg into his robot mode chest and last but not, a massive gatling gun that doubles as a turret for his alternate mode.

: Ironhide was among the first ''Overgear'' figures revealed, alongside his wavemate [[Blackout (Overgear)]].
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Ironhide was chosen as the first Autobot in the ''Overgear'' line due to his rough and tumble personality and role as a weapons specialist embodying the spirit of the line's core gimmicks.<ref>https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/tf_overgear/og-01/img/info.png</ref>
*Ironhide's human partner is a fairly clear reference to the relationship between ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and [[Kicker Jones]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Overgear Autobots]]

Astrotrain (G1)/toys

2026-02-14T02:25:50Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Studio Series */ Added a simple write up of Astrotrain's new toy.

{{suite}}

[[File:G1 boxart Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|What's the purpose of possessing Astrotrain?|thumb]]

'''Astrotrain''' can transport all his trainload of toys around!

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Astrotrain toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And then I transform into a train and a rocket and a Transformer again... (''Hasbro version shown'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, [[1985]] / [[1986]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''48'''
:*''Accessories'': "[[Ionic displacer rifle|Ionic Displacer Rifle]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the second year of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original US ''Transformers'' toyline]] (first in European and Japanese markets), Astrotrain can transform into either a black-and-purple {{w|JNR Class D51}} steam locomotive or an off-white-and-purple {{w|Space Shuttle orbiter}}. The train mode can roll on wide-ish toy train tracks, but it can’t turn corners very well. Astrotrain was one of the earliest ''Transformers'' toys to feature [[ball joint]]s for his shoulders, a decade before they became a design standard.

:[[File:Astrotraincatalog.jpg|thumb|upright=0.66|left|[[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Blitzwing]] called. He wants his weapons back.]]

: Takara's 1985 release of Astrotrain had a color scheme based upon the real-life versions of the vehicles he transformed into, with a white-and-black Space Shuttle mode (complete with [[NASA]] decals!) and a near-wholly-black steam locomotive. In 1986, Takara re-released Astrotrain, this time in his US toy colors.

{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Astrotrain_japanese_toy.jpg‎|upright=1.15|thumb|(''Takara version shown'')]]

: Like [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#The Transformers|several]] [[Thrust (G1)/toys#The Transformers|other]] [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#The Transformers|toys]] from Generation 1, [[Hasbro]]'s [[catalog]]s<ref name="catalogs">[http://www.botchthecrab.com/gallery.asp?gallery=10 Transformers catalogs] at Botchthecrab.com. ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain's prototypes are depicted in both the 1985 and 1986 US catalogs and in the 1985 UK catalog.</ref><ref name="tf85">[https://imgur.com/a/lOw2Y Toy Fair 1985 catalog] that depicts ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain's prototypes.</ref><ref name="origin">[http://tfsource.com/blog/origin-of-the-species-part-3/ "Origin of the Species, Part 3"] at the TFScource blog, featuring a scan from the 1985 Milton Bradley catalog that also depicts the ''Generation 1'' Astrotrain prototypes.</ref> depict [[prototype]]s that differ from the final product: Not only do the prototypes sport a gray and purple color scheme (which served as the basis for the color scheme used in the cartoon), they also have several notable sculpting and tooling differences compared to the production version; namely, arms that extend on a slide joint, different feet, and a different head sculpt that was also used as the basis for his [[character model]]. In the US and UK catalogs, he was even shown with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys|Blitzwing]]'s weapons, whereas in the European [[Milton Bradley]] catalog, he sported different decals compared to stickers used for the final toy. The resin hardcopy prototypes didn't actually transform; instead, separate prototypes existed for each mode.<ref name="animeastro">[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Animeastro_template.html Original Astrotrain prototype at TF-1.com]</ref> The [[stock photography|stock photos]] of Astrotrain on the toy's [[packaging]], on the other hand, depict the final toy's sculpt in its (mostly) final colors, even though the center of the helmet is painted yellow instead of red. The same near-final prototype was also featured in the 1985 J.C. Penney wish book.<ref name="1985wish">[http://www.x-entertainment.com/articles/0969/ 1985 J.C. Penney wish book] at X-Entertainment.</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|1991Classic}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, [[1991]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Astrotrain was re-released with his original U.S. color scheme in the [[Classics (Europe)|European/Australian ''Classics'' series]] in 1991. Near as can be told, there are no notable differences between this and the original release.
{{-}}

===''The Transformers Collection''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' ([[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''11'''
:*''Accessories'': "[[Ionic displacer rifle|Ionic Displacer Rifle]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (packaging artist)}}

:In 2004, Takara reissued Astrotrain in his original Japanese white and black color scheme as part of their ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' line of [[Generation 1 reissues|reissues]]. The "[[NASA]]" stickers were changed to "ASTR".

::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Astrotrain_template.html More information on Transformers Collection Astrotrain at TF-1.com]''
{{-}}

===''Collector's Edition''===
{{anchor|Exclusive}}
[[File:Takara-collectors-edition-astrotrain-proto-colors.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|right|Don't laugh, or he'll become a pain train.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain Proto Color Version''' (Triple Changer, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''48'''
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Often referred to as "Anime Astrotrain" by collectors, this version sports a color scheme based on the original prototype mentioned above, though the gray plastic is brighter than on the actual prototype, and the hue for the purple parts leans more towards red than blue.

: He was [[exclusive]]ly available from [[e-HOBBY]] and released as a ''[[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'' companion to ''The Transformers Collection'' reissue (see above). The toys shipped out in January.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Destron/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Astrotrain Proto Color Version at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Animeastro_template.html More information on Anime Astrotrain (and the original Astrotrain prototype) at TF-1.com]''
{{-}}

===''Commemorative Series''===
[[File:Commemorative Astrotrain 2005 2012.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Something for the variant collectors.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain/Decepticon Astrotrain''' (Commemorative Series IX, [[2005]]/[[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"
{{toydesigner|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (packaging artist)}}

:Following the Japanese reissue, Hasbro intended to make Astrotrain (retaining his previously Japanese market-only colors) available in the United States as well as part of their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues in 2004. However, [[Toys"R"Us]] (who had carried the ''Commemorative Series'' figures as exclusives) decided to discontinue the line due to low sales, and even though [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#Commemorative Series|Ricochet]], the other ''Commemorative Series IX'' figure besides Astrotrain, still managed to get released, Astrotrain was not.

:Since considerable quantities of Astrotrain had already been produced, Hasbro decided to make the figure available through their newly-launched [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] website, serving as a test to see whether exclusives were a viable option for the store. In addition, Astrotrain was also released in Australia (where the ''Commemorative Series'' had previously also been exclusive to Toys"R"Us) as a [[Kmart]] exclusive, for a deep discount price. Despite being an exclusive, he could also be found clogging up shelves in smaller, privately owned toy shops.

:In 2012, several ''Commemorative Series'' figures, among them Astrotrain, were re-released in Hasbro's Asian markets, in slightly altered packaging that (in Astrotrain's case, at least) lacked the "Commemorative Series IX" label, saw his name changed to "Decepticon Astrotrain", had the box next to his name that contains the text "Decepticon Triple Changer" reduced in size and "Triple Changer" changed from uppercase to mixed case, updated the Hasbro logo to the then-current version, added a "choking hazard" safety warning label and moved the "Ages 5+" recommendation above the product code number.
{{-}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:ClassicsAstrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|...and a rocket and a train and a Transformer and man it's hard work!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe Class, [[2006]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist)}}

:''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Astrotrain, like much of the ''Classics'' line, is an extensive update of the original Astrotrain design based heavily upon his cartoon appearances and using modern toy engineering techniques. He still transforms into a spaceship resembling a NASA Space Shuttle, but with two [[kibble|rather obvious]] locomotive front halves on the sides of the rear hull. Instead of a steam locomotive, his secondary [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] is a {{w|Tsubame (train)|Tsubame}} {{w|800 Series Shinkansen|800}} bullet train. His [[robot mode]] is based heavily upon his Generation 1 cartoon animation model design, and is armed with a large purple laser rifle similar to the original toy's rifle (the side of the rifle has a [[Mini-Con]] shaped port on it, if one chooses to do it). However, purple highlights aside, his deco's color scheme is predominantly based on the original Takara toy. The shuttle nosecone folding onto the legs is based on ''Jet Granbird'' from ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave Fighter of the Sun Fighbird]]'', which was also co-designed by [[Takashi Kunihiro]].

:A design fluke that was acknowledged on Hasbro's official Transformers website allows Astrotrain to connect to ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Ultra Class [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] or his redecos, ''Cybertron'' Sky Shadow or [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|movie toyline]] [[Jetstorm (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Jetstorm]], via his landing gear. (Coincidentally, Jetfire's alternate mode is based on a Ukrainian Antonov An-225 Mriya, which was used to transport the Buran orbiter, the Soviet [[knockoff|counterpart]] of the NASA Space Shuttle, on its back.)

:As with most ''Classics'' toys, he has a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Shouki#Generations|Shouki]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on ''Classics'' Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{-}}{{anchor|BumblebeeAstrotrain2Pack}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Bumblebee and Astrotrain''' (Multi-pack, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

: Astrotrain was also made available as part of a special two-pack with Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee_(G1)/toys#BumblebeeAstrotrain2Pack|Bumblebee]]. Aside from the unique packaging, the toys are identical to their single releases. This value pack was found in Australia.
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!''===
[[File:Henkei Astrotrain toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''One man on a lonely platform One case sitting by his side Two eyes staring cold and silent 
Shows fear as he turns to hide Ah, ah, we fade to grey!'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Deluxe, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''D-03'''
:*''Release date'': [[April 24]], 2008
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

:In 2008, ''Classics'' Astrotrain was released in Japan as part of the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei! Transformers]]'' line by [[TakaraTomy]]. The figure was extensively redecoed into a dark grey and purple colour scheme based on the character’s appearance in the Generation 1 cartoon. Instead of the Hasbro ''Classics'' release's rubsign, he has two Decepticon sigils tampographed onto his wings. All ''Henkei'' toys feature a somewhat randomly [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] part somewhere upon them, and Astrotrain is no exception: the trim of his chestplate and engine array are vacuumized purple, with the engines themselves left as unpainted silver chrome.
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:TF-Specialist-Decepticons-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|We need to use at least one pic of this mold to give credit to the designers for not just going the lazy route and using the same nose/cockpit section for both altmodes.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Specialist: Decepticons''' (Multi-pack, [[2014]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[March 25]], 2014
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

:This release of Astrotrain looks superficially similar to the ''Henkei'' version, but saturated with metallic paint and with some deco changes, most conspicuous in train mode. It was sold as part of a Hasbro Asia-[[exclusive]] [[giftset]] along with metallic-painted redecoes of [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Generations|Galvatron]] and [[Octane#Generations|Octane]].
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (campaign item)===
[[File:AOE-toy Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain ''' (Limited Micron, 2014)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[August 8]], 2014

: Astrotrain is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Blast Master#Generations|Payload]] cast in clear-purple plastic, transforming from a robot into both a modified {{w|Boeing X-37|X-37B space shuttle}}<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/96686-generations-legends-targetmaster-moulds/?p=2423893 Designer Joe Kyde on "The Allspark" messageboard, 2013/11/10]</ref> and a double-barreled blaster that can be wielded by any larger figure with [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]].

: As a [[campaign item]], this toy was available at Japanese [[Toys"R"Us]] stores starting in August 2014 (and lasting "until supplies run out") with the purchase of 3,000 yen of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Lost Age]]'' product.

: Astrotrain was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' incarnation of [[Cybaxx (SG)|Cybaxx]]. The mold was also used to make ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Boltax (G1)#Combiner Wars|Cybaxx]] and [[Spacewarp#Combiner Wars|Spacewarp]].
{{-}}

===''Platinum Edition''===
{{anchor|Platinum}}
[[File:Platinum-edition-g1-astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Astrotrain was late getting to the G2 party.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Decepticon Triple Changers''' (Platinum Edition, [[2015]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

:Part of a ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' two-pack with [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Platinum|Blitzwing]] released under the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' line, this reissue of Astrotrain features an unprecedented orange, white, and blue color scheme. The exact inspiration for this deco is unknown, with the currently prevalent theory being that it's supposedly an homage to ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1989 (Victory)|Victory]]'' [[Machtackle]]'s colors.

:This set was officially an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive in the United States and Canada. However, it was also stocked by US-based online retailers [[BigBadToyStore]] and TFSource, who supposedly obtained it as an import from Asia. It was available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In the United Kingdom, it was available via A1Toys.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Star Dasher]] in ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]''.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/PlatinumAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on ''Platinum Edition'' Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
{{anchor|SDCC2015}}
[[File:KreO-Toy AstrotrainClass85.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|As close as we'll get to an Action Master Astrotrain, at least officially.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Kreon Class of '85''' (Kreon figure set, 2015)}}</ul>
:*''Set number'' '''B5152'''
:*''Voted'': Designated Driver
:*''Accessories'': Long rifle

:''[[Kre-O]]'' Astrotrain is a small brick-built [[Kreon]] figure, using the 2015-style construction with raised hands and the sturdier "peg-in-peg" torso/waist connection (which makes his parts largely incompatible with prior years' Kreons). His coloration is based on the [[#Generation 1|original Astrotrain toy prototype pictured in catalogs]], being mostly gray with a yellow visor, though his chest [[tampograph]]'s linework has the cartoon model's folded-away tailfin-chestplate.

: He was only available as part of the [[San Diego Comic-Con]]-[[exclusive]] "[[Kreon Class of '85]]" 30-Kreon set. This set was also sold online through [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] after the show.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/SDCCKre-OAstrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Class of '85 Astrotrain at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Titans Return''===
{{anchor|TitansReturn}}
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Voyager-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''And all this science I don't understand It's just my job five days a week
 A rocket man, a rocket man...'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Darkmoon & Astrotrain''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 guns, [[Darkmoon]] Titan Master
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

: A [[retool]] of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Generations|Sentinel Prime]], Astrotrain can transform from robot to shuttle to armored train and back. He comes with [[Darkmoon]], a [[Titan Master]] figure that can transform from a robot into his head (but any [[Titan Master]]-class figure is compatible). Like all ''Titans Return'' Voyager-class figures, he has spring-loaded parts designed to "bulk up" his head; in his case, a pair of pylons that pop up on either side of his head, replicating the shoulder "landing gear" on his original Generation 1 character model. Like Sentinel, the train engine ends ''can'' be used as feet, but they sit at an awkward angle that makes it hard for Astrotrain to stand upright. His two guns can combine to form one larger weapon which Darkmoon (or any Titan Master) can operate in robot mode, The largest of the two can be piloted by any Titan Master figure in both modes. His guns also attach to form his Vehicle mode weapons. In Australia and some Asian countries, Astrotrain and his wavemate Alpha Trion were prominent shelfwarmers.

:Unfortunately, due to being used for transformation, the port for the collector display stand on his two-piece rear waist tends to be misaligned, and the hole is not shallow enough to fully secure its connection.

:The Hasbro Asia exclusive giveaway sticker sheet can be used to enhance the figure's details.<ref>https://news.tfw2005.com/2016/09/23/hasbro-asia-titans-return-stickers-wave-2-325179</ref>

:This mold also served as the model for the [[Omega Sentinel (Energon)|Omega Sentinel]] in the [[Primus Vanguard]].
{{-}}

===''Legends''===
[[File:TF-Legends-LG40-Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|And a fancy rocket, and a fancy battle train, and back to fancy robot. I'm super fancy!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' ([[2017]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''LG40'''
:*''Release date'': [[January 28]], 2017
:*''Accessories'': 2 guns, Headmaster

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Astrotrain is a redeco of the [[#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' mold]] in a cartoon-based deco, with the front shuttle and the train sections possessing paint operations to evoke the cockpit windows.

:The other side of his instructions features [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 40|the 40th ''Legends'' bonus edition manga]].
{{TRInfinitusMold}}
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
{{anchor|Siege}}
[[File:WFC-Siege-Leader-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Runaway train, never coming back.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2019]])}}</ul>
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-S51'''
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SG-47'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[March 28]], [[2020]]
:*''Hidden message code'': '''IONICDISPLACER'''
:*''Accessories'': 2 "JF-50 Ionic Displacer Blasters," "JF-30 Astro Blaster," "W-15 Destabilizer Cannon," "W-40 Turbo-Core Derailer" (combine to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon"), tender/launchpad

:''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Astrotrain is a heavily-cartoon-inspired figure that transforms from robot to either a space shuttle or steam locomotive (not a modern locomotive like every toy of his since the original). Despite being released in the ''Siege'' line, his alternate modes are clearly styled after Earth vehicles. This, together with his [[A.I.R. Lock System]] compatibility, makes it seem a lot like he was designed with ''Earthrise'' in mind, and indeed his toy later received a straight rerelease in that line. He features the trademark ''Siege'' "battle damage" paint applications on his legs, as well as multiple hardpoints all over himself and his weapons to accommodate "Fire Blasts" from the [[Battle Master]]s assortment, which can be used to simulate blaster fire or explosions.

:As with other Leader Class figures in the line, Astrotrain himself is roughly Voyager-sized, with his accessories accounting for the rest of the pricepoint. In addition to five [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]] weapons (including one based on his original toy's blaster), which can be combined to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon", he includes a tender large enough to store all five weapons inside. The tender can be converted into a small launch pad base (designed as a treaded crawler vehicle with two cabs) for his shuttle mode. The launch pad features a pair of A.I.R. Lock System connectors, but unfortunately doesn't seem able to unfold flat as designed. It can also turn into a weapons rack, which can be mounted on Astrotrain's back in robot mode, with a pair of foot pads for extra stability since the backpack makes Astrotrain ''incredibly'' back-heavy.

:The toy's coloration, with mostly-grey wings rather than the purple on his final model; is seemingly based on either a [[:File:AstrotrainTakeover.jpg|pre-final character model]] that was used in the G1 cartoon episode "[[Triple Takeover]]" or [[Miscolorings based on the Generation 1 cartoon|a fan coloring]] of his pre-final model sheet that also features a cartoon screen captured-head that became popular online.

:Astrotrain was redecoed (with a new head) to ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Velocitron Speedia 500 Collection]]'' [[Galaxy Shuttle#Legacy|Victory Universe Galaxy Shuttle]].
{{-}}

===''Vintage G1''===
[[File:VintageG1Astrotrain.jpeg|thumb|upright=1|This toy outlasted the actual space shuttle.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Triple Changer, 2019)}}</ul>
:*''Accessory'': "Ionic Displacer Rifle"

: Astrotrain was reissued in the ''[[Vintage|Vintage G1]]'' series, announced for Spring 2020 but unexpectedly hitting store shelves in December 2019. This was the first Astrotrain reissue to feature the color scheme of the original Hasbro-release toy—though the purple plastic is noticeably darker on this version. Plus, his [[rubsign]] uses the new style, with a highly reflective silver border and a solid-red symbol.

: Like all ''Vintage G1'' releases, Astrotrain was a [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] in the United States and Canada.
{{-}}

===''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''===
[[File:WFC-E12 Astrotrain Packaging Stock.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2020]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''WFC-E12
:*''Accessories'': 2 "JF-50 Ionic Displacer Blasters," "JF-30 Astro Blaster," "W-15 Destabilizer Cannon," "W-40 Turbo-Core Derailer" (combine to form the "Omni-Force Orbital Cannon"), tender/launchpad, decoder

:Astrotrain's [[A.I.R. Lock System]]-compatible base connectors saw him get a [[package refresh]] in the ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' line with no changes save for his box being updated. Even the flawed hinge in the coal tender was retained without any changes, preventing it from properly assuming launchpad mode.

:Like all Earthrise toys, the inside of the back of Astrotrain's package includes an exclusive clip-and-save piece of a larger star map. Also in the box is a thin red piece of transparent plastic with which to read the star map. Astrotrain's piece of the map contains the labeled location of the planet "[[Caminus (planet)|CAMINUS]]".
{{-}}

===''Dramatic Capture Series''===
[[File:TF-DCS-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Triple Takeover''' ([[2025]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[March]] 2025
:*''Accessories'': 3 blasters
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released a part of the ''[[Dramatic Capture Series]]'' line by TakaraTomy, this Astrotrain is a redeco of his ''War for Cybertron: Siege'' figure in "[[Triple Takeover]]"-accurate colors, cast in brighter and more saturated colors as well as using the nonfinal wing deco utilized for that episode. The ''Siege'' version's tender/launchpad, gatling gun, and missile pod are omitted for this release, leaving Astrotrain armed only with his ionic displacer rifle and a pair of symmetrical blasters.

:Unfortunately, repeatedly transforming Astrotrain into either of his vehicle modes will inevitably cause the paint on his toes to become scratched or chipped, as they fit ''extremely tightly'' into the divots on his shins when folded up for transformation.

:Astrotrain is packaged with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Starscream]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Dramatic Capture Series|Blitzwing]].

{{-}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:TF-SS-TFTM-Leader-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|300px|He was told to jettison some weight. Just... not like that.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (Leader Class, [[2026]])}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''The Transformers: The Movie'''''
:*''Accessories'':

: Released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', ''[[Studio Series]]'' Astrotrain is completely new mould and unlike the previous 'Seige' figure, is fully Leader class sized and is not a voyager figure with extra accessories to fill out the price. He again transforms into his usual steam train and shuttle modes, though their proportions are much different to the previous figure in an attempt to be more cartoon-accurate. He comes with two blasters, one based on his usual Ionic Displacer and two effect parts, one for his weapons and one to simulate smoke coming out of the stack on his train mode. His colouring is also slightly different from previous figures, being very faithful to his final cartoon colours with his wings now being fully purple.

: He is unfortunately mistransformed in his [[Stock photography]], with his chest clearly not being folded down properly to complete his robot mode.

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Astrotrain''' (Decoy, 1986)
**''Decoy number:'' '''38'''

:[[Decoy]] Astrotrain is a small, purple rubber figure made available with certain toys in the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original toyline]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Decoys/Astrotrain/astrotrain.htm More information on Decoy Astrotrain at TFU.info]''

===Boss Original Figure===
*'''Astrotrain''' (Boss Original Figure, 2008)

:Released in a line of PVC figures available exclusively with containers of [[Boss Coffee]], this version of Astrotrain is rendered in grey and violet.

===''Transformers Trading Card Game''===
[[File:W4CaptainAstrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Starring Steve Carrell. Coming soon to ''Netflix''.]]
*'''Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''CT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T01/T52'''
**''Stars: ''12

:Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is one of 52 character cards released as part of Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II. In order to depict the [[Triple Changer]] nature of the character, Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is a folding card, with both Alt Modes depicted when the card is folded in half, and Bot Mode depicted when the card is unfolded.

:The card's Bot Mode artwork is reused from the ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Astrotrain toy, while both Alt Modes receive original artwork, with lines by [[Dan Khanna]] and colors by [[Marcus Reyno]].

:Captain Astrotrain, Space Force-Transport is notable as being the first character in the game with the <nowiki>''Train''</nowiki> trait. Due to the game's cancellation, he remains the only train in the game.
{{-}}

===''ReAction''===
*'''Astrotrain''' (2020)
**''Accessories'': Blaster

:Released in the first wave of [[Super7]]'s line of multi-property 3.75-inch "retro" action figures, ''[[ReAction]]'' Astrotrain is a non-converting 3 3/4-inch action figure based on his appearance in the original cartoon, with 5 points of articulation (swivel neck, shoulders, hips) and holes in his feet for use with some variety of stand. Unlike the first-series figures, both of his hands are open to hold his weapon accessory.

: As with all releases in the ''ReAction'' toyline, Astrotrain comes packaged on a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style of [[Kenner]]'s ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' action figures from the late 1970s to early '80s.

{{-}}

===Eaglemoss===
* '''Transformers Gen-1 Chess Set''' (<s>2021</s>)
:In the planned [[Chess#Eaglemoss|Transformers Chess Set]] by [[Eaglemoss]], a relatively large and very well detailed statue of Astrotrain was slated to be one of the Rook pieces on the Decepticon side.

:A Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds for this project was launched, but failed to meet its goal by September 24, 2021 and the whole thing was canceled.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Broadside and Astrotrain.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Broadside & Astrotrain Set''' ([[February 6]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''39 & 40'''

:Released as part of the sixth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and Astrotrain along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#40|Translation of Astrotrain's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{-}}
===''Pop!''===
*'''Astrotrain''' (2024)
**''ID number:'' '''133'''

:Released as part of the ''Pop! Retro Toys'' segment in celebration of the 40 years of the franchise, [[Funko Pop!|Funko]]'s ''Pop!'' Astrotrain is a super deformed vinyl figure based on his original Generation 1 toy in white and purple colors.
{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
[[File:Blokees-TF-Defender-06-Astrotrain.jpg|thumb|250px|Jettisoned a bit too much weight.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Astrotrain''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 06 - Brutal Fang'''
:*''Pull Rate'': 1/12
:*''Accessories'': Blaster

:Sold as part of [[Blokees]]' 6th wave of Defender Version blind-boxed kits, this Astrotrain is a 2.2-inch (5.5 cm) figure, a few inches smaller than the ''Galaxy/Shining'' Version kits, but still articulated.

:Like most of the larger Galaxy/Shining Version kits, Astrotrain features a simple neck joint that is colored to match his optics, allowing it to be see-through from his head's eye holes.

{{--}}

==Notes==
*Given the timing, the Generation 1 Astrotrain was probably an asset carried over from the [[Diaclone#Posthumous Diaclone|scrapped 1985 range]] of the [[pre-Transformer]] ''[[Diaclone]]'' toyline. Evidence also suggests fellow ''Transformers'' character [[Octane#Notes|Octane]] shares this origin.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:E-HOBBY exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Japanese promotion exclusives]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:SDCC exclusives]]
[[Category:Titans Return Decepticons]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Decepticons]]

Jetfire (Armada)

2026-02-13T04:19:44Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot|{{factions/icons|custom=Energon Powerlinx Gold symbol.png|cLink=Powerlinx}}|cybearth|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Jetfire}}
{{picsneeded|''Cybertron'' anime screencaps}}
:''Jetfire is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[File:MicronDensetsuJetfireBoxArt.jpg|upright=2|thumb|"I'm as dry as a dead dingo's donger!"]]
'''Jetfire''' is probably the best [[second-in-command]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] could conceivably have. Jetfire is more than a yes-man; he's the crucial link between Prime's role-necessitated distance and his troops. Though professional and businesslike, Jetfire infuses his interactions with a down-to-earth friendliness. And where Optimus Prime is cautious, Jetfire is more prone to tempered bursts of gusto and bravado. While Optimus Prime is your leader who's your leader, Jetfire is your leader who's your friend. Because of this, Jetfire is very popular among the Autobots.

Most importantly, Jetfire is one of the only Autobots who will tell Optimus Prime to his face when he thinks he's wrong. It is this trait that makes Jetfire indispensable.

Jetfire has a long-lost brother [[Overcast (Energon)|Overcast]], and while the two are quite similar in many ways, Jetfire is ''far'' more willing and eager to jump into battle than Overcast.

He has a Decepticon alter-ego, '''Sky Shadow''', which he affects when doing undercover missions. He found the name in history archives which referred to a [[Sky Shadow (Cybertron)|Sky Shadow]] from the legendary [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. Nobody's really sure how that works. Maybe it's that bloody [[Unicron Singularity]]'s doing.

{{bigquote|Let me tell you my personal motto: VICTORY IS MINE!|Jetfire|[[Mars (episode)|Mars]]}}

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
When the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] investigated a distress signal against [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s orders and fell into a trap set up by [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]], Jetfire joined Optimus Prime in rushing to their rescue. The two combined and kicked Galvatron to the sky after a short battle. Shortly after, Jetfire reprimanded the Mini-Cons for not listening to Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Armada Volume 3}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Armada Volume 5}}}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Linkage''====
In [[Aurex 503.01 Gamma]], [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] upgraded Jetfire to be able to combine with Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}

====''Armada'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Terry Klassen]] (English, [[Prehistory]], only), [[Susumu Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Min-seok Kim]] (South Korean), [[Juha Paananen]] (Finnish), [[Mauro Bosco]] (Italian), [[Niko Macoulis]] (German), [[Rais David Báscones]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Alex Orozco]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Daniel Bergfalk]] (Swedish), [[Robin van der Velden]] (Dutch), [[Kim Min-seok]] (Korean), [[Duda Ribeiro]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}

[[File:Prehistory-Jetfire in charge.jpg|thumb|What they didn't know was that the fireworks were for indoor use.]]
Before Optimus Prime and his squad left for [[Earth]] in response to the [[Mini-Con]] signal, he left Jetfire in command of the remaining Autobot forces on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{Storylink|Prehistory}}

Much later, Optimus Prime requested Jetfire's assistance as the battle for the Mini-Cons reached a dangerous point with the discovery of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber sword]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield. As Jetfire made his way to Earth, he was followed by the Megatron loyalist [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], who had similarly been requested by the Decepticon strategist [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]]. {{storylink|Chase (episode)|Chase}}

[[File:Arm ep25 jetfire.jpg|upright=1.35|left|thumb|{{w|Bear Behaving Badly|Wackadoo!}}]]
Thrust's arrival quickly improved Decepticon battle strategy, sending the Autobot forces on Earth into disarray. Optimus Prime himself would have been defeated if not for the timely arrival of Jetfire, who quickly defeated the surprised Decepticon air power and forced the rest into retreat. {{storylink|Tactician}}

Jetfire was quickly installed as second in command, but as everybody who had never served with him discovered, he was a very different kind of 'bot compared to the reserved Optimus Prime. Where Optimus was cautious and analytical, Jetfire was brash and headstrong to the point of recklessness, jumping into the unknown without considering the consequences. As a result, in his first major battle with the Decepticons, Jetfire decided to take all of their air forces on his own, getting himself into serious trouble. Fortunately, Optimus Prime had recovered enough from his injuries to launch a counter-attack on the Decepticons and unleash his secret weapon—the ability to [[Powerlinx]] with Jetfire, resulting in the powerful Jet Optimus. Together, they overpowered the Decepticons in short order. Afterwards, Jetfire promised that he would be more cautious in the future. {{storylink|Linkup}}

[[File:Linkup jet prime.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.35]]
During a rare moment of downtime, Jetfire had an arm wrestling competition against Smokescreen (beating his opponent several times in a row) before he decided to do his homework, and review footage of the Autobots' and Decepticons' battles on Earth. As he perused the Autobots' video files, Jetfire noticed that Sideways had sometimes acted against the Decepticons, despite having already defected to their side. He discussed this revelation with the children. They all came to the agreement that, despite the fact that it was unclear whether or not Sideways was a Decepticon, it was evident that the fiend couldn't be trusted. Later, the Autobots and Decepticons squared off on a beachfront {{storylink|Detection}} over a new mysterious [[Mini-Con storage panel]]. Optimus Prime and Jetfire once again combined into Jet Optimus to take the fight to the Decepticons. However, even Jet Optimus's power was tested by the arrival of [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]. The giant Decepticon's sheer strength and firepower forced Jet Optimus on the backfoot, and in their shared gestalt mind, both Optimus and Jetfire were at a loss as what to do. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}} Worse yet, Thrust's tactics proved effective as ever, and though Jet Optimus fled up into the sky, he found himself surrounded by enemy units. Megatron pursued the Autobots by combining with Tidal Wave, and used the Star Saber to forcibly separate Jetfire from Optimus, sending the Autobot leader plummeting. Jetfire was left unable to go after Optimus as Megatron then bombarded him with laser blasts. The Autobots only won thanks to the timely appearance of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] and their combination into the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], which wound up in Optimus's grasp. {{storylink|Desperate}}

[[File:Awakening Jetfire.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.35]]
The Requiem Blaster was a source of argument for the Autobots, however. With this new weapon, several of them were eager to storm the Decepticon base in the hopes of ending the war. Jetfire was among those willing to take a more proactive approach to dealing with the Decepticons, though Optimus was hesitant. Before a decision could be reached, it was discovered that the Space Mini-Con Team had run away along with the kids. Though most of the Autobots went out looking for them, both Scavenger and Jetfire remained behind on monitor duty, as their vehicle modes stuck out too much in public. {{storylink|Runaway}}

[[File:The Requiem Blaster.jpg|thumb|200px]]
When the Autobots were informed by a mysterious source to meet the Decepticons in battle within a forest, Jetfire objected to them not bringing along the Requiem Blaster. Soon the Decepticons arrived to fight them, as promised... or rather, Starscream engaged the group, wielding the Star Saber. Jetfire combined with Optimus to fight him. Their duel ended abruptly when Starscream realized that his back-up wasn't coming. Megatron had noticed the absence of the Requiem Blaster and realized it was back at the Autobots' base, where Smokescreen was guarding it, alone. The Autobots warped back to base, Jet Optimus splitting back into his two component 'bots once there. They were too late to assist Smokescreen, who nearly died valiantly trying to protect the Mini-Cons. Despite his sacrifice, Megatron took the Requiem Blaster and retreated. {{storylink|Sacrifice}}

[[File:Regeneration Jetfire.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
But Smokescreen clung onto life, if just barely. While Red Alert went about fixing him, a proximity alarm sounded across the Autobots' base. Hot Shot and Side Swipe, eager to avenge Smokescreen, headed out to take on both Starscream and Tidal Wave. Jetfire and Optimus went after them, and combined into Jet Optimus to rescue their subordinates. Even in their combined form, they were no match for Tidal Wave... until Starscream willingly handed them the Star Saber. Tidal Wave warped away, and Starscream was taken to the Autobots' base, where he informed them that he had defected from the Decepticons. Though Jetfire was hesitant to trust him, the Autobots ultimately decided to accept Starscream into their ranks. Smokescreen was rebuilt into a new body, and the Autobots used data provided by Starscream to open a warp gate to the Moon, in order to storm the Decepticon camp.{{storylink|Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration}}

[[File:Rescue Autobot Fire.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The attack on the Decepticon moonbase begun with the Autobots besieging Megatron's throne room. The battle then spread throughout the Decepticons' base, until the Decepticon-held Mini-Cons were located. Jetfire helped round-up the Mini-Cons, now free of Megatron's influence thanks to [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], and queued them up so they could warp back to the Autobots' base. {{storylink|Rescue}}

[[File:Armada-Mars-Starscream and Jetfire.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.35|[[Scott McNeil|Bad Doomageddeon!]]]]
Jetfire's flight capabilities made him and Starscream the only two viable candidates for a mission to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], where a new Mini-Con was detected. Jetfire gladly brought along both [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] Mini-Cons along for this mission, but was none too keen on being paired up with Starscream. Starscream took off ahead of him anyways, though Jetfire chose to remain on-task instead of tracking him down. When Jetfire eventually came upon him, Starscream was so wrapped up in self-pity that he refused to do as his Autobot superior ordered. Jetfire was forced to handcuff him and charge him with dereliction of duty. On the return trip to Earth, the pair discovered the object of their quest on an asteroid. They were attacked by Tidal Wave, hindering their first pass to snatch up the newly awakened [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]]. Starscream was able to talk Firebot into turning its weapons on the giant Decepticon, and then grabbed the Mini-Con and put him in Jetfire's storage compartment. It looked like the Autobots were home free, only for Megatron to appear in their path with the Requiem Blaster in hand. Brought into proximity for the first time, the blaster, the Skyboom Shield and the Star Saber (wielded by Starscream) resonated with one another, causing a huge flare of energy that covered Jetfire and Starscream's escape. Back on Earth, Jetfire informed the kids that he hadn't been able to bring them back a souvenir. Fortunately for them, Starscream had picked up a bejewelled rock during the mission, and left it behind for Alexis to find after he stormed off. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}}

Jetfire supervised the construction of a spaceship for the Autobots, playing the part of a drill sergeant, making sure all the others did their fair share of work. This led to him getting into an argument with Starscream, who insisted the Autobots should prioritize Megatron's destruction above all other matters. Starscream stormed off, and the rest of the Autobot continued with their labor.

[[File:Autobot Argument.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The ship was in the final stages of construction when Billy and Fred reported that they had seen Starscream "chase off" Thrust after the Decepticon had asked him to steal the Skyboom Shield. As it turns out, [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]], [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] were nowhere to be found just then. Accusations that Starscream had complied with Thrust's request were thrown around, but the conversation was cut short when the Decepticons attacked. Jetfire flew out to meet them, and after shooting down Cyclonus, he Powerlinxed with Optimus to take on Tidal Wave. Just as Smokescreen passed the Skyboom Shield to Jet Optimus (the Mini-Cons having been found during the battle), Starscream swooped down, grabbed it, and left with both the shield and the Star Saber in hand to rejoin the Decepticons. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}}

[[File:Crisis Battle.jpg|200px|left|thumb]]
Though Jetfire seemed in control of his emotions after Starscream's betrayal, he was as angry over it as all the other members of the Autobots team. He had Side Swipe try and hack into the Decepticons' warp gate, but they had taken additional precautions over such incursions after the Autobots' previous attack. Jetfire nonetheless continued to petition Optimus to go on the offensive against the Decepticons. Then, the Decepticons test-fired their newly built [[Hydra Cannon]] on a comet for all the world to see. Jetfire Optimus, Side Swipe, and Hot Shot were left staring in awe over the might of the Decepticons' super-weapon. {{storylink|Threaten}} Jetfire warped out into orbit to scout out the Decepticons' warship, but found himself unable to penetrate their [[Force field|electro-shield]]. After returning to base to meet with Optimus, the both of them warped back near the Decepticons' ship and combined. They then waited for the Hydra Cannon to drop its shield in preparation for its attack, and took advantage of this opening to begin a furious assault. The Decepticons emerged from the ship to ward Jet Optimus off, who split into his individual components to better deal with their numbers. Jetfire was tasked with distracting the Decepticons while Optimus attempted to retrieve the Mini-Con weapons. There were simply too many enemy units however, and Jetfire was pinned down and forced to watch as the Hydra Cannon opened fire on Earth. Optimus managed to use the power of the Matrix to intercept its destructive beam, though the intense release of energy utterly destroyed his body. While the Decepticons were distracted by the spectacle of [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|Optimus's demise]], Jetfire wrenched himself free of their grasp. He then flew about, desperate to find any sign that Optimus had somehow survived, but all he came upon was Sparkplug drifting in the space dust, clutching the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}} As the Autobots tried to cope with the loss of their leader, Jetfire scoped out the Moon, hoping to find anything left behind by the Decepticons. The enemy team had since departed for Cybertron, however. When he returned to Autobot headquarters, Jetfire was confronted by Hot Shot, who insisted the two of them chase after the Decepticons for revenge. Jetfire dismissed his request, agitating Hot Shot further. Hot Shot's emotional outbursts continued, provoking Scavenger to beat some sense into him through some aggressive therapy. Though Alexis pleaded with Jetfire to step in, Jetfire assured her that Scavenger knew what he was doing. Sure enough, Hot Shot was eventually made to confront the reality of the Autobots' situation, and stopped fighting his teammates. Believing it would be what Optimus would have wanted, Jetfire passed on leadership of the Autobots to Hot Shot. With their morale renewed, the team redoubled their efforts to complete the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]''. {{storylink|Remorse}} Jetfire watched confusedly as the Mini-Cons protested Hot Shot's decision to leave the children behind while the Autobots pursued the Decepticons. Hot Shot eventually relented, and the Autobots, Mini-Cons, and children all boarded the newly completed ''Axalon'' and begun their journey to Cybertron. {{storylink|Depart}}

[[File:Remorse Autobots.jpg|200px|thumb]]
Shortly after their departure, the Autobots had to navigate the ''Axalon'' through an asteroid field. As they were about to emerged from this dangerous region, they came upon the Decepticons, who had turned their own ship around to crush their pursuers. In the battle that ensued, Jetfire dueled Thrust. The Decepticons retreated when Optimus, revived by the Mini-Cons through the Matrix, blew Megatron back with the power of his super mode. {{storylink|Miracle (episode)|Miracle}} No sooner had the Autobots welcomed their leader back than their ship was pulled through a worm hole to a dead planet, where they were menaced by a twisted clone of Optimus named [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]]. While Jetfire stayed on the ''Axalon'' with most of the Autobots, Prime ended his dark doppelgänger's threat. {{storylink|Puppet}}

[[File:Autobot Tactics.jpg|200px|left|thumb]]
By the time the Autobots had repaired the ''Axalon'' and arrived over Cybertron, the Decepticons had managed to take over the planet. Upon approaching their home planet, the Mini-Cons began acting up, and Jetfire had to combine with Optimus to persuade them from drifting off into the void. The Autobots then warped down to Cybertron, where Jetfire and Optimus were fought against Galvatron (formerly Megatron), leading his elite soldiers on the warpath. Meanwhile, a black hole appeared in the sky. The Mini-Con continued to display their mysterious powers, and helped keep the black hole at bay. {{storylink|Uprising (Armada)|Uprising}} Jetfire was sent planetside to scout out an area where the ''Axalon'' could safely land. Though it took fighting several Decepticon troopers, he eventually did so, and called Optimus and the rest of his team down from orbit. Optimus then ordered Jetfire and Side Swipe to head a full Autobot evacuation of Cybertron in preparation for Unicron's assault. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}} Jetfire was pulled away from his job to back up Hot Shot and Wheeljack who, along with Alexis, Rad, Carlos, and their Mini-Con companions, were tracking down Thrust. Though Jetfire got turned around for a while, he eventually came upon his quarry, and pulled them off of Cybertron's moon while its surface crumbled. Cybertron's satellite was then revealed to have concealed Unicron's slumbering form. The Chaos Bringer was now awakening. {{storylink|Portent}}

[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The Autobots put in action a plan to force Galvatron into a situation where Optimus would have the opportunity to reason with him. After heading out to meet Galvatron's forces, Optimus combined with Jetfire and Overload to draw the Decepticon leader away from the battleground. Once they had achieved a significant distance from the rest of their forces, Jetfire separated from Optimus, and kept Tidal Wave occupied while both faction leaders were left to "negotiate." Though Galvatron eventually came around, it was only after Starscream died to convince him to do so. {{storylink|Cramp}} Jetfire attended the meeting during which the Autobots and Decepticons formed a temporary truce to combat the menace of Unicron, notably shaking hands with Tidal Wave. After their combined armada failed to deal any damage to Unicron, the Autobot/Decepticon alliance sent a scouting party to the Chaos Bringer's surface. They too failed to yield any immediate success, and had to be rescued by Jet Optimus and Galvatron. {{storylink|Alliance}} Some data was gathered during the scouting expedition, however, and once analyzed provided the Autobot/Decepticon alliance with a weakspot they could target: a small area on Unicron's neck. Jetfire and Tidal Wave helped their respective commanders infiltrate Unicron through his plasma cannon, then helped distract their gargantuan foe by attacking his vulnerable area. {{storylink|Union}} No matter how much damage they inflicted upon him, however, Unicron would regenerate his wounds. It dawned upon Jetfire that only a miracle could help them defeat Unicron at this point. {{storylink|Origin}}

[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
Thankfully, a miracle wasn't needed; the team within Unicron managed to free the Mini-Con weapons that were powering him, and Unicron became inert. Hot Shot then decided to go on a solo mission to retrieve Optimus Prime from within the evil planet, but Jetfire knocked him out and went instead; he reasoned that if Unicron was still a threat, the united Cybertronian army needed Hot Shot to lead them. En route, he was joined by Cyclonus, and as Jetfire predicted, Unicron began to stir once more. Jetfire came upon the kids, their partner Mini-Cons, and the 'bots who made up the three Mini-Con weapons emerging onto Unicron's surface, and doubled back with them aboard himself. The Transformers then launched a final assault on Unicron, though it proved unnecessary; Galvatron sacrificed himself to Unicron, robbing the dark god of the hatred he needed to sustain himself. Unicron vanished from existence. Afterwards, Hot Shot, Jet Fire, and Perceptor accompanied the children back to Earth, and bid them a heartfelt goodbye before returning to Cybertron to rebuild their war-worn planet. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
As the Decepticons unleashed the might of the [[Hydra Cannon]] towards the Earth, Jetfire and Side Swipe left their posts to watch on in horror as the blast approached, via the Autobot base's view screen. Thankfully, Optimus had already left to thwart the energies of the weapon with those of his Matrix. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

====''Energon'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Nobuyuki Hiyama]] (Japanese)|[[Johan Hedenberg]] (Swedish), [[Juha Paananen]] (Finnish), [[Mauro Bosco]] (Italian), [[Yoann Sover]] (French), [[Rais David Báscones]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Alex Orozco]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}
{{noteslonly}}
[[File:Cybertron City Autobots.jpg|thumb|200px]]
During the ten years since the defeat of [[Unicron]], Jetfire was upgraded into a new, more advanced body uploaded with the [[Spark of Combination]], which granted him the ability to [[Powerlinx]] with other compatible robots. Jetfire was selected by Optimus Prime to accompany him and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] to investigate a mysterious attack on the [[energon]] mining colony there by a group of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|mysterious bestial transformers]]. Jetfire was less than pleased when the inexperienced and immature [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] wanted to tag along merely to satisfy his hero worship of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], but decided to let the youngster come along after Optimus Prime left the decision to Jetfire. After surveying the damage on Mars, Jetfire quickly destroyed a large number of [[Divebomb (Energon)|avian drones]] attacking [[Ocean City]] on Earth. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}}

[[File:Jetfire Blast Off.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Soon afterward, the mining colony on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] was attacked by the same mysterious energon-eating creatures, now identified as "Terrorcons." Tasked with conducting reconnaissance, Jetfire and Kicker fought their way through dozens of the bird drones, with the gifted human playing a crucial role in their successful mission. Though the Terrorcons were once more driven back, this time around a number of them managed to escape with a substantial amount of Energon. {{storylink|Energon Stars}}

Jetfire was dispatched to Plains City in preparation for future Terrorcon attacks. The next strike happened at [[Desert City]], however, meaning Jetfire missed out on the action. {{storylink|Scorpinok (episode)|Scorpinok}}

[[File:Powerlink Ironhide.jpg|thumb|200px]]
After Ironhide acquitted himself with distinction during the mission on the Moon, Jetfire practiced Powerlinxing with the younger Autobot, who, unfortunately, could not time the sequence properly. The reason behind the attacks was (partially) revealed when the powerful [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], commander of the Terrorcons, attacked [[Plains City]]; Energon was supposedly being gathered to revive Megatron. Jetfire arrived with the Autobot reinforcements and finally successfully Powerlinxed with Ironhide, allowing the young Autobot the honor of being the controlling component of their combined form. The Terrorcons were once more made to retreat. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

[[File:Ironhide Jetfire Powerlink.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
After [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] joined the Terrorcons, Jetfire became vocal about his distrust of Demolishor, fearing he might follow suit. When he expressed his concerns to Optimus, the Autobot leader dismissed Jetfire's fears, stating he was confident Demolishor would remain a steadfast ally. {{storylink|The New Cybertron City}} Though the Terrorcon attacks continued, the Autobot grew more competent at defending their outposts. When a flock of [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] drones attacked [[Lunar City]], Jetfire led them into the station's newly built automated defenses systems, and the Terrorcons were all blown to bits. {{storylink|Megatron Resurrected}}

The balance of power shifted when Megatron was resurrected, and took command of the Terrorcons. With their old foe returned, Jetfire brought back up the topic of Demolishor's loyalty to Optimus, only to be dismissed once more. Jetfire confided in Kicker that he envied the Omnicons, as they were certain of their place in a tumultuous world, filled with shifting loyalties. Then, Ocean City's alarm sounded, warning that an enemy space-bridge had materialized nearby. Jetfire was sent to investigate, but saw no one exiting the portal... He did bump into someone though: the newly revived and ghostly Starscream. Jetfire called Kicker to inform him of his encounter, only for Megatron to launch his own, unrelated assault on Ocean City. Jetfire and Ironhide combined to fight off Demolishor, who had joined back up with Megatron, as Jetfire had previously predicted. {{storylink|Megatron Raid}}

[[File:Jetfire Computer.jpg|thumb|200px]]
After Optimus informed his troops that Ocean City's security had been breached by a ghostly intruder, Jetfire suggested Optimus be accompanied by a body-guard at all times to prevent an assassination attempt. Optimus refused Jetfire's suggestion, forcing the Autobots to guard him anyways, though covertly. Optimus caught on quickly, and warped off to the Moon to confront his attacker alone. While Optimus dealt with his would-be assassin, a revived Starscream, Jetfire and the other Autobots wound up having troubles of their own defending Lunar City from Megatron. Though the Terrorcons were driven back, the newly rebuilt lunar outpost was once more reduced to ruins. {{storylink|Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary}} Jetfire's next mission took him to Asteroid City, where he and his team encountered the Decepticons' ship. The vessel's eerie similarity to Unicron put the Autobots on edge, and Jetfire was pinned down by Scorponok in the ensuing skirmish. Though skewered by the Terrorcon's tail-blade, Jetfire recovered quickly after Hot Shot, Optimus, Inferno and Ironhide forced Scorponok back. Megatron and his minions then covered their escape by detonating an energon-riddled asteroid. Jetfire later attended a meeting where Dr. Jones put forth his proposal to build [[Energon tower (technology)|energon towers]] to better defend their mining outposts. {{storylink|Battle of the Asteroid Belt}} Before the first energon tower could be fully built in Ocean City, Megatron and his troops attacked the facility. Jetfire was kept busy for most of the fight by Cyclonus, though once he was taken out, Jetfire changed his focus towards Scorponok. Scorponok was substantially more powerful than Cyclonus unfortunately, and easily batted Jetfire aside as he pushed his way towards the center of the city complex. Thankfully, the energon tower was completed and activated just in time to force the Terrorcons away. {{storylink|Energon Tower (episode)|Energon Tower}}

[[File:E12 Jetfire Lasers.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

Jetfire was called in to [[Jungle City]] to scope out a Terrorcon attack Kicker had reported. After confirming the presence of radar-invisible Terrorcons, he regrouped with the other Autobots, and was paired up with Hot Shot to overlook Jungle City's aerial defense. Jetfire failed to protect the local energon tower from being destroyed, and the Autobots were forced to abandon Jungle City, detonating it to prevent its Energon stockpiles to fall into enemy hands. {{storylink|Crisis in Jungle City}}

[[File:Jetfire Energon.jpg|thumb|200px]]

Jetfire received word that Optimus was under attack in the ruins of Lunar City. He, Hot Shot and Inferno warped up to help him fend off the Decepticons. They were trapped in a precarious position when Scorponok unleashed the firepower of the Decepticon Mobile Fortress on their group, only to be rescued by several Omnicon survivors of Lunar City. After the Omnicons raised a hidden base from under the Lunar surface, Jetfire helped protect an energon tower while it warped in and was activated. {{storylink|Kicker Beware!}}

[[File:E14 Autobots Space.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Kicker and Misha had Jetfire give them a lift to Desert City in order to investigate a lack of Energon output from that location's energon tower. After dropping them off, Jetfire traveled to Earth orbit, where he and a handful of Autobots formed a first line of defense against a meteor strike engineered by Megatron. They were briefly joined by Rodimus and his crew members, who aided Optimus's team by destroying one of the three artificial meteors. The other two constructs continued their encroachment upon the Earth, until the [[Energon grid (technology)|energon grid]] was successfully activated, forming a protective barrier around the planet. {{storylink|Energon Grid (episode)|Energon Grid}} Jetfire was glad that with the energon grid now online, the Autobots could let down their guard every once in a while. Optimus told his troops that he rather they stay vigilant, despite the added protection of the energon grid. Jetfire then attended a meeting where Optimus made clear his plan to go on the offensive, and travel into space to stop Unicron from being revived by their enemies. {{storylink|Rodimus Friend or Foe?}}

[[File:Detecting Energon.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Jetfire attended the launch of the ''[[Miranda II]]'' Autobot-human spacecraft. He joined the crew and was part of a space battle in the [[Asteroid belt]] to defend the [[Energon Ring]] before their journey could begin. {{storylink|Go for Unicron!}} The ''Miranda II''{{'}}s first stop took its crew through a whiteout on an uncharted planet, where it became temporarily stuck between two glaciers. Jetfire was sent out with Kicker and Ironhide to scout the area for Energon, while Inferno and Optimus tried to free their ship. As the Omnicons began uncovering the sought-after substance in a cavern, Jetfire tried to keep the rest of his team calm; they were all on-edge, thinking the Decepticons could turn up at any moment. As Jetfire told them that the odds of the Decepticons coming upon them was infinitesimally small, Demolishor and Snow Cat shot him in the back. Jetfire was left unable to fly, and had to Powerlinx with Ironhide in order to achieve lift-off. Once they had escaped out into open, Jetfire's team ran afoul of [[Cruellock|a new type of Terrorcons]]. Though Jetfire wound up being in need of repair, he and the rest of the Autobots safely made it aboard the ''Miranda II'' and escaped the planet. {{storylink|The Return of Demolishor}}

[[File:Stay Close To The Ship.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
The ''Miranda II'' crossed paths with Rodimus, who boarded the ship to discuss Unicron. Optimus, Jetfire, Rodimus, and Prowl talked privately on the matter. During their conversation, Rodimus revealed that Unicron was merely a tool, that could be used for good or evil. Optimus was nonetheless unwilling to allow the planet to reawaken, and his crew parted ways with Rodimus's. Ironhide decided to stow away on Rodimus's ship though, and when Hot Shot brought this to the rest of the crew's attention, Jetfire had a good chuckle over Ironhide's youthful exuberance. The Autobots then made their way to Unicron's body, and drove off the Decepticons' first line of defense. {{storylink|A Tale of Two Heros}} After getting Megatron's attention, the ''Miranda II'' retreated back towards the Autobots' warp gate, luring the Decepticons into following them. Jetfire helped defend the ship until they emerged from warp near Cybertron. There, the Autobots used the planet's energon grid to inflict massive damage on Unicron's body, forcing Megatron to warp his troops away, and signaling an initial victory in the Autobots' quest to bring an end to Unicron. {{storylink|Battle Stations}}

[[File:Worst Plan Ever.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Later, Jetfire was contacted by Kicker, who had met with Alpha Q in his absence and made an ally out of him. Jetfire informed Optimus that Kicker, Ironhide, Misha, and Alpha Q were heading towards Cybertron aboard Unicron's head. {{storylink|Shockblast: Rampage}} During the peace talks between Optimus, Rodimus, and Alpha Q, Jetfire traveled to Cybertron to overlook the ship graveyard left behind by the Decepticons who failed to escape past Cybertron's energon grid. {{storylink|Survival Instincts}} The energon grid had been left damaged during the escape of the Decepticon war-criminal [[Shockblast]] however, and Megatron's forces took advantage of the Autobots' weakened defenses to launch an attack. During the conflict, Jetfire tried to rescue Wing Dagger from Shockblast, but due to interference from Tidal Wave, was unable to prevent him from being crushed by a falling energon tower. {{storylink|Each One Fights...}} To make matters worse, enough energon towers had been damaged in the attack to severely cripple Cybertron's defenses. The Decepticons returned with Mirage, a rebuilt Tidal Wave, who used his enhanced speed and agility to outmaneuver Jetfire. The Terrorcons managed to breach Primus's chamber, and from within it, stole enough energon for Unicron to transform and threaten Cybertron with imminent destruction. Jetfire joined Optimus in a retaliatory strike where the Autobots managed to penetrate Unicron's outer defenses. {{storylink|Unicron Unleashed}} Jetfire dropped off Ironhide on Unicron's surface so the young 'bot could join with Optimus's party. Meanwhile, he continued to run interference outside Unicron against Megatron's Divebomb drones. {{storylink|Open Fire!}}

[[File:E26 Autobot Team.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
The fighting that followed within Unicron led to a ''clash of positively and negatively-charged energon, which ultimately tore open a rift in space.'' Jetfire found Inferno clinging onto the Chaos-Bringer's hull for dear life, and rescued him before Unicron was pulled into the rift. Jetfire then met up with Optimus Prime and the others, and followed them through the spatial tear to chase down Megatron and Alpha Q. {{storylink|Ripped Up Space}}

[[File:Protection Jetfire Inferno.jpg|thumb|200px]]
On the other side of the rift, the Autobots found a newly created solar system; Alpha Q had succeeded in restoring the planets devoured by Unicron, and had placed Unicron's head in its center as an energon sun. The Decepticons immediately begun to target these worlds, and on [[Iron Planet]] the Autobots came to blows with Shockblast. Though Jetfire was eager to capture the Decepticon himself, Optimus had him stand back so Wing Saber could do it, and acquire some peace of mind. Afterwards, Scorponok resurfaced, brainwashed and completely loyal to Megatron. Jetfire had to rescue a confused Ironhide from being skewered by their former ally, and together they helped fend off the Terrorcons under his command. {{storylink|Protection}} Jetfire then took the ''Miranda II'' to [[Jungle Planet (Energon)|Jungle Planet]]. After having set down the ship on the pristine world, he received an alarm from Inferno, who had been left behind on Iron Planet to guard Shockblast. Jetfire linked up with Ironhide to come to Inferno's aid, though the Autobots arrived too late to prevent Megatron from infusing Inferno with Decepticon programming. {{storylink|Imprisoned Inferno}}

[[File:Jetfire Shockblast.jpg|left|thumb|200px|"Dance off, bro."]]
The Autobots began looking for Unicron's whereabouts in the void of space, only to be called back to Jungle Planet when the Decepticons found the Autobots' temporary base of operations there. The Autobots were kept from going down to the planet's surface by the Decepticons until the arrival of [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]], [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]], and [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] tipped the odds in their favor. {{storylink|Jungle Planet (episode)|Jungle Planet}} Jetfire overlooked the Omnicons clearing a site to set down an energon tower on Jungle Planet until the Autobots got word from Bulkhead's team, now in space, that they were under attack. Jetfire used his shuttle mode to fly out and assist them. He linked up with Downshift to fend off the Decepticons until the energon tower could be activated. {{storylink|Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead}}

[[File:Inferno Autobot Fire.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Jetfire teamed up with Bulkhead to protect an energon tower as it was being warped in to [[Ocean Planet]]. Unfortunately, Mirage managed to slip past them, and sent the structure toppling over. With only one tower to spare, Inferno volunteered to act as a decoy, pretending that the Decepticon programming Megatron had previously forced into him had taken effect. Jetfire, Ironhide, and Kicker were sent to keep an eye on him as he reeled in their enemies. But the programming was more powerful than anticipated, and Inferno's began to lose control. He managed to shake off the Decepticon influence in time to save Jetfire from getting impaled by Starscream. Jetfire managed to return the favor (if barely) by retrieving Inferno's spark after his body was destroyed by the heat of the energon sun, which Starscream had sent him towards. {{storylink|Farewell Inferno}} ''Jetfire then brought the spark back to Cybertron, where Primus would be able to restore Inferno. {{storylink|Return! Our Scorponok}}''

[[File:Crash Course Jetfire.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
Jetfire saw Hot Shot and Ironhide off through a space bridge, and wondered to himself where they were off to. His curiosity getting the better of him, he suggested he and Kicker follow the pair for a little "R&R." But by the time they made it to their destination, the duo found themselves on [[Circuit Planet|a planet]] entirely covered in roads, where the first [[Autobot Grand Prix]] had already started! Kicker jumped down to join Ironhide on the road, while Bulkhead approached Jetfire with a proposition: to make the race a little more interesting... mostly by shooting at the road! Jetfire only used blanks though, to keep things safe. {{storylink|Crash Course}}

[[File:Jetfire Optimus Escape.jpg|thumb|200px]]
After Wing Saber located Unicron's body, Jetfire and the Autobots staged an assault on the Planet-Eater, but were unable to keep Megatron from making Unicron fully operational again. Finding themselves surrounded by the enemy, the Autobots were rescued by the timely arrival of first [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]], and then Roadblock (Inferno reborn) with fleet of energon towers in tow. The towers were sent down to impale Unicron, but had no effect on the now-mobile titan. {{storylink|Omega Supreme (episode)|Omega Supreme}} Likewise, the energon grid protecting Alpha Q's planetary system failed to halt Unicron's advance towards the [[Energon Orb]] at its center. Jetfire tried to help coordinating the Autobots' offensive as Unicron reached for its head, to no avail. He was forced to call for a retreat as Unicron became whole once more. {{storylink|A Heroic Battle}}

[[File:Optimus Supreme Jetfire.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
Jetfire, Bulkhead, and Wing Saber kept the lesser Decepticons busy outside of Unicron while the other Autobots sought to reach Megatron's throne room and disconnect him from the Planet-Eater, while the later was still dormant. The fliers later reconvened with the ''Miranda II'', where Misha gave them an update on Optimus Prime and Kicker's teams, then fighting a Unicron-empowered Shockblast and retrieving Alpha Q's body respectively. {{storylink|The Power of Unicron}} Jetfire rejoined Optimus Supreme in Blizzard Planet's orbit to inform his leader that Unicron was back online (despite Optimus having witnessed first-hand the giant punching down onto Blizzard Planet's surface). He then joined in an effort to stop Unicron from obliterating Blizzard Planet, fully aware of the insanity of the situation. The Autobots failed to save the planet, were all left badly damaged by the encounter, and had to be brought to the Autobots' infirmary.

[[File:Energon-Autobot-Redecos.jpg|thumb|250px|He's brighter than Ironhide, at least.]]
After being repaired and against orders, Jetfire joined Optimus in fighting Unicron before he could reach another world. He fared little better this time around and Circuit planet was the next sphere to fall. Then, the power of Primus reached the Autobots, repairing Jetfire and reformatting his body, while growing Optimus Supreme to gargantuan proportions so he could fight Unicron on an even playing field. {{storylink|Optimus Supreme}} Jetfire and the others maintained strafing assaults against Unicron as Optimus Supreme grappled with him directly and Kicker assembled the energon towers for a powerful strike. With the towers, the power of Primus, and the teamwork of the Optimus Supreme combination, Unicron's body was finally destroyed. {{storylink|Unicron Perishes}}

[[File:Ambition Warp Gate.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
Optimus suffered serious injuries after overtaxing his capabilities in battle, and so Jetfire and the others watched over him in stasis on [[Ocean Planet]]. When Megatron resurfaced on Cybertron, however, Rodimus gathered the crew of the ''Miranda II'' to return to Cybertron. He ordered Roadblock and Jetfire to remain behind on Ocean Planet and watch over Alpha Q's worlds in their absence. When he learned that Optimus had abandoned the sick bay, he tracked him down beyond a warp gate. Though Optimus had yet to fully recover, he insisted he travel to Cybertron, having sensed his home-world was in danger. Jetfire was unable to dissuade him, and both Autobots went pressed onward through the space bridge. {{storylink|Ambition}} The Autobots arrived on Cybertron and battled the newly enhanced Galvatron until clouds of Autobot-killing energon gas were released into the atmosphere. Optimus collapsed under its effect, but Jetfire retrieved his leader before his lifeforce could be extinguished. The Decepticons then proceeded to unleash the gas all over Cybertron, forcing the Autobots to retreat off-planet. {{storylink|Wishes}}

The ''Miranda II'' moved to the upper atmosphere, where the Autobots prepared to drop Kicker and the [[Omnicon]]s (who were immune to the energon gas flooding the planet) down to the world below. Galvatron and the Decepticons attacked, and Jetfire fought to delay them long enough for [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] to get the ''Miranda II'' into position for the drop. {{storylink|Galvatron!}} As Optimus led a team through the opening in the energon gas created by Kicker's infiltrators, Jetfire remained in space under Rodimus's command as part of a backup team. {{storylink|Break Through}}

[[File:Distribution Jetfire.jpg|200px|thumb]]
At some point, in the Autobot combat training simulation, Jetfire and Ironhide teamed up for the tournament. They defeated Scorponok in an extended battle, but fell before some cheap tricks when [[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]] manipulated the digital environment against them. {{storylink|Distribution}}

[[File:Roadblock-Jetfire-Formidable.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
As Cybertron began moving through space towards the warpgate for Alpha Q's worlds, Rodimus and his crew attempted to gather enough space debris to slow it down. Jetfire complained that this was an exercise in futility, as their makeshift barrier stood no chance of halting an entire planet's progress. Rodimus admitted that they had little chance of succeeding, but explained that he hoped to at least distract Galvatron somewhat, to give Optimus and his soldiers on the planet a better fighting chance. But Six Shot had modified an energon tower into a planetary laser, which blasted cleanly through their defenses before Cybertron even neared the barrier. {{storylink|The Omega Train}} After Cybertron was forced through a spacebridge, Jetfire was injured, and Rodimus sent him back to Ocean Planet for repairs with Landmine. {{storylink|Decepticon Army}} Before he was fully recovered, Jetfire took off from his sickbed to help the Autobots in stopping Cybertron from slamming into Plains Planet; Six Shot had engineered a crude planetary propulsion system for the world. As he neared his destination, he crossed paths with Ironhide, and the pair combined. With additional help from the rest of the Autobot team, they destroyed the energon towers that were being used to accelerate the planet towards its destination. {{storylink|Formidable}}

Jetfire returned to Primus's chamber. From there, he learned that Sally had managed to infiltrate the Decepticons' base by herself, and that Galvatron was once more headed for the super energon pool. While another group of Autobots left to deal with the Galvatron situation, Jetfire headed off with Doctor Jones to retrieve Sally. Thanks in large to Sally mucking about the Decepticons' control room, the Autobots were able to take control of their enemies' headquarters and Cybertron's warp gate system. Jetfire then volunteered to bring Sally and her mother back to Ocean City. With the humans out of harm's way, Jetfire regrouped with Optimus and Omega Supreme. The Autobots warped back to Cybertron, unaware that on the other side of the space bridge was Galvatron, grown to enormous proportions by the power of super energon. {{storylink|Galvatron Terror}} Upon seeing his old foe so transformed, Optimus instructed Jetfire to take a group of Omnicons and see to Primus's revival. Jetfire traveled to the pool of super energon just as a team headed by Kicker managed to take control of the location. Jetfire put the Omnicons to work at processing the fuel into super energon stars. {{storylink|Destructive Power}}

Jetfire then left Cybertron with Kicker to rejoin the front lines, which had since moved to Alpha Q's dying planetary system. The fight between Galvatron and Optimus had moved beyond the point where Jetfire could contribute anything of use though; both combatants had channeled the power of Unicron to grow themselves to tremendous heights, and grappled as titans on Jungle Planet. From within Jetfire's cockpit, Kicker detected another source of Unicron's essence out in the void of space, and had the shuttle take him towards it. As they neared Unicron's disembodied spark, Kicker asked that Jetfire allow him to continue forth on his own, feeling it was his destiny to confront the evil by himself. Though Jetfire thought the idea was hooey, he still followed Kicker's request, and doubled back to return to Optimus's side. {{storylink|Spark (episode)|Spark}}

[[File:The Sun Autobots.jpg|200px|thumb|left]]
By the time Jetfire reached his (now normal-sized) leader, Optimus had become unresponsive due to the injuries he had suffered in his latest duel against Galvatron. As their Combination Sparks ignited, the Autobots realized that Prime needed the Combination Sparks of all his fellow Autobots to face the final conflict. Rodimus led the Autobots in stepping forward to give up their individuality for the greater good of the team. Jetfire's body was converted into pure energy as he became one with his spark, so that it could in turn become one with all the other Combination Sparks, revitalizing Optimus. Filled with the strength of all his men, Optimus united with Omega Supreme in the ultimate Powerlinx, grappling with Galvatron until the Decepticon leader shrugged off Unicron's influence and plunged into the sun. Jetfire and the other Autobots then separated, and were restored to their individual forms. {{storylink|The Sun}}
{{--}}

====Cyber Key Code content====
After the second defeat of Unicron, Jetfire resettled on [[Nebulos|Nebulon]] for an indeterminate period of time. He adopted a [[Accent|local accent]], one that sounded vaguely like Earth-Australian to certain [[human]]s. {{storylink|Cyber Key Codes|Jetfire's Cyber Key Code content}}

====''Cybertron'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Brian Drummond]] (English), [[Hideo Ishikawa]] (Japanese)|[[Jari Salo]] (Finnish), [[Mauro Bosco]] (Italian), [[Johan Hedenberg]] (Swedish), [[Rais David Báscones]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Luis Enrique Poján]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Yann Le Madic]] (French), [[Jay De Castro]] (Tagalog, HERO TV dub), [[Hanho Shin]] (Korean)}}

[[File:CybJetfire01.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|I'm a registered bookbinder from Brisbane!]]

Jetfire appeared to have mellowed in the past 20 years; being considerably more cautious compared to his reckless youth, and adhered much more closely to orders and protocol. He returned to Cybertron, his homeworld once again facing a monumental crisis, perhaps the worst in its history: Unicron's demise had created a black hole that was slowly encroaching upon the planet.

[[File:Cyb ep52 flying autobots.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
Optimus Prime ordered Jetfire to visit Earth and provide the Autobots with scans of local vehicles. This was done so that should their primary plan of destroying the [[Unicron Singularity]] fail, the population of Cybertron could assume disguises and relocate to the human homeworld, whose inhabitants were still largely unaware of the existence of Transformers. The planetary exodus was put underway when the elder Cybertronian [[Vector Prime]] introduced himself. This new arrival ensured the Autobots that he had the means to nullify the black hole: the Autobots only had to collect the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s to unleash the power of Primus upon it. Unfortunately, the map was stolen by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. Optimus's elite team, including Jetfire, then set off to Earth themselves. En route, Vector Prime explained to the Autobots that the black hole would, if left unchecked, not only swallow up Cybertron but the entire universe. He then doubled back to retrieve his cosmic map from Megatron, with Optimus insisting that Hot Shot, Jetfire, and Overhaul accompany him on this dangerous task. Jetfire's team came upon Megatron and Starscream inside an asteroid belt. While Jetfire and Vector Prime dealt with Starscream, Overhaul and Hot Shot tackled Megatron. Unfortunately, the Decepticons proved to be simply too powerful and the Autobots were unable to prevent them from escaping once more. Jetfire then rendezvoused with Optimus on Earth, where he met their newest human allies: [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]]. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}} {{storylink|Inferno (episode)|Inferno}}
[[File:Cyb ep3 construction.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Jetfire aided in the construction of the Autobots' base on Earth, only for Megatron and Starscream to approach the planet part-way through the base's construction. Jetfire launched from the base (thanks to a catapult system proposed by Bud) and helped Hot Shot, Optimus, and Vector Prime in holding the Decepticons out of sensor range. Meanwhile, the rest of the team completed the base's stealth coating. Jetfire's weapons proved largely ineffective against Megatron, but Vector Prime was able to drive off both the Decepticon leader and his lackey by summoning the power of a Cyber Key. Afterwards, having deemed that Jetfire had proved himself in combat, Vector Prime granted him the ability to also summon Cyber Planet Keys to boost his power. {{storylink|Haven}}
[[File:Cyb ep3 jetfire vs thundercracker.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
The children were tasked with acclimating the Autobot refugees to Earth, but wound up drawing unnecessary attention to their charges. Jetfire had a stern talk with them, but was unable to make much progress in teaching them to be more careful. He then joined his teammates to watch Red Alert's latest attempt at nullifying the black hole threatening Cybertron via tele-conference. This too ended in failure, prompting Vector Prime to reiterate that the Cyber Planet Keys were truly the only solution to Cybertron's impending doom. The Autobots agreed to making the keys their priority.

Later, Scattorshot alerted Jetfire that an airforce patrol was being attacked by Thundercracker. Jetfire confronted the Decepticon, and though he took a number of hits in the ensuing scuffle, he wound up coming out on top after activating his Cyber Key power for the first time. Though Starscream and Megatron joined in, they too were driven away when Optimus activated his own Cyber Key power. Afterwards, Jetfire awarded the children another chance to help hide the refugees in plain sight, and was glad to see they had grown more sensible in their efforts to do so. {{storylink|Hidden (Cybertron)|Hidden}}

Once the Autobots' secret presence on Earth had been secured, they begun scouring the globe for the [[Omega Lock]], the focusing device for the Cyber Planet Keys' power. Jetfire teamed up with Lori in his search, but it was Bud and [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] who uncovered the Autobots' first lead: an iteration of the "[[Atlantis Pattern]]" depicting the Omega Lock was located in a museum in [[Mexico]]. Unbeknownst to the Autobots, Thundercracker and Starscream had been tracking their every move, and attacked them once they had assembled outside the building. Jetfire was provoked into another aerial bout with Thundercracker while Vector Prime set about investigating the artifacts within the museum. Though the lead turned out to be a false start, Vector Prime was able to decipher the coordinates of [[Velocitron]], resting place of the first Cyber Planet Key, from the imitation Omega Lock within the museum. {{storylink|Landmine (episode)|Landmine}}

While Hot Shot and Red Alert were sent off to look for the first Key, the rest of the team continued their search for the Omega Lock on Earth. To his frustration, Jetfire found himself unable to contact Scattorshot after returning from an outing. Coby and Lori voiced their concerns that Bud was similarly missing. Jetfire was then called out to assist in a battle against the Decepticons, only to learn what had happened to the missing duo partway to his destination: Bud and Scattorshot had managed to get themselves stranded in Earth's orbit, with a protective force-field containing only a limited amount of oxygen. Changing course to rescue the unlucky pair, Jetfire's efforts were foiled by a man-made satellite crashing into him. Though he chased after Bud and Scattorshot as they begun plummeting down into the atmosphere, Jetfire wasn't fast enough to catch up. Thankfully, Jolt and Coby met them on their way down, and using the Mini-Con's limited teleporting capabilities, they were able to bring Bud and Scattorshot back to safety. {{storylink|Space (episode)|Space}}

Jetfire began to worry that pairing up Hot Shot and Red Alert might not have been the best idea, and petitioned Optimus to swap him out with one of them on the away mission. Optimus refused, confident that despite their clashing personalities, Hot Shot and Red Alert would be successful in acquiring the Velocitronian Planet Key. Optimus then put in motion a plan to end the Decepticon's continued attempts at discovering their base's location. The Autobots built a decoy base, then allowed Jetfire to be followed back to it after their next outing. While Thundercracker blew the fake base to smithereens, Jetfire and the others watched the whole debacle unfold from the safety of their real base. {{storylink|Rush (episode)|Rush}}

After the kids returned from a day out at the movies, Lori and Bud told of how Coby had been rattled by a horror flick. The Autobots had a hearty laugh at his expense. Later that evening, Lori alerted the Autobots to a strange beacon emanating from a nearby forest, depicting the Atlantis Pattern. They investigated, finding the signal to be another Decepticon trap. Jetfire was eager to tackle Starscream himself for once, but Optimus ordered him to stand down, and took on the more powerful Decepticon himself. The Decepticons withdrew when they learned that humans were inbound to their location, and the Autobots rolled out to avoid another encounter with humans themselves. {{storylink|Speed}}

When a tremor struck [[Rockville]], Jetfire and Vector Prime were contacted by Scattorshot to aid them in analyzing data on the area. Jetfire's calculations warned the Autobots that they had a mere five minutes before the nearby [[Mount McDermott]] collapsed into an underground reservoir, which would lead to a catastrophic flooding of the town. Thankfully, Coby came up with a solution to the impending disaster, and with a controlled collapse of the mountain, the Autobots prevented any further harm from coming to Rockville. {{storylink|Collapse}}

A later lead pointed the Autobots towards the [[Sahara|Sahara Desert]] as the location of Atlantis's remains. Jetfire and Optimus flew out to join Vector Prime, the Mini-Cons, and the children in excavating the site. After they used Jetfire's powerful engines to blow away the sand covering the ruins, the Autobots seemed to have finally found the Omega Lock... only for the Decepticons to show up. Megatron destroyed the Mini-Cons in his grab for the artifact, forcing Vector Prime to use his temporal powers to turn back the clock and rescue them. Despite Vector Prime's alteration of the timeline, the Decepticons managed to snag the Omega Lock. As the villains escaped, the Lock was destroyed by a stray shot, revealing it to be yet another fake. Although he had been handed another defeat, Jetfire was left in giddy excitement over having seen Vector Prime's ability put into use. {{storylink|Time (episode)|Time}}

[[File:Jetfire-take-off-Search.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
[[File:Autobots-Search.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
After setting up a network of civilian Autobots to help in their search, the Autobots received word that [[Joyride (Cybertron)|one of them]] was under attack from Thundercracker. Jetfire was dispatched to come to her aid, rescuing her just as Thundercracker was about to deal a finishing blow. The Autobot civilian then led the team to a stone with the Atlantis pattern inscribed on it. Though it wasn't the Omega Lock itself, the inscription did detail the coordinates of the next Cyber Planet Key: the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]]. Jetfire hoped to be sent to this new world, but wasn't selected for the mission. {{storylink|Search (episode)|Search}} When another Autobot civilian reported having found the seal of Atlantis within the Bermuda Triangle, Jetfire was hesitant to get his hopes up, rationalizing it was likely another facsimile of the pattern. This time, however, it turned out to be the genuine article! The Autobots battled the Decepticons in the ocean depths while Vector Prime and the kids investigated the ruins. Unfortunately, Jetfire found that his lasers were useless underwater, and was promptly beaten down by the enemy. In order to keep ''Atlantis'' out of Decepticon hands, Vector Prime activated it and warped it away, revealing the truth: the lost city was in reality an ancient Cybertronian ship! {{storylink|Deep}}

Vector Prime used the ''Atlantis''{{'}}s warp drive to keep the vessel out of the Decepticons' hands, leaving the Autobots to look high and low around the globe for it. Optimus eventually realized that Vector Prime had taken the ship to the dark of the moon, though by the time the Autobots found it, the ''Atlantis'' was already being blitzed by Megatron and his goons. A [[Sideways (Armada)|mysterious newcomer]] then arrived and helped Jetfire in taking down Thundercracker... only for this enigmatic figure to turn on him and then dash off. Eventually, the Autobots succeeded in rescuing their friends and retrieving the Omega Lock, though the ''Atlantis'' self-destructed in the process. When Vector Prime touched the artifact, the Omega Lock opened a space-bridge, through which Optimus, Vector Prime, and Landmine left, leaving Jetfire and the others to bring the children back to Earth. {{storylink|Ship}}

Getting in contact with the team on the Speed Planet, Jetfire and the kids learned that Hot Shot was in critical condition after being attacked by [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] and [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]], a couple of thugs working for Megatron. They watched over the base's monitor as Red Alert fixed up their wounded comrade, and the rest of the team brought him out of his emotional funk, which Hot Shot had fallen into believing he had failed in his mission. {{storylink|Hero (episode)|Hero}} Jetfire next watched as the Autobots competed in the first and second heat of Velocitron's Planet Cup race. {{storylink|Race}} {{storylink|Detour (episode)|Detour}} He eventually noticed that neither Coby nor any of the Mini-Cons were around, and searched high and low for them, eventually discovering that they had left planet Earth altogether! Receiving word that they had gone to Speed Planet, Jetfire ordered them to return to Earth. Hot Shot suggested that they instead be allowed to stay and help him in the last leg of the Planet Cup, a request that Optimus approved. {{storylink|Sand}}

[[File:Cyb_ep18_woohoo.jpg|upright=1.9|thumb|Erm... should I be jumping too?]]
Jetfire joined the Autobots on Speed Planet just in time to hear Coby give an inspirational speech on not giving up in the face of adversity. After finding out that Hot Shot would need his circuits to be re-adjusted constantly throughout the race due to damage he'd previously sustained, Jetfire suggested that Jolt ride along in Hot Shot to stave off a complete breakdown. But Jolt wasn't up to the task: he was simply too bulky to fit inside Hot Shot's cockpit. Coby volunteered instead, and though Jetfire was hesitant to allow the boy to further put himself in harm's way, he was talked into once more allowing it. Hot Shot successfully won the planet cup with Coby's help, only for Megatron to appear immediately afterwards to steal the trophy. Jetfire helped the Autobots in beating back the Decepticons, and then returned to Earth to insert the first Planet Key into the Omega Lock. {{storylink|Champion}} The Lock's activation sent out energy waves, pointing the Autobots towards coordinates near the Earth's north pole. With strange atmospheric phenomenon forming in the same area, the Autobots headed out to investigate. Jetfire was forced to do so on foot due to a snowstorm, making the whole process slow-going. The search party failed to discover anything of interest until Scattorshot came upon Starscream and [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]] attempting to bully Bud, Lori, Coby and [[Lucy Suzuki]] into telling them what they were looking for. Jetfire spotted a distress signal sent out by the kids, prompting him and the rest of the team to converge, driving away the Decepticons. Afterwards, the Autobots decided to abandon the investigation and head back to base. {{storylink|Ice}}

Upon their return to base, Bud and Lori tried to convince Jetfire to let them travel to the Jungle Planet, arguing that they should get a turn at planet-hopping. Jetfire denied their request outright, stating that Jungle Planet was simply too hostile an environment for the humans. However,
the kids managed to get their way, and accompanied the Autobots to Jungle Planet. {{storylink|Honor}}

During the time that Optimus Prime prepared to battle [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]], Jetfire pointed out that the situation was dangerous, in an attempt to prevent Cybertron and Jungle Planet from possible war. When the kids requested that Lori join Optimus and Override as an ambassador of Earth,Jetfire was exasperated by the prospect, and argued that she would likely not be of help in reasoning with Scourge. Lori argued that the kids had helped the Autobots on several fronts, that they were a team and should work together. Jetfire initially agreed with the point, then quickly snapped back to protesting. Override then supported Lori's argument—as with Hot Shot and Vector Prime—and Jetfire was forced to comply with Prime's final decision, though was clearly feeling that his nerves were being broken down as the kids repeatedly endangered themselves. Jetfire stayed behind while Optimus and the others went to face Scourge, and thus the retrieval of the Jungle Cyber Planet Key. {{storylink|Primal (Cybertron)|Primal}} When Optimus Prime had been almost beaten by Megatron, the Jungle Cyber Planet Key activated and created a space bridge, allowing Jetfire and other Autobots to come to Optimus's aid. {{storylink|Trust (Cybertron)|Trust}}

Jetfire gave [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]] a tour of the Autobot HQ on Earth, though not without interference from the kids. Jetfire was also present for the insertion of the Jungle Cyber Planet Key into the Omega lock, and was part of the vision of Primus's consciousness that all those present experienced. When the alert for the north pole went off, Jetfire went with Optimus, Leobreaker, and Overhaul to investigate. He kept aerial lookout while the others ventured into the giant hole they found, and was therefore able to alert the others when Starscream released ancient Decepticons from the pods they were hibernating in. Though he made an attempt to prevent Starscream's escape, he was forced instead to go to the aid of the Autobots trapped in the ice below. {{storylink|Trap}} Jetfire tried to break his friends out, even considering using his Cyber Key, until Red Alert and the other Autobots arrived and stopped him, pointing out that he'd collapse the entire tunnel on top of them. When the team managed to nearly break though, Jetfire transformed, and melted it with his jets. Reunited, they headed off to confront Starscream. When Starscream ordered his ancient Decepticons to attack, Jetfire battles the airborne ones. When Optimus was wounded protecting [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] and [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] from Starscream, Jetfire opened fire, and carried Optimus and the others on top of him. {{storylink|Invasion (episode)|Invasion}}

[[File:Cyb_ep25_starscream_ransom.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3|Oh man I think I'm gonna--HRRRBLAGGG]]
Back at base, Jetfire urged the Autobots to cut off all broadcast waves to prevent the Decepticons detecting their base, instead connecting to the human telephone network. After the kids returned, with [[Lucy Suzuki|an outsider]], which Jetfire admonished them for, the Decepticons found the base. Forced to leave Earth to lead the Decepticons to Velocitron with Evac finding the Cyber Planet Key. Jetfire held off Starscream and Sideways so Evac could get to the space bridge, but was captured by Starscream. Held as ransom for the Cyber Planet Key with the humans, Jetfire was rescued by Jolt warping him and the humans away. After Starscream assaulted the space bridge, Jetfire joined the fight, even managing to score a direct hit with his cannons, before being blasted by Starscream. {{storylink|Retreat}}

{{charstubfiction| {{storylink|Revelation (episode)|Revelation}} {{storylink|Critical}} {{storylink|Assault}} {{storylink|Starscream (episode)|Starscream}} {{storylink|United (episode)|United}} {{storylink|Cybertron (episode)|Cybertron}} {{storylink|Balance}} {{storylink|Darkness (episode)|Darkness}} {{storylink|Memory (Cybertron)|Memory}} {{storylink|Escape (episode)|Escape}} {{storylink|Family}} {{storylink|Titans}} {{storylink|Warp}} {{storylink|Giant}} {{storylink|Fury (Cybertron)|Fury}} {{storylink|City}}}}

[[File:Jetfire grabbed.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3]]

[[File:JetCracker-punch.jpg|thumb|200px]]
While exploring the lower levels of Gigantion, Jetfire, Snarl, and Leobreaker didn't encounter anything unusual, until they discovered a large chasm that they proceeded to leap into. When the trio reached the bottom of the pit, they were attacked by Thundercracker. Jetfire tackled the Decepticon, ordering the others to go ahead without him. After Thundercracker was insulted for being to no threat, he threw Jetfire aside and tried to attack them, before Jetfire opened fire on the Decepticon, allowing his comrades to get away. To Jetfire's confusion, Thundercracker announced he had a new "forbidden attack". This "Super Electric Lightning Thundercrackin' Punch" was seemingly just a punch, until it actually was effective, which Jetfire complimented his rival on. Jetfire and Thundercracker went to fight, and fight, and fight, before collapsing exhaustedly. Coby, Landmine, Quickmix and Evac found them, and Coby tended to Jetfire while Quickmix dealt with Thundercracker. {{storylink|Ambush (episode)|Ambush}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Challenge}} {{storylink|Optimus (episode)|Optimus}} {{storylink|Showdown (Cybertron)|Showdown}} {{storylink|Guardian (episode)|Guardian}} {{storylink|Homecoming (episode)|Homecoming}} {{storylink|End}}}}

After the black hole had been sealed, the Autobots worked on moving the Jungle Planet back to its rightful position with four boosters. However [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] threw the Planet's trajectory to Cybertron by damaging a booster. Optimus ordered the Autobots to deal with the booster problem, leaving him to handle Galvatron, despite Jetfire's protests. All the Autobots, and even the Decepticons, managed to right the booster, with the Jungle Planet returning to its rightful position, and Jetfire bid farewell to them. Jetfire and the Autobots then went to help Prime against Galvatron. However Galvatron brought them to their knees with purple lightning. Jetfire witnessed Optimus finally defeat Galvatron, and fell to his knees, so Jetfire led the Autobots to aid Optimus. {{storylink|Unfinished}}

After the final battle with Galvatron, peace spread across the galaxy. As part of a new initiative, Optimus Prime left aboard the starship ''[[Atlantis]]'' to chart new territory, leaving Jetfire in charge of planet Cybertron. {{storylink|Beginning}}

Free boonie hats for all!

====''Cybertron'' comic====
Several months after the conclusion of the Unicron Singularity crisis, Optimus Prime and several of his crew, including Jetfire, met another [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and his comrades who had been protecting Cybertron from other threats during the Singularity crisis. {{storylink|Revelations Part 6}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===
====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
[[File:Jetfire breaks in.jpg|left|upright=1.66|thumb|LET'S WHACK SOME BUSH--wait, I can't do that stereotype yet? Slag.]]
Jetfire was left in command of the Autobot troops on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after Optimus Prime left to protect the [[Mini-Con]]s on Earth. He was unhappy with Prime for this, feeling that he had abandoned the Autobots on Cybertron for his affairs on Earth. When Prime returned to Cybertron to request reinforcements and supplies, Jetfire denied him the former, as he was losing the war and needed every man he could get. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}}

Some time later, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] contacted Jetfire and informed him that Optimus Prime had mysteriously vanished. While Jetfire had no clue as to what was going on either, he agreed to do like the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] keep an eye out for suspicious [[space bridge]] activity. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} Soon enough, [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] reported that multiple space bridges were repeatedly opening and closing at the [[Decepticon Command Headquarters]]. Jetfire decided to investigate, and took a team of Autobots with him to infiltrate the enemy base. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} Upon arrival, they found that all the Decepticons in the base had been murdered, and that the space bridge nexus was automatically opening and closing space bridges in an apparent attempt to damage the dimensional wall. Suitably creeped out, Jetfire ordered his troops to take control of the nexus, but was suddenly ambushed by a [[Bludgeon (G1)|skeletal samurai]]. After getting his team to blind the enemy, Jetfire blasted it with all the firepower at his disposal, but only managed to damage its [[Pretender|outer shell]]. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}}

[[File:WorldsCollide4 PowerlinxOptimusJetfire.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5]]
The team eventually made their way to the space bridge nexus, and tried to shut it down. Jetfire thought he caught a glimpse of the lost Optimus Prime in one of the space bridges, but shrugged it off. When all attempts to disable the nexus failed, Jetfire ordered his troops to evacuate while he stayed behind to manually blow up the entire building. Three more powerful enemies arrived through a space bridge, but at the last second, Jetfire caught another glimpse of Optimus Prime in a portal, and dove through it right after activating the explosives. While he successfully reached his lost commander, the two were now stuck on an alternate-reality Cybertron in the process of being devoured by [[Unicron]]. Thankfully, [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] and [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] reached this reality as well, and used the power of [[Powerlinx]]ing and the [[Mini-Con Matrix]] to boost the strength of both Jetfire and Prime. The two Autobots combined and damaged Unicron with a powerful energy blast, then returned to their home universe to prepare for the planet eater's arrival. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

Jetfire organized Cybertron's planetary defenses, and when Unicron arrived, he combined with Optimus Prime to attack him head-on. Thanks to the efforts of Over-Run and the Mini-Con population, Unicron was eventually vanquished and peace was brought back to Cybertron. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

====''Energon'' comic====
[[File:WhatLiesBeneathPart2 JetfireIronhidePowerlink.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|]]
Ten years after the defeat of Unicron, Jetfire was seen flying around in the reconstructed [[Cyber City]]. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}} He and several other Autobots tried to listen in on one of Optimus Prime's discussions with the [[Autobot High Council]], but were interrupted when [[Unicron's Four Horsemen]] attacked the city. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}} Jetfire and the others tried to fight back, but were easily taken out by their powerful opponents. However, Optimus Prime managed to link up to Cybertron itself and activate a system-wide upgrade, granting Jetfire a brand new body capable of combining with anyone. He then combined with [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and used his new strength to help drive the Four Horsemen away. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Two}} Jetfire and his fellow upgraded Autobots later traveled to Earth to deal with several [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] wreaking havoc in [[Australia]]. However, despite their new bodies, they soon found themselves outmatched by the Terrorcons' use of pure [[Energon]]. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}} Combined with Ironhide, Jetfire participated in a plan to trick the Terrorcons into shooting each other, but the enemies still weren't driven off until the [[Omnicon]]s arrived as reinforcements. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}

After returning to Cybertron, Jetfire spent a whole lot of time sweet-talking various governors into granting him the resources and funding needed to construct a base on Earth. As such, he was fairly irritated when it seemed Ironhide wasn't finishing the base components on schedule, and told the engineer that he better not let them down. It didn't help that Ironhide suddenly disappeared while out on an errand, so Jetfire went out to search for him, grumbling about new recruits who were always looking for adventure. After stumbling upon a damaged [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]], he eventually found Ironhide next to an armed [[seismic-shock warhead]]. After the warhead had shut down, Ironhide explained that he had built it long ago but made sure it wouldn't go off, and that a [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|a Decepticon]] had just forced him to reactivate it. Jetfire was proud that Ironhide was able to confront his past mistakes, and told him he finally sounded like a true Autobot. {{storylink|Aftershock (issue)|Aftershock}}

[[File:MultiplicityPart2 JetfireTakesCharge.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|]]
Some time later, Optimus Prime vanished, having stepped into a space bridge on Earth but never arrived on Cybertron. This gave Jetfire a headache; partially because they needed him to deal with unrest among the [[human]] population, but mostly because it meant he had to shoulder Prime's responsibilities of asking the ever-unhelpful High Council for reinforcements for Earth. While the council was hesitant about his request at first, councillor [[Avalon (Energon)|Avalon]] convinced the other members to grant Jetfire's request. {{storylink|Multiplicity}} Jetfire was thankful to Avalon, who explained that the other councillors were just unwilling to accept that they were at war again, and complimented Jetfire on how he had handled things. As Jetfire lamented the loss of Optimus Prime and Avalon comforted him, [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] burst into the chamber and reported that Terrorcons were assaulting four major Earth cities. Jetfire ordered for the reinforcements to be prepared at once, then took a bunch of Autobots through a space bridge to [[Los Angeles]]. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} They defended the city from a thousands of [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]], but quickly started to get worn down by the sheer number of them. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}}

When [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] reported that [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] had come back from the dead and was wiping out Terrorcons in [[Toronto]], Jetfire didn't believe it at first. Even when he accepted the fact that Megatron was back, he ignored the hows and whys as he had to focus on conserving energy for the battle with the Insecticons. Thankfully, [[Rad White]] showed up to power the Autobots up with Energon is gaseous form, allowing them to recover and drive the Insecticons away. Jetfire approached the revived Decepticon leader, who told him that he wasn't done killing Terrorcons just yet, and left him with a message: "Optimus Prime sends his regards... from the belly of the beast!" {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}} Jetfire later reported Megatron's return and his message to the High Council. {{storylink|No Exit}}

{{Unreleased energon comic}}

Jetfire and the Autobots continued to hold Earth despite the absence of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Doomsday Redux!}} As [[Unicron]] was within days of reaching Cybertron, Jetfire and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] held out hope that Optimus was alive inside Unicron, and capable of acting. When the Autobots got word that Kicker and [[Alterenergy]] were under attack, Jetfire dispatched [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] and [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]] to their aid. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 1}}

Jetfire soon found himself in an impossible situation. Earth was only protected by the presence of the energon grid holding back the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s. However, Autobot forces on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] desperately needed reinforcements in the form of [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]]. Even if Jetfire dropped the grid briefly to allow Omega through, it was also create an opportunity for [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], who had kidnapped Kicker, to escape with his valuable hostage. Jetfire prayed his friends from Alterenergy could rescue Kicker in time, before there was no one left on Mars to help. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 3}}

The situation became more complicated as Megatron emerged from self-imposed dormancy, launching an attack on the energon towers from inside the grid. Jetfire was desperately low on troops to commit to this new Decepticon attack, on top of the search for Kicker and the Mars reinforcements. The final domino fell when Perceptor picked up a signal from Unicron itself sent by Optimus Prime. Jetfire chose to drop the grid, negating the need for troops to protect the towers from Megatron and letting him redistribute forces to Mars and Unicron. He regretfully informed Rad that Kicker was on his own. Jetfire himself made his way to Prime's position, clearing out the Terrorcon hordes to reunite with his leader. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 4}}

Surrounded by Terrorcons spawned by the awakening Unicron, Jetfire and Prime fought a losing battle until Unicron was distracted by the revenge of Megatron. They returned to Cybertron and rallied the entire Autobot and Decepticon armada for defense against the Chaos-Bringer's return. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 5}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
When Optimus Prime left for Earth, Jetfire was apparently left behind to look after things on Cybertron. Prime contacted him for help when the Decepticons were looking for Mini-Cons on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], as the [[space bridge]] on Earth was damaged and unable to send any of Prime's Autobots there. Jetfire agreed to use a space bridge on Cybertron to send [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] to fight the Decepticons on the moon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}}

He eventually traveled to Earth himself. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Jetfire's profile}}

===MegaWing Galvatron instructions===
During the [[Unicron Battles]] in [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon|one universe]], the power of Jet Convoy was challenged by Dark MegaWing [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|MegaWing Galvatron instructions}}

===''Q-Robo Transformer''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Q-Robo Transformer}}}}

===''Galaxy Force'' manga===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Devil's Dogfight! Coby's Courage}} {{storylink|Deep Sea Discovery! Vector Prime}} {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.8}} {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.9}}}}

===''Timelines''===

A [[Living metal|Transformium]] version of [[Hot Shot (SG)|Hot Shot]] observed [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] and Jetfire when he passed into their reality from the negative polarity universe. {{storylink|Coalescence}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Jetfire-Armada.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Battle-Tactics-Energon-Jetfire.jpg|thumb]]
Jetfire participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He appeared in multiple different bodies:
*''Jetfire Armada'' — This Epic character was a reward to ''10'' leagues (yes, just ''100'' players!) in the "Armada: Episode II" Medium event.
*''Energon Jetfire'' — This Epic character debuted in the "Energon: Episode I" event. He could be recruited by collecting 650 units of Cybermetal, 350 units of Transmetal, 150 exclusive cores, and 50 cores of this character. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:EW-skin-Jetfire-Energon.jpg|thumb|upright=1|]]
{{EWskin|"Energon Jetfire"|Jetfire (G1)|"Cybertron Jetfire" (no not that one)}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
[[File:Armada Jetfire toy1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"May all your chooks turn to emus and kick your dunny door flat to the grass!" (''Hasbro version stock photo pictured'')]]
[[File:LOTM Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|(''Takara version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Jetfire with Comettor''' (Giga-Con, [[December]] [[2002]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara/Sonokong ID number'': '''MC-09'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[June 26]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': Electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles, shield/landing gear
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Hironori Kobayashi]] (Takara)}}

: Released in the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Giga-Cons, Jetfire transforms into a futuristic space shuttle. When his main engine/weapon's tailfin is pushed back, it activates the original Generation 1 Autobot "laser" sound effect. Pushing the tail fin forwards (perhaps by placing the shuttle upright as if in launching mode) activates a rather garbled blast-off countdown sequence, followed by a "take off" sound, ''then'' followed by a series of radar "pings" that goes on just short of forever. Both sounds are also ''incredibly ''easy to trigger. Later releases of Jetfire altered the sounds to replace the countdown with other beeps. In [[robot mode]], Jetfire's main engine becomes a hand-held cannon, and his rear landing gear assembly becomes an arm-mounted shield (via the Mini-Con port on his left forearm, utilized as a standard [[5 mm post]]). Much like how it is often depicted in his cartoon model, Jetfire's engine can attach to his right forearm via a 5 mm port for storage. Hasbro's [[Stock photography|stock photo]] of Jetfire also shows additional changes in his design, as Jetfire's cargo bay doors are left white while the final toy has red and black stripes on them.

: His shuttle mode has numerous Mini-Con-activated, and Mini-Con-related [[gimmick]]s. The underside of his nosecone has a plug and socket designed to fit his pack-in partner [[Comettor (Armada)#Toys|Comettor]] in "landing gear" mode, giving Jetfire a non-firing gun. Plugging a Mini-Con onto the Powerlinx plug on his main engine flips out a pair of stabilizer fins from his sides, and also changes the electronic "laser" sound to a much more powerful-sounding blast sound. The Powerlinx plugs on each wing drop his wing-mounted bombs; the wings have additional slots separate from the gimmick to allow Mini-Cons to be attached without dropping the bombs. There is also an opening cargo bay area with screens sculpted on the inside of the right door.

: The [[Hasbro]] [[instructions]] and stock images for the figure make it hard to tell how his arms are meant to be positioned in shuttle mode, switching between two different configurations every couple of images. What appears to be the intended way (depicted in his cartoon [[character model]], and the Takara stock images, right) is having the arms folded under the shuttle mode, rather than inside the shuttle itself, giving you room to put some Mini-Cons inside the cargo bay. This configuration also makes use of the forearm-mounted Mini-Con port as a 5 mm post, joining both his arms, locking the shuttle halves together. Due to the way the shoulder ratchets work, one can also articulate them down to airdrop Mini-Cons, for extra play possibilities. The other configuration that depicts his forearms folded all the way up, seems to be designed solely for the combination with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#SuperBase|Super Base Optimus Prime]], to create his thighs (more on the combination below).

: As mentioned above, Jetfire can combine with Super Base Optimus Prime to form "Jet Prime", replacing the regular Super Mode [[trailer]] legs, and attaching Jetfire's shield onto Prime's chest as armor. His shuttle mode can also be carried by [[Overload (Armada)#Toys|Overload]]'s weapons-trailer mode, which can be towed by either [[Rollout (Armada)#Toys|Rollout]], Prime's trailer (as a roadtrain), or Prime himself (even the [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Super-Con|Super-Con Prime toy]]). Additionally, Overload can be added to the Jet Prime combined mode to create another version of the "Optimus Prime Megaweapon" mode—though, it appears that Overload wasn't entirely designed with the Jetfire combination in mind, as Jetfire's cockpit section can collide with Overload's speaker box without some careful maneuvering.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Legends of the Microns'' and [[Sonokong]] ''Eunha Yeongung: Cybertron'' versions of Jetfire have a variety of subtle changes. The white plastic is considerably brighter, and white paint has been applied to the insides of the forearms to make the combined mode legs look more cohesive. The gray and dark-gray plastics have been darkened slightly and switched from matte to metallic, and the bright red has changed to a darker shade. The re-entry burn deco on his nosecone has been dropped, as well as the gold vertical lines on the shins, while his shield gained blue fake chest "windows" and dark silver on several smaller details. Lastly, Jetfire's eye deco has also been corrected from the Hasbro release, now being properly ''behind'' the clear visor instead of ''on top of it''.

: The Hasbro release of Jetfire was actually released in Japan in very limited numbers as part of a gift campaign in May, a month prior to the full Takara retail release. Speaking of, Ito Yokaido stores offered one of the three [[Race Mini-Con Team#RoadAssault|Road Assault Edition Race Microns]] with the purchase of either Jetfire or [[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Toys|Shockwave]] (Tidal Wave) in August (though reportedly, most stores just gave them away with ''any'' toy in the line).

: The Jetfire mold was going to be redecoed and released as ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Spacewarp#Toys|Spacewarp]]. However, Spacewarp was cancelled, then later salvaged and given a retooled head as the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]-[[exclusive]] [[Astrotrain (Cybertron)#Toys|Astrotrain]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Armada'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Powerlinx}}
[[File:PL Jetfire toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Don't come the raw prawn with me, sport, or I'll show you the rough end of a pineapple!"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Powerlinx Jetfire with Powerlinx Comettor''' (Giga-Con, [[August]] [[2003]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara release date'': [[October 9]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': Electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles, shield/landing gear

: Released in the fifth and final wave of ''Armada'' Giga-Cons, the "Powerlinx" redeco of Jetfire adds quite a lot more color to his deco, with large swathes of blue and bright highlights. This release uses the altered, countdown-less sound effects.

: Powerlinx Jetfire was not part of the regular Takara ''Legends of the Microns'' line, but was released in Japan as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] "[[USA Edition]]", in Hasbro packaging with stickers to relay important legal information in Japanese.

: This toy was also [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Spacewarp clone#Toys|a clone of Spacewarp]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Powerlinx Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MatrixMultipack}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Battle for the Matrix''' (Multi-pack, [[November]] 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles, shield/landing gear

: A [[Kmart]] [[exclusive]] set released on "[[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]]" (the day after Thanksgiving, the most hellishly busy shopping day of the year), this set consists of a redecoed [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#MatrixMultipack|Super Base Optimus Prime]], and unchanged versions of [[Sparkplug (Armada)#Toys|Sparkplug]], Jetfire, Comettor, the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team#Toys|Adventure Mini-Con Team]], and oddly enough, [[Longarm (Armada)#Toys|Longarm]].

: This set is the source of the Optimus Prime/Jetfire combination's name, "Jet Prime".

{{-}}{{anchor|Gold}}
[[File:Armadatoy gold convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#GoldArmada|''Kinpika'' Convoy]] in his various modes, including combined with Golden Jetfire at right]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''''Kinpika'' Jetfire''' (Giga-Con, December 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles, shield/landing gear

: A ''single'' gold-[[vacuum metallizing|chromed]] version of Jetfire was a lottery prize in Japan, which could be entered through a number of stores (''which'' stores, exactly, is unknown), with the drawing for the winner held in December of 2003.

: This version of Jetfire retained all of his electronics, and could still combine with Super Base Optimus; a singular gold-chromed Super Base Optimus was given away as a lottery prize in August that year.
{{-}}

===''Built to Rule!''===
[[File:BTR-toy Jetfire.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I had six pints of Guinness and everything went black...]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Jetfire with Comettor''' (2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Thruster/missile-launcher, missile

: Part of the first wave of small ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' sets, Jetfire is a building-brick set (compatible with popular building-block sets like... ''[[Kre-O]]''!) that can be assembled into a space shuttle or a robot or whatever else you feel like. Like pretty much all the ''Armada Built to Rule!'' sets, his construction is centered around a wide, blocky "Trans-Skeleton" piece that basically makes his robot mode a wall with spindly, awkward limbs sticking off it. In shuttle mode, he has a small depression on his roof to place his block-Mini-Con partner [[Comettor (Armada)#Built to Rule!|Comettor]], or any normal Mini-Con thanks to the 2x2 "Powerlinx" plate there (though the grip on normal Mini-Cons is very weak). Like the original toy, his main jet-thruster piece is a blaster cannon, only this time it's a spring-loaded missile launcher.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTRJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Built to Rule!'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Energon''===
[[File:Energon Jetfire toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"That's some shonky business right there!" (''Hasbro version stock image'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Jetfire''' (Mega Class, [[2003]] / [[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Skyfire'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SC-05'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 25]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': Spring-loaded missile launcher, missile
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)}}

: Released in "wave 1.5" (just go with it) of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Mega Class toys, Jetfire transforms into a white and gray futuristic space shuttle with a non-removable red booster rocket assembly. He features an electronic transforming sound effect that activates when another Autobot combines with him, or when his head is flipped down in [[robot mode]].

: He also features a spring-loaded missile launcher shaped like a satellite, which can be mounted under the nosecone of his shuttle mode. A button on top of the cockpit fires the missile. Additionally, the claws on his undercarriage can be pulled open, then snapped shut when the button in the middle is pressed. Like most ''Energon'' toys, he features a [[Spark crystal|spark crystal]] as an [[Energon star|Energon Chip]] port on him, in this case his left shoulder/engine cowling.

: However, there is a possible design flaw involved with Jetfire's design. In order to use the undercarriage claw properly in vehicle mode, the red sections that form his legs must be repositioned due to a lack of clearance. Coincidentally, this lines up his engines to allow him to sit on them as if ready to launch. The mushroom joint that holds the two halves together is also somewhat loose, but is most likely [[for safety reasons]].

: When Powerlinxing with the other Autobot Mega Class toys in the line, he can either form a lower body or a torso. When forming the torso, he becomes '''Powerlinx Jetfire'''. Due to the connections being the same, Jetfire can also Powerlinx with the Combat Class (Deluxe) Autobot toys, but this just looks plain silly. Undocumented in the [[instructions]] is the intended way for Powerlinx Jetfire to wield his missile launcher; due to the peg on the launcher used for Jetfire's standard robot mode not having enough purchase in the combined mode fist, one must fold the fist panel up, and pull his robot foot up, so that it's pointing straight out of the forearm to reveal a second [[5 mm post|5 mm port]] to connect the other peg into. This ''does'' make Powerlinx Jetfire's fist sit up by his elbow joint in this configuration, but the intention appears to be that Jetfire's foot forms an extra gun barrel for his Powerlinx form, creating a kind of gun-arm look.

: Takara's ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)#Takara Super Link toyline|Super Link]]'' "Skyfire", released in the line's first wave of product, is pretty minimally changed visually, using red translucent plastic in place of Hasbro Jetfire's orange. However, like most of the line, the electronic sound gimmicks of the Hasbro version have been completely removed, and he now has a sticker covering the now-empty battery compartment.

: Jetfire was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as a [[Lunabot]] in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' comic series; this mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Overcast (Energon)#Toys|Overcast]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Energon'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Roadbuster2Pack}}
[[File:En-toy Roadbuster Jetfire SL box.jpg|upright=1|thumb|]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Roadbuster / Skyfire''' (Multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SS-02'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 25]] 2003
:*''Accessories'': Missile
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: In Japan, "Roadbuster" was also available in a two-pack with [[Jetfire (Armada)#Energon|Skyfire]], also released in the first wave of '''Super Link'' product. Both toys are identical to their individual retail releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|Sonic}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Skyfire Sonic''' (Mega Class, [[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''SC-25'''
:*''Release date'': [[September 30]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': Spring-loaded missile launcher, missile, Energon Spear weapon

: Released in the sixteenth wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''Super Link'' toyline, "Skyfire Sonic" is nearly identical to Hasbro's [[Overcast (Energon)#Toys|Overcast]] toy, the only notable visual difference being Skyfire lacking the asymmetrical silver/white deco oddities on Overcast's shoulders and arms, sticking with simple unpainted white plastic (and white paint for both shoulder-grills). He also continues to lack the electronic sound gimmick from the Hasbro releases of this mold.

: One thing ''added'' to the Takara toy, however, is a clear-orange version of [[Skyblast (Energon)#Toys|Skyblast]]'s [[Energon weapon#Gallery|Energon Spear]].

: As previously mentioned, a version of this toy was released in the Hasbro ''Energon'' toyline as "Overcast", and was characterized as a separate individual. If you want to, you can use Overcast to represent this version of Jetfire from the cartoon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Overcast/overcast.htm More information on Skyfire Sonic (well, actually Overcast) at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Cybertron''===
[[File:Cyb Jetfire toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I see you've played Knifey-Spoony before! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Jetfire''' (Ultra Class, 2004 / [[2005]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Dreadrock'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''GC-04'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 28]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': Left & right spring-loaded missile launchers, 2 missiles, Earth Cyber Key (Hasbro) or Cybertron Autobot Cyber Key (Takara)
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''uk97'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)}}

: ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Jetfire was once again Ultra-sized, but this time transforming into a green cargo plane resembling a modified {{w|Antonov An-225}}. The design of the vehicle mode features a small homage to Jetfire's previous shuttle forms via a (non-opening) hatch featuring "teeth" on the dorsal section. Jetfire features sound effects by pressing the port side aft engine nacelle. Inserting a [[Cyber Key]] into his tail assembly in either vehicle or robot mode causes a pair of translucent red cannons to extend, and the compartment they are mounted on to raise. Pressing the port side aft engine now features a different sound effect. The tail section can be swiveled up to form an attack mode somewhat resembling the "gerwalk" form of a ''[[Super Dimension Fortress Macross|Macross]]'' Valkyrie (appropriately).

: In robot mode, Jetfire has a tendency to topple back due to the heavy battery operated gimmicks of the tail section, though he is more stable if one puts him in an action-oriented pose. In this mode he features two pop-out (non-firing) missile pods in his waist and wields his two wing-mounted (spring-loaded) missile launchers.

: The initial Takara ''Galaxy Force'' "Dreadrock" release has a number of extra paint applications, including extra silver on his outer legs and red detailing on his knees. He also comes with a Cybertron Autobot Cyber Key. The later Hasbro ''Cybertron'' "Jetfire" version has an additional support bar between the barrels of the translucent red tail cannons to provide structural integrity, and comes with an Earth planet Cyber Key.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed to make [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|live-action-movie-verse]] [[Jetstorm (Movie)#Toys|Jetstorm]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Cybertron'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LOC}}
[[File:LOC Jetfire.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Jetfire''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)}}</ul>

: ''[[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]]'' Jetfire is a much smaller version of the Ultra-sized toy (though unusually large for a Legends figure in alternate mode), with limited articulation and detail. His waist missile pods and key-activated cannons are permanently sculpted in their deployed state, and he is still capable of forming his attack mode in his plane form. In the U.S. market, Jetfire was primarily sold in drug stores, though he could be found in normal retailers in markets outside of the U.S., such as Australia.

: This mold was redecoed to make ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Fireflight (G1)#Classics|Fireflight]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)#Universe (2008)|Skydive]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/LOCJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on ''Legends of Cybertron'' Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SkyShadow}}
[[File:Cyb-toy SkyShadow.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"He's a handsome wild colonial man He can beat the bloody world if Genghis Khan"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Sky Shadow''' (Ultra Class, [[2006]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right spring-loaded missile launchers, 2 missiles, Earth-planet Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''u06h'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro)}}

: Released in the fourth wave of ''Cybertron'' Ultra class toys, Sky Shadow is a tan/gold and black [[redeco]] (and slight [[retool]]ing) of the Ultra Class Jetfire, depicting the character in his cover identity as the Decepticon "[[Sky Shadow (Cybertron)|Sky Shadow]]". The chest panel has been lightly [[retool]]ed to flatten out the Autobot symbol into a zero-detail raised flat badge, allowing a Decepticon sigil to be [[tampograph]]ed on.

: It uses the same base tooling as ''Cybertron'' Jetfire, so it features the structurally stronger tail cannon. All other functions remain the same.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/SkyShadow/skyshadow.htm More information on Sky Shadow at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LOCTarget4pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy LOCtarget4pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"All together now, 'WELL OIL BEEF HOOKED!'"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Megatron / Soundwave / Jetfire / Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2007)}}</ul>

: This four-pack of Legends class [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#LOC1|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#LegendsMegs|Megatron]], Jetfire, and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)#Legends|Soundwave]] was exclusive to [[Target]] stores.

: While most of the toys were identical to their respective carded versions, Jetfire was the lone altered toy, now using a darker green plastic than the individual release.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
{{charstubtoys}}
===Burger King===
{{anchor|BK}}
[[File:BurgerKingCybertronJetfiretoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|On Cybertron's richest quiz... SAAAALE OF THE CENTURY!]]
*'''Jetfire''' (Burger King Kids' Meal toy, 2005)
**''Accessories'': Tail section

:An incredibly simplified version of ''Cybertron'' Jetfire available with [[Burger King]] kids meals. This toy is a partsformer, requiring you to remove his tail section to transform him and to replace it on his back. He don't stand too good.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/BKJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Burger King Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Jollibee===
[[File:JollibeeCybJetfire.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Jetfire''' (Jollibee Kids Meal, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Cup topper stand

:Released in [[Jollibee]]'s "Robot Blasters" promotion, Jetfire is a simplified rendition of the [[Jetfire (Armada)#LOC|Legends of Cybertron]] figure, missing several joints and shaving off a few transformation steps in the process. Like all four pieces in this set, Jetfire comes with a stand with his name and faction symbol sculpted on one side and the ''Cybertron'' logo on the other. This stand can also be used to cover up a regular-sized cup from a fast food joint.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The ''Armada'' Jetfire toy's appearance and transformation sequence is an homage to Generation 1 [[Galaxy Shuttle]]. This was confirmed by then-head designer [[Aaron Archer]] during his stint as 'ORSON' on the [http://www.tfw2005.com TFW2005.com] boards.
* ''Armada'' Jetfire's vehicle mode is inspired by the X-71 Shuttle from the 1998 film ''[[Armageddon (film)|Armageddon]]''.<ref>[[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Transformers Collectors Club magazine]] {{fact}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=Jetfire in ''Armada'' was very much inspired, ironically, from the ''Armageddon'' space shuttles. […] Very much inspired by the space shuttle from ''Armageddon'', we just didn't make it blue, but the extra wings and stabilizers and engines on top of a normal kind of NASA space shuttle, was kind of what I was going for.|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQLQ4VzuCGA&t=1299s|name=Aaron Archer|site=''The Toy Armada''|title=Toy Armada Friday night LIVE: Creating characters and lore|year=2023|month=05|day=26}}</ref>
* All artwork depicting Jetfire in the ''Armada'' [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] ''[[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye]]'' profile books has him drawn with his cockpit section left folded down, rather than pulled up to form his chest. This includes his profile, the profile for the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and the artwork for his [[Spontaneous recoloration|Powerlinx upgrade]].
* An unused concept for a potential [[BotCon]] 2017 figure would've seen a new Jetfire from ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Generations|Sentinel Prime]] in ''Armada'' colors with a [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] [[Titan Master]] redecoed from [[Apeface]].<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-images-of-concepts-and-customized-figures-from-fun-pub-at-petes-robot-convention-2017/39073/]</ref>
* Jetfire made a cameo appearance in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Open Comms|Valentine's Day Special]]''.
* At the [[BotCon 2005]] toy panel, the ''Cybertron'' Jetfire redeco that ended up becoming Sky Shadow was originally being considered to be named [[Octane]] but we can assume trademark reasons were why it wasn't called that.

===Foreign names===
====''Armada''====
*''Japanese:'' '''Jetfire''' (ジェットファイヤー ''Jettofaiyā'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Géptűz''' (''Armada'', "Planefire")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jī huǒ''' (''Armada'', 激火，"Ignite")
*''Korean:'' '''Jetfire''' (제트화이어 ''Jeteuhwaieo'')
*''Polish:'' '''Myśliwiec''' ("Fighter Plane")
*''Romanian:'' '''Flamă'''
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Blyskavka''' (Блискавка, "Lightning")

====''Energon''====
*''Japanese:'' '''Skyfire''' (スカイファイヤー ''Sukaifaiyā''), '''Skyfire Sonic''' (スカイファイヤー{{ruby|S|ソニック}} ''Sukaifaiyā Sonikku''),
*''Hungarian:'' '''Lángcsóva''' ("Flameburst")

====''Cybertron''====
*''Japanese:'' '''Dreadrock''' (ドレッドロック ''Doreddorokku'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Röptűz''' ("Flyfire")
*''Korean:'' '''Dreadrock''' (드레드록 ''Deuredeurok'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Tiān Huǒ''' (天火, "Sky Fire")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Armada combiners]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon combiners]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]

Brawl (G1)

2025-12-05T19:05:38Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Age of the Primes */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|autobot|eliteguard|ascenticon|exarchon}}
{{disambig3|Brawl}}
:''Brawl is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:MTMTEBrawl.jpg|upright=2.4|thumb|"I wouldn't need the pistol, but I don't wanna have to bend over to aim..."]]

If '''Brawl'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s on the battlefield and you can't hear him coming, it's time to check your audio receptors, because chances are you've gone deaf. Brawl's main distinguishing characteristic is '''VOLUME'''. No matter if he's talking (yelling), moving (clanking and rattling), or fighting (yelling, clanking, rattling, and blasting) you're sure to hear him doing it, as is anyone else in the county. As if that wasn't enough, he is also a ball of barely contained rage and violence with a hair-trigger temper. This makes even his comrades wary, but it does make him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield... as long as the mission doesn't require stealth. Or zero casualties.

Brawl combines with his fellow Combaticons to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]].

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Tony St. James]] (English), [[Toshiro Ishii]] (Japanese)|[[Fritz von Hardenberg]] (German, "Fight or Flee"), [[Willy Schäfer]] (German, ''Generation 2'', "Starscream's Brigade" and "The Revenge of Bruticus"), [[Ulf Jürgen Söhmisch]] (German, ''Generation 2'', "Fight or Flee"), [[Nilton Valério]] (Portuguese), [[Paulo Pinheiro]] (Portuguese, "The Revenge of Bruticus"), [[Carlos Seidl]] (Portuguese, "Fight or Flee"), [[Serge Lhorca]] (European French)}}

[[File:StarscreamsBrigade Starscream Brawl.jpg|thumb|"It's YOUR fault I'm not more toy-accurate!"]]
Brawl was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the Air Commander's latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. The transplant caused the vehicles to immediately reconfigure themselves: Brawl in particular went from being an {{w|M4 Sherman}} tank<ref>"Starscream's Brigade" shooting script</ref> to being a... different tank, before turning into a robot. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; Brawl even threatened to pound him into scrap for no apparent reason. In the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty through having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel. While their first missions for Starscream were initially successful, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]' intervention meant the brigade's defeat, and Megatron exiled all six to a remote asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[File:RevengeBruticus BlastOff Brawl.jpg|left|thumb]]
The Combaticons managed to tow the asteroid to Cybertron and evict [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Brawl would have preferred just to shoot the hell out of the Decepticons and [[Earth]], but [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] managed to rig the [[space bridge]] to drag Earth into the sun. However, the Combaticons were later attacked by mysterious aggressors. Although the Combaticons were confused by their appearance, Brawl figured that they should just annihilate them. As it turned out, the aggressors were holograms created by Starscream and Shockwave, whom the Combaticons captured. Once Megatron, as well as the [[Autobot]]s, arrived, the Combaticons merged into Bruticus, but [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] deactivated him. The Combaticons were then reprogrammed to serve Megatron. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

During a Decepticon operation in the [[Middle East]], Brawl and the Combaticons attempted to ambush the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] in a canyon, but were driven off. Later, Brawl provided ground support against the Aerialbots and merged with his comrades into Bruticus to take on [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], but the Decepticons were again defeated. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

[[File:BOT RepairingBrawl.jpg|right|thumb|Only a fierce backrub could cure Brawl's rage. Megatron happily loaned out Soundwave for a few hours just to get some peace and quiet.]]
When Onslaught ordered the Combaticons to transform in a street, [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] knocked into Brawl, who in turn made his displeasure very vocal. They then transformed into Bruticus, who was immediately shot to pieces by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. Swindle was the sole survivor, and he sold his partners' deactivated forms to various humans such as [[El Presidente]]. Under threat of death by Megatron, Swindle stole back the parts of his unit. However, he was unable to find Brawl's personality component, leaving Brawl a silent shell requiring to be guided over to the rest of the group when ordered to form Bruticus. It turned out that the Combaticons couldn't merge at all without that particular piece of technology, much to Megatron's dismay. Swindle was sent out to retrieve the personality component, which had been used by [[Martin and Roland|some]] [[Elise Presser|kids]] to build [[B.O.T. (G1)|a robot]] for a school project. Of course, this made the robot extremely violent, and it destroyed the school lab and fought some Autobots before Swindle found it and recovered the component. This whole ordeal does pose a question: why does Bruticus depend on the personality component of a loud, homicidal maniac to form? {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

By [[2005]], the energy-starved Decepticons had taken refuge on the planet [[Chaar]] and were approached by the [[Quintesson]]s, who provided them with energon in exchange for attacking the Autobots on [[Goo Number 8739-B|Goo]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} Brawl was among those troops that later traveled to Earth to stop the Autobots from delivering a new [[Transformation cog (biology)|transformation cog]] to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], but they ultimately failed. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[File:FightorFlee RazorclawBrawl.jpg|left|thumb|This makes perfect sense in context. Really.]]
During the Decepticon attack on [[Paradron]], Brawl teamed up with [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] to capture [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], and together they managed to make him fall off a bridge. Later, he manned a [[molecular cannon]] alongside [[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]], but the cannon was destroyed in an Autobot attack. At the same time, Brawl was ''also'' part of Bruticus, who was accompanying [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]. {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}} Some time later, the Combaticons were sent by Galvatron to assassinate the Decepticon exile [[Octane]]. Because bringing Brawl along when you need to sneak up on someone is a good idea. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

The Combaticons later performed a hit-and-run attack on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in order to mess up an upcoming peace conference. Brawl got a good shot at [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] in the ensuing battle, but [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] jumped in and took the blast. {{storylink|Surprise Party}} Brawl was part of Galvatron's surprise attack on the Autobots in the [[Netherlands]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}} As part of Bruticus, Brawl took on Defensor in [[Japan]], but the Combaticons were forced to separate and scatter when [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lnyx]] arrived on the scene. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

[[File:ReturnOfOptimusPrime1 BrawlHeadstrong.jpg|right|thumb|oh no brawl's become angry and violent]]
When the [[Hate Plague]] was brought to Earth, the Combaticons were infected by the disease when Bruticus was (rather ineffectively) punched by an infected Ultra Magnus. Bruticus apparently split apart later on, as Brawl was seen rampaging through a human marketplace, crushing various stands beneath his tracks. Soon afterwards he infected Headstrong. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

During a Decepticon invasion of Cybertron, the Combaticons were tasked with installing a giant rocket engine on the planet. Brawl then helped transport defeated Autobots to it, intending on removing their [[power pack]]s to fuel the engine. The Combaticons later held Optimus Prime and a group of Autobots at gunpoint, but were suddenly caught in the middle of a battle between [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
{{charstubfiction}}

=====Scramble City=====
When the Stunticons were dispatched to hinder the Autobots from constructing [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]], they were attacked by the Aerialbots and did not fare too well. Brawl and the Combaticons arrived to help, and together Bruticus and Menasor easily overpowered Superion. However, Scramble City itself soon drove up and blasted both combiners into the distance. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

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

[[File:SOSfromSandra Terrorcon Brawl.jpg|thumb|"NO MERCY! RIP 'EM APART! I'LL MURDERIZE 'EM! I'LL —" "Your squad's over there, Brawl." "RIGHT! I KNEW THAT!"]]
The Combaticons were later part of ''another'' attack on Cybertron, during which they killed plenty of [[Generic|soldiers]] before getting into another fight with Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} They lost. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} When the Decepticons planted a giant carnivorous plant in [[San Francisco]], the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] were stationed to attack any Autobots who arrived to kill it. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} When the Autobots were preparing [[energon cube]]s to aid the planet [[Sandra (planet)|Sandra]], Brawl attacked them alongside the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], taking [[Blot (G1)|Blot]]'s place for [[Animation error|reasons unknown]]. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}} [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] later sent all the Combaticons, Terrorcons and [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]] to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Florida|Miami]], in order to lure Autobot troops away from [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} The Combaticons also later unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Brawl was present when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] held a speech about Galvatron's recent death and took control of the Decepticons. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} Bruticus was later part of a small group of Decepticons who tried to lead Fortress Maximus away from the Decepticon base on [[Master (planet)|Master]]. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} The combiner then stood by and laughed as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' in the Atlantic Ocean, before being ordered to defend a [[Death Tower]] in [[Australia]]. Bruticus easily took care of Defensor when the Autobot tried to destroy the tower, but was ordered to retreat when the machine activated. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} As Bruticus, the Combaticons participated in the final battle with the Autobots at the North Pole, and retreated into space when Scorponok's energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

=====''Unite Warriors''=====
When the Combaticons were hosting an illegal arms trading market, Brawl was annoyed to find his gun and combiner extremity among Swindle's wares. {{storylink|Shopping at the Dark Bazaar!}}

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

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
In [[2050]], Bruticus and the Decepticons joined the revolution of the [[Selector]]s against their human masters. The [[Quintesson]]s and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s sided with the humans, and [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] attacked all while craving Angolmois Energy. In battle with a scrambled version of [[Computron (G1)|Computron]], Abominus crashed into Bruticus and Menasor and stole some of their limb components to make an even stronger version of himself. Brawl was left abandoned on the battlefield as [[Abomenaticus]] charged back into the fight. {{storylink|Abominus comic 2}} Later on, however, he appeared on the [[Precursor World]] and helped [[Turtler]] form the [[Scramble 7]] combination. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale|Finale}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[File:Manga8 Brawlshootsadog.jpg|left|thumb|FWUMP]]
When Menasor's baseball stadium/command base was attacked by Superion and Defensor, Bruticus came to his aid. He quickly took out Defensor, damaging [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and preventing the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] from combining again. However, Superion blasted Brawl and Swindle away with his [[electrostatic discharger rifle]], allowing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] to steal their places as Bruticus's legs and fly away with him. Brawl followed them, meagerly yelling for his enemies to wait up. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

The Combaticons were later sent to hunt down an escaped [[Battle Dog|puppy]] that Megatron had experimented on. Brawl was pretty happy when he got a few shots in on the fleeing animal, but was reprimanded by [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] as they were supposed to capture it alive. [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] soon showed up to save the dog, and using its energy, he and the [[Mini-Vehicle]]s defeated the Combaticons. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
In the year [[2010]], Brawl participated in a Decepticon attack on the planet Feminia. He and his team merged into Bruticus in order to battle alongside Menasor and Devastator against their Autobot counterparts Superion, Defensor and Omega Supreme. The fight was fairly evenly matched until Galvatron called up his ace-in-the-hole, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], whose power was unmatched by any of the Autobots... except for the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], who essentially tied Predaking's shoelaces together until he fell over, straight into Bruticus and his chums, sending them all toppling to the ground and knocking them to bits. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}
{{note|Brawl only appears as a component of Bruticus}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
Galvatron kidnapped Doctor [[Dalton]] of [[Eran]] to upgrade the might of his combiner warriors. When the Autobot combiners arrived to save Dalton, Brawl and his teammates were deployed at high speeds from Onslaught's launcher mode. They met Superion in mid-air, and the force of their deployment enabled the combiner teams to tear him apart. The Combaticons then merged into Bruticus to move in for the kill. They were ultimately outwitted by the Autobots, however, who rescued Dalton and safely returned to Metroplex. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

=====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic=====
Brawl formed the right leg of [[Scramble 7]], a Decepticon combiner using various combiner team members in a supposedly "ideal" configuration. Scramble 7 attacked the Autobot base on [[Athenia]], but was defeated by [[Ginrai (human)|Super Ginrai]], [[Lightfoot (G1)|Lightfoot]] and [[Ranger]] thanks to their use of [[Chōkon Power]]. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The Earth-Space Alliance Army}}

=====''Zone'' comic=====
Seeking to create a [[Decepticon Zone]] to counter the [[Micro|Autobot Zone]], [[Emperor of Destruction|Decepticon Emperor]] [[Violengiguar]] gathered together the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]], upgrading them with powerful new armor and weaponry, then sent them forth to conquer planets. Brawl was of those summoned, but only as part of Bruticus. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|Zone}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:EliteGuardCombaticons TheComingStorm2.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.8]]
Brawl was part of an Autobot [[Elite Guard]] special ops unit created by [[Magnum]] to take out the various [[Decepticon Warlord|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. He was assigned to the "Combaticons" as their Ground Assault specialist. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

Before they could get started on their primary mission, however, the [[Autobot High Council]] had a more...diplomatic mission for the Elite Guard. Teamed with their fellow squad, [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s Strike Team, Brawl and the Combaticons were to make contact with an archeological team heralded by [[Alpha Trion]] as responsible for one of the greatest finds of recent history. Brawl had little interest in the old bot's preaching, and he spent the mission briefing drawing little cartoon bombs and explosions on the sheet in front of him. When the Councilbot started talking about demolition work, though, Brawl suddenly became more interested in the job.

Out at [[Median]], they found the mission was even more complicated than Alpha Trion let on. Dig coordinator [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flipsides]] explained how they had uncovered a massively powerful artifact known as the [[Heart of the Dragon]], and the Decepticons had already become aware of it. Brawl and the Elite Guard began fortifying the town to [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'s specifications to resist attack. Although he preferred DEstruction over CONstruction, Brawl still got to make a lot of noise setting up the barricades, so he enjoyed the work immensely. When [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] of the Strike Team commented how he sometimes missed his truck mode after seeing Brawl in action, the gruff Combaticon laid out his credo for life: ''Reformatting's for wimps.'' Oh, and ''"Aim for the mouth, so's you don't have to talk to them."'' One bot, many credos.

When the attack came, Brawl operated on the second line of defense with Onslaught, [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] and the Strike Team's weaponry expert, [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]. Once the Decepticon [[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtrooper]]s made it through the first line, however, it became a game of cybercat and ironmouse, as the 'Cons split up and used sensor ghosts to send the Elite Guard chasing their tails. By the time Brawl even got a clean shot at one of 'em, the Decepticons had already secured their objective and were speeding back to base.

The Elite Guard pursued them and managed to infiltrate the Stormtroopers' transforming mobile fortress, the [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. They were forced to confront [[Brimstone (G1 Decepticon)|Brimstone]], a tiny but powerful Transformer brought to life by the Heart of the Dragon. His fiery breath decoupled molecules, sending even Brawl scurrying for cover. Despite said scurrying, Brawl was uncomfortable with leaving Brimstone to burn himself out like the turncoat Stormtrooper [[Drench (G1)|Drench]] suggested. One can only hope the massive explosion that consumed Brimstone and leveled the Metrotitan was enough to satisfy Brawl's battlelust. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

Over the following weeks, the Combaticons and Strike Team continued working together on co-assigned missions against the Decepticon hierarchy. Although they bonded on a personal level, the Combaticons were aware Metalhawk's team was a bit more...squeamish about the duties of war than they were. When they captured a [[Warrior|Decepticon cubeformer soldier]], for instance, Brawl tortured the unwilling informant away from the Strike Team to get the information they needed, and Onslaught concocted a story about a suicide implant to explain the Con's demise. After successfully assassinating Decepticon field leader [[Shadowcaster]], the Combaticons remained in the field to search for more information. They got more than they bargained for and were captured by [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]'s forces. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}

Brawl and the Combaticons were isolated behind Oan energy bars, although Brawl was stubborn enough to constantly try and force his way past the unbreakable bars, until his exo-structure was smoldering with the feedback. They were brought before Deathsaurus, who slyly began to manipulate the Special Ops Team into becoming true "Combaticons" under the Decepticon banner. A personal touch was added to sway every Combaticon, but for Brawl he needed to do little more than suggest he ''needed'' help from the Elite Guard in order to fight. That was all it took to make Brawl determined to destroy the Elite Guard just to prove Deathsaurus wrong. Brawl...not very bright. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}}

The Combaticons led an assault on Elite Guard headquarters with Deathsaurus's forces and unveiled the modifications their new commander had fitted them with: combination technology to form the big, bad, battlin' [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]! {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} Bruticus managed to slaughter pretty much all of the Guard before [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] blinded the giant, forcing them to separate. They headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

Repairs proceeded, but the Combaticons were startled to learn that Deathsaurus could force them to combine into Bruticus at will. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 1}} {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} They still turned out to help defend the base against the remnants of the Elite Guard. Brawl started bashing [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] around, and finally the moment he'd been waiting impatiently for came — the Combaticons began to merge... and were promptly blasted. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}} When it turned out they'd been blasted by more survivors of the Elite Guard massacre, Brawl announced they'd have to have another go at killing them all, but sadly Blast Off was indisposed, so they couldn't form Bruticus. During the end of the battle retreat, Brawl pointed out that Blast Off was still missing, and it delayed the team long enough for the Elite Guard to capture them. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

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

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Buster combaticons second generation.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8]]
''[[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], who had held the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] inside his mind, once experienced nightmares of strange new Transformers, [[Special Teams]] with the ability to merge into a giants. Brawl and his Combaticon teammates appeared in one of Buster's earlier dreams, before he sought help from the Autobots. In order to process the information his subconscious was feeding him, Buster linked his mind with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], so that the next dream came through far clearer than the previous ones. Together, they saw into the near future, where Brawl and the Combaticons encountered the Autobots at the [[Pullen Power Plant]]. Here, the Combaticons joined forces with the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] against their Autobot counterparts, the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. The Combaticons fought together as Bruticus, but were defeated by the teamwork shown by Autobot gestalts [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. After Prime and Buster awoke, the Autobots immediately went to work designing these new warriors. Thanks to [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s hacking skills, however, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] also saw the visions and began working on their own Special Teams.'' {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}} {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[File:Swindle brawl afterdeath.jpg|thumb|left]]
On his first mission on Earth, Brawl was sent with the Combaticons and [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] to steal a [[hydrothermocline]] device from [[Energy Futures Industries]]. When they arrived, they were met by Optimus Prime and the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], laying in wait for them. Brawl combined with his team to form Bruticus, but before the giant got a chance to brawl with [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], [[Ethan Zachary|a human]] suggested that they'd play a [[Multi-World|video game]] over the plant instead. Optimus Prime and Megatron both agreed, and Brawl was sent into the video game along with the other Combaticons, Protectobots, and faction leaders. Brawl teamed up with [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] to destroy [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] in the "Vineland" area of the game. However, they were tripped up by a bunch of vine creatures, [[Decrystallizer cannon|crystallized]], and blown to smithereens. Game over. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}} ''These events were observed by the [[time travel]]ling [[Dicet Alpha-zero]].'' {{storylink|The Quest!}}

[[File:GonebutNotForgotten Brawlheadcrush.JPG|thumb|"MEGATRON... PLEASE, NO!! I... CAN'T BREA... WAIT!! I... HAVE A... MOU..." *krunnk*]]
Unluckily for him, Brawl learned nothing about caution from this experience. A few days later, he mouthed off at Megatron, telling him to get over the fact that Optimus Prime had died by someone else's hands. Megatron proceeded to pop Brawl's head like a ripe melon and throw his deactivated body into a wall. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}

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

[[File:Brawl first aid used autobots.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
After chasing the Throttlebots around, the Combaticons eventually attacked them in a car lot, and Brawl got into another fight with the Protectobots as they arrived on the scene. Blaster stopped him from shooting [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] in the back, and the Combaticons were eventually forced to retreat. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} Shortly afterwards, the group decided to ambush the Protectobots on their way to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. They failed to take the Autobots completely by surprise as Hot Spot recognized Brawl's tank tracks on the ground, and the ensuing battle quickly led to the groups combining. Bruticus claimed victory over Defensor with his brute strength, but was soon tricked and broken into his component parts by Blaster. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

[[File:Brawl prime bomb.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7]]
Brawl was amongst the large number of Decepticons who ambushed the Autobots on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], only to be beaten back by Blaster and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

''Eventually, the Combaticons fell under the command of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. On his orders, Brawl's team staged a raid on the [[Rutter U.S. Military Base]]. There, they secured two armed warheads and components from an advanced guidance computer. The Protectobots intervened part-way through the theft, but once Blast Off cleared the area with the loot, the rest of the team used hit-and-run tactics to fend their rivals off, eventually managing their own getaway.''

''Afterwards, the remaining Combaticons went to check on [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s progress at [[Alternate Reality, Inc.]], where Scorponok had likewise tasked them to steal a [[floppy disk]] containing a back-up copy of Optimus Prime's mind. They found [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] about to shoot the jets out of the sky, and blasted the Combiner in the back, crippling him before he could pull the trigger. With the mission a success, Brawl's group then made themselves scarce.'' {{storylink|Prime Bomb!}}

====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
When the Decepticons engaged in many attempts at obtaining Earth's energy resources around the globe, Brawl and the Combaticons joined forces as Bruticus to battle Superion. {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 11|Transformers in Action: He Who Laughs Last ...}}

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:Totalwar-combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8]]
Brawl was among the Decepticons preparing to charge into battle against the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]]. The skirmish ended with the Decepticons soundly defeated. {{storylink|New Dawn}} He was later with his fellow Combaticons attempting to defend the [[Warworld]] against boarders. The enemy managed to overrun the vessel. {{storylink|Total War!}}

===The Special Teams===
Brawl and the rest of the Combaticons were created by Starscream on a remote Pacific island, by combining military vehicles with Energon cubes. They then drove to the [[Pullen Power Plant]], passing Optimus Prime en route, though the Autobot leader was none-the-wiser to the Decepticons in disguise. Onslaught, Brawl and Swindle arrived first on the battlefield, coming upon Menasor already engaged in battle with Defensor. Onslaught then ordered to rest of his team to merge with him to form Bruticus. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
Brawl was damaged trying to breach [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s defenses. He was towed in for repairs by Onslaught and the Decepticon recovery crew. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}

===Battle Beneath the Ice===
[[File:BBTI-Combaticons.jpg|thumb|right]]
Brawl joined his fellow Combaticons, Vortex and Blast Off, in searching for a city the humans had found hidden beneath the ice. After a brief battle with the Aerialbots, both sides learned that the [[city-dweller]]s were dangerous to Autobot and Decepticon alike, and joined forced against the [[Watcher]] and his ilk. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and the Aerialbots complied with the truce, allowing Brawl and the Combaticons to leave unmolested once everything was over. {{storylink|Battle Beneath the Ice}}

===St. Michael ''The Transformers'' Sticker Book===
{{notemultipath}}
Brawl and the rest of the Combaticons served under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] on a Decepticon ship, when they managed to shoot down the ship being captained by Ultra Magnus. After the Autobots crash-landed on planet [[Barrenikon]], the Decepticons landed their ship nearby to finish off their enemies. In the many possible adventures that followed, Brawl and the other Decepticons often underestimated you, which often led to them losing to the Autobots, leaving them either stranded on Barrenikon, or fleeing after they received too much damage. That is, if you somehow didn't get yourself killed at their hands. {{storylink|The Transformers Sticker Book (St. Michael)|The Transformers Sticker Book}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Brawltww.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|This... is my BOOMSTICK!]]
Brawl participated in [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s siege on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} and, upon arrival, quickly shifted to his tank mode to rain down firepower onto the Autobot stronghold. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} He was joined by fellow heavy-artillery 'bots, [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] in his assault. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}} Brawl was on the front lines of the Decepticon army when they finally managed to penetrate the last of the Autobots' defenses. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5|The War Within #5}}

During the Dark Ages, when Optimus Prime and Megatron both disappeared into a prototype space-bridge, both factions splintered into several sub-groups. During this time, footage of Brawl's part in the Iacon attack was reviewed by Prowl in preparation for attacks on multiple fronts. {{storylink|Fragmentation (G1)|Fragmentation}} As part of a combiner group, Brawl's actions were somewhat limited by the [[Crisis Intervention Accord]]; it is unknown how he occupied his time while the Accord was in place. {{storylink|Devastation (issue)|Devastation}}

Millions of years later, the Combaticons were considered war criminals and held in the detention blocks on Cybertron. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} Starscream arranged to have them released and brought to Earth as his own private brigade, absconding from Cybertron as Shockwave's regime was being overthrown by the Autobots. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

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

Damaged or not, the Combaticons soon had to face a powerful enemy when the crazed zealot [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] appeared on Earth, but before they could attack him, Bruticus' head was blown apart by [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] in the Autobot supply ship ''[[Orion]]''. In the aftermath, Bruticus's barely-conscious body was battered upon by an angry Brawn. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} Starscream was forced into an alliance with the Autobots to save his neck, and the Combaticons were partially recharged as released as part of the arrangement. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}}

[[File:Onslaught G1DW routeofallevil.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]

The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. When Swindle commented on Starscream's mental state, Brawl agreed, stating that he'd like to pull the Air Commander's cerebro circuits straight out of his faceplate so they could get a better look at them. Starscream overheard their conversation, but let it pass in order for them to fight the magnificent Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. Unfortunately, the Combaticons did not fare well when the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, with Brawl and Onslaught nearly crushed by the Lynx's right paw.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] showed up as soon as Sky Lynx was deactivated. This encounter also did not end well. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
As part of [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]]'s forces, Brawl defended the newly unified Decepticon army's base against a combined Autobot/[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] strike force. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===''The Beast Within''===
During an all-out Decepticon offensive, Brawn helped the Predacons battle the Dinobots. When the Dinobots combined into their gestalt form, Brawl combined with his fellow Combaticons in order to square off against [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]]. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{First|[[Spotlight: Arcee]]}}
[[File:Autocracy12-BrawlOnslaughtSkullgrinBlitzwing.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"C'mon! Us tank 'Cons gotta stick together!"]]
Early in the war, Brawl defended the [[Citadel (building)|Citadel]] from the Autobots as part of Blitzwing's unit and was ordered with [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] and [[Skullgrin]] to contain the Autobot forces. He got crushed by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] soon after the order. {{storylink|Endgame}} Together with the other Combaticons he left Cybertron rather than suffer [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s leadership, and they made their way to the [[Presidium (planet)|Presidium]] to steal a weapons cache for their own use. Inside the vault was not weapons, however, but [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] who offered the Combaticons payment to return to the fold now that [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] was back. {{storylink|Primacy issue 2|Primacy #2}} They accepted and returned to Cybertron to participate in Megatron's attack on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}}

[[File:Spotlight Arcee Arcee hits Brawl.jpg|thumb|right|It was the easiest way to kick Bruticus in the shin.]]
Brawl was a member of the Combaticon tactical unit under the command of [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]]'s [[Decepticon Secret Service]] and helped capture the [[Pretender Monster|"gestalt" transformers]] being held in the [[Garrus-9]] detention facility. He loved killing things: "''We aim to maim!''" Presumably, he was not particularly keen on being maimed himself, as he was impaled by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]'s twin saber blades. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

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

[[File:Land Ironclads Brawl misses Swindle.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.0|"Seriously, I'd give up my personality component to have him back."]]
Years later, most of the Combaticons were left stranded and energon-less on Earth following a failed invasion. They were hired by [[North Korea]]n leader [[Kim Jong Du]] to lead an attack on the [[South Korea|South]]. Brawl, Onslaught and Vortex destroyed a South Korean outpost on the border of the DMZ to this end. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|The Land Ironclads}} They chafed under Kim's leadership, but unlike them, the Koreans knew how to produce [[energon]], so they had no choice but to obey. Inevitably, the Autobots showed up to stop the Combaticons from getting involved with human conflicts, but were forced to stay in their vehicle modes for the battle. Car modes and [[Skywatch]] [[crash suit]]s were hardly a match for a tank like Brawl, and the Combaticons got away. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|Ranks of Bronze}}

While Brawl and his teammates were celebrating their victory, the Autobots returned, and this time they had no problems with transforming. Without exclusive access to robot modes, the Combaticons were outnumbered, with Brawl having to deal with [[Jazz (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jazz]] and [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] simultaneously. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|Hawk Among the Sparrows}} He soon found himself defeated and tied up whilst the Autobots dealt with both the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] and a [[Russia]]n [[Nuclear weapon|nuke]] sent to wipe them all out. While they made sure to destroy the North Korean energon facilities, the Autobots couldn't take prisoners at the time, and so the Combaticons were presumably set free. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|All My Sins Remembered}}

[[File:Only Forward Brawl tortured.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right]]
Several months later, Brawl and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] attacked Prowl as he investigated some sensitive issues. He wasn't worried when [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] came to Prowl's rescue, since the Autobots could never penetrate his armor plating in tank mode, but was defeated and captured after Prowl fired a shot straight through his barrel. Stuck in a state of mid-transformation, he was brought to the Autobot base and interrogated as to who sent him. Brawl insisted that it was all him, but when pressed for information, a failsafe installed in his body by Swindle activated and fused the Autobots' [[Suppressor (device)|suppressors]] to his neural net, sending him into nigh-[[stasis lock]]. {{storylink|Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|Only Forward}} {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}

Brawl was eventually cured and brought home to a reformatted Cybertron, where he was brought by Starscream with a bunch of other Cybertronians to pressure Prowl into revealing one of his secret discoveries below ground. Later underground, they witnessed a [[Titan (group)|Titan]] declare that Starscream was the Cybertronian destined to unite their whole race. He and the other Cybertronians celebrated afterwards with Starscream. {{storylink|Primus: All Good Things}} When Megatron returned from a long absence only to be captured by the Autobots, Brawl and the other Decepticons started a riot and assaulted the Autobot prison, rescuing him. {{storylink|The Verge}}

In the wake of Megatron's defection to the Autobots, [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] took command of the Decepticons and led them back to Earth, where they formed an alliance with [[Earth Defense Command]] against the Autobots. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|Hello Cruel World}} Once [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s arrived with a team of Autobots, Brawl and the others confronted them at the town of [[Poverty Flat]], passing themselves off as United States military vehicles to the locals. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|Detonation Boulevard}} This attempt at secrecy was foiled when the Autobots brought in a defected [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], forcing the EDC to teleport the Decepticons out of there. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 3: The Mind Bomb|The Mind Bomb}} The Decepticons clashed with the Autobots again at the EDC's [[Marshall Islands|Bikini Atoll]] base in a battle that ended with massive damage to their [[Nemesis (G1)|ship]]. {{storylink|Earthfall Part 5: I Dream of Wires|I Dream of Wires}}

[[File:SouthOfHeaven-BrawlLaserbeakBuzzsaw.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8|Brawl's secret love for the song "I'm Like A Bird" is revealed.]]
Brawl joined Soundwave's group in visiting the satellite commune that the humans were building for them near Jupiter, but found himself the source of many of [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]'s jokes due to his unease floating around in zero-gravity. {{storylink|South of Heaven}} He took a shuttle back to Cybertron with [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] to make contact with the disgruntled Decepticons and teamed up with [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]], and proceeded to whip up anger and intimidate Camien evangelists. Brawl told Dreadwing that Galvatron was the leader they should've ''always'' had, but during a bar conversation with their new ally, Brawl found himself increasingly angry that Needlenose kept talking about negotiations, soft power, and communes. He overturned their table and got cheers from the crowd as he yelled that the Decepticons should just ''take'' "what is ours", from equality to whole planets. (Then, being a dick, he asked Needlenose to buy replacements for the drinks he'd just spilled.) {{storylink|The Transgressors}}

Remaining on Cybertron, Brawl started hanging out with his fellow Combaticon teammates again as they stewed over Starscream's leadership and his attempts to sweep the past aside. {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} On [[Chosen One Day]], Brawl and the guys bought Onslaught a brand new grenade to show him they cared. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

[[File:Perihelion-BrawlShoulderTackleArcee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.8|That's for [[:File:Spotlight Arcee Arcee hits Brawl.jpg|THIS]]!!!!]]
Following a Decepticon rally, Brawl and his fellow Galvatron loyalists approached Starscream about getting unfettered access to the space bridge for their people. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|Aphelion}} That night, they led a Decepticon march through Iacon Spaceport 1. After blasting Needlenose's interfering brother [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], Brawl and the other Decepticons used the bridge to travel to the ''Ark-7'', where they confronted the Autobots trapped inside Blackrock's force field. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} Brawl battered Arcee into shutdown, then walked into the captured bridge and casually shot the defeated [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. Then he cut into Needlenose's call to Soundwave and explained the ''real'' reason for all this: Galvatron wanted them to invade Earth and all that "peace" and "alliances" talk was bunk. The ''Ark-7'' was crashed into [[Shanghai]] and the Decepticons all fell into line with Galvatron, with Brawl cheerily telling Needlenose he was glad the guy hadn't gone soft after all. NOW LET'S KILL SOME HUMANS!

When the Autobots abruptly arrived {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} Brawl ecstatically threw himself into the fray. However, the [[Earth Defense Command]]'s "[[mindbomb]]" felled him within the first minute, the [[People's Liberation Army Mecha Force|Chinese Mecha Force]] began tearing through the Decepticons, and all his team either fled to Soundwave or, in Galvatron's case, teleported out. Brawl was taken through the space bridge by [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]], but began fighting his way through the Autobots in a panic and reignited the fight at the other end. Barely surviving an attack by Devastator, he was able to slip away. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|Once Upon a Time on Earth}}

While Onslaught was busy trying to find Swindle's body, Vortex and Brawl took several odd jobs to pay for their home and Engex. He showed particular annoyance when Blast Off went out as well, given that their client was found by Blast Off. {{storylink|07:00:00}} During the riots, Vortex and Brawl took Engex bets on whether or not Blast Off was alive; Vortex won the bet and added that today was a good day for the Combaticons as a whole. When Onslaught took Blast Off for debriefing, Vortex threatened that he and Brawl would go on without them, though it proved just to be hot air. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

[[File:TheLineBetweenUs CombaticonsAntespace.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8]]
When Blast Off eventually found the location of Swindle's body, he and Onslaught went after Rattrap. They soon met up with Blast Off and Vortex, who had learned from Wheeljack that Swindle was brain dead and his body was being held deep inside Metroplex. After being led to Swindle, {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}} Onslaught used the [[Enigma of Combination]] to fuse all of the Combaticons into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. However, due to Swindle's brain dead mind, Bruticus was incredibly unstable, and Brawl initially panicked from Swindle's pain of being shot. Regardless, Brawl, Vortex and Onslaught all began reveling in their new-found power despite Blast Off's reservation regarding their actions. Soon the gestalt was defeated, and Brawl passed out on the pavement. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

Brawl and the other Combaticons were imprisoned and awaiting trial, though Ironhide was reluctant to prosecute them if their mental scarring proved too great. {{storylink|Ping}} The Combaticons were still comatose when Starscream told the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] to turn them to his side as one of his combiners. Because the Combaticons' minds had imprinted on each other during their combination, Airachnid found them more susceptible to the process, and thus had them believe that they had always been working for Starscream, using the aware-of-the-manipulation Blast Off to cover any holes in the story. As a result, Brawl and the others were made to believe that they had been Starscream's secret and loyal bodyguards, and that their forming of Bruticus had been a last-ditch attempt to save Swindle's life with Starscream's approval. {{storylink|The Price of You}} Soon the Combaticons "resumed" their work of protecting Starscream, and on Onslaught's first day back Brawl prepared to take the night shift. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

[[File:TAAO Annual Brawl Fears.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Brawl singlehandedly doubles his character development within a single page.]]
Brawl was among the security detail for the ceremony to welcome Earth into the Council of Worlds. When [[Iron Ring|a group of human assailants]] attacked, he mobilised to fight back and evacuate Starscream. {{storylink|First Strike issue 1|First Strike #1}}

During her campaign for the role of Cybertron's leadership, Windblade invited people to speak with her one-on-one, Brawl was an unexpected speaker. Admitting that he was now afraid of dying because of the near-death experience caused by the forming of Bruticus, Brawl told Windblade he didn't want the war to start over and that she was the best candidate to prevent that from happening. During the final debate, Starscream revealed all of his crimes to the public, including the manipulation of the Combaticons. As a result, Brawl and the other Combaticons were imprisoned for their rampage as Bruticus. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Another Episode, Part 1}} {{storylink|Another Episode, Part 2}}}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
Summoned by Starscream to act as his elite squad (whose first mission, of course, was to overthrow [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]), Brawl rolled onto the scene alongside [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], and a repainted [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]. When Onslaught boasted that they could leave the strategy to him, Brawl declared that he'd handle the destroying. Like Onslaught and Swindle, Brawl was irritated when Vortex offered to stay behind and guard the base. When the Combaticons combined into Bruticus, Vortex constant worry for the base's safety compelled the team to withdraw. Shortly after, Starscream, under imminent threat of a beating from Megatron, contacted the team to demand to know where they were, Brawl joined his teammates in happily informing their illustrious leader they were all protecting the base together. Aww. {{Storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
The Combaticons infiltrated [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] disguised as their vehicles, with Brawl taking on the form of a [[MOBAT]] tank. During the Decepticon-[[Cobra]] attack on the [[United Nations]], the Combaticons revealed themselves and combined into Bruticus to fight [[GIJONIN]]. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}}
{{-}}

===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===
The [[Combaticon (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Combaticons]] fought multiple tours together. It's likely that the first one of these was when they all changed their alternate modes to Earth-based ones. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

Brawl was often needled and frustrated by his fellow Combaticons in order to make better use of his focused battlefield fury. He often needed to be told important information multiple times, but he ''was'' learning from [[Onslaught (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Onslaught]]. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

The other Combaticons knew better than to trust [[Swindle (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Swindle]] with ''anything''. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}

Bruticus as a combined form was created by [[Shockwave (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Shockwave]] for the express purpose of pummeling Autobots. {{storylink|Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Shockwave's bio}}

[[Blast Off (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Blast Off]] was captured at one point, leaving the team unable to form Bruticus. Eventually, they were reunited. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

The Combaticons were posted on Cybertron during the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Vortex's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

===''Combiner Wars'' cartoon===
Brawl was among the Decepticon troops who bore witness to a pivotal duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron, one meant to end the war before the never-ending arms race between the two factions spiralled further out of control. {{storylink|Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Optimus Prime}}

===''Win If You Dare''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare|Win If You Dare}}}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Constructicons Rising, Part 4|''Galaxies'' #4]]}}
[[File:WarsEndPartTwo Brawl.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8]]
At some point, Brawl posed in a group photo with many Cybertronians, including [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. {{storylink|Open Comms}} As a member of [[The Rise]], Brawl came to pickup the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] along with the [[Energon]] cubes they had produced off of [[Mayalx]] with [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], and Blast Off. {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 4}}

Back of Cybertron, [[Exarchon]] the Threefold Spark returned and recruited his old collaborator Shockwave at the Rise base. Brawl and the Combaticons decided to throw in with Exarchon rather than become smaller fish in the Decepticon army. {{storylink|War's End Part One}} The Combaticons deployed to meet a second Threefold Spark body, possessing [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], at a hidden base he had never shared with Shockwave. They agreed to serve as deterrence for any invaders while Exarchon finished his plans. Sure enough, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and a force of Decepticons led by [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] soon assaulted the canyon. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} A group of Autobots became involved as well, but they all pulled back once the Combiner [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] arrived from deep space at Shockwave's call. Brawl and the others cautiously welcome Devastator, along with the Rise's other lieutenant [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]] as reinforcements. Exarchon became greedy, however, and tried to impose his spark on Devastator rather than using him as an ally. {{storylink|War's End Part Three}} He failed, but it left the Constructicons disabled and useless as support. The Combaticons soon faced a united attack from the Autobots and Decepticons again. Exarchon was defeated, trapped in a Titan spark cage, which was then destroyed. Brawl and his cohorts were taken into Decepticon custody. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
{{charstubfiction}}

===Energon Universe===
[[File:TF2023 no. 9 – Onslaught & Brawl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.12|''10 Haunting Photos Taken Moments Before Disaster'']]
Brawl and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] chased down [[Elita One (G1)#Energon Universe|Elita One]] through a [[space bridge]], as [[Onslaught (G1)#Energon Universe|Onslaught]] commanded the team to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], the fembot shot the space bridge terminal with Brawl halfway through, bisecting the Combaticon at the waist. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 9|Transformers #9}}

After the Autobots retreated and the Decepticons began repairing the space bridge, Onslaught dragged Brawl out of the way, assuring his comrade that he would be made whole soon. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 10|Transformers #10}} Following the battle, a huge chunk of Cybertron fell into the ocean, but Brawl and Onslaught were rescued from the ensuing carnage by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. After being pulled aboard, Brawl corroborated Starscream's assertions of the Combaticons' penchant for violence. Later, the group returned to the crashed section of Cybertron and reunited with the remaining Combaticons. Brawl and Onslaught agreed with Starscream's assertions that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] was an ill-fitting leader, Brawl asserting that he was a traitor for his plotting against [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. The group then watched as Starscream slaughtered most of his human rescuers. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 14|Transformers #14}}

Once the Combaticons were repaired, Starscream led them into battle against Soundwave, the quintet combining into Bruticus, {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 15|Transformers #15}} who was then defeated by [[Devastator (G1)#Energon Universe|Devastator]]. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 18|Transformers #18}} With [[Megatron (G1)#Energon Universe|Megatron]]'s return, Brawl fell in line, and later brought forth a badly-wounded Astrotrain so that the newly repaired Starscream could execute the triple changer as punishment.{{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 20|Transformers #20}}

He then reformed Bruticus for an attack on the [[Ark (G1)#Energon Universe|Ark]]{{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 21|Transformers #21}} Later, After a final battle with the Autobots in [[Chicago]], Brawl, as a leg, was seen torn off Bruticus.{{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 24|Transformers #24}}

{{ongoing}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Brawl, [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] were part of a Decepticon attack force that assaulted the Autobots' launch site. All three were rammed by Ultra Magnus in his vehicle mode as he entered the fray. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Ultra Magnus|Ultra Magnus commercial}}
*Brawl and the rest of the Combaticons charged down a ravine to face-off against [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As they neared him, the Combaticons combined into Bruticus and took to the skies. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Bruticus and Metroplex|Bruticus and Metroplex commercial}}
*Brawl was part of a massive battle between Kreons. He and the Combaticons combined into Bruticus to gain the advantage in battle, and then chased the Autobots off alongside [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. {{storylink|Commercial#Kre-O|KRE-O Transformers Micro Changers and Combiners Construction Sets commercial}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
Brawl was active in the Decepticon/Autobot war when [[Doctor Arkeville]] created [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]. He didn't take an active role when the Doctor's creation went on a rampage and was stopped by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] however. {{storylink|Nemesis Rising}} Brawl assisted [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] and [[Apeface]] in attacking the Autobots on Earth in an attempt to obtain the [[Key to the Plasma Energy Chamber]], but even with his help, the mission was a failure. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Earth Defense Command}}
{{-}}

===''Angry Birds Transformers''===
{{main|King Pig#As Brawl}}
Brawl appears as one of the first unlockable characters. He is portrayed by King Pig. {{storylink|Angry Birds Transformers (mobile game)|Angry Birds Transformers}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsBrawl.jpg|thumb|400px|left|I could bend over to use my tank cannon, but this oversized gun is ''way'' better!]]
Brawl participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 160 units of Cybermetal, and 95 units of Transmetal. He was also a starter character for all players at a later point in the game. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file: BrawlEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Hey, no need for a giant gun on my back. I got a Grenade Launcher. And '''LOUD ROCKETS'''.]]

Brawl reckons he was built to make noise, and does his best to live up to that assertion, whether talking, shooting or just moving.
But the constant grating, clanking and booming irritates the coolant out of his fellow Decepticons. Even the other Combaticons dislike it.
Brawl's hair-trigger temper makes him even less fun to be around, but at least his arrival on the battlefield has been known to paralyze enemies with mind-numbing fear. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Brawl Bio}}

Brawl is one of warriors on Earth alongside his fellow Combaticons. He's probably jealous that [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] got to Earth first before him. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}

When Swindle gets wind that the Autobots are on the move to a signal in the Arctic, he and Brawl try to head there themselves. Brawl, as usual, makes himself REALLY loud by shouting, As usual. Swindle tells him to shut up or at least be more quiet, until Starscream comes and finds out about Swindle's plan, and leads the operation himself. Brawl calls for them to wait up.

When they arrived, he shouted what in the [[Anatomic euphemism#Lugnuts|lugnutz]] had they found. Megatron, who was already there, told him that it was a [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]]. Brawl wanted to blast the entrance open, but Megatron told him that their presence must remain secret to the Autobots on the surface. After Shockwave suggested an alternative, Megatron ordered Brawl to bring in the Constructicons.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Arctic Saga - Frozen Fortress}}

While the Constructicons were drilling through the fortress. Brawl made himself extremely noisy, And Long Haul complained that "Brawl has to '''SHOUT''' continually!". He set up the high explosives to break though the main chamber, and he and Starscream went in first, but retreated upon seeing Deathsaurus. For once he was speechless. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Arctic Saga - What Lies Beneath}}

He appropriately yelled, "LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!" when the fortress was about to self-destruct.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars| Arctic Saga - Monster Within}}

*'''Lowest star rating''': 2 stars
*'''Weapons''': Brawl uses a standard issue grenade launcher, but with grenades that make a larger BOOM. And it's loud. VERY loud.
*'''Ability: Rocket Barrage''': Brawl fires off 4 rockets from long range dealing damage over the area around the target.
**'''Cost''': 6 ability points +2 for reuses.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:brawl Brawl at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]

===''Transformers Online'' (2017 video game)===
[[File:Brawl TFO.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"Don't worry, my friends! I will be your shield!"]]
{{bigquote|I'm just wild by default.}}

When it comes to notoriety amongst the Decepticons, Brawl is considered the bully of the bunch. Brawl's hot-headed demeanor causes him to easily lose his temper. Regardless of faction, he will relentlessly attack anyone who gets in his way. Despite his wild, militaristic disposition, Brawl is still an exemplary soldier in combat. He is often assigned to serve in a Decepticon vanguard unit. No one knows Brawl's brash shouting was to keep himself sane, because if he keeps quiet, he feels like nothing but a lowly coward.

In battle, Brawl wields the "[[Giant Fists of Fury]]" and a double barreled, semi-automatic "[[Eye of the Thunderstorm]]" submachine gun. His active skill is "Smart Cover":
*'''Smart Cover''' — Brawl projects a transparent wall in front of him that only he and his allies can pass and shoot through. {{storylink|Transformers Online (2017 video game)|Transformers Online}} <ref>[http://tfol.qq.com/act/a20160726data/hero12.shtml Brawl on the Transformers Online website]</ref>
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive''===
[[File:BBOBrawl.jpg|thumb|left|100px]]
Brawl was in command of the fifth Decepticon base attacked and destroyed by the Autobots during a series of raids. He pursued the invaders in tank mode launching several bombs and missiles against his target, but foolishly ran over his own bombs and blew himself up. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Brawl was a member of the Combaticons. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

On Earth, Brawl and the other Combaticons acted as a liaison between the Decepticons and the forces of [[Cobra]], offering them advanced alien technology in exchange for their full cooperation. While meeting with [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] in southern [[France]], the Autobots attacked and only narrowly escaped after Onslaught wounded Bumblebee. The Combaticons, minus Swindle, spent days pursuing the battered Autobots across southern France before bumping into a [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] encampment; leery of their advanced weapons and unable to form Bruticus, the Combaticons retreated. {{storylink|Cobra/Con Fusion}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:G1Brawl toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Available in space camouflage.]]
*'''Brawl''' (Combaticon, [[1986]]/[[1987]])
**''Team ID number'': '''C1'''
**''Takara/GiG ID number'': '''D-67'''
**''Accessories'': [[electron gun]], twin [[sonic cannon]]
:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Brawl transforms into a green Leopard 1A3 main battle tank. In vehicle mode his armament is supplemented by a large dark gray anti-aircraft gun mounted of the back of the tank's hull. In robot mode Brawl is armed with a small dark gray gun. Brawl normally operates as Bruticus' left leg, but as a [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and 2010)|Scramble City]]-style combiner, he can also act as any other limb for any other combination of robots who share the connection design. Bruticus's package art has Brawl face forwards when latter becomes one of the legs while the instruction manual has Brawl face backwards like his in-show appearance. Both don't affect the combiner's overall stability.

:The initial release of Brawl had [[die-cast]] metal treads on his legs, but like several other 1986 toys, later releases replaced this with colored plastic. In 1987, he came packaged with a random Decepticon [[Decoy]] and accompanying mini-comic/checklist.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Brawl/brawl.htm More information on Brawl at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Bruticus}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (Gift set, 1985)
**''Takara ID number'': '''D-69'''
**''Accessories'': electron gun, twin sonic cannon
:In addition to his single release, Brawl was also sold in a "Bruticus" [[giftset]] alongside the other Combaticons. The gift set was never available in the USA or Canada, but only in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

:In 1988, [[GiG]] also re-released the Bruticus set in Italy, with five random "Exogini Transformers" ([[Decoy]]s) added.

{{anchor|1991Classic}}
*'''Decepticon Brawl''' ([[1991]])
**''Accessories'': electron gun, twin sonic cannon
:Brawl was re-released in 1992 as part of the [[Europe]]an-market ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line. This version uses the plastic treads, and his [[rubsign]] indent has been filled in.
{{--}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Brawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Before [[Megaplex]] came about, Megatron disguised Brawl as himself to draw fire away.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''Brawl''' (Combaticon, [[1994]])}}</ul>
:*''Team ID number'': '''C1'''
:*''Accessories'': "Electron gun", "twin sonic cannon"

: Released in the second year of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', the original Brawl toy was [[redeco]]ed into bright green with purple camo (sans any customer-applied stickers). Presumably this is so he can hide in the same green and purple forests as [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]]. This version uses only plastic parts, no die-cast metal.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Brawl/brawl.htm More information on ''Generation 2'' Brawl at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2FOC}}{{anchor|G22012}}
[[File:Generationstoy-G2Brawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"I don't care what "G" it is, I'm staying green."]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''Bruticus''' (Box set, [[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Franks]] (deco artist)}}

: A redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Brawl (WFC)#Generations|Decepticon Brawl]], available only as part of an Amazon.com/[[BigBadToyStore]] shared exclusive "Decepticon Bruticus" [[giftset|gift set]], with all the Combaticons' colors based on their 1994 ''Generation 2'' counterparts.

: Brawl's [[alternate mode]] is a green "[[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]]" hover tank with a twin-barreled turret. Unlike most other Transformers toys with tank alternate modes, Brawl sports ''no'' wheels whatsoever. His robot mode rifle can be attached to the turret (between the two cannon barrels) and thus serve as an additional weapon. In robot mode, Brawl can hold his rifle (which features a [[5 mm post]] as its handle) in either hand.

: In addition to his robot and vehicle modes, Brawl can also combine with his fellow Combaticons into Bruticus and serve as any of the gestalt robot's four limbs, though his official configuration shown in the [[instructions]] is the left leg.

: This toy was [[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Twintwist#Toys|Twintwist]].
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy Brawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| BRWL!]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' ([[2008]])
**''Series'': '''G1 Series'''
**''Accessories:'' Energon Gun-radar/hand, Decepticon-type [[energon star]]
:''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Brawl is a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Kickback (Energon)|Kickback]]/[[Blight (Energon)|Blight]] sculpt, transforming into a green [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/gepard/gepard1.html Gepard] anti-aircraft tank. His tank mode is adorned with the text "1MJ9" in a font that says "brwl" when read upside-down. When combined with the other Combaticons, Brawl is nominally Bruticus Maximus' left leg, though he can be used in any other limb position.

:He was only available as part of the ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus [[giftset]], which also contains [[Blast Off (G1)#Universe (2008)|Blast Off]], another redeco of the same sculpt used for Brawl. The ''Universe'' version of the giftset was initially intended to be released as a [[Target]] exclusive in the United States, but ultimately ended up being only available in some non-American markets such as Australia and Singapore. Instead, American markets eventually received a [[rebranding|rebranded]] version of this giftset (with no changes to the toys themselves) in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging (thereby creating a new version of the pre-existing [[live-action film series]] [[Brawl (Movie)#Exclusive figures|Brawl]] character as well as a new [[Blast Off (ROTF)|Blast Off]] character), exclusively available at Target stores in the United States and at Zellers stores in Canada.

:This sculpt was also used to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], as well as the ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' versions of Brawl (see [[#United|below]]) and [[Blast Off (G1)#United|Blast Off]]. Another planned redeco, ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Gunbarrel (Movie)#Tiys|Gunbarrel]], was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TargetBrawl/brawl.htm More information on ''Universe'' Brawl at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Encore''===
*'''Bruticus''' ([[2009]])
**''ID number:'' '''16'''
:A reissue of the original G1 Brawl toy at first sight, this toy is actually a redeco of the ''Robots in Disguise'' Armorhide retool of the sculpt. This version of Brawl was only available as part of a Bruticus gift set released under [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' line of reissues.
{{G1CombaticonMold}}
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:Generationstoy Scout Brawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Ooh, I feel dizzy...]]
*'''Decepticon Brawl''' (Scout Class, [[2012]])
**''Accessories:'' cannon
:A redeco of [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Hunt for the Decepticons'']] [[Breacher (TF 2010)#Toys|Breacher]], ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Brawl transforms into a Land Systems OMC {{w|Ratel IFV}}. His cannon uses the [[C joint]] system, so it can be clipped onto multiple places on his robot mode, as well as on other figures with appropriate mounting points. (The [[instructions]] completely neglect to mention this, instead insisting on keeping the weapon attached to the vehicle roof mount in robot mode, thus keeping his weapon on his back even though he comes packed with the gun clipped onto his fist.) His arm-panels also utilize 3 mm clips, therefore they can be equipped with assorted C joint accessories. They can also be removed and used as shields as they too are attached to his wrists with C-joints. The side of Brawl's alt mode is decorated with "D67", the Japanese ID number of his original toy.

:Originally developed by Hasbro Asia for release in their territories, Brawl was brought over with many other toys as [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusives for the 2012 holiday season.

:This mold would also have been used for the canceled ''Reveal the Shield'' [[Bodyblock (TF 2010)#Toys|Bodyblock]] toy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/GDOBrawl/brawl.htm More information on ''Generations'' Brawl at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[File:Generationstoy-RetailBrawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Decepticon Brawl''' (Deluxe Class, 2012)
**''Series/number'': '''01/#007'''
**'''PART 5 OF 5!'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''TG05'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[January 26]], [[2013]]
**''Accessory:'' rifle
{{note|The Aligned [[Brawl (WFC)#Retail|Brawl]] toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Brawl in many continuities.}}
:A [[redeco]] of Decepticon Brawl from the [[Bruticus (WFC)#FOCDeluxe|Decepticon Bruticus]] [[giftset]] was available individually alongside his fellow Combaticons as part of the second [[wave]] of the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]''-themed 2012-onwards Deluxe Class ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' assortment. These versions of the Combaticons replace the [[Show-accuracy|game-accurate]], Generation 1-inspired decoes with more "flashy" colors apparently homaging the color scheme of [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]].

:Aside from the colors, mass retail Brawl is identical to the version from the Decepticon Bruticus gift set.

:Unsurprisingly for an Aligned toy inspired by Generation 1, ''Fall of Cybertron'' Brawl was used in multiple Generation 1-based stories. The Hasbro deco appeared in IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic series<ref>Brawl's first appearance in "season 1" of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' came in the the 2012 [[Primus: All Good Things|''Robots in Disguise'' annual]], wherein artist [[Andrew Griffith]] drew him according to the contemporary High Moon Studios [[:File:WFC Brawl.jpg|game model]] that debuted in ''War for Cybertron''.</ref> while the TakaraTomy deco [[Brawl (G1)#Transformers: All Spark|appeared]] in the ''[[Transformers: All Spark]]'' manga series and the ''[[Transformers Cloud]]'' illustrated text stories.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Brawl/brawl.htm More information on ''Generations'' Brawl at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:UnitedBrawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bruticus''' ([[November 7]], 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Energon gun-radar/hand, Decepticon-type [[energon star]]
:Released exclusively by TakaraTomy in non-Japanese Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has colours similar to the previous ''Universe''/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a greater emphasis on G1-accuracy. Brawl trades in the olive coloured plastic for dark green and grey. Additionally, the gun-radar/combined mode foot/hand previously cast in translucent coloured plastic is now opaque grey, though his energon star remains orange.
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-Toy Brawl.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A2225'''
**''Pieces'': '''79'''
**''Accessories'': pistol, bazooka, 2 clip-on treads
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:Brawl comes as part of the [[Bruticus (G1)#Kre-O|Bruticus]] [[Micro-Changer]] combiner set, and can be rebuilt from his robot mode into a tank. He can also contribute his bricks to form Bruticus. Unlike [[Swindle (G1)#Kre-O|Swindle]] but like [[Onslaught (G1)#Kre-O|Onslaught]], and [[Vortex (G1)#Kre-O|Vortex]], he is based on his [[#Toys|Generation 1 toy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Kre-OBrawl/brawl.htm More information on Brawl at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|Combiner3pack}}
*'''Combiner Robot Mega Pack''' (3-pack, [[2016]])
**''Set number'': '''???'''
**''Pieces'': '''245'''
:3 years later, the 3 Micro-Changer combiners Superion, Bruticus, and Menasor were reissued and released as a 3-pack. The toys were unchanged from their individual releases.

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:BotShots 5packBrawl.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Combaticons''' (Team 5-Pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''T0??'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}
:**''Fist strength'':
:**''Blaster strength'': '''307'''
:**''Sword strength'':

:A gray and green redeco of the [[Brawl (Movie)#Bot Shots|original Brawl mold]], this figure was to have been part of a 'Combaticons' Team 5-Pack alongside [[Onslaught (G1)#Bot Shots|Onslaught]], [[Blast Off (G1)#Bot Shots|Blast Off]], [[Swindle (G1)#Bot Shots|Swindle]], and [[Vortex (G1)#Bot Shots|Vortex]]. Ultimately, the ''Bot Shots'' line was cancelled before the set saw release.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:CWDlxBrawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Third party? I don't need no slaggin' third party!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Brawl''' (Deluxe Class, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Barrel/rifle, gun/hand/foot
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Part of the fifth wave of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Deluxes, Brawl transforms into a military tank of some kind. Though the turret cannot rotate, the barrel can hinge up and down. Said barrel can also pop off for Brawl to wield in robot mode as a rifle. The gun/hand/foot accessory can also be attached to the turret to homage to his tank mode with [[Sonic cannon|twin sonic cannon back in G1]].

:Brawl has a slight engineering problem: his waist isn't designed to completely collapse into itself to attach to the hips, so he literally has no stomach (stock photography tends to hide this issue by showing Brawl from a high angle). Additionally, due to tolerance issues on many copies of the figure, the waist doesn't click in in its intended configuration—leading his chest to often flop backward. Later samples of Brawl and all subsequent uses of the mold however appear to have the remedied the issue for the most part allowing the waist to at least stay tabbed in. Additionally, his robot mode legs do not peg very firmly together, resulting in them separating frequently in arm configuration. Particularly, the tab on the hardpoint for the combined mode hand does not fit snugly into the slot. The tab and slot on his knees is similarly loose, but to a lesser degree.

:As Brawl is a ''Combiner Wars'' figure, he can combine with his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)#Combiner Wars|Combaticons]] to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Combiner Wars|Bruticus]] as either an arm or a leg. He can also combine with any ''Unite Warriors'' Voyager class figure or even form one of [[Godbomber#Legends|''Legends'' Godbomber]]'s legs.

:Brawl comes with a copy of "''Combiner Wars'' #2" (actually [[Night and the City|''Robots in Disguise'' #9]]), while regional versions outside of the United States come with a collector card. He and the last three waves of ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe and Voyager figures later showed up at TJ Maxx at reduced prices with the collector card.

: This mold was retooled to make [[BotCon 2016]] [[Ram Horn#Combiner Wars|General Ramhorn]], [[Nosecone (G1)#Generations|Nosecone]], [[Drillhorn (G1)#Generations|Drillhorn]], and [[Killbison#Generations|Ironbison]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWBrawl/brawl.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Brawl at TFU.info]''
{{CWBrawlMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|G2BruticusSet}}
[[File:CW-toy Brawl G2.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I am HULK!!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': barrel rifle, gun/hand/foot

: The entire ''Combiner Wars'' Combaticon team was redecoed into close approximations of their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' colors; honestly Brawl turned out pretty spot-on, maybe a slight shade darker but nothing especially egregious.

: This release seems to have the more secure waist from the original deco's later runs.

: This version of the team was only available as a large boxed set, which also included a ''Generation 2''-ish version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#CWG2|Shockwave]]. This was the fourth of five different combiner "Collection Pack" box sets, which were "shared exclusives" sold by numerous online retailers... though many ultimately ended up at US discounters like Ross and TJ Maxx.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWG2Brawl/brawl.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Generation 2 Brawl at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-Unite-Warriors-UW07-Brawl.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Ironically, his favorite ''Super Smash Bros.'' game is ''Ultimate''.]]
*'''Bruticus''' (giftset, [[June 25]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-07'''
**''Accessories'': Individual Combatron Weapons, Combatron extremities
:''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' Brawl is a redeco of the ''Combiner Wars'' mold in a color scheme based on his cartoon appearance, including changes such as giving him a gray head with yellow eyes and red faceplate and a hand-foot-gun cast in the same brown as his body. Brawl was sold only in a multi-pack with the other Combatrons.

:As a Deluxe Class ''Unite Warriors'' figure, he can combine to form the leg or arm of any combiner from Hasbro's ''Combiner Wars'' subline or any ''Unite Warriors'' figure, but would usually be associated with Bruticus.
{{CWBrawlMold}}
{{--}}

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:AOTP-Brawl.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The official return of his long lost abdomen.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combaticon Brawl''' (Voyager Class, [[2026]])}} </ul>
:*'''3 of 5: [[Bruticus (G1)#Age of the Primes|Bruticus]]'''
:*''TakaraTomy name:'' '''Brawl''' (ブロウル)
:*''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''AOTP-30'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[2026]] [[April]]
:*''Accessories:'' 1x small blaster, 2x cannons
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[[July 25]], [[2025]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T18IQaMuGVk Transformers Brand Panel Recap | SDCC 2025 | Hasbro Pulse] on YouTube, with [[Mark Maher]], [[Evan Brooks]] and [[Nate Purswell]].</ref>

:Released as part of the first 2026 wave of ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'', Combaticon Brawl converts from Sunbow accurate robot mode to tank. Unlike all the other Scramble City limbs released throughout ''Legacy'' and ''Age of the Primes'' with the exception of his teammate [[Swindle_(G1)#Age_of_the_Primes|Swindle]], he is a Voyager, not a Deluxe, to give him a little more bulk and complexity, and ratchets to provide ankle articulation for the Combaticons' combined mode. This price point bump does allow him to come with a pair of large cannons in addition to his handheld blaster, like his original toy.

:He, of course, combines with his fellow ''Age of the Primes'' Combaticons (or, at least, Onslaught's frame) to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Age of the Primes|Bruticus]]. In line with other "frame" combiners made in recent years, he forms only the leg, nominally the left, with no arm mode.

:Brawl was revealed at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2025.

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Eaglemoss===
* '''Transformers Gen-1 Chess Set''' (<s>2021</s>)
:In the planned [[Chess#Eaglemoss|Transformers Chess Set]] by [[Eaglemoss]], a relatively large and very well detailed statue of Brawl was slated to be one of the Pawn pieces on the Decepticon side.

:A Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds for this project was launched, but failed to meet its goal by September 24, 2021 and the whole thing was canceled.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

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

:Released as part of the tenth wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of "[[Defensor (G1)|Guardian]]" (with his components [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Groove (G1)|Groove]], and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]) and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (with ''his'' components [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and Brawl) along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#71|Translation of Defensor's Transformers Character Card]]''
{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
[[File:Blokees-TF-Galaxy-Defender-04-Brawl-Vehicle.jpg|thumb|200px]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Brawl (Vehicle)''' (Defender Version, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Galaxy Version Defender 04- Tyrant's Fury'''

:Released as part of the fourth wave of the ''Defender Version'' line of blind boxes, this ''Blokees'' kit of Brawl is molded in his tank form. Like the Constructicon vehicles, Brawl features two combiner hardpoints for Bruticus.

{{-}}

==Notes==
*The [[character model]]s of the Combaticons are kinda... okay, ''heavily'' made-up. Brawl has a lot of extra bits, and his arms are completely different from the toy. Early models of the team which were a bit more accurate to the toys—except for the heads, oddly enough—have shown up in various sourcebooks, though Brawl's is still off in some very odd ways. Even his final vehicle-mode model is off-kilter, resembling a British {{w|Centurion tank|Centurion}} more than a German Leopard 1.
*The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original Onslaught toy depicted the Combaticons in new color schemes, despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.
*Brawl's animation model was used multiple times (in both robot and tank modes) as [[generic]] Decepticons in the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]].
*According to the [[Walmart]] computer database, there seemed to have been plans at some point for a ''[[War Within (franchise)|War Within]]'' version of Brawl in the 6" ''[[Titanium Series]]'' line. No other evidence of these plans has come to light.
*In the ''Wings of Honor'' continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Shockingly, Brawl's Wrath was his undoing (though one might also make an argument for Lust. Battlelust, that is.)
*Interestingly, Hasbro documentation pertaining to the alternate [[Ironclad]] head for ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe Class [[Rook (CW)#Toys|Rook]] labeled it as a "Brawl" head.<ref>[https://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/145413-the-second-annual-petes-robot-convention-and-dab-academy-june-9-10-2018/page-14#entry3744333 Comments by Pete Sinclair and Jesse Wittenrich]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Brawl''' (ブロウル, ブロール ''Burōru'')
*''French:'' '''Baggareur''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Huligán''' ("Hooligan")
*''Italian:'' '''Bomber'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Zhēngchǎo''' (Taiwan, 爭吵, "Brawl"), '''Chǎonào''' (China, 吵闹, "Brawl")
*''Russian:'' '''Grom''' (cartoon, Гром, "Thunder")
*''Polish:'' '''Awanturnik''' (TM Semic Comic, "Troublemaker")
{{--}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:G1OddCombat.jpg
File:EuroClassicsCombaticons.jpg
File:WFC Brawl.jpg|High Moon Studios concept base which inspired Brawl's 2012 IDW robot mode
File:WFC-Brawlvehicle.jpg|High Moon Studios concept base which inspired Brawl's 2012 IDW vehicle mode
File:CW Brawl cvr.jpg|''Combiner Wars'' comic packaging art
File:EW-skin-Brawl-G2.jpg|''Earth Wars'' ''Generation 2''-themed skin
File:Transformers 2023 15 2nd Ptg Cover A.jpg
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Age of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Encore]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Decepticons]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Decepticons]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

Sideways (Armada)

2025-12-05T14:05:46Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Age of the Primes */ Another wrrite up for Sideways's new toy.

{{featured}}

{{disambig3|Sideways}}
{{factions|unicron|autobot|decepticon|cybEmpireG2|hofsilver}}
:''Sideways is an agent of [[Unicron]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[File:ArmadaSidewaysCardArt.jpg|right|upright=1.95|thumb|Goofy ominous nutball hardass.]]
'''Sideways''' is a con-artist, but not in the traditional sense. He doesn’t doublecross others for monetary gain or anything of the sort; he strictly misleads others because he lives to see their reaction to his betrayal, and because it furthers [[Unicron]], his master’s, goals. He serves the planet-eater loyally, and works tirelessly toward putting him into a place of ultimate power. For the most part, Sideways is hands off in his deceit–he plants seeds in the minds of his marks, typically the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s, and lets them do his work for him, unaware of the fact that they are being manipulated. He doesn’t really fear the consequences of his trickery coming to light, either. For him, the war between the two factions is childish, only a means to an end, and he considers himself above it.

Sideways maintains his cover by keeping his cards close to his chest, and only making a move when absolutely necessary. He allies himself with whoever is most likely to bring his goals to fruition, which is made possible thanks to his ability to switch faction insignias on a whim. He’s quick to fabricate stories for his change in allegiance, too, whenever he does switch sides; they don’t need to be particularly believable, so long as they keep him online long enough to serve his master. Besides, if anyone gets too suspicious, it’s nothing some more lies, or, if need be, outright violence, can’t fix.

When Sideways is forced into a fight, he can certainly hold his own, wielding either arm-mounted cannons or blades depending on his current form. Not only is he physically capable in combat, but he can also escape a battle if needed using his reality-defying [[trans-phase mode]]. In this configuration, Sideways becomes intangible, and can repair even the most grievous damage.

Sideways has two [[Mini-Con]] partners: [[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]].

{{bigquote|Which side are you on today, Sideways? Or should I say, who are you ''betraying'' today?|[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]]|"[[Starscream (episode)|Starscream]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Paul Dobson]], [[Mark Acheson]] (as Unicron) (English); [[Takahiro Sakurai]] (Japanese)|[[Ekkehardt Belle]] (German), [[Jhonny Torres]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Francisco Andrés Valdivia]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Raine Heiskanen]] (Finnish), [[Johan Hedenberg]] (Swedish), [[Anders Öjebo]] (Swedish, "[[Credulous]]", "[[Conspiracy]]" and "[[Trust]]"), [[Alexandre Gillet]] (French), [[Gerolamo Alchieri]] (Italian), [[Kim Jang]] (Korean), [[Hercules Fernando]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}

[[File:Gale Needalift.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|Hey kids, want some candy?]]
Sideways appeared as a beam of light from the sky striking a large [[Earth]] city near the Autobot base. An enigmatic warrior, he appeared to side with the Autobots, helping Hot Shot by watching his back during a confrontation with Scavenger. When asked to reveal himself, he transformed, his rider quickly splitting and becoming a helmet that covered his entire head. He claimed to be a drifter who just wandered into the conflict. While he gave the human kids [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] rides in cycle mode to keep them entertained, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], [[Rad White|Rad]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] were all suspicious of the motorcycle's motives, especially his close attention to the Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Gale}}

[[File:Credulous Sidewaysknocksswordaway.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Surprise, the mysterious ninja is evil!]]

In the following battle, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] faced Sideways and Hot Shot alone, and managed to force the [[Mini-Con storage panel|Mini-Con panel]] Sideways had (apparently) found out of his grasp. As the Decepticon leader began to warp away, both Autobots grabbed onto Megatron and all three were teleported to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. To Hot Shot and Megatron's surprise, the Mini-Con panel was a fake, made to convince Megatron to retreat so that Hot Shot, spurred on by Sideways's encouragement, could defeat the Decepticons once and for all. Though both robots fought well alongside each other, with Sideways expressing concern over Hot Shot's well-being, he eventually betrayed the young Autobot, by striking a deal with Megatron. He would pretend to be Megatron's hostage and in exchange, no matter what, Hot Shot would turn over the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. At first, Hot Shot did follow through, but reneged at the last moment by calling the Mini-Cons back to him. Sideways suddenly attacked Hot Shot, knocking the Star Saber out of his hands and kicking it to [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. He switched Mini-Con heads, revealing his allegiance to the Decepticons. Hot Shot was savagely beaten by the Decepticons. They stopped short of destroying him on the advice of [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], who teleported the young 'bot back to the Autobot base. {{storylink|Credulous}} Sideways watched with indifference as the Decepticons became divided over Starscream's possession of the Star Saber. Even when Demolishor turned to him specifically for support, Sideways claimed he wasn't one for "taking sides." On their next Mini-Con hunt, Sideways crossed paths with Hot Shot, though he avoided fighting him. Instead, he took to taunting him as the Autobot gave him chase. Hot Shot managed to knock Sideways off his wheels on their second of such races, which allowed the Autobot to regain some confidence in himself. {{storylink|Conspiracy}}

[[File:Sidewaysheads.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|My Autobot counterpart is nearby...]]

When Starscream voiced his concerns that Scavenger might have went and joined the Autobots after deserting the Decepticons, Sideways stood in agreement with him. He put on a front of being especially spiteful towards Scavenger, stating that no one should get away with betraying the Decepticons. Starscream was right, and thanks to Scavengers' superior tactics, Megatron was gravely injured and tossed down a crevasse on the Decepticons' next mission. Sideways hauled him out, but with the Decepticon leader too damaged to continue fighting, the Decepticons were forced to retreat. {{storylink|Trust (Armada)|Trust}}

Megatron decided to take his frustration out on his troops, and had them participate in a "training exercise," where he chased them around with the Star Saber. Sideways tried to sit the whole thing out, only for Megatron to find his hiding place and dedicate all of his efforts on chasing Sideways specifically. {{storylink|Vacation}}

With Sideways's help, the Decepticon nearly secured the Mini-Con [[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (losing him to the Autobots at the last moment due to [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]'s arrival) and then went after the last member of the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] trio, [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]]. This Mini-Con had somehow activated on his own, and fled from anyone who approached him. As one of the speedier Decepticons, Sideways gave chase to Downshift, only to be blasted by Smokescreen and taken out of the race. {{storylink|Reinforcement}}

When Megatron announced that he planned to challenge the Autobots to a decisive battle, Sideways worried that the Decepticons might bring the Cybertronians' war to a premature end. He found himself unable to dissuade Megatron of this course of action, so he opted to sabotage his own team's victory instead. Sideways first feigned defeat after charging Red Alert, then covertly shot down Cyclonus. This allowed Autobot reinforcements to reach Optimus, who in turn wrestled the Skyboom Shield away from Megatron. {{storylink|Decisive Battle}} Despite this setback, Megatron was quick to start planning another confrontation against Optimus Prime. While the Decepticon leader practiced tactics with the Mini-Cons under his command, Sideways shot at him under the pretense that it added legitimacy to his battle exercise. Sideways was later left on standby while Megatron implements his scheme to divide the Autobots around the globe, forcing Optimus to fight him and his Mini-Cons alone. Demolishor barked orders at Sideways and Starscream all the while, though the pair showed little enthusiasm in return. {{storylink|Vow}}

Sideways began to double his efforts towards manipulating the Decepticons and playing them against each other to suit his mysterious goals. One of these goals was the replacement of Megatron as Decepticon leader. Sideways sowed the seeds of rebellion within the Decepticon ranks, subtly turning Starscream against Megatron and convincing Megatron of Starscream's imminent treachery. The situation came to a head when the two Decepticons fought outside their base, but Sideways then realized Megatron would never execute Starscream for his insubordination, exposing an ever-constant weakness within the Decepticon command structure. After the battle, Sideways mused that this weakness would come back to haunt Megatron one day, and would be his ruin. Fortunately though, this incident somehow served to solidify the Decepticons as a unit, giving them much greater morale and cohesiveness, and achieving Sideways's aims of giving neither faction in the conflict a clear advantage. {{storylink|Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion}}

[[File:Chase RainbowSideways.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|You don't want to taste Sideways's rainbow.]]

Shortly thereafter, Sideways tried to hack the Autobot base computer, only to encounter the children attempting to destroy the equipment to stop Sideways. He transported them to a digital universe, where they saw the coming of two [[Jetfire (Armada)|new]] [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|combatants]]. He tried to threaten them into handing over the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]], before the kids realized that as the realm they were in wasn't real, Sideways could not harm them. Sideways then apologized to an unseen master, shortly before the children escaped the digital universe, chased by an unknown [[Unicron|entity]]. {{storylink|Chase (episode)|Chase}}

Sideways settled for continuing to aid Megatron's unit in a more conventional manner on the battlefield, despite it only leading to losses for their side. However, the tactician [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] joined their team, providing them with much more effective and coordinated battle plans. Despite his first plan failing due to the arrival of [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], {{storylink|Tactician}} the Decepticons retained faith in their new recruit. Thrust organized their flying units into ambushing Jetfire over the ocean, where the other Autobots wouldn't be able to come to his aid. Demolishor, Sideways, and Megatron laid in wait on a nearby island, the only place from which the earthbound Autobots could provide Jetfire with support. Once their enemies warped in, the Decepticons executed a secondary ambush, forcing Blurr, Hot Shot, and Smokescreen to remain on the defensive. But Thrust hadn't taken into account one detail: Optimus and Jetfire could combine! Once they did, they regained control of the battlefield, Sideways scampered away. {{storylink|Linkup}}

Sideways grew worried over Thrust joining Megatron's squad, and with good reason: Sideways was speedily caught by Thrust and the others while communicating with his unseen master. Sideways panicked and attempted to escape. He was caught by [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], who sliced him in half with the Star Saber. Sideways simply reformed, reconnecting his parts and absorbing laser blasts from the other Decepticons. Megatron, in fury and disgust, hacked Sideways to pieces and he was seemingly destroyed... or so the Decepticons thought. Sideways had entered [[trans-phase mode]] and his [[Mirror|rider]] rose in the form of a twisted [[nanite]] creature before the Decepticons' eyes, declaring that the Star Saber and Skyboom shield were merely toys to him, as he was near-invincible. His rider said there were millions of Mini-Cons left to be found, and challenged Megatron to see who would find them first, before flying off to parts unknown. {{storylink|Detection}}

[[File:Awakening-Sidewaysonscreen.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Sideways may be dead, but he lives on in reruns.]]

While most of the Autobots were on Earth fighting the monstrous new Decepticon recruit, [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], Sideways made an appearance inside the Autobots' base... on a monitor! He told [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and Alexis about the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and how the Autobots had to find the three Mini-Cons that formed it before the Decepticons did. Neither of them trusted Sideways, but they knew he was right; if the Decepticons found the Requiem Blaster first, it would spell doom for the Autobots and the galaxy. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}} Once the Autobots had acquired the Requiem Blaster, Sideways appeared once again on the Autobots' monitors, laughing. He showed them that he'd disabled their defenses. Sure enough, the Decepticons infiltrated the Autobot base, took the Requiem Blaster, and nearly killed [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] in the process. {{storylink|Sacrifice}}

Later, Sideways appeared to the Decepticon tactician, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], and told him that the Requiem Blaster would be even more powerful if used in conjunction with the other two Mini-Con weapons, the sword and the shield. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}} Thrust talked with Sideways again in a secret, ominous meeting. They planned to get the Mini-Con weapons away from the Autobots. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} Thanks to Starscream's confusion on where his loyalties lay, he was able to steal the other two weapons from the Autobots, giving the Decepticons all three weapons. Thrust was hard at work on a secret project for Megatron, one that would harness the energy of all three weapons, and Sideways congratulated the tactician on his growing duplicity. When the three weapons were combined to power the starship [[Hydra Cannon]], Megatron used it to blow up a nearby comet while Sideways laughed from afar, on Earth's moon. {{storylink|Threaten}}

Both the Autobots and Decepticons were en route to Cybertron when a few of each faction were warped to a strange planet where they fought a dark copy of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] called [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]]. When Optimus Prime and Megatron combined their firepower against it, Nemesis Prime was destroyed, and as the copy dissipated, Sideways appeared momentarily. Nemesis Prime had merely been Sideways's puppet. {{storylink|Puppet}}

[[File:Uprising-SidewaysSpookyGhost.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|He controls the horizontal, but not the vertical. The vertical is for saps.]]

When both sides had arrived on Cybertron, a black hole opened up over the planet. It started becoming apparent to some that Unicron was drawing near. An apparition of Sideways appeared over the Autobots, and the Mini-Cons attacked it. After telling the Mini-Cons to get lost, Sideways again disappeared. Sideways returned to swear vengeance against the Mini-Cons when they tried to stop the black hole's effects. {{storylink|Uprising (Armada)|Uprising}} Eventually, Thrust became suspicious that his partnership with Sideways and Unicron might be found out, so he panicked and stole the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield. Thrust ran deep underground where he met up with Sideways, but he was tailed by Starscream. Starscream declined Sideways's obligatory offer to join Unicron, and the two fought.

[[File:Portent-Sideways vs Starscream.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Armada basically lines up the cast one by one so Sideways can call them an idiot.]]

Sideways assaulted Starscream with strange tendrils and amoeba-like organisms, and he and Thrust were able to leave with the two weapons. Now inside the moon in Cybertron's orbit, Sideways placed the Mini-Con weapons into its core, revealing that the moon was Unicron lying dormant all along. {{storylink|Portent}} The last of the three Mini-Con weapons was dropped by Starscream when he sacrificed himself to Unicron to prove to Galvatron (a transformed Megatron) that Autobot and Decepticon must join forces to destroy Unicron. Sideways formed over what was left of Starscream and grabbed the sword, making an easy getaway. {{storylink|Cramp}}

With all three weapons in place within Unicron's core, Sideways's master was able to shed the rest of his moon disguise and show his real form. Sideways and his patsy Thrust celebrated their inevitable victory over time and space. {{storylink|Alliance}} Thrust was told by Sideways to leave, as his work for now Unicron was now done. Thrust was confused, thinking he would be Unicron's right-hand man, but Sideways got angry, and ordered him to leave immediately. Thrust, dejected, left for the surface, where he later was crushed to death within Unicron's creases during the battle. {{storylink|Union}}

[[File:Origin-SidewaysUnicroncore.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|"I'm going to start elongating all my 's' sounds, Optimusssss."]]

Optimus and Galvatron managed to reach the glowing core deep within Unicron's body. Before their eyes, the core budded, recreating the body of Sideways. Unicron spoke through this Sideways body, announcing that Sideways had always been an extension of Unicron himself, and that Sideways had intentionally stoked the flames of the Autobot/Decepticon war so that Unicron could be fueled by their mutual hatred. He took special delight in mocking Optimus Prime for claiming to fight a war for peace, a seeming contradiction. The truth, according to Unicron/Sideways, was that Optimus Prime loved to battle; Prime refused to admit this. Unicron/Sideways wrapped Prime and Galvatron in tendrils, drained Galvatron of his energy, and offered Prime the opportunity to merge with him.

[[File:Sideways dead.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Ouchies.]]

Then the children and their Mini-Cons arrived, and they pleaded with him to stop, but Unicron/Sideways was able to claim them as their own; the Mini-Cons were Unicron's creation, after all. But inside a dreamworld created by Unicron, the children were able to call out to the Mini-Cons. They reactivated and told Unicron/Sideways that they believed in peace, and would fight for it if necessary. Their combined might was able to help Prime break free of his tendrils, and he fired a shot right through Sideways using the Requiem Blaster. As what was left of Sideways faded, he claimed he'd have his revenge... {{storylink|Origin}}

{{note|Internal to the ''Armada'' series, it is slightly unclear whether Unicron was somehow possessing his body for that period of time, or if Sideways had been an extension of Unicron all along instead of a separate individual. The additional backstory provided for Sideways in ''Cybertron'', however, would seem to establish that it's the former. Additionally, in "[[Credulous]]", before Sideways's Mini-Con head connects with his body after colliding with Megatron, an odd voice spoke, sounding like it came from a being of lesser intelligence emanated from the motorcycle body's own head, before the Mini-Con head took over. The mysterious line not being in the Japanese version of the episode and the shaky nature of the ''Armada'' dub in general only further obscures the issue.}}

====Linkage====
After informing the Autobots of the Requiem Blaster, Sideways journeyed to the [[Antarctica|Antarctic]] to deliver [[Ravenus]] and the [[Doomstone]] to a group of [[Speed Chaser Team|evil Mini-Cons]] who were hunting down [[Super Stunt Team|a group of refugee Mini-Cons]] for their master. {{storylink|Linkage Part 8}} When they failed to eliminate or claim [[Redline]] and his friends, the evil Mini-Cons used [[trans-phase mode]] to connect with Sideways via a dimensional portal, and fled from Earth. {{storylink|Linkage Part 12}}

====''Cybertron'' comic====
Sideways and Soundwave agreed to serve Unicron in exchange for the assured death of Gigantion. {{storylink|Revelations Part 3|Soundwave's bio}} Thanks to this deal, Sideways was preserved by Unicron's dark power after his defeat by the Requiem Blaster. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}

====''Cybertron'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Ted Cole]] (English), [[Susumu Chiba]] (Japanese)|[[Jhonny Torres]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Joonas Suominen]] (Finnish), [[Roman Kretschmer]] (German), [[Diego Reggente]] (Italian), [[Anders Öjebo]] (Swedish), [[Emilio García]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Benjie Dorango]] (Tagalog, HERO TV dub), [[Lee Gwang-soo]] (Korean), [[Romain Redler]] (French)}}

{{note|In the original ''Galaxy Force'' version of the show, "Noisemaze" is unrelated to the Double Face/Sideways who appears in ''Legends of the Microns''/''Armada''. Despite this and the differences in characterization, backstory, and voice actor, ancillary material clarifies that—as far as [[Hasbro]] is concerned—''Armada'' and ''Cybertron'' Sideways are the same character.}}

Sideways and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] were the last two survivors of the tyrannical [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] which was destroyed as the result of a battle between it and Gigantion long ago. Even though X started the war and was destroyed by its ''own'' weapon of mass destruction, the survivors were still determined to destroy Gigantion as revenge! {{storylink|Challenge}}

Sideways entered the Transformers war during their desperate search for the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. After the disappearance of ''[[Atlantis]]'', he observed from the top of a rocky cliff and wondered how he could best manipulate both factions to his own advantage. It wouldn't be long until they were all his puppets! {{storylink|Deep}} He offered his services to the Autobots, but as soon as he'd helped them corner Starscream, Sideways switched to a Decepticon symbol, fired on the Autobots, and promptly left. Starscream and the others were left wondering exactly what that was all about. {{storylink|Ship}}

[[File:Sand-Sideways explains.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Honestly, guys, I'm an Autobot! You don't remember me at all!]]

Later, Sideways sent transmissions to both the Autobots and Decepticons, beckoning them to the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]]. He appeared with the other Decepticons as they confronted the Autobots, chuckling evilly as they argued over who sent the messages leading to their meeting. When a fight broke out, he battled [[Vector Prime]] until Megatron was beaten by Optimus' new Savage Claw Mode. {{storylink|Savage}} Sideways stood back and observed as Megatron fumed after his defeat. Noting that the locals were itching for another fight with Prime, Sideways sought out [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] in the woods, pleading for help to save a friend buried under a rockslide. Leobreaker rallied the other Autobots on Jungle Planet and marched them into a canyon to save this imaginary friend, while Sideways sent a fake message from Optimus Prime to [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]], luring the Decepticons to the same location. The two factions met in battle as Sideways planned, while he mused from above that no matter who lost, he would win! But he was spotted, and Leobreaker angrily threw him to the ground for lying to him. Sideways desperately explained that he was a "secret agent" for the Autobots, digging for "inside information". Optimus Prime wasn't convinced, but when their interrogation was interrupted by a communication from [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], Sideways transformed and escaped. {{storylink|Sand}}

Sideways traveled with Megatron and the other Decepticons to [[Velocitron]] to apprehend the Speed Planet Cyber Planet Key. Here, Leobreaker and Sideways clashed again. When Megatron lost the Cyber Planet Key to [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], he, Sideways, and the other Decepticons fled. {{storylink|Champion}} Meanwhile, as Optimus Prime prepared to battle Scourge for the Jungle Planet Cyber Planet Key, Sideways and Starscream plotted. {{storylink|Honor}} As Scourge trained for the coming battle, Sideways and Starscream bet on the winner. At Sideways's suggestion, Starscream interfered with the Autobots's ability to get to the battle, thus causing Scourge's faith in Prime as an honorable opponent to waver. {{storylink|Primal (Cybertron)|Primal}}

When the Autobots finally defeated Scourge and acquired the Cyber Planet Key, Sideways was deployed with the rest of Megatron's troops to track down the Key after the Autobots split up with several decoy boxes. He personally pursued Vector Prime, revealing the ability to warp as he battled the ancient warrior for the box he held. When Vector Prime sent out [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] to attack, Sideways used his faction-swapping shield to trick the Mini-Con into leaving before snatching the box from Vector Prime. When he found nothing but a rock inside, Sideways beat a hasty retreat. He was later seen goofing off as Megatron and Starscream went after the real holders of the Cyber Planet Key, and returned to Megatron's personal dimension when the rest of the Autobots arrived to secure the Key. {{storylink|Trust (Cybertron)|Trust}}

[[File:Retreat-SidewaysStarscreamarmy.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|That's right, the undercarriage of Sideways's altmode shows you the inside of his split-open ass.]]

Starscream was growing tired of Megatron's attitude towards him, and Sideways wondered if Starscream was going to doublecross his leader. When Megatron and his troops headed out from his dimension to find another Cyber Planet Key, Starscream instead chose to head to Earth. Intrigued, Sideways followed Starscream there, where they witnessed a burst of Cyber Key-related energy. He joined Starscream on his trip to the Arctic, where the wayward Decepticon demanded the Autobot [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] give him Earth's Cyber Planet Key. When Sideways realized that Starscream had sent Megatron the wrong direction and intended to take Earth's Key for himself, he decided to stay back and watch Starscream's fight with Crosswise, out of harm's way. ...at least, until Crosswise looked like he was going to lose, when Sideways happily leapt into action to kick him while he was down. Crosswise drove away, and Sideways shadowed him while Starscream investigated the cave he was guarding. {{storylink|Trap}} Sideways followed Crosswise all the way to his hidden hideout, where his leader, [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]], was waiting. When Sideways was discovered, he once again fled. {{storylink|Invasion (episode)|Invasion}}

Starscream, meanwhile, had recruited countless imprisoned Decepticons he had freed in the Arctic, and so Sideways stood at his side while Starscream marched his army across the face of the Earth. They converged on the location of the Autobot base, where they found the Autobots retreating via a [[space bridge]]. Starscream and Sideways engaged them in battle, but Sideways was quickly knocked away by the Autobots' firepower. {{storylink|Retreat}} After Starscream succeeded in grabbing the Autobots' collected Cyber Planet Keys and the [[Omega Lock]], Sideways joined him at his underground volcanic lair. {{storylink|Revelation (episode)|Revelation}} Later, he continued to remain by Starscream's side alongside Thunderblast. {{storylink|Critical}} The Autobots weren't far behind, and a clash between them and Starscream's army was inevitable. Sideways called them forth, ordering them to rise up and destroy their enemies, while he and Starscream watched the battlefield through a portal; Starscream was slowly absorbing the power of his stolen goods, and wasn't quite ready yet. The Autobots and Megatron managed to break into the volcano base, but Sideways had prepared a series of explosive boobytraps. {{storylink|Assault}}

[[File:Starscreamepisode-Sidewaysposes.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Hey, Sideways, your shield has huge gaps in it.]]

Despite this, the Autobots were able to get through them, where they came face to face with Sideways. Asked as to what side he was on today, Sideways replied that he was on his own, but today he was betting on Starscream. The Autobots fought him, but he was able to warp around them at will, and none were able to land a punch. Ultimately, [[Vector Prime]] placed his Mini-Con, [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] on Sideways's back, and Optimus Prime was able to use that to detect where Sideways would appear next. After several blasts, Sideways was once again able to flee, this time because of the arrival of Scourge. He returned to Starscream's side, where the wayward Decepticon was nearly finished absorbing the Omega Lock's power. When Starscream said he wouldn't run to face Megatron, but wait for Megatron to come and be picked off at his leisure, Sideways realized there was nothing more he could do there and left, teleporting away. {{storylink|Starscream (episode)|Starscream}} Once the tremendous battle was over, and Starscream (despite having grown to a large size) had fallen over defeated, Sideways reappeared. Noting that Starscream could still be useful to him, he warped Starscream's humongous body away. {{storylink|United (episode)|United}} Starscream woke up inside the ''Atlantis'', with Sideways standing over him. Sideways explained that during the time Starscream had been out, Megatron had been defeated and Primus had awoken. The two traveled to Cybertron and found it transformed into Primus, but lying dormant; Sideways snarked that some clever guy had stolen all his power. He and Starscream tried to fight their way through the Autobots to the Omega Lock, but failed. Later, Sideways warped behind the Autobots' human friends, nabbed their three [[Mini-Con]] pals, and warped away. Angry, the children jumped into the portal window he left behind. {{storylink|Balance}} Vector Prime, being informed by Safeguard that the Mini-Cons and children were missing, reviewed security footage showing Sideways kidnapping the former. {{storylink|Darkness (episode)|Darkness}}

[[File:Memory-Sidewaysandchildren.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Now appearing to children in person, rather than via monitor!]]

Sideways attached Jolt to some equipment in order to search his memories for data pertaining to location of [[Gigantion]], where the last Cyber Planet Key would be found. But all Sideways could extract was useless data that would take forever to examine, so he tried to watch some television to pass the time. No luck—they were jamming their own communications, so he couldn't watch ''[[Galactic Guardians]]'' or anything, so he turned on his [[Soundwave (G1)|stereo]] and began moving to the music. Starscream yelled at him for goofing off. Embarrassed, Sideways ran off to do repairs. Indeed, the memory download was taking too long, so Sideways decided it would be much quicker if they just hacked open Jolt's head, took what they wanted, and deleted the rest. The operation was interrupted by the children, and so Sideways left to deal with them. After a few slapstick adventures, including a faked hologram of Megatron telling Sideways to jump on one foot and call himself a "pretty lady", the children were able to escape with Sideways's key to the cell he was keeping the other two Mini-Cons in. Though those two were rescued, Sideways finally caught up with them, laughing maniacally and with evil intent. {{storylink|Memory (Cybertron)|Memory}} Jolt, whose rotors were now untied, was able to open a warpgate for himself and the others to escape through. Angered, Sideways warped away himself, and appeared again in front of the children and the Mini-Cons, telling him that he had put an energy field around the ship to prevent Jolt from pulling that trick again. The children and the Mini-Cons ran, but he threw one of his wing blades into the path ahead of them, blocking their escape. As Sideways mocked their attempts to distract him so they could make their getaway, [[Coby Hansen|Coby]] was able to communicate with the ship and spray [[fire-retardant foam]] over Sideways's head. They fled.

[[File:Escape-Sidewaysmeandrawing.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|"A ''mouth?!'' This is libel!"]]

Later, when the children and the Mini-Cons had located the chamber in which Sideways was guarding, the one that was blocking communications from being sent out of ''Atlantis'', they remotely caused a malfunction in one of the engine rooms. Sideways ran out of the chamber and into the engine room, where he found a crude drawing of him on the wall. "Now that's just mean!" Next they dumped him down one of the garbage chutes, which Sideways laughed at. He'd just warp out of there! But he forgot that he'd disabled warping, so he was cast out of the ship into space. A piece of trash that followed him conked him on his head, knocking him out. ''Atlantis'' was soon found by the Autobots and Decepticons, and so Starscream set the ship to warp away. Just in time, the children and the Mini-Cons shot themselves out of the ship in two escape pods, but Sideways's floating body blocked the second pod from leaving the warp perimeter of the ship. Sideways and the second pod disappeared along with ''Atlantis''. {{storylink|Escape (episode)|Escape}}

Sideways returned to the helm of ''Atlantis'' with Starscream, as the distance between them and the planet [[Gigantion]], home to the final [[Cyber Planet Key]], quickly narrowed. But due to the work of [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], Jolt, and [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]], and the Decepticons were able to follow a trail to the ship, and so Sideways activated the ship's defenses while he navigated a warp jump away. But after they had jumped, Starscream felt the power of Primus, and so the ''Atlantis'' returned to Cybertron. After a battle between Starscream and Primus, Starscream was brutally defeated, so Sideways warped the ship away again with Starscream's body in tow. {{storylink|Titans}} Starscream was no worse for wear by the time Sideways had begun piloting ''Atlantis'' through a warp gate to another dimension where Gigantion was located, but the Autobots' ship, the ''[[Ogygia (Cybertron)|Ogygia]]'', wasn't far behind. ''Atlantis'' started lagging behind the Autobots when Bud and the Mini-Cons aboard began sabotaging its engines, much to the fury of Sideways and Starscream. {{storylink|Warp}}

Sideways managed to get ''Atlantis'' to Gigantion, but only after a crash-landing. Before too long, the ship was under attack from the Autobots. Starscream was still too drained from his fight with Primus, so Sideways was told to fight them himself, an order he grumbled loudly about once he was out of Starscream's range. He confronted Optimus Prime, merged with Wing Saber, and bemoaned their sneaky tactics. He was the one supposed to be pulling the strings! As Sideways was targeted by a volley of missiles, Optimus Prime told Sideways that he'd had enough of his tricks. After a prolonged fight, Sideways could do nothing better than to utter a pathetic "mother!" as Prime's final, most powerful attack was bearing in on him. Thankfully for Sideways, he was saved by Soundwave, who pushed him out of the way at the last second. Once they were safe, Sideways thanked Soundwave for the rescue. Soundwave reminded Sideways that "that's how we roll," and not to forget their ultimate purpose. {{storylink|City}}

[[File:Showdown-SoundwaveSidewaysstare.jpg|left|upright=1.67|thumb|Don't go towards the light, Sideways!]]

While the both of them were searching for the last Cyber Planet Key, they were discovered by the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense Team]]. Soundwave explained their backstory as survivors of Planet X and their vendetta against Gigantion. When the Autobots noted it was their own fault their planet was destroyed, Soundwave shrouded them in a thick black cloud while Sideways created virtual duplicates of himself. He managed to mess with Red Alert's head, but was tricked into revealing himself by Scattorshot after the clever technician dealt with the smog. In the end, the two Planet X natives were crushed under a falling tower. {{storylink|Challenge}}

Sideways and Soundwave didn't resurface until the Autobots were ready to leave Gigantion to their home dimension to repair the black hole. They challenged the Autobots, blocking their path out of the planet, for they wanted to ensure the black hole destroyed the galaxy. After fighting Optimus Prime to a standstill, they were interrupted by Starscream and Megatron, who were fighting several layers above them, glowing and pulsating with energy levels no one present had ever seen. Soundwave and Sideways wanted to escape, fearing their own destruction, but they lamented that if they didn't grab the Omega Lock then, they'd have failed at their mission. Both warped closer to the battle between Megatron and Starscream, and, reaching towards the tremendous energy that had built up during the Decepticons' battle, Sideways begged Soundwave to leave and save himself. Soundwave rejected this, because they were in this together. As Megatron and Starscream punched each other simultaneously, a wave of energy seemed to destroy both Planet X natives.

[[File:Beginning-SoundwaveSideways.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|We're not dead! Neither is our planet! Weird.]]
Vector Prime noted that neither were likely destroyed in the conventional sense, but were blasted into another dimension. {{storylink|Showdown (Cybertron)|Showdown}} His analysis seemed to be correct; a little later, when Megatron witnessed a vision of Starscream—apparently reaching out through the [[fire dimension]] to mock him one final time—Sideways and Soundwave were both standing by the traitor's side. {{storylink|Unfinished}}

Sideways, Soundwave, and [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]] later cheered as they stood before an undestroyed Planet X, apparently having found an intact, parallel version of their homeworld in the dimension they had been transported to. {{storylink|Beginning}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
[[Vector Prime]] stated that the Planet X which attacked the Gigantion of [[Aurex 802.23 Alpha]] was the headquarters of the remnants of the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] from [[Primax 994.0 Gamma]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/05}} The dimension that this Sideways, along with Soundwave and Laserbeak, landed in was [[Aurex 906.29 Alpha]]. Vector Prime hoped that the trio found some measure of peace. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/03}}

[[Vector Prime]] also stated that the Planet X which attacked Gigantion in [[Aurex 105.08 Alpha]] was half the body of Unicron from [[Primax 886.0 Gamma]] and its denizens were previously consumed Transformers resurrected by the planet. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/08}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic===
[[File:SkywarpSidewaysWheeljack.jpg|upright=1|thumb|I'm such a secret shill for Unicron that you only ever see me once! Well, twice.]]

Always evasive about where his true loyalties lie, Sideways has been seen on battlefields the galaxy over, but not always on the same side. He has manipulated both factions like a game of cosmic chess, and chooses his words carefully. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon, he has always served just one master: [[Unicron]]. To these purposes, he assigned his Mini-Con companion, [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]] to infiltrate the Mini-Cons' Moonbase operations and send things awry. Crosswise was more of a wildcard than a full-on partner, unlike Sideways's other Mini-Con, [[Rook (Armada)|Rook]]. Rook was assigned to sow the real seeds of discontent amongst the Mini-Cons on the moon. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye}}

Sideways himself was first seen working on a secret desert rocket site, guarded by [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]], which was designed to launch Megatron's [[Solar Scalpel]] laser system in orbit. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} After the rocket was launched, he returned to Cybertron, and was present for the battle against Unicron... though what exact role he played in it is unknown. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}
{{-}}

===''Galaxy Force'' comic===
[[File:GF Noisemaze comic.jpg|thumb|left|]]
Presenting himself as an [[Autobot]], Sideways sneaked into the Autobot base on [[Earth]]. There, he set off an explosion that allowed him the opportunity to steal the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s for [[Velocitron]] and [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Animatron]] that were in the Autobots' possession, along with the [[Omega Lock]]. Evasive in his answers to the shocked [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], Sideways took his leave and turned over the artifacts to [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]. Together, the three went to find Earth's Cyber Planet Key, and, despite Autobot interference, Sideways was able to help Starscream steal the power of the Omega Lock with the three Cyber Planet Keys plugged in and grow to gigantic size. {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.8}}
{{--}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
[[File:KreO-webcomic-10-Sideways.jpg|thumb]]
Sideways witnessed [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]'s humiliating temper-tantrum over his lack of "[[Skeletron|See-Through Power]]". {{storylink|Wheeljack's Bizarre Invention! Optimus Power Up!?}}

Later, Sideways was part of a massive Decepticon invasion force intended to attack the [[Autobot]] base while the Autobots were at a picnic. However, [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]] plowed through them with his truck and left them scattered... and then left. Returning to the scene after... ''ahem'', taking care of some pressing business, Optimus gathered up the still-wiped-out Kreons, bound them up on a flatbed trailer, and took them to the picnic. {{storylink|Emergency! Hurry to the Base, Optimus!}}

Sideways was around when [[Bludgeon (G1)#Kre-O online manga|Bludgeon]] uncovered the [[Red Bucket]]. {{storylink|Treasure Competition! Defeat with Block Power!}} He was among the Decepticons who aided Megatron in attacking [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], excited that he finally had a chance to show up in full. Then Metroplex collapsed on him, burying the poor guy in blocks. {{storylink|Two Giant Bases! Everybody Getting Along, Come On, Fight!}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
[[Vector Prime]] entered [[Fornax 813.0 Gamma]] to keep an eye on the Sideways of this universe. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/17}}

Sideways would later travel to [[Tyran 207.28 Gamma]], becoming the [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] of that universe. He would subsequently travel to a [[Primax]] universe [[Sideways (RM)|to trouble the Autobots there]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Ask Vector Prime, The Complete AllSpark Almanac}}

===''TransTech''===
{{main|Sideways (AVP)}}
One incarnation of Sideways was a dimension-hopping serial liar, who possibly originated in a [[Viron]] universe before traveling through [[Aurex]] and a number of other [[Universal stream|universal clusters]]. At one point, he infiltrated [[Axiom Nexus]] and kidnapped [[Vector Prime]], hijacking his column with [[Axiom Nexus News]] to make fun of [[you]] for being obsessed with minor trivia. He was eventually located by the TransTech, but managed to escape by Headmaster-linking with Rook and using his [[Dimensional Interfacer]] to flee.
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
[[File:Armadatoy-Sideways-wrongways.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|My hats are the grandest of all... except that they're putting me on the wrong sides! (''First-run Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:LOTM Double Face.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''(Takara version pictured)'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Sideways with Crosswise and Rook''' (Super-Con, 2002)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Double Face'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''MX-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[April 24]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': 2 tailpipe-missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)}}

: First released in the second wave of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' "Super-Con" (aka "Deluxe) class toys, Sideways transforms into a racing motorcycle of made-up model. As with most ''Armada'' toys, virtually all of his [[gimmick]]s are directly tied to Mini-Cons, and Sideways came with two of them: [[Rook (Armada)#Toys|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)#Toys|Crosswise]]. Rook and Crosswise can both ride on Sideways's cycle mode at the same time, held in place on his seat by small tab-slot connections, as can [[Mirror|their combined form]], which was designed to "grip" Sideways's handlebars. His tailpipes become arm-mounted [[Powerlinx]]-activated pressure-launch missile launchers.

: In robot mode, Sideways's head can be pushed back into his torso and replaced with Rook or Crosswise in their alternate head configurations. By sliding the Mini-Cons' arms down into Sideways's torso, each one pushes down plates behind Sideways's windshield-chest to reveal either an Autobot or Decepticon symbol. (You don't ''have'' to have the arms push into the torso if you don't want to, as the Mini-Cons attach in head mode just fine by having the arms positioned towards Sideways's back; arguably they fit ''better'' without the chestplates' springs pushing back up against the arms. However, the arms are what actually makes the toy do the symbol-thing.) The initial run of Sideways toys had Rook reveal the Decepticon symbol and Crosswise reveal the Autobot brand. Later runs corrected this to match the faction-reveal gimmick as portrayed in the cartoon, with Rook forming the "Autobot" head and Crosswise the "Decepticon" head. (Crosswise was also altered to replace his red paint accents with a more Decepticon-y purple, making it easy to tell in-package which version of Sideways it was.)

: For his later [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Legends of the Microns'' release, "Double Face" got a significant paint change, swapping the yellow and purple on his chest. This matches the cartoon model, which was based on the pre-release Hasbro deco (as seen on the Hasbro packaging). This version also -of course- retains the show-like Rook/Autobot-Crosswise/Decepticon symbol-reveal configuration.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Rapid Run (Energon)#Toys|Rapid Run]] (likely conceived as a [[Powerlinx]] redeco).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/ArmSideways/sideways.htm More information on ''Armada'' Sideways at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Destruction}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Sideways with Crosswise and Rook''' (Super-Con, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 tailpipe-missiles

: In November of 2003, US [[Toys"R"Us]] stores had special bonus pack Max-Con toys, which came with a single bonus Mini-Con attached to the card over their sticker, for ''less'' than the price as a normal Max-Con, during Toys"R"Us's [[Black Friday (event)|post-Thanksgiving-day]] sale. Sideways could come with one of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team#Toys|Destruction Mini-Con Team]] members: [[Buzzsaw (Armada)#Toys|Buzzsaw]], [[Drill Bit (Armada)#Toys|Drill Bit]], or [[Dualor (Armada)#Toys|Dualor]].

{{-}}{{anchor|KmartBonusPack}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-multi|'''Bonus Pack''' (2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 tailpipe-missiles

: [[Kmart]] stores offered "Bonus Packs" later in the ''Armada'' line's run, which were basically just a normal-release Super-Con and Mini-Con Team pack clamshelled together for ''slightly'' less than the cost of the two individually.

: Sideways has been found packed with the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team#Toys|Destruction Mini-Con Team]] and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team#Toys|Street Action Mini-Con Team]].
{{-}}

===''Cybertron''===
[[File:SidewaysCybertron.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|On second thought, screw the whole motorcycle thing.''(Hasbro release)'']]
[[File:GalaxyForce_Noisemaze_toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I pulled off the sword/shield/firearm combo before that one [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel]] decided to steal it from me! ''(Takara release)'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Sideways''' (Deluxe-Class, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Noisemaze'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''GX-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[March 31]], [[2005]]
:*''Accessories'': Left & right wing-blades, Planet X Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''dj51'''
{{toydesigner|[[Takio Ejima]] (Takara)}}

: One of the ''very'' few "[[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]]"-themed toys in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'', this version of Sideways transforms into a black and orange alien spacefighter. The center-back of his jet mode can rise up like a gun turret; plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into the back end of the assembly deploys two pairs of spring-loaded blades, plus covers the Autobot symbol in the top with a Decepticon badge. This assembly becomes a non-removable left-arm-mounted "shield" in robot mode. His wings can also detach from his ankles and be used as blades, with both [[5 mm post|pegging]] into his hands, either with one blade in each hand, or with both blades pegging into the top and bottom of a single hand, forming a double-bladed weapon.

: This toy was first released in Takara's ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)#Takara Galaxy Force toyline|Galaxy Force]]'' line under the name Noisemaze, featuring silver-chromed details on the wings. The later Hasbro ''Cybertron'' "Sideways" replaced the chrome with silver paint, dropped some of the silver details on his key jack, and added more bronze paint on his "collar". The Hasbro version has also been slightly [[retool]]ed, rounding off his robot-mode head-horns, presumably [[for safety reasons]]. And of course, Sideways's Cyber Key has a [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] stamped on the back the Takara version lacks.

: This mold was also used to make the Japanese DVD-[[exclusive]] [[Noisemaze Mass Production Type Version#Toys|Noisemaze Mass Production Type Version]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ratbat]]. It was retooled to make [[BotCon 2009]]'s ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Scourge (G1)/toys#Timelines|Scourge]] and Sweeps [[Sweep Two#Toys|Two]], [[Sweep Six#Toys|Six]], and [[Sweep Seven#Toys|Seven]] (the Sweeps were later repurposed as ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Scourge (SG)|Scourge]]).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Sideways/sideways.htm More information on ''Cybertron'' Sideways at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VsRedAlert}}
[[File:Cyb-toy CriticalPath.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|Look, Grandma's is down this path! It's ''critical'' I take it!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Critical Path Pack! Sideways vs. Red Alert''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right wing-blades, Planet X Cyber Key

: This two-pack of the [[Red Alert (Armada)#Cybertron|Deluxe-size ''Cybertron'' Red Alert]] and Sideways toys was made available only at [[Target]] stores, retailing for $16.99. The toys are identical to their individual releases.
{{-}}

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:AOTP Deluxe Sideways.jpg|thumb|300px|And they thought [[Solus Prime#Age of the Primes|Solus]] would have a jet mode and be a pretool for me. Take that, suckers.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Sideways''' (Deluxe Class, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy name:'' '''Sideways''' (サイドウェイズ)
:*''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''AOTP-28'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[2026]] [[March 28]]
:*''Accessories'': Left & right wing blades, shield, Planet X Cyber Key
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Tomoki Tatsumi]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The Cybertron Sideways? That was me and Tomo san!|link=https://discord.com/channels/656241088826441729/656248887534944265/1397176312074076170|name=Evan Brooks|site=Instagram DMs|year=2025|month=07|day=22}}</ref>
:Released as part of an exclusive line celebrating ''Cybertron''{{'}}s 20th anniversary, Sideways accurately recreates the original figure's design, but with more modern design flourishes, such as better articulation, pinned shoulders and hips, and [[5 mm post|5 mm arm ports]]. He retains the removable wings that become handheld swords, the shield with fold-out spikes, and the Planet X Cyber Key. The Key, like those included with other updates of ''Cybertron'' characters' toys, does not activate any gimmicks; the shield's spikes are folded out manually, and Sideways' faction symbol can be switched via a, well, switch on its back.

:The wings/swords and shield require [[partformer|removal for transformation]], unlike the original. The shield has a flip-out 5 mm post for Sideways' robot mode. He also has no translucent plastic and fewer paint applications compared to the original, though this is more cartoon accurate for his head and the shield spikes. Strangely, his shield is missing a pipe in its sculpt (left of the green triangle).

:His vehicle mode is mistransformed in its [[stock photography]]: the feet are not tabbed into the sides of the vehicle.

:Sideways was exclusive to Walmart and Hasbro Pulse in North America. Fans who ordered him from Walmart found that their orders were unexpectedly canceled and, with the supposed knowledge that most of the ''Cybertron'' capsule toys were canceled, many believed he was canceled too. However, the cancellations seemed to have been due to Walmart accidentally sending fans full cases of Sideways toys for fulfilled orders, instead of just one. The toy would later be put back in stock on Walmart's website and shipped normally.

:Sideways was revealed at [[Toy Fair|New York Toy Fair 2025]] alongside his capsule-mate [[Excellion (Cybertron)#Age of the Primes|Excellion]].

{{-}}{{anchor|AOTPArmada}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Sideways''' (Voyager Class, 2026)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'':
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Tomoki Tatsumi]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMdjxMNBa7k Footage of the joint Hasbro/McFarlane Toys/Iron Studios panel] at [[CCXP#2025|CCXP 2025]] with [[Nate Purswell]] and [[Emily Bader]], recorded at the "Oficina dos Joes" YouTube channel</ref>

:Released in 2026 in the second Voyager wave of that year's ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' line, Sideways is a faithful update of his original Armada design, transforming as before into a purple and yellow racing motorcycle. His colours are based on his cartoon model and ''Legends of the Microns'' toy, swapping the purple and yellow on his chest. Unlike most of the other Armada figures in [[Transformers:_Legacy_(toyline)|Legacy]] and Age of the Primes, Sideways comes with his two mini-cons, Rook and Crosswise, each of them still able to transform into either one of his heads or combine with each other into a [[Mirror|larger form]] to ride him in motorcycle mode.

{{toystub}}
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Super Collection Figure===
[[File:SCF Sideways.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|STRIKE POSE!]]
*'''Double Face''' (2003)
**''Act'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': Decepticon head, stand

:Available in "Act 10" of Takara's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron (toyline)|Super Collection Figure]]'' line, Double Face is a PVC figurine of his animation model. He was available in both full-color and pewter versions, with one of each packed in every case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] boxes. He came with an extra head so that his appearance could be switched between his "normal" head and the "Decepticon" head. His appearance could ''not'' be switched out of its weird-looking ninja(?) pose, however, which makes him the tallest non-build-a-figure in the entire series.

: Act 10 is notable for using much softer plastic than the preceding nine Acts, which can lead to balance and peg-tearing issues. There is also a potential peg problem with the pewter versions, as the pegs may have been painted before being pushed into place. And with the softer plastic of Act 10, this makes a stuck peg even easier to tear off. Lightly shaving of the socket walls with a thin hobby knife should solve the issue... though with Double Face's minimal "posability" thanks to his odd stance, it's not very likely you'll be trying to move anything on him.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:Detection-SidewaysNoHat.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|He's back. From outer space.]]
* Sideways was designed to be a "ninja" Transformer, with a yellow and purple color scheme based on a [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] employee's racing motorcycle.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Sideways was a fun Ninja transfomer concept. His feature was unique in the franchise and those are the things I take pride in looking back. His colors are based of a Takara employee racing bike.|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuHRJVH-0j/|name=Aaron Archer|site=Instagram|year=2019|month=03|day=07}}</ref>
* A 2001 Armada IP bible includes a bio of Sideways that notes he is comic relief after his Mini-Con is damaged and split in two, now acting as his "angel" and "devil" consciences who also bicker between themselves. Before the accident, Sideways was an aloof and mysterious ninja who turns into a police cycle. Obviously, this characterization didn't exactly pan out.
* While the positioning of ''Armada'' Sideways's head-handlebars in toy form is up to the owner, the cartoon consistently portrayed them as angled downwards. Similarly, his alternate heads/helmets have their horns angled down at the first joint, and then upwards at the second joint.
* In ''Armada'', outside of the [[stock footage]] sequences showing Sideways putting his Mini-Con helmets on, his "bare" head was often colored in shades of gray similar to the Crosswise head, rather than the appropriate purple and yellow.
* In [https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2zUH7W5JQ0/WVeN--2zLgI/AAAAAAAAZxs/CYXW7Atn60IYrhxIth_sWvknUdIwK39OQCKgBGAs/s1600/0031.jpg at least one] of [[Unicron]]'s [[character model]] sheets showing off the larger-scale techy greebles, Sideways—or in this case—"Double Face" is used as a scale reference, with an abbreviation of "'''W.F.'''". To most English speakers, this wouldn't make much sense, but the letter "W" is often used in Japanese media in place of the word "double", as the letter "W" (''double-u'') is pronounced the same as "double" in Japanese (''daburu''), making them interchangeable with one another. This had previously been used for the Japanese [[Micromaster Combiner]]s (aka "W Teams"), and the [[W Cassettebot]]s.
* In "[[Memory (Cybertron)|Memory]]", Sideways seemed to be a fan of the [[Galactic Guardians]], a superhero team who star in their own cartoon show. He also seemed to be a fan of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive", as he sang the first few lyrics to himself before being interrupted by Starscream.
* ''Cybertron'' Sideways has a bat-like vehicle mode because the then-upcoming [[2005]] release of ''{{w|Batman Begins}}'' meant that [[Batman]] was very much in the zeitgeist, and the designers at Hasbro wanted to capitalise on that. [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|''Cybertron'' Megatron]]'s {{w|Batmobile}}-esque vehicle mode was another example of this.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The closest we got [to a ''Batman''/''Transformers'' crossover] was more tactical—so like, "oh there's a ''Batman'' movie coming out," so the ''Cybertron'' Sideways is very bat-inspired. I think there was another car that we went that way… Megatron obviously Batmobile-inspired. I don't know how direct-tactical that is but if bats are in the zeitgeist, if there's advertisement around bats and stuff, well let's… bat-inspired something. More like that is what we ended up with, but no we never went for a direct crossover.|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW7bBZgluQQ&t=2169s|name=Aaron Archer|site=''The Toy Armada''|title=Toy Armada Friday night LIVE: ARMADA STARSCREAM|year=2023|month=06|day=02}}</ref>
* For most of his ''Kre-O'' appearances, Sideways appeared only as a singular leg, making it a bit hard to tell if he was meant to be a Kreon version of the ''Armada'' Sideways. His identity wasn't confirmed until he finally showed up in full in his fifth appearance… only for the gag to continue when he ends up buried with only his leg showing.
* Like most non-toy robot Kreons in the ''Kre-O'' comics, Sideways is made from existing Kreon parts. He makes use of the [[Hound (Kre-O)|Hound]] helmet, [[Starscream (Kre-O)|Starscream]] clip-on arm weapons, and what appears to be two additional Kreon arms attached to a backpack/
*The Hasbro sales copy for ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' Sideways on social media labels him as a descendant of [[Liege Maximo|Liege Maximo Prime]].

===Foreign names===
====''Armada''====
*''Japanese'': '''Double Face''' (ダブルフェイス ''Daburu Feisu'')
*''Armenian'': '''Koghmnapah''' (Կողմնապահ, "Sideways")
*''Hungarian'': '''Kanyargó''' ("Swerver")
*''Korean'': '''Double Face''' (더블페이스 ''Deobeul Paiseu'')
*''Polish'': '''Krętacz''' ("Dodger")
*''Russian'': '''Otshel'nik''' (Отшельник, "Hermit")

====''Cybertron''====
*''Japanese'': '''Noisemaze''' (ノイズメイズ ''Noizumeizu''), '''Sideways''' (サイドウェイズ ''Saidoweizu'')
*''Hungarian'': '''Mellékút''' ("Bypass")
*''Korean'': '''Side Way''' (사이드웨이 ''Saideu Wei'')

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Age of the Primes Autobots]]
[[Category:Age of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertronians]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Ninjas]]
[[Category:Planet X]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:TransTech characters]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]

Swindle (G1)

2025-12-05T13:56:50Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Age of the Primes */ Another simple write-up for Swindle's new toy.

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|autobot|eliteguard}}
{{disambig3|Swindle}}
:''Swindle is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Swindleg1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He'd sell you for a nickel, that schemer.]]

Capitalist first, Decepticon second, '''Swindle''' is a con-man, an opportunist, a hustler—or as he would put it, an entrepreneur. Unlike his fellow Combaticons, he considers the Autobot-Decepticon war to be merely an opportunity for networking, cutting deals, and making profit. He's an expert on all manner of weaponry and their market prices, and he prides himself on being able to sell anything to pretty much anybody.

Despite being a weaselly, opportunistic sneak, Swindle is one of the few Decepticons who could adapt to a post-war Cybertron. After all, there will always be demand for a black market, regardless of whoever wins. He knows all he has to do is keep his chin up, and he'll always have a customer. All he needs is a smile.

Swindle can combine with the other Combaticons to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]].

{{bigquote|It's not my fault, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]! This greed is built into my [[personality component]]!|Swindle|"[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Johnny Haymer]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japanese, "Aerial Assault"), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese, ''2010''), [[Yoku Shioya]] (Japanese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2"), [[Minoru Inaba]] (Japanese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3"), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese, "Webworld")|[[Xia Zhiqing]] (Chinese), [[Alejandro Abdalah]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Bernd Simon]] (German, "Five Faces of Darknes, Part 2 - 4" & "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Gerhard Acktun]] (German, "Webworld"), [[Imo Heite]] (German, "The Ultimate Weapon"), [[Ulf-Jürgen Wagner]] (German, ''Generation 2'' dub of "Starscream's Brigade"), [[Peter Zilles]] (German, ''Generation 2'' dub of "The Ultimate Weapon"), [[Georges Atlas]] (European French), [[Albert Augier]] (European French, "The Revenge of Bruticus"), [[Michel Barbey]] (European French, "Five Faces of Darkness", Parts 2 & 4), Unknown (European French, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3"), [[François Leccia]] (European French, "Webworld"), [[Júlio César]] (Portuguese), [[Marcos Miranda]] (Portuguese, "The Revenge of Bruticus"), [[Carlos Marques]] (Portuguese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2"), [[André Filho]] (Portuguese, "The Ultimate Weapon")}}

[[File:StarscreamsBrigade CombaticonsMegs.jpg|left|thumb|Step right up! Step right up! Everyone's a winner; bargains galore!]]
Swindle was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the Air Commander's latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. Swindle in particular was put in a {{w|Willys Jeep}},<ref>"Starscream's Brigade" shooting script</ref> and unlike his teammates, he didn't immediately reconfigure himself into a different vehicle form. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; in the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty though having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel. While their first missions for Starscream were initially successful, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]' intervention meant the brigade's defeat, and Megatron exiled all six to a remote asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[File:AerialAssault Swindle Ali.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|It picks up the kids from school; it gets rid of unwanted facial hair; it gets rid of embarrassing ink spots; it delivers a pizza!]]
The Combaticons later escaped the asteroid and attacked Cybertron together as Bruticus. After being defeated again, Swindle and the Combaticons were reprogrammed to be loyal to Megatron. It's debatable how well that reprogramming took with Swindle. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

Megatron next ordered the Combaticons to steal fighter planes by using Middle-Eastern criminals as go-betweens. Swindle was the personal ride of [[Ali (Sunbow)|Ali]], the thief leader, and led the caravans with parts to Megatron. He later merged with the others to form Bruticus, who was defeated by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] as [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

[[File:BOT Swindle grabbed.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Act now! Act now! And receive as our gift to you, they come in all colors, one size fits all!]]
Bruticus was next defeated by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], and Swindle was the sole survivor of the team. He proceeded to sell the parts of his comrades to various [[El Presidente|people]] for a sweet finder's fee. Megatron was less than happy with this, however, as he had just constructed a giant death-ray for Bruticus to wield for him. No Combaticons, no Bruticus. Swindle tried to plead off his greed as a programming flaw, but Megatron wasn't having any of it. He installed a bomb in Swindle's head and gave him 15 hours to rebuild his fellow Combaticons or suffer their fate. The most elusive piece was [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]'s personality component, which had been raided from a junkyard by [[Elise Presser|some]] [[Martin and Roland|high school kids]] building a [[B.O.T. (G1)|homemade robot]]. Swindle had to fight through a trio of Autobots in order to recover the personality component, but succeeded in time to have the bomb removed. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

Swindle is plainly a team player.

[[File:FiveFaces2 Scourge and Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man!]]
After the Decepticons were exiled to a burnt-out husk of a planet called [[Chaar]] in 2006, they dropped dangerously low on energon. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} When they spotted [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] spying on them, Swindle and the other Decepticons charged, only to find that their weapons were next to useless through lack of energon. The two Autobots were picked up by a [[Skuxxoid]] spaceship, and Swindle commented that the Skuxxoids would sell out to anyone, unaware that the ship had been commandeered by Autobots. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} When the [[Quintesson]]s arrived on Chaar, [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] went out to meet them, and when they announced they wanted to make a deal, Dead End deferred to Swindle's negotiating skills. After determining that the energon the Quintessons were offering was good, Swindle talked to the Quintessons about a deal, and when it turned out they wanted the Decepticons to help them destroy the Autobots, the Decepticons were happy to volunteer their services. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}}

The Decepticons were taken to [[Goo Number 8739-B|Goo]] to attack the Autobots, only for [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] to arrive partway through the battle and demand the Decepticons return to him. Swindle, perhaps foolishly, asked what Galvatron would provide for them that the Quintessons hadn't. After some more "negotiations", Galvatron entered into an alliance with the Quintessons too. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} As part of a two-pronged attack, Swindle was part of the Decepticon forces who went to Earth. They were unable to prevent [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] gaining a new [[Transformation cog (biology)|transformation cog]] however. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[File:WebWorld Swindle and Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|left|Get away from me, kid; ya bother me.]]
Swindle and the other Combaticons accompanied Galvatron to [[Paradron]], where at one point they were assigned to guard the Paradronian prisoners and failed to fend off an Autobot assault. {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}} When the Autobots threw a surprise party for [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]], the Combaticons threw a surprise attack on the Autobots, however [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] proved too much for them and they retreated in Blast Off. {{storylink|Surprise Party}}

Later, Swindle, along with [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], finally became so dissatisfied with Galvatron leadership that he openly grumbled that the Autobots would be doing the Decepticons a favor by killing Galvatron. [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] interpreted this as treason, but Swindle brushed him off. Both he and Motormaster warned Cyclonus that if Galvatron's madness wasn't cured, the Unicron-forged pair would face rebellion. {{storylink|Webworld}}

[[File:UltimateWeapon FirstAid Swindle.jpg|thumb|You got it buddy; the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away!]]
On another occasion, Swindle singlehandedly infiltrated [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] for Galvatron and miraculously managed to fend off a lone Autobot pacifist like [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] to steal the [[Titan (group)|Titan]]'s transformation cog. After returning from his mission, though, Swindle's greed got the best of him, and he attempted to make Galvatron bid for the cog. After Megatron put a bomb in his head, why Swindle thought bargaining with the even less stable Galvatron was a good idea is anyone's guess. Lucky for Swindle, Galvatron was in one of his less manic phases at the time and only blasted the greedy Combaticon a few times instead of ripping out his primary fuel pump with his [[teeth]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Weapon}}

In their combined Bruticus form, the Combaticons fought Defensor but had to split up and flee when Rodimus Prime and Sky-Lynx arrived to provide backup. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}} Also as part of Bruticus, Swindle was one of the victims of the [[Hate Plague]]. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

Swindle took part in a major assault on Cybertron, when the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]]s arrived, resulting in an Autobot defeat. The Combaticons were then put to work building a rocket engine to move Cybertron to Earth's solar system. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====

=====Scramble City=====
When the Stunticons were dispatched to hinder the Autobots from constructing [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]], they were held up by the Aerialbots, so the Combaticons were sent to aid them. Swindle combined with the others to form Bruticus, who teamed up with Menasor to defeat Superion. Unfortunately, Scramble City was finished in the meantime, and soon arrived on the scene and defeated Bruticus. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
[[File:Swindleart.jpg|left|thumb|Nice to meet you! Please disregard the gun.]]
In 2003, Swindle used his contacts to reverse-engineer the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] virus and ensure a large percentage of the Autobot force on Earth was incapacitated. {{storylink|Binaltech Is... (Chapter 1)|Binaltech Is...}} When the Autobots joined forces with Earth's manufacturing industries to create the Binaltech project, Swindle worked with Starscream and his Decepticon faction to infiltrate the project for their own ends. Using modified [[cerebro-shell]] technology to turn human workers into sleeper agents, the Decepticons managed to sneak some of their own personality components into the facilities and replace them with those of the Autobots planned for the new bodies. {{storylink|Arise! Evil Binaltechs}}

Thanks to the Decepticons' efforts, the Central City Institute of Technology thought they were upgrading the Autobot [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], only to have Swindle come online instead. Swindle's bait-and-switch wasn't totally effective, though—the Binaltech warriors only had their weaponry fully equipped and activated after coming online and arriving at Autobot City, so Swindle was not equipped with functioning versions of Trailbreaker's [[force field]] and other abilities, having to instead outfit himself with armaments from his own munitions depots. He was also banned from the Binaltech [[electro-cell]] recharging centers after his ruse was uncovered, and therefore had to rely on the [[Exponential Generator]] technology provided by Starscream's human ally, [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Though upgraded since its inception, the generators were historically unstable (like, "might blow up an entire planet" unstable). {{storylink|Expose All of Evil's Designs!}}

======BT World======
A team of Autobots zeroed-in on a base of operation of the [[Concurrence]], finding Swindle working alongside the humans. Together, Swindle and the Concurrence had built an enormous artificial transformer, powered by the energies of Prowl's Spark, currently lost across dimensions. After the giant's defeat, Swindle was taken into custody. He pleaded his innocence, stating that building the artificial transformer was the humans' idea, and that he had merely advised them throughout the process. {{storylink|Unfinished Business, Part 2}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[File:Hm4 Swindle Gun.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Swindle and the Combaticons were among Galvatron's troops when he ordered an all-out Decepticon invasion of Cybertron, {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} but even the power of Bruticus couldn't stand up to the newly arrived [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} The Combaticons were subsequently sent to Earth to stop [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] from bringing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to Optimus Prime, but were ambushed by the Protectobots and buried in a rockfall. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} They were next seen defending [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s city mode from [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|an Autobot spy]], but were distracted by the Aerialbots. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

Galvatron eventually managed to invade Cybertron once more, and Swindle and the others were again part of the attack. They soon encountered those pesky Protectobots again, {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} and were taken out of action by Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} As Galvatron was thought lost in the battle, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] took control of the Decepticon forces and ordered the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] to protect a giant carnivorous plant he had planted in [[San Francisco]]. When the Autobots arrived to kill it, Bruticus dueled with the [[Trainbot]] combiner [[Raiden]]. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} The Combaticons later fell under [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]'s command, and he ordered them, along with the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]], to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Florida|Miami]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} They unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Swindle was later present at Scorponok's inauguration as [[Decepticon leader]] after Galvatron had died for real. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} The Combaticons were then stationed at the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], where they failed to lure Fortress Maximus away from their base. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} As Scorponok's plan to destroy Earth came close to fruition, Swindle was part of Bruticus as the combiner sunk the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' and defended a [[Death Tower]] in [[Australia]] from Defensor. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} As Bruticus, the Combaticons participated in the final battle with the Autobots at the [[Arctic|North Pole]], and retreated into space when Scorponok's energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

=====''Unite Warriors''=====
[[Trickdiamond]] was rumored to have dealings with Swindle. {{storylink|Trickdiamond#Unite Warriors 2|''Unite Warriors'' Trickdiamond bio}} During an illegal arms trading market hosted by the Combaticons, Swindle decided to sell some home-made missiles... as well as Brawl's weapons. He was seen trying to explain his actions after his angry comrade noticed what was going on. {{storylink|Shopping at the Dark Bazaar!}}

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

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)|Parts 13, 14, 16}}}}
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
Swindle and the rest of the Combaticon team came to assist [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] when he got into trouble with [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. As Bruticus, the team broke Defensor apart easily enough, but fell victims to Superion's [[electrostatic discharger rifle]]. The weapon hit Swindle and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], who disconnected from Bruticus, allowing two [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] to steal their positions as Bruticus's legs. Swindle was left chasing after Bruticus as the Autobots took control of the combiner's flight systems and flew away with him. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

Megatron later ordered the Combaticons to capture an escaped [[Battle Dog]] which he had imbued with energy. [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] eventually arrived to stop them, leading to the dog using its energy to give the Autobot [[Scramble Power]]. Swindle combined with his teammates to destroy Powerglide, but he and his [[Mini-Vehicle|Minibot]] friends used Scramble Power to [[Minibot combiner|combine]] and drill a hole straight through Bruticus, forcing him to retreat. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
In the year [[2010]], Swindle participated in a Decepticon attack on the planet Feminia. He and his team merged into Bruticus in order to battle alongside Menasor and Devastator against their Autobot counterparts Superion, Defensor and Omega Supreme. The fight was fairly evenly matched until Galvatron called up his ace-in-the-hole, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], whose power was unmatched by any of the Autobots... except for the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], who essentially tied Predaking's shoelaces together until he fell over, straight into Bruticus and his chums, sending them all toppling to the ground and knocking them to bits. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}
{{note|Swindle only appears as a component of Bruticus}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
Galvatron kidnapped Doctor [[Dalton]] of [[Eran]] to upgrade the might of his combiner warriors. When the Autobot combiners arrived to save Dalton, Swindle and his teammates were deployed at high speeds from Onslaught's launcher mode. They met Superion in mid-air, and the force of their deployment enabled the combiner teams to tear him apart. The Combaticons then merged into Bruticus to move in for the kill. They were ultimately outwitted by the Autobots, however, who rescued Dalton and safely returned to Metroplex. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:EliteGuardCombaticons TheComingStorm2.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Roll up! Roll up! Buy ten packets of Energon for only E999.99! Contents may have settled during transit...]]
Swindle was part of a [[Elite Guard|Cybertron Elite Guard]] special ops unit created by [[Magnum]] to take out the various [[Decepticon leader|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}} During introductions, Swindle admired [[Dion (G1)|Dion]]'s [[Nitronium launcher]]s and offered him an [[Ajax P-9000 Grade-B Jump Launch Accelerator]] (Swindle had named his own "[[Thunderblast (G1)|Thunderblast]]" after an old flame). The Combaticons were teamed with [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s Strike Team for a mission to an archeological dig in [[Median]]. The dig had uncovered the [[Heart of the Dragon]], a powerful artifact coveted by the Decepticon [[Rage (G1)|Rage]] and his [[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtrooper]]s. When the teams arrived and discovered that the archaeologists were all females, he announced the odds were high that they would all score.

They began to fortify the site, though Onslaught had to remind Swindle that he wasn't there to sell them the fortifications. He still managed to organize a trade with [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]], providing the Autobot with a drone. He also lent [[Lancer]] his [[Gyro gun|Gyro-Gun]] and a dose of sexual harassment. The Decepticons still managed to break in to steal the urn, and even Swindle's idea of having the autoturrets shoot anyone trying to escape the city failed when the autoturrets apparently malfunctioned.

Tracking the Stormtroopers back to their mobile base, the [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], Swindle and the others were confronted by Rage's bizarre creations, the [[Minotoron]]s. Dion suggested that Swindle use a device he'd removed from Over-Run's drone to produce a high-pitched noise and subdue the beasts. Seeing an opportunity to sneak inside, [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], Swindle and Dion mounted the creatures when they were summoned back inside the Metrotitan.

The teams reassembled inside the base, only to be confronted by [[Brimstone (G1 Decepticon)|Brimstone]], a small but powerful Transformer with atom-smashing breath, brought to life by the Heart of the Dragon. In the face of this new threat, they were forced to retreat while attempting to find a way to destroy it. Even [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]'s explosives weren't enough to stop the creature, but the small frame proved to be insufficient to contain Brimstone's energies, and it soon exploded, destroying the Metrotitan. Swindle and the Elite Guard managed to escape the blast radius, and reported back to Magnum about a job well done. Swindle's report apparently read like a romance holo-pulp. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

[[File:ComingStorm3 Swindle looks for loot.jpg|thumb|upright=0.95|Come on, buddy. [[Swindle (Animated)|This should be a no processor...er]] for you.]]
The Combaticons and Strike Team continued to be teamed up for missions. They tracked down the Decepticon [[Shadowcaster]]'s base and Swindle was given the task of dropping a [[fog grenade]] in to drive the officers out into the open. He hoped there was something he could loot, but Onslaught reminded him he was on a mission. He still managed to enlist Vortex's help in looting a particularly large piece of machinery, once the mission was completed. While the Strike Team went back to base, the Constructicons stuck around to investigate the area, and were captured by Decepticons. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}

Swindle was mostly impressed by the energy bars on their cell, as he knew someone who'd pay a small fortune for the technology. The Combaticons were brought before [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], though Swindle was unable to take his eyes off the mountains of gold the Decepticon possessed. Deathsaurus persuaded the team to join his group of Decepticons. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}} He bestowed on the team new armor, and the ability to merge into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. A week later, the Combaticons took part in an attack on Elite Guard HQ, and when confronted by [[Sentinel Major]], showed off their new [[Combiner]] mode. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} Bruticus managed to slaughter pretty much all of the Guard before Dion blinded the giant, forcing them to separate. They headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

Repairs proceeded, but the Combaticons were startled to learn that Deathsaurus could force them to combine into Bruticus at will. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 1}} {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} They still turned out to help defend the base against the remnants of the Elite Guard. In mid battle, Swindle tried to interest Dion in a supply of quasar weapons, much to the Autobot's surprise. As the Combaticons gained the upper hand, they attempted to merge, only to be blasted mid-combination. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}} They picked themselves up only to find that Blast Off was missing, so they couldn't make another try at forming Bruticus. Swindle was almost attacked by Dion, but another Decepticon surprised the Autobot from behind. At the end of the fight, the Combaticons failed to retreat fast enough and were subsequently taken into Elite Guard custody. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

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

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Buster combaticons second generation.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.7]]
''Thanks to his brief time housing the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] in his mind, [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] experienced a series of dreams outlining the future of Cybertronian technology: the [[Special Teams]]. These dreams were random and chaotic at first, as he was chased through his dreamscape by [[Combiner]] robots and witnessed the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] merge into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. After [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] joined Buster in his dreams, the information became more linear, and the Autobot and human beheld a future scenario in which Swindle and the Combaticons joined forces with the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] against the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. Working off this information, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] began to conceive a way to reverse-engineer and improve upon [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'s combination technology. Unfortunately for the Autobots, [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] had managed to tap into Buster's dream frequency, and the Decepticons received the same information to build their own Special Teams.'' {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}} {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[File:Swindle brawl afterdeath.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
On his first mission on Earth, Swindle joined the Combaticons and [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] on a mission to invade the company Energy Futures Industries in order to steal a [[hydrothermocline]], which the Decepticons wanted to take for their own energy resources. When they arrived, they were met by Optimus Prime and the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], laying in wait for them. Swindle combined with his team to form Bruticus, but before the giant got a chance to brawl with [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], [[Ethan Zachary|a human]] suggested that they'd play a [[Multi-World|video game]] over the plant instead. Optimus Prime and Megatron both agreed, and Swindle was sent into the video game along with the other Combaticons, Protectobots, and faction leaders. Swindle teamed up with [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] to destroy [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] and [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] in the "Vineland" area of the game. However, they were tripped up by a bunch of vine creatures, [[Decrystallizer cannon|crystallized]], and [[Compressed air cannon|blown to smithereens]]. Game over. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}} ''These events were observed by the [[time travel]]ling [[Dicet Alpha-zero]].'' {{storylink|The Quest!}}

[[File:Swindle marvel uk 137.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|This is all kinds of wrong.]]
Swindle was idling about in Megatron's throne room, where he witnessed the now mentally unhinged faction leader lash out erratically to all those around him. He soon accompanied his fellow Decepticons to a new base in the [[Caribbean Sea|Caribbean]], during which time Megatron disappeared and Shockwave assumed command of the Earth-bound Decepticons. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}} ''Shortly afterwards, Shockwave dispatched Swindle and the other Combaticons to assassinate [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who had been buried under cooled lava at [[Mount Verona]]. The Combaticons made short work of the human military camped around the site, then proceeded to set up explosive charges to eliminate the potential usurper once and for all. As Swindle was setting his share of the charges, he was struck down by the combined efforts of [[Joy Meadows|three]] [[Susan Hoffman|human]] [[Cindy Newell|women]], out to save [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ultra Magnus]], also buried within the volcano. The rest of the Combaticons were driven off with the additional help of the [[Throttlebot]]s, earning them the ire of Swindle and his teammates.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}}

[[File:Swindle marvel uk 138.jpg|thumb|Lamb bhuna last night?]]
Swindle and his team tracked the Throttlebots to a used car lot, finding their prey immobilized in their vehicle modes. But to get to them, the Combaticons had to contend with both the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and a squadron of [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] operatives. In order to avoid wholesale destruction of his lot, the proprietor of the dealership suggested each faction put in a bid for the Throttlebots, and all present accepted. Onslaught had nothing to bargain with however, and zero intention of actually following through with the agreement. He instructed Swindle to simply terminate the auctioneer, [[Big Steve Ludwig (G1)|Big Steve Ludwig]], only for Blaster to leap forth from a hiding spot and toss Swindle away before he got his shot in. This triggered an all-out brawl to start, ending with the Combaticons retreating and the Throttlebots in RAAT custody. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} The Combaticons decided to ambush the Protectobots once more, this time meeting them in a sprawling train yard. The group was forced to regroup and combine into Bruticus early in the fight, the combiner's brute strength securing them a victory over the similarly merged [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. But the dim-witted Bruticus was then tricked by Blaster into lowering his guard, and the Autobot collapsed an electrical tower onto his opponent, knocking his components into unconsciousness. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

Swindle had better success during the Decepticon ambush of the Autobots on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], where the Autobots had gathered to resolve a leadership dispute. Swindle attacked [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] with his Scatter Blaster and commented that although Brawn was not a great Autobot warrior, he would have a bright future as spare parts (presumably to be sold at a premium by Swindle himself). When the combined forces of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] managed to pierce the ship's protective force field, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] commanded all Decepticons on the surface of the Moon to return to the ship and retreat. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Swindle also served as part of the "friendly" staff on the beach of the Decepticons' Caribbean island when the Decepticons used the base as a human vacation resort. Swindle was there to serve every need that the humans might require. {{storylink|Club Con!}}
{{-}}

''Eventually, the Combaticons fell under the command of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. On his orders, Swindle's team staged a raid on the [[Rutter U.S. Military Base]]. There, they secured two armed warheads and components from an advanced guidance computer. The Protectobots intervened part-way through the theft, but once Blast Off cleared the area with the loot, the rest of the team used hit-and-run tactics to fend their rivals off, eventually managing their own getaway.''

''Afterwards, the remaining Combaticons went to check on [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s progress at [[Alternate Reality, Inc.]], where Scorponok had likewise tasked them to steal a [[floppy disk]] containing a back-up copy of Optimus Prime's mind. They found [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] about to shoot the jets out of the sky, and blasted the Combiner in the back, crippling him before he could pull the trigger. With the mission a success, Swindle's group then made themselves scarce.'' {{storylink|Prime Bomb!}}

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

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:TheGatheringDarkness-Swindle.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|The skull of the former Decepticon leader is always the highlight of Swindle's tour of their headquarters.]]
Swindle gave [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] a tour of the [[Warworld]] when the Decepticon leader forcibly took command of the Decepticons back from [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]. This ultimately led to a chamber where many [[Bludgeon's new army|new Decepticon bodies]] awaited, needing the Matrix to give them life. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness|Tales of Earth Part Three}}

He was later seen briefly as part of the first wave of defenders when the Warworld was attacked by the next-generation Cybertronians commanded by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] after the Autobots and Decepticons had forged an alliance of necessity against said forces. Swindle's fate was not revealed, but considering the Cybertronian troops—led by the traitor [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]]—killed several Decepticons and ultimately overtook the battleship, it didn't look too good for Swindle. {{storylink|Total War!}}
{{-}}

===The Special Teams===
Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons were created by Starscream on a remote Pacific island, by combining military vehicles with Energon cubes. They then drove to the [[Pullen Power Plant]], passing Optimus Prime en route, though the Autobot leader was none-the-wiser to the Decepticons in disguise. Onslaught, Brawl and Swindle arrived first on the battlefield, coming upon Menasor already engaged in battle with Defensor. Onslaught then ordered to rest of his team to merge with him to form Bruticus. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
Swindle was among the Decepticons under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s leadership who set up a secret base in a [[human]] industrial estate within striking distance of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. When [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] came snooping around, Swindle spotted him and gave chase, but Bumblebee hid among the wrecked cars in a wreckers yard. Apparently Swindle never told anyone their base had been found, as it was a complete surprise when the Autobots later attacked and drove the Decepticons off. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}

===St. Michael ''The Transformers'' Sticker Book===
{{notemultipath}}
Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons served under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] on a Decepticon ship, when they managed to shoot down the ship being captained by Ultra Magnus. After the Autobots crash-landed on planet [[Barrenikon]], the Decepticons landed their ship nearby to finish off their enemies. In the many possible adventures that followed, Swindle and the other Decepticons often underestimated you, which often led to them losing to the Autobots, leaving them either stranded on Barrenikon, or fleeing after they received too much damage. That is, if you somehow didn't get yourself killed at their hands. {{storylink|The Transformers Sticker Book (St. Michael)|The Transformers Sticker Book}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:WarWithin4 Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Want to see more of me? Well, you can't.]]
Swindle sided with Starscream when the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] briefly usurped command of the Decepticons from Megatron, shortly after the onset of the Cybertronian civil war. He assisted in forcibly extracting data from [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] so that Starscream could uncover the full extent of Megatron's plans before his supplanting. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}}

Millions of years later, Swindle, along with his fellow Combaticons, was imprisoned by Shockwave, presumably as war criminals under the terms of the new peace treaty with the Autobots. {{Storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} He was sprung by Starscream after the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'''s crew returned to Cybertron, though, in a bid to plunder Earth of its ressources while the Autobots were too busy overthrowing Shockwave's regime. {{Storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

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

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

[[File:G1 DWSwindle deal routetoallevil.jpg|left|upright=1.5|thumb|Who wouldn't trust a bot named "Swindle"?]]
The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal, where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. When Swindle commented on Starscream's mental state, Brawl agreed, stating that he'd like to pull the Air Commander's cerebro circuits straight out of his faceplate so they could get a better look at them, to which Swindle suggested a "deal" for this to happen. Starscream overheard their conversation and informed the smaller Decepticon that the only "deal" he needed to worry about was how Starscream would deal with Swindle for his scheming. Starscream nevertheless let it pass for the moment in order for the Combaticons to test themselves against the magnificent Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. Unfortunately, the Combaticons did not fare well when the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, with Swindle, Brawl and Onslaught nearly getting crushed by the Lynx's right paw.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] showed up as soon as Sky Lynx was deactivated. As the Combaticons closed in on the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]] [[combiner]], Swindle had trouble keeping up with the rest of the group before they formed Bruticus. This encounter also did not end well. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''The Beast Within''===
During a particularly violent battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons, Swindle combined with his fellow Combaticons in order to square off against [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]]. It didn't go well, to say the least. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus]]

[[File:LawAndDisorder-Swindle.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Honest Swindle seems nice enough, but there's something about him I don't trust." "Maybe it's the fact his office is an SUV with the engine running."]]
Shortly prior to the formation of the Decepticons, Swindle was working as a lackey for [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] during the height of his gladiator period. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}} During the tenure of [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]], Swindle was busted by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]]'s officers for peddling [[simultronic]]s. {{storylink|Post}} He was soon back on the street, now running a weapons-manufacturing warehouse and creating weapons that were later used to kill forty-three citizens of [[Peptex]]. His operations were soon busted by Orion Pax's officers again.{{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 5: Endless Forever|Endless Forever}}

Later, Swindle was once again the target of Orion Pax's team in the streets of [[Nyon]], where he was selling stolen Autobot materials to some sleepers. He fought against Orion Pax, who quickly overpowered him and ordered him to give more details about Megatron. However, Swindle preferred to explain how the Decepticons were about to bring Cybertron to a new era, freed from oppression and corruption, and how, by using uncontrolled violence, Orion Pax was proving him right. The latter, about to shoot Swindle in the head, was stopped by Bumblebee, and Swindle was captured alive. {{storylink|Law and Disorder}} When he failed to provide any useful intel on the Decepticons during interrogation, [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] decided to use Swindle as an example of the [[vamparc ribbon]]'s power. He was taken to the [[Primacy Auditorium]], where Zeta used a vamparc unit to drain his energy in order to demonstrate its powers to the [[Senate]]. {{storylink|Parasites}}

Establishing the [[Raw Deal]] pawn broker, Swindle began selling information gathered from other Decepticons, though his sources dried up after Megatron's first defeat. This got him into trouble with [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]], who was using his info to plan heists, but luckily the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobot]] thought he might come in handy later and opted not to send the Autobots after him. {{storylink|Derelicts}} Swindle was present when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] declared himself the new Decepticon leader, but doubted his claim to have exiled Megatron to the mythical planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]]. {{storylink|Wreckage (issue)|Wreckage}} He and the other Combaticons opposed Scorponok's ruthless reign and left Cybertron, making their way to the [[Presidium (planet)|Presidium]], the location of an old armory Swindle had bought access codes to. Within they found [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]], who had leaked the codes to Swindle for a chance to meet the Combaticons and let them know Megatron was back. {{storylink|Primacy issue 2|Primacy #2}}

[[File:SpotlightUltraMagnusSwindle.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Swindle: Master salespitcher.]]
As the war began in earnest between the Autobots and Decepticons, Swindle, [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] were stationed on [[Varas Centralus]]. The Constructicons committed some atrocity that was enough to cause Sky-Byte to abandon the Decepticon cause. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}}

In modern times, Swindle was an arms dealer being hunted down by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] for violating the [[Tyrest Accord]]. After failing to hide from Magnus on the planet [[Zull]] 29 solar cycles in the past, he managed to deal for his freedom by selling Magnus information on the whereabouts of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. Magnus later caught Swindle again, but it would seem he managed to bargain for his freedom once again. {{storylink|Spotlight: Ultra Magnus}}

Quite some time later, Swindle was one of several Decepticons who were stranded on Earth after Megatron's defeat in [[New York City]]. Ever the opportunist, he saw a market open to him in the chaos that had followed, and made contact with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]] of [[Skywatch]] to secretly supply the human organization with Cybertronian weaponry. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}

[[File:TF Ongoing issue 3 Swindle.jpg|left|thumb|Cool story, bro.]]
Swindle then joined a small band of other stranded Decepticons. At first, the group tried to follow the high-ranking [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]], but his disenchantment with the Decepticons and the war led them to fall in behind Swindle, the fast-talking cheat, the one who could always survive against all odds. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}} For three months Swindle led them into a canyon where they stalked the mighty Autobot [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], waiting for a chance to strike. However, when they observed a group of Autobots led by [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] in discussions with Omega, Swindle realized he could fool the hot-headed and naive Autobot for his own designs. Launching a seemingly ill-conceived attack on the Autobots, Swindle quickly manipulated Hot Rod by asking the very question that had been on the Autobot's mind: What were they fighting about? What reason was there to continue fighting? Posing these questions to all the assembled transformers, Swindle proposed an alliance between the two groups with the aim of getting off-planet. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} After the alliance was made, while Hot Rod tried to enlist the assistance of [[Jetfire (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Jetfire]] to help them build their starship, [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] had their doubts about working with the Decepticons, and Swindle grinning at them didn't improve their mood any. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}}

While their ship was under construction, Swindle attempted to pressure Hot Rod into allowing the Decepticons to retrieve the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] who had been imprisoned by [[Skywatch]], but Hot Rod wisely refused. Seeing this path going nowhere, Swindle instead suggested the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] rescue [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], and before Hot Rod was able to voice opposition, Swindle smoothly massaged Hot Rod's ego, claiming the Autobot was the "architect of a new age", that the others admired him, and that these "followers" had given him a new moniker: "Rodimus Prime". With Hot Rod distracted by these praised and accolades, Swindle was given the go-ahead to rescue Breakdown. Unfortunately, as he was discussing his plans with the Stunticons, Ultra Magnus showed up, forcing Swindle to hide. When Magnus discovered and tried to arrest the Decepticon criminal, "Rodimus Prime" stepped in and refused to allow his fellow Autobot to capture Swindle. The Decepticon was seemingly grateful to Rodimus, but Thundercracker knew he was up to something, but wasn't sure what. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|Seasons in Flight}}

[[File:Enemies of the System Swindle combiner tech.jpg|thumb|right|"Remember, no refunds!"]]
Soon afterwards, the Stunticons successfully rescued Breakdown from the clutches of Spike Witwicky, an officer in Skywatch. Bringing him back to base, Swindle worked on Breakdown for over three hours, under the pretense that the battered Decepticon needed significant repairs, much to the ire of the Autobots, bar the ever-naive Hot Rod. Ultra Magnus returned, this time with [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]] and several of his Autobots. When the Autobots started arguing, Swindle stepped in, revealing that the Decepticons had always planned to steal the space ship after killing as many Autobots as they could. When Ultra Magnus countered that the Autobots had them outnumbered, Swindle unveiled his latest creation—the Stunticons [[combiner|combined]] into the powerful gestalt [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. As the Autobots gaped, Swindle ordered Menasor to kill Magnus first. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 4: "Enemies of the System"|Enemies of the System}}

[[File:PoliceAction3-Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|left|Swindle's disarming smile backfires.]]
Swindle gloated in triumph as Menasor tore through the assembled Autobots. He was so enamored with this that he failed to notice Optimus Prime being air-dropped by Skywatch until he had landed on him. Heavily damaged, Swindle climbed from the impact crater and watched in horror as Prime led the Autobots against Menasor, resulting in the destruction of the escape ship. Despite his damages, Swindle was able to slip away before Skywatch seized control of the area, much to Ultra Magnus's chagrin. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

In need of energy, Swindle traveled to [[North Korea]] and struck a deal with local ruler [[Kim Jong Du]], offering him the Combaticons as an invasion force in exchange for energon. He then got out of there as soon as he got what he needed, leaving the other Combaticons behind. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}

Returning to America, Swindle created [[Ben Simpson]], a [[facsimile construct]] who would act as a spokesman of the anti-Transformer group [[Earth's Children]]. Using Simpson, he fanned the flames of human hatred against Autobots, allowing him to sell them powerful and mind-corrupting weapons built from Megatron's parts. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}} When [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] began investigating Spike Witwicky, Swindle had [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] try to kill him, but the attempt failed. He had, however, planted a failsafe in Brawl's body that shut him down when Prowl tried to find out who sent him. {{storylink|Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|Only Forward}} Soon afterwards, Ultra Magnus decided that the Autobots had had enough of Ben Simpson's campaign against them, and went with Skywatch to his home to detain him. Swindle, based nearby, tried to make his escape, but was beaten down by Ultra Magnus, had his arm ripped off and was dragged back to Autobot HQ. During interrogation he revealed everything about his schemes, including the fact that Witwicky had been playing both sides, causing the Autobots to sever their connections with Skywatch. {{storylink|Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|A Second Chance at Eden}}

[[File:HowToSayGoodbyeAndMeanIt-Swindle.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.2|"I don't want to sell you death sticks. I want to go home and rethink my life."]] When the Autobots returned to Cybertron, they brought Swindle with them and imprisoned him alongside the other Decepticons. He tried to strike a deal with Optimus Prime to get out, but was unsuccessful. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime}} It wasn't long before he got back in business, however, selling [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|golden discs]] containing footage of Cybertronians dying. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|Interiors}} Swindle was later working with cleaning trash out of the reclamation tunnels and annoyed [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] by rambling nonstop about how Starscream was making things better for the Decepticons by getting them jobs and such. {{storylink|Devisive}} After witnessing Prowl's murder of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and the Constructicons, Dirge shared his story with Swindle who in turn shared it with Sky-Byte when he came looking for information on Cybertron's post-war society. Swindle took him to meet Dirge and Needlenose only to be discovered by Prowl's Autobots, though he and Dirge managed to escape during the confusion of the ensuing fight. {{storylink|A Better Tomorrow}}

Believing that Starscream was getting too friendly with the Autobots to represent Decepticon interests, Swindle instead brought Dirge and his witness testimony to [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]] in hopes that ''he'' would become Decepticon leader. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|Dinobot Hunt}} Following a bombing on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], Dirge began to worry that Shockwave had orchestrated the attack after hearing what he had to say, making him indirectly responsible. Swindle advised him to just let things happen and not try to make things about him, a lesson he himself had learned after his experiences on Earth, but Dirge couldn't just stand by and spilled the beans to Starscream, who in turn help hide him and Swindle from Prowl ''and'' Shockwave. {{storylink|The End of the Beginning of the World}}

[[File:BeforeTheDawn AstrotrainSkracratssh.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|"Astrotrain, you're costing me an arm and a leg!"]]
When the return of Megatron was causing the other Decepticons to riot in the streets, the two were plucked out of their hiding place by [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] and brought to [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. There, Dirge announced that he was willing to testify against Prowl directly to Autobot leader Bumblebee, against Swindle's protests that it was a terrible idea. {{storylink|The Verge}} Convinced that something was up with Prowl, Bumblebee took Dirge, Swindle and several others with him to investigate, but as the group was attacked by Decepticons as they approached Prowl's quarters. Run down by [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Swindle lost an arm and leg and was left behind as the others were taken away to see Megatron. {{storylink|Before the Dawn}}

Having survived only thanks to [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] pushing him out of the train's way, a grateful Swindle brought him and several other injured Autobots to safety away from the Decepticon riots. In the process he was discovered by [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]], who was unimpressed by his empathy and prepared to execute the Autobots, only to be chased away by some neutrals. {{storylink|Heavy Is the Head}} Having had enough of all the fighting, Swindle renounced his faction and remained in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] when Starscream, now leader of the neutrals, had all Autobots and Decepticons banished from the city. {{storylink|Second Exodus}} He was among those who helped Blurr rebuild Maccadam's Old Oil House after it was burned down during the riots, {{storylink|Three Monologues}} and was standing guard at the city walls when the light of the [[Necrotitan]]'s arrival lit up Iacon. {{storylink|Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|Dark Dawn}}

Several months later, Swindle was at Blurr's bar when [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] stopped by looking for information on Starscream, and let her know that even ''he'' was disgusted by the Seeker's way of selling people out. {{storylink|A 'Bot and Her City}} When Windblade's snooping got her, Blurr and others imprisoned by Starscream, Swindle helped [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] bust them out. {{storylink|Windblade issue 3|Windblade #3}} He continued to visit Maccadam's and seemed to be becoming very good friends with Blurr. {{storylink|The World of Tomorrow}} During an investigation into several murders in the Decepticon ghetto, Swindle provided intel on where to find the [[Firecon]]s, the main suspects. {{storylink|Quest for Fire}}

[[File:FirstContact SwindleEnigma.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|right|"It surges, it merges. It turns a quintet into a boxset!"]]
After an enjoyable day watching the Stunticons try and fail to take on Optimus Prime, he was approached by Starscream who offered him use of the [[Enigma of Combination]] in robbing the colony world [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] of its riches. Despite having told himself he had put his glory days behind him, Swindle was blinded by greed and accepted, using the Enigma to turn the Stunticons back into Menasor and bringing him to Caminus. {{storylink|First Contact (IDW)|First Contact}} Finding none of the promised riches, however, he quickly realized Starscream had tricked him. Failing to convince the raging Menasor to return to Cybertron, he tried to sneak away by himself only to be captured by one of Starscream's [[Badgeless]]. {{storylink|The Sum and Its Parts}} His pleas that it was all Starscream's idea were, of course, in vain, and he was spirited away to Starscream's secret prison. {{storylink|The Possible Light}}

Before long, Swindle was broken out by [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], who told him to cause a diversion while he stole the Enigma. Agreeing to the deal, he took Menasor and set out to occupy the city's [[space bridge]] chamber, recruiting all manner of unhappy Decepticons with the promise that they could start a new life on Caminus. {{storylink|You, Me, and the Universe}} During their stand-off with the bridge's guards, Windblade and [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]], Starscream arrived and shot Swindle in the back, mortally wounding him. He whispered to Rattrap that there was proof of his deal with Starscream, then seemingly expired. {{storylink|All That Remains}} Rattrap and Wheeljack secretly moved his body into the depths of Metroplex, where Wheeljack tried his best to save Swindle's life so that they might learn what evidence Swindle had against Starscream. He did, sorta: Swindle was alive, but brain dead. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}}

[[File:ThingsWeSaidWedNeverDo SwindleBrainDead.jpg|thumb|left|''zzzzzzzzz...no refunds...zzzzzzzzz'']]
The other Combaticons would later begin spray-painting the phrase "Swindle Lives" on walls as a symbol of their resistance against the [[Council of Worlds]] {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} because a mysterious informant known as "[[Rattrap (BW)|DC-357]]" sent Onslaught a message regarding Swindle's possession of information against Starscream. {{storylink|07:00:00}} Later, Rattrap and Wheeljack were forced by the Combaticons to lead them to Swindle. Unperturbed by his brain-dead status, Onslaught had Rattrap retrieve the Enigma of Combination, {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}} which he used on his team so that they might find Swindle's evidence. Swindle became the left leg of their combined form, [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], but his brain dead mind wreaked havoc on the combiner's psyche. After rampaging through Iacon, Bruticus was eventually brought down. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

Starscream, wanting another combiner on his side, had the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] repair Swindle's body, and try to manipulate the Combaticons' minds so that he would have Bruticus under control. Because the Combaticons minds had imprinted on each other during their combination, Airachnid found them more susceptible to the process, and she and Starscream bribed the aware-of-the-manipulation Blast Off into covering any holes in the story. As a result, Swindle would believe that he and the other Combaticons were Starscream's secret bodyguards, and that he had been blasted in the line of duty with some angles making it appear that Starscream had shot him, with the Combaticons forming of Bruticus having been a last-ditch attempt to save Swindle's life. {{storylink|The Price of You}} After a few days, Blast Off demanded to see Swindle himself. As Airachnid was finishing up on manipulating and repairing him, Swindle greeted his teammate, thanking Blast Off for how far he and the others had apparently gone to save him. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

During the final debate before the election to decide the new leader of Cybertron, Starscream revealed all of his crimes to the public, including the manipulation of the Combaticons. As a result, Swindle and the other Combaticons were imprisoned for their rampage as Bruticus. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

{{--}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
Swindle stumbled onto a goldmine—selling off the Decepticon arsenal to the [[human]]s. Unfortunately one of his clients, [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Faghadi]], was pushy and demanded his weapons ''now'', at length, while Swindle was trying to work. Swindle realized there was a way he could turn even this to his advantage. With the help of one of his [[Sato Noriko|other clients]], he was able to set Faghadi up to be captured by [[NATO]], demonstrating the weapons in the process, and making an even bigger sale to the Japanese into the bargain. Everything went perfectly, except Megatron found out where the Decepticon weapons had been disappearing to, and dispatched [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] to bring Swindle in. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===''TransTech''===
[[File:Swindleswindleandswindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Perhaps you'd be interested in something every homeowner cannot be without: volcano insurance!"]]
There are three Swindles running the pawn shop "[[Swindle, Swindle and Swindle]]". The jingle says it all. As does the image of three grinning Swindle heads on their sign.
<blockquote>"Three times the Swindle means three times the deal.
Come on down, it's a total steal!"</blockquote>

*Swindle the first: He's red!
*Swindle the second: He's tan but purple-chested.
*Swindle the third: He's tan but gray-chested.

[[Bad Boy]] and [[Treds]] stumbled on Swindle, Swindle and Swindle while looking for a bodyshop [[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]] had visited. They managed to persuade one of the Swindles that it would be in his best interest if he told them about Bug Bite's visit. Swindle showed them to the repair bay where they discovered Bug Bite had adopted a new [[C1186-P0019]] body. Before the pair left, Swindle raised the matter of Bug Bite's outstanding account, and they reluctantly paid it. {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

Finding himself trapped in a lowtech body, [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]] dropped in to Swindle, Swindle and Swindle for an examination to prove he'd been [[spark]] transplanted. Though the Swindles didn't seem to quite believe his story, they conducted the tests and found nothing. After getting the trio to make some repairs to himself, Bulletbike continued on his quest. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}}

During his time as a columnist for [[Axiom Nexus News]], [[Vector Prime]] bought a [[hyper-frame]] [[Anatomic euphemism#Manifold|manifold]] from Swindle, Swindle and Swindle on one day, {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 2, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 02/08/2015}} and a [[Cyber-forcep|cyberforcep]] on another day. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 24, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 24/08/2015}} After Vector Prime abdicated the position {{storylink|Source:Axiom Nexus News Editor#October 1, 2015|Axiom Nexus News Editor, 01/10/2015}} and Grimlock's tenure was abruptly cut short {{storylink|Source:Axiom Nexus News Editor#October 3, 2015|Axiom Nexus News Editor, 03/10/2015}}, one of (or perhaps all of) the Swindles took the post, answering questions while advertising the many products available at Swindle, Swindle & Swindle. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Guest column#Swindle's Spiel|Swindle's Spiel}} After a few days, Swindle was fired from the column due to subverting the terms of his paid contract, which specified that he would only answer questions. {{storylink|Source:Axiom Nexus News Editor#October 6, 2015|Axiom Nexus News Editor, 06/10/2015}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Another Episode, Part 1}} {{storylink|Another Episode, Part 2}}}}

===Starscream's New Power===
[[File:Starscream's New Power Combaticons.jpg|thumb|100px|left]]
Swindle attempted to apprehend Starscream, only to be driven back when the latter got his hands on weapons from [[Shockwave's Tower|Shockwave's lab]]. {{storylink|Starscream's New Power}}
{{-}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
[[File:KreoComic7 swindle hydra oldsnake.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Summoned by Starscream to act as his elite squad (whose first mission, of course, was to overthrow [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]), Swindle rolled onto the scene alongside [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], and a repainted [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]. When Onslaught and Brawl declared their specialties (strategy and destruction respectively), Swindle proudly offered to sell-off any blocks they recovered. Like Onslaught and Brawl, Swindle was irritated when Vortex offered to stay behind and guard the base. Even though the Combaticons combined into Bruticus, Vortex constant worry for the base's safety compelled the team to withdraw. When Starscream, under imminent threat of a beating from Megatron, contacted the team to demand to know where they were, Swindle joined his teammates in happily informing their illustrious leader they were all protecting the base together. Aww. {{Storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}}

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

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
The Combaticons infiltrated [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] disguised as their vehicles, with Swindle taking on the form of an APC. During the Decepticon-[[Cobra]] attack on the [[United Nations]], the Combaticons revealed themselves and combined into Bruticus to fight [[GIJONIN]]. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}}
{{-}}
===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===

Swindle was following [[Megatron (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Megatron]] before the Decepticon movement even existed, and was one of few Decepticons to survive every second of the Great War. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}

The [[Combaticon (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Combaticons]] fought multiple tours together. It's likely that the first one of these was when they all changed their alternate modes to Earth-based ones. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

The team often needled and frustrated [[Brawl (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Brawl]] in order to make better use of his focused battlefield fury. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

Swindle had a real reputation for being the most famous con-man on Cybertron, to the point where the Combaticons only get along with him because they knew better than to trust him with ''anything''. He also had a bad habit of trading Cybertronian technology with other species, which put him on the wrong side of the [[Tyrest Accord]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Ultra Magnus]]. As a result, he stuck close to his teammates. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}

Bruticus as a combined form was created by [[Shockwave (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Shockwave]] for the express purpose of pummeling Autobots. {{storylink|Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Shockwave's bio}}

[[Blast Off (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Blast Off]] was captured at one point, leaving the team unable to form Bruticus. Eventually, they were reunited. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

The Combaticons were posted on Cybertron during the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Vortex's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

===''Combiner Wars'' cartoon===
Swindle was among the Decepticon troops who bore witness to a pivotal duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron, one meant to end the war before the never-ending arms race between the two factions spiralled further out of control. {{storylink|Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Optimus Prime}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Swindle served as the defense lawyer for [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and their [[binary bonding|binary bond]] partners at their trial following the disastrous [[Great Push]]. Thanks to his efforts, the defendants were acquitted of some of the charges, but Galvatron and Scourge were ultimately sentenced to execution. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

===''Bumblebee'' graphic novels===
[[File:WinIfYouDare-Swindle.jpg|thumb|right|250px|PEPE SILVIA!]]
Although he'd been kicked out of the Decepticons, Swindle remained in touch with his Combaticon allies and sought to get himself back into Megatron's good graces by stealing [[human]] military secrets, a mission that led him to stake out a small [[California]]n town where the United States Air Force prepared to test their new [[B-2 stealth bomber]], a secret anti-Decepticon weapon, at the [[Sierra Station]] airbase. Swindle and the other Combaticons moved into an [[Herman's Military Surplus and Museum|abandoned airfield]] on the outskirts of town by strongarming the owner [[Herman]] into complying, and turned the run-down facility into a makeshift base while the team planned their heist—stealing and applying the plane's stealth technology would make them invisible to human and Autobot sensors.

In between spying on the military, Swindle blew off steam by participating in illegal street races in [[Yosemite National Park]]. During one such race, Swindle nearly ran his competitor [[Mateo Cruz]] off the road, and the teenager likely would've died if not for the surprise intervention of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. The next morning, Swindle spied on project director [[Angela Cruz]] as she prepared to unveil the project the next day, unaware that his target was also Mateo's mother. Later that day, Bumblebee and Mateo headed into town to find the "mystery Jeep" from the previous night for a rematch, and a tipoff from Mateo's friend [[Nicole]] led the duo to Herman's museum. Mateo confronted Herman and accidentally uncovered evidence of the Combaticon plot; momentarily fearing that the Autobots had caught onto his plan, Swindle fled the base, successfully outmaneuvered his foe at a railroad crossing, and warned the little yellow Autobot to stay out of his way.

[[File:WinifYouDare-SwindleAltMode.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Dude, those animals are so slagging funny they make me wanna merge without looking! YEAH, RUMSFELD!!"]]

That night, Swindle sabotaged the road to Sierra Station to blow Angela Cruz's tires, then masqueraded as a military police vehicle to lure her inside his [[alternate mode]]. Once she took the bait, Swindle captured her and took her back to Herman's museum, where he and three of the Combaticons intended to intimidate Angela into handing over the secrets behind the human stealth process. However, while Swindle was momentarily distracted by footage of Vortex battling Bumblebee, Angela momentarily distracted the Decepticon jeep long enough to make her escape and commandeer one of the decommissioned planes to make a daring escape. Swindle and the other Combaticons gave chase and confronted Bee outside of Sierra Station; with the compound now on high alert and their careful plan falling apart, the Combaticons decided to throw caution to the wind, form Bruticus, and simply smash the base to take what they wanted. Agile as ever, Bumblebee proved able to outwit the combiner, and a second barrage from the human military reduced the combiner back into his components. Onslaught advised simply stealing the aircraft and reverse-engineering the process later, but Swindle refused, shouting that he ''needed'' this win to prove himself to Megatron. Amidst the chaos, the Combaticons didn't notice Bumblebee and his human friends piloting the bomber they sought to steal, and a subsequent barrage of electromagnetic pulse bombs knocked the five out cold. The next morning, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots arrived to take the incapacitated Decepticons into custody. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare|Win If You Dare}}
{{-}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Open Comms|''Transformers'' Valentine's Day Special]] (cameo); [[Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|''Transformers'' #20]] (full)}}

[[File:Swindles-SwindleTeam.jpg|thumb|right|350px|"Trademark "''Team Swindle''", I want a [[shanix]] every time someone says it!"]]

At some point, Swindle posed in a group photo with many Cybertronians, including [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]. {{Storylink|Open Comms}} Swindle owned and operated [[Swindle's]], an illicit entertainment venue where patrons could bet on [[skitter]] races and enjoy under-the-table [[energon]]. As the proprietor, Swindle employed a variety of like-minded 'bots to help run numbers, work the crowd, and procure black market goods; these included [[Trickdiamond]], [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]], [[Headlock (G1)|Headlock]], and [[Singe]]. Swindle's various business ventures made him known to [[Security Operations]], and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] enjoyed a particularly contentious relationship with him; despite Swindle's borderline criminal activities, Prowl was never able to nail him on concrete charges. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|Swindle's}} In fact, some in Security Operations even found Swindle useful. Back when [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] was running Sec-Ops, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] went to work for Swindle, using him to eliminate the more dangerous criminal, [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]. Smokescreen learned a good deal about Swindle's operation during this "seconding". {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Two}}

Forever seeking new avenues of profit, Swindle began stealing and selling energon to the terrorist group known as [[The Rise]]; when the [[Tether]] fell, Singe and Gutcruncher were outsourcing some stolen energon for their new client [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|Swindle's}} However, Singe ran afoul of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and wound up in police custody; {{storylink|Arcee/Greenlight: Run}} when Mindwipe arrived at Swindle's to pick up his shipment, Swindle informed him that his agents had been intercepted during the heist. Furious, Mindwipe shouted that Security would have already traced them back to Swindle. When Prowl's team ''did'' arrive, Swindle feigned innocence during the scuffle, but Prowl had Swindle taken into custody regardless. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|Swindle's}}

[[File:WarWorldHunt-jailbreak.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

As Swindle was cooling his heels in jail, however, the sitting government fell before the Rise and the Ascenticon party, forming the Decepticons in its wake. Trickdiamond and Headlock haggled with Swindle to free him from lock-up, blowing out his bars and the wall of his cell. Hearing that his muscle Gutcruncher had run off to join the revolution, Swindle decided to do some quick shopping before they left. Surveying the other cells, Swindle decided there was no profit left in Singe, and [[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]] was a zealot who wouldn't play ball. [[Roughstuff]], however, was a scorned ex-member of the Rise, and a nice source of muscle. Finally, Swindle was impressed with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s story, killing a veteran soldier like the Rise's [[Quake (G1)|Quake]]. In exchange for getting Bumblebee next to his new target, [[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]], Swindle negotiated for the little yellow bot's services. {{storylink|War World: Hunt}}

As Iacon quickly became a city for Decepticons only, Swindle negotiated with [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] of the Decepticon Guard to stay open. Once their license for business was secured, Swindle had Trickdiamond prep their favorite game of pumping loud-mouthed customers for information they could sell or otherwise profit from. [[Twirl (G1)|Twirl]], [[Nautilator]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Refraktor]] were three inebriated Decepticon ripe for the questioning. Swindle learned that [[Elita One (G1)|Elita-1]] (Bumblebee's sympathetic former boss from the [[Ascenticon Guard]]) was being moved through Decepticon custody. In exchange for further debt, Swindle arranged for [[Charger]] and [[Fire Beast]] to help Bumblebee spring her. Bumblebee was surprised to find Barricade guarding Elita-1. While he let go of his vendetta and didn't kill Barricade given the chance, he was suspicious of Swindle setting him up. Swindle denied it when confronted, pointing out he would have made Bumblebee pay more if he knew Barricade was involved. When Swindle mentioned his "targeted questioning" had uncovered information about the [[Enigma of Combination]], Bumblebee convinced him to expand his list of contacts. By selling this information to Optimus Prime and the Autobots, Swindle would be able to hedge his bets against either side winning the war. Seeing the appeal, Swindle allowed Bumblebee to use tech to pass the intelligence on to Prime. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Swindle's II|Swindle's II}}

[[File:DarknessOnceGazedUponPartTwo-Swindle.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Swindle kept his business running, although martial law under the Decepticons gave him new, sterner overlords that cut back on his illegal activities. Roughstuff wasn't doing his job as bouncer once, forcing Swindle to step in directly and escort the non-aligned Cyclonus from his bar. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part One}}

Another nasty surprise came when Smokescreen got back in touch with Swindle through the old tunnels. The charming former Sec-Ops agent offered to pay Swindle for a speedy and discreet exit from Iacon, after he acquired a "bulky package". Swindle needed the profit, and working under the Decepticons meant his bar was practically a charity, so he closed down for the rest of the cycle. Trickdiamond couldn't believe it, though, and when she heard about the side deal with Smokescreen, she passed on the info to Decepticon Intelligence. As it happened, Smokescreen was less than forthcoming too—he arrived at the door with armed Autobots and the prisoner, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], escaping from Megatron's dungeons. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Two}} Swindle was caught redhanded dealing with Autobots when Sixshot blew in his wall with a squad of Decepticons. Roughstuff saw an opportunity and "detained" Swindle for Sixshot, switching sides to get back in his old Rise lieutenant's good graces. Swindle was allowed to remain useful for the Decepticons as a supplier, but his days of independence seemed to be numbered. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Three}}

{{--}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
[[File:StuntFlying-net.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|A literal green-eyed monster.]]

Swindle was one of the many Decepticons brainwashed by [[King Sombra]] during his invasion of Cybertron. Along with Sombra's other slaves, he fired on the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s and [[Wonderbolts]] until [[Rainbow Dash]]'s powerful "Sonic Rainboom" manoeuvre disoriented him and the others long enough for the Seekers to entangle him with net missiles. {{storylink|Stunt Flying}}

{{--}}

===Energon Universe===
Swindle and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] chased down [[Elita One (G1)#Energon Universe|Elita One]], cornering her. Before he could follow [[Onslaught (G1)#Energon Universe|Onslaught]] and [[Brawl (G1)#Energon Universe|Brawl]], the [[Autobot]] shot the [[Space bridge|spacebridge]] severing the connection between the two worlds. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 9}}

{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Swindle, [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] were part of a Decepticon attack force that assaulted the Autobots' launch site. All three were rammed by Ultra Magnus in his vehicle mode as he entered the fray. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Ultra Magnus|Ultra Magnus commercial}}
*Swindle and the rest of the Combaticons charged down a ravine to face-off against [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As they neared him, the Combaticons combined into Bruticus and took to the skies. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Bruticus and Metroplex|Bruticus and Metroplex commercial}}
*Swindle was part of a massive battle between Kreons. After being knocked around by the Autobots some, he and the Combaticons combined into Bruticus. They then chased the Autobots off alongside [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. {{storylink|Commercial#Kre-O|KRE-O Transformers Micro Changers and Combiners Construction Sets commercial}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
When a team of Autobots led by [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] went on the offensive, Blast Off, Swindle, and Vortex used superior military tactics to fight them off. {{storylink|War Dawn (Legends)|War Dawn}} Swindle was among the Decepticons who joined with the Quintessons in an attempt to destroy the Autobots. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 2}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsSwindle.jpg|thumb|400px|If you order now, I'll throw in a second beating absolutely free!]]
Swindle participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 160 units of Cybermetal, and 95 units of Transmetal. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Online'' (2017 video game)===
[[File:Swindle TFO.jpg|thumb|upright=.66|[insert random Wolverine reference here]]]
{{bigquote|Let's make a deal without starting a war.}}

Looks can be deceiving, as one may perceive when dealing with Swindle. If it's anything Swindle desired the most, it would be Megatron's right hand firearm, Carnage. However, the key question is whether Swindle can deal for Megatron's bazooka without batting an eye. In comparison to his comrades, Swindle is not a devoted militant. Rather, he prefers to never miss an opportunity to profit, even if it means dealing with the Autobots... so long as Swindle, himself, is confident enough to take action.

In battle, Swindle wielded a pair of "[[Nether Claws]]" and the "[[Saboteur]]" [[grenade launcher]]. His active skill was "Spider Mine":
*'''Spider Mine'''—Swindle dispatches a Spider Mine unit. When this unit comes in contact with enemy targets, the Spider Mine wreaks havoc by jettisoning into the air and showering Swindle's opponents with a flurry of projectiles that deal 110 points of damage every 0.2 seconds. {{storylink|Transformers Online (2017 video game)|Transformers Online}} <ref>[http://tfol.qq.com/act/a20160726data/hero6.shtml Swindle on the Transformers Online website]</ref>
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:Swindle-Earth-Wars.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.75| What's the point of me having a fusion cannon if I am never going to use it? Oh right I was gonna sell it! One fusion cannon for 150000 cyber coins!]]
With Swindle, it's always deal - never no deal. He'd trade Megatron's right arm for a toaster if he saw both opportunity and profit.

Swindle is the first Combaticon to make it to Earth. Starscream wanted the location of a fragment of the [[Fractal Map]], and Swindle found it for him, but there was an Autobot outpost in the way, so he took care of the short-range Laser Turrets. After the battle, Swindle traded insults with some of the Autobots posted there, and then reminded Starscream that he owes him. Big time. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Power Play Campaign}}

When Swindle caught wind that the Autobots were on the move towards a signal in the arctic first discovered by [[Cyclonus (G1)|that one guy that still hates him]], Swindle was ready to leave. But Brawl didn't help though because he attracted the attention of Starscream. Starscream took direct control of Swindle's operation and took them to the Arctic, but not before Swindle offered him a de-icer for sale. But unknown to him, Swindle had an arrangement with Megatron, so he let him in on their plan so Megatron could get there first and tell them what they found was a [[Planet-Destroying Fortress]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events| Arctic Signal}}

When Shockwave selected the next candidates for the Decepticons' next combiner, Swindle asked what was in it for him. Megatron responded by threatening to strangle the energon from his inner spark if he didn't comply. As they were slowly making progress on the combining process, Swindle made a deal: If the Combaticons successfully combined at maximum strength before the Autobots, he'll give back everything he had taken from everyone (including his angry comrades), or else pay him equivalent value.

Megatron decides to push the Combaticons to their limits and combines the Combaticons prematurely. The result is Bruticus, the Combaticons highly mentally unstable combined form. Megatron honestly doesn't care anymore what the other Combaticons say, he just wants them to stay in their combined form. Unfortunately, the celebrations are cut short when Megatron receives word Optimus has perfected his own second combiner, and so sends out Bruticus to fight against this new combiner. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Countdown to Combination}}

When Shockwave announced his plan to recruit allies from alternate realities, Swindle saw a profitable, glowing opportunity. He contacted Hot Rod to meet on neutral ground for the location and encryption key for the Decepticon's Space Bridge project in exchange for pure unaltered Energon. He was dismayed that Hot Rod brought Dinobot muscle along just as the Combaticons, who have been tracking Swindle, ambushed them. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Rogue Trader}}
Amidst the fighting between the Dinobots and Combaticons, Hot Rod made the exchange with Swindle. Starscream, who had been following Swindle the whole time, offered him a lift out, which he gladly accepted.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Event Horizon}}

Swindle offered Soundwave a deal. Optimus Prime and Megatron were stuck in the past, with [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] gaining power, something Swindle knew Soundwave didn't want. He offered the cassette tape player a way to accomplish his goals. He knew of a way to get the [[Dark Star Saber]] away from [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]]. Soundwave accepted Swindle's offer. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|Target: 1984}}

Swindle stole the Dark Star Saber away from Deathsaurus by whistling. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|The Dark Ages}}

*'''Class:''' Gunner
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 1 star
*'''Weapons:''' Swindle uses a standard grenade launcher to damage defenses from a long distance.
*'''Ability:''' '''Incendiary Barrage''' - Shoots 6 rockets that engulf a large area in flames dealing damage over time.
**'''Cost:''' 7 ability points +2 cost increase.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:swindle Swindle at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive''===
[[File:BBOSwindle.jpg|thumb|100px]]
Swindle was in command of the eleventh Decepticon base attacked and destroyed by the Autobots during a series of raids. He pursued the invaders in jeep mode launching several bombs and missiles against his target, but foolishly ran over his own bombs and blew himself up. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Swindle was a member of the Combaticons. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

On Earth, Swindle and the other Combaticons acted as a liaison between the Decepticons and the forces of Cobra, offering them advanced alien technology in exchange for their full cooperation. While meeting with [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] in southern [[France]], the Autobots attacked; in the ensuing fight, Swindle and Chameleon fled, leaving the other Combaticons unable to form Bruticus. The pair retreated to the small town of [[Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges]], which had been acquired by Cobra and turned into a covert staging ground for future operations. Ultimately, however, a joint Autobot-[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] taskforce entered the city and successfully captured the two villains as they tried to flee. {{storylink|Cobra/Con Fusion}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1-toy Swindle.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Eh, I'd rather have elbows than shoulders anyway.]]
*'''Swindle''' (Combaticon, [[1986]]/[[1987]])
**''Team ID number'': '''C2'''
**''Takara/GiG ID number'': '''D-68'''
**''Accessories'': Large "[[Scatter blaster]]" gun, small "Gyro-Gun" pistol

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Swindle transforms into a tan {{w|FMC XR311}} combat support vehicle. He features a large, back-mounted cannon with a small pistol attached to its side. In robot mode, he is armed with both weapons, which are used as hand-held artillery. Swindle normally operates as Bruticus's right leg, but as a [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and Transformers 2010)|Scramble City]]-style combiner toy, he can also be used in any other available limb slot with any torso-robot.

:There are two different versions of the original release. The initial version uses purple-painted [[die-cast]] metal for his chestplate. This was later replaced with gray plastic.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Swindle/swindle.htm More information on Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Bruticus}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (Gift set, [[1985]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''D-69'''

:In addition to his single release, Swindle was also sold in a "Bruticus" [[giftset]] alongside the other Combaticons. The gift set was never available in the USA or Canada, but only in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

: In 1988, [[GiG]] also re-released the Bruticus set in Italy, with five random "Exogini Transformers" ([[Decoy (G1)|Decoy]]s) added.

{{-}}{{anchor|1991Classic}}
*'''Decepticon Swindle''' ([[1991]])
**''Accessories'': Large "[[Scatter blaster]]" gun, small "Gyro-Gun" pistol

:Swindle was re-released in 1991 as part of the [[Europe]]an-market ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line. This version (which uses the plastic chestplate) was [[retool]]ed to remove the [[rubsign]] indent from his vehicle mode hood, a change made to a lot of the toys in this series.
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Swindle.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Red Dead Redemption 3]]
*'''Swindle''' ([[1994]])
**''Team ID number'': '''C2'''
**''Accessories'': Large "[[Scatter blaster]]" cannon, small "Gyro-Gun" pistol

: For the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' toyline]], Swindle had all of his tan parts redecoed to bright red with purple camouflage paint and his windshield painted black. (This latter color was a sticker on the original release.) In robot mode, he has a bright purple torso, making this release quite garish.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Swindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Generation 2'' Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2FOC}}{{anchor|Amazon}}
[[File:G2toy-SwindleAmazon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|So yeah, don't expect a [[Leyland]] homage from this mold anytime soon.]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Box set, [[2012]])
**''Accessories'': Blaster
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Franks]] (deco artist)}}

:Part of a giftset [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]], this version of Swindle is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Fall of Cybertron (2012–2013)|Generations]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (video game)|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Swindle (FOC)#Generations|Swindle]] in ''Generation 2'' colors. Swindle transforms into a Cybertronic jeep-like vehicle. He can form any arm or leg of Bruticus, but his nominal placement is as the right leg, as usual. Some of the purple camo was lost between the stages of [[:File:Generationstoy-G2Swindle.jpg|stock photography]] and final production.

:This mold was later retooled into [[Roadbuster (Prime)#Generations|Roadbuster]].
{{-}}

===''Alternators''===
{{anchor|Alternators/Binaltech}}
[[File:Alternators Swindle toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|If you buy from this Jeep, it won't be cheap.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Jeep Wrangler Swindle''' (Alternator, [[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Alternator ID number'': '''8'''
:*''Binaltech ID number'': '''BT-09'''
:*''Binaltech release date'': [[November 11]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': Handgun
{{toydesigner|[[Mark McCall]] (Hasbro)|[[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept artist)}}

:''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' Swindle is a retool of [[Hound (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Hound]] from the same line, with his [[alternate mode]] being a [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed]] 1:24 scale yellow {{w|Jeep Wrangler (TJ)}} Sport. Changes from Hound include larger [[rubber tires]] and a modified front bumper with an added bullbar, plus a new head sculpt in robot mode. In vehicle mode, Swindle's doors open to reveal a realistic interior, his hood opens to reveal a fake (and inaccurate) engine bay, and his tailgate opens by hinging up at one end. As with Hound, he lacks the steering feature common in other ''Alternators'' toys but has spring-loaded suspension instead.

:In robot mode, Swindle is armed with a small laser pistol that can be stored in his spare tire. He is otherwise mostly identical to Hound except for the changed parts and color. The new head sculpt head is actually based on a cross between Generation 1 [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]'s original toy head and his [[character model|cartoon model]]'s head, since this retool was originally intended for an ''Alternators'' version of Trailbreaker, which was canceled due to [[trademark]] issues, among other things.

:The main difference between Hasbro's ''Alternators'' version and the Japanese ''Binaltech'' version is that the latter features parts made of [[die-cast]] metal for some of its vehicle mode shell, and has the entire vehicle shell painted.

:Swindle was later redecoed into the ''Alternators''-only [[Rollbar (G1)#Alternators|Rollbar]].

::*[[Source:Transformers Binaltech bios#9|Archive of ''Binaltech'' Swindle's bio and tech specs]]
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/AltSwindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{AlternatorsHoundMold}}
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Dolla dolla bill y'all]]
*'''Bruticus Maximus''' ([[2008]])
**''Series'': '''G1 Series'''
**''Accessories:'' Quad blaster (hand/foot), Decepticon-type [[energon star]]

:''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Swindle is a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Blackout (combiner)#Toys|Blackout]]/[[Stormcloud (Energon)#Toys|Stormcloud]] sculpt, transforming into a tan assault helicopter somewhat similar to an AH-1 Cobra. Appropriately enough, his markings include dollar signs ($) on the air intake housings flanking his cockpit. When combined with the other Combaticons, Swindle is nominally [[Bruticus (G1)#Universe (2008)|Bruticus Maximus]]'s right leg, though he can be used in any other limb position.

:He was only available as part of the ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus [[giftset]], which also contains [[Vortex (G1)#Universe (2008)|Vortex]], another redeco of the same sculpt used for Swindle. The ''Universe'' version of the giftset was initially intended to be released as a [[Target]] exclusive in the United States, but ultimately ended up being only available in some non-American markets such as Australia and Singapore. Instead, American markets eventually received a [[rebranding|rebranded]] version of this giftset (with no changes to the toys themselves) in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging (thereby creating new [[live-action film series]] [[Swindle (ROTF)|Swindle]] and [[Vortex (Movie)|Vortex]] characters), exclusively available at Target stores in the United States and at Zellers stores in Canada.

:This sculpt was also used to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Topspin (Classics)#Toys|Topspin]], as well as the ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' versions of Swindle (see [[#United|below]]) and [[Vortex (G1)#United|Vortex]]. Another planned redeco, ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Reverb (Movie)#Toys|Reverb]], was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TargetSwindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Universe'' Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!''===
[[File:TF-Henkei-Deluxe-Detritus.jpg|upright=.66|thumb|Hey, [[Shortround (Cybertron)|you!]] Can I interest you in an unreleased Transformers toy?]]
*'''Swindle'''? (Deluxe Class, <s>200?</s>)
:*''Accessories'': Missile launcher

:A redeco of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Deluxe Class [[Hound (G1)/toys#Univ2008Dx|Autobot Hound]] in Swindle colors (with a deco layout based on [[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|''Henkei! Henkei!'']] [[Hound (G1)/toys#Henkei! Henkei!|Hound]]), with a Decepticon insignia, was displayed as part of an exhibit at [[Transformers Expo]] in 2014, including a seemingly unchanged [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ravage]].<ref name="tfexpo1">[https://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/tf-expo-pics-masterpiece-star-saber-in-color-and-more-180923/ "TF Expo Pics - Masterpiece Star Saber In Color and More!"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="tfexpo2">[https://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/tf-expo-pics-part-2-g1-prototypes-movie-props-and-more-masterpiece-180925/ "TF Expo Pics Part 2 - G1 Prototypes, Movie Props, and More Masterpiece!"] at TFW2005.</ref><ref name="tfexpo3">[https://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/tf-expo-pics-part-4-prototypes-and-figure-displays-from-diaclone-g1-g2-beast-wars-180933/ "TF Expo Pics Part 4 - Prototypes and Figure Displays from Diaclone, G1, G2, Beast Wars"] at TFW2005.</ref>
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Encore''===
*'''Bruticus''' ([[2009]])
**''ID number:'' '''16'''

:A reissue of the original G1 Swindle toy at first sight, this toy is actually a redeco of the ''Robots in Disguise'' Rollbar retool of the sculpt. This version of Swindle was only available as part of a Bruticus gift set released under [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' line of reissues.
{{G1CombaticonMold}}
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:Generationstoy-RetailSwindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|(''Hasbro Version Pictured'')]]
[[File:TF-Generations-JP-TG06-Swindle.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Remember folks, always stay gold. With a bang. (''TakaraTomy Version Pictured'')]]
*'''Swindle''' (Deluxe, 2012)
**''Series/number'': '''01/#005'''
**'''PART 4 OF 5!'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''TG06'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[January 26]], [[2013]]
**''Accessories'': Blaster
{{repurposed|as=versions of Generation 1 Swindle|toy=''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toys of "[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]" [[Swindle (FOC)#FOCDeluxe|Swindle]]|plural|by=various sources beginning|year=2013}}

:A [[redeco]] of Swindle from the [[Bruticus (WFC)#FOCDeluxe|Decepticon Bruticus]] gift set was available individually alongside his fellow Combaticons as part of the second [[wave]] of the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (video game)|Fall of Cybertron]]''-themed 2012-onwards Deluxe Class ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' assortment. These versions of the Combaticons replace the [[show-accuracy|game-accurate]], [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]-inspired decos with more "flashy" colors apparently homaging the color scheme of [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]]. Swindle replaces the ocher from his gift set release with a bright shade of yellow.

:Aside from the colors, mass retail Swindle is identical to the version from the Decepticon Bruticus gift set.

:The Takara release of Swindle has the yellow plastic from Hasbro's release covered in a gold paint. He features more game-accurate colors, including a painted purple visor, more detailed shoulderpads, and silver feet.

:Unsurprisingly for an Aligned toy inspired by Generation 1, ''Fall of Cybertron'' Swindle was used in multiple Generation 1-based stories, with the Hasbro deco [[Swindle (G1)#Starscream's New Power|appearing]] in the short comic "[[Starscream's New Power]]" and the TakaraTomy deco [[Swindle (G1)#Transformers: All Spark|appearing]] in the ''[[Transformers: All Spark]]'' manga series and the ''[[Transformers Cloud]]'' stories.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Swindle/swindle.htm More information on retail Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:United Bruticus Maximus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
*'''Bruticus''' ([[November 7]], [[2012]])
**''Accessories:'' Quad blaster (hand/foot), Decepticon-type [[energon star]]

:Released exclusively by TakaraTomy in non-Japanese Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has colours similar to the previous ''Universe'' (2008)/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a greater emphasis on G1-accuracy. Swindle is monochromatic compared to the previous release, replacing the sand and brown plastic with a uniform tan colour scheme. Additionally, the quad blaster/combined mode foot/hand previously cast in translucent coloured plastic is now opaque grey, though his energon star remains red.
{{--}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[Image:BotShots Swindle.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Combaticons''' (Multi-pack, 2013?)
**''Number'': '''T0??'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}
***''Fist strength'':
***''Blaster strength'':
***''Sword strength'': '''537'''

:A redeco of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Bot Shots|Ironhide]], Swindle automatically transforms from spoiler-equipped pickup truck to robot when a sharp impact is applied to his front end. He was to be sold in a five-pack with [[Onslaught (G1)#Bot Shots|Onslaught]], [[Brawl (Movie)#5Pack|Decepticon Brawl]], [[Blast Off (G1)#Bot Shots|Blast Off]], and [[Vortex (G1)#Bot Shots|Vortex]], but this never saw release.

:This mold was also used to make [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)#Bot Shots|Super Bot Dirt Boss]] and [[Hound (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Blitz Shot Autobot Hound]].

{{canceledtoy}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-toy SwindleKreon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Sneaky little bastard. He probably rips open blind-packs at the store and sells the contents for double the price.]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, [[2013]])
**''Set number'': '''A2225'''
**''Pieces'': '''79'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:[[Kreon]] Swindle can be rebuilt from his robot mode into a jeep. He can also contribute his bricks to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Kre-O|Bruticus]]. He was only available as part of the Bruticus [[Micro-Changer]] combiner set, part of the first assortment of Combiners available.

:Interestingly, he is the only one in the set to be based on his original [[Character model|animation model]], with his fellow Kreon Combaticons painted to resemble their original toys instead.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Kre-OSwindle/swindle.htm More information on Swindle at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|Combiner3pack}}
*'''Combiner Robot Mega Pack''' (3-pack, 2016)
**''Set number'': '''B6425'''
**''Pieces'': '''245'''
**''Accessories'': Pistol

:In 2016, Dollar General stores in the US got a three-pack of [[Superion (G1)#Kre-O|Superion]], Bruticus, and [[Menasor (G1)#Kre-O|Menasor]] that sold for a mere $14. Given the original kits retailed at $10 apiece, wow. While a couple of the Kreons inside had small changes, Swindle was one of the ones identical to his original release.
{{--}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:CW-toy Swindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Hey, a swindler remolded from a rook! Geddit? Geddit?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Swindle''' (Deluxe Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Gun, double-barreled gun/fist/foot
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Released as part of wave 5 of the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Deluxe Class figures, Swindle is a heavy [[retool]] of ''Combiner Wars'' [[Rook (CW)#Toys|Rook]], featuring a significant alternate mode alteration to look like a teched-out military SUV. He comes with a three-barreled minigun-rifle and a hand/foot/gun for limb mode. Later versions of Swindle featured a [[variant#Running changes|running change]] in the form of a slight retool to his smaller weapon, adding nubs to its end allowing it to attach over his shoulder (for [[Hound (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Hound]], his later retool). If the seat and steering wheel visible in his alt-mode are intended for humans, his jeep is supposed to be [[scale#|the same size]] as Brawl's tank.

:Being a ''Combiner Wars'' figure, Swindle can combine with his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)#Combiner Wars|Combaticons]] to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Combiner Wars|Bruticus]] as either an arm or a leg. He can also combine with any ''Combiner Wars''-style Voyager Class figure or even form one of [[Godbomber#Legends|''Legends'' Godbomber's]] legs. He has a 5mm post accessible in his combiner leg mode that allows a ''Combiner Wars'' [[Scrounge (G1)#Combiner Wars|Scrounge]] or a ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Cosmos (G1)#Titans Return|Cosmos]] to attach as a shin guard.

:Unfortunately, due to the internal molding of his shins, repeatedly transforming Swindle will eventually create horizontal scratch marks across the hip joints. Swindle also has a hard time holding together solidly; when squeezing his legs together for vehicle mode, the vehicle mode front angles down. When tabbing the hood section into the legs, it pops the legs apart, but straightens up the front of the vehicle. The details between the arms, the hood section, and the legs also never line up completely in vehicle mode. It is entirely likely that this is all caused by the aforementioned internal molding of the shins.

[[File:UWSwindlePrototype.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left|Don't worry, I know where I can get a better gun.]]

:An early "gray model" resin [[prototype]] of Swindle featured a different version of his handheld weapon with a single, large barrel. Images of this appeared in both the Japanese ''[[Figure Ō]]'' magazine,<ref name="figureoh216">[https://web.archive.org/web/20180611031701/https://www.allspark.com/2016/01/figure-king-215-216-hi-res-transformers-scans-unite-warriors-blast-off-mp-primal/ Figure Oh! 216 scans] at The Allspark (via the Internet Archive).</ref> and the behind-the-design "On Deck Genesis" section in the back of ''Combiner Wars'' Swindle's pack-in comic, which also featured early sketches of the figure wielding the same weapon. Very early solicitations of ''Unite Warriors'' Bruticus also displayed Swindle with this weapon. These are the only instances this version of his weapon have ever been used, as the gray model prototype on display at [[Wonder Festival]] 2016 Winter, the official promotional Hasbro CG render for the ''Combiner Wars'' figure and all [[stock photography|stock photo]]s for both the ''Combiner Wars'' and the ''Unite Warriors'' version depict the regular weapon.

:In the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, Swindle came in English-only packaging including a copy of "''Combiner Wars'' #4" (actually [[City on Fire|''Robots in Disguise'' #12]]). In Canada, Latin America, and Europe, he was available in different types of [[multilingual packaging]] including a character card featuring his comic book cover/[[package art]] instead. He and the last three waves of Combiner Wars Deluxe and Voyager figures later showed up at TJ Maxx at reduced prices with the collector card.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWSwindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{CWRookMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|G2BruticusSet}}
[[File:CW-toy Swindle G2.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Gun, double-barreled gun/fist/foot

: The entire ''Combiner Wars'' Combaticon team was redecoed into close approximations of their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' colors; Swindle turned out more a reddish-orange than the more pure-red of the "original", plus his optics are red rather than his normal spiffy purple. Unfortunately, he still has the original Decepticon faction symbol, not the ''Generation 2'' style one.

: This version of the team was only available as a large boxed set, which also included a ''Generation 2''-ish version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#CWG2|Shockwave]]. This was the fourth of five different combiner "Collection Pack" box sets, which were "shared exclusives" sold by numerous online retailers... though many ultimately ended up at US discounters like Ross and TJ Maxx.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWG2Swindle/swindle.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Generation 2 Swindle at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-Unite-Warriors-UW07-Swindle.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Giftset, [[June 25]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-07'''
**''Accessories'': Gun, double-barreled gun/fist/foot

:''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' Swindle is a redeco of the ''Combiner Wars'' mold in a color scheme based on his cartoon appearance, most obviously by painting his lower torso and hood purple and his face silver. He also features additional paint details on places like his hands and rims, and his hand-foot-gun is cast in the same yellow as his body. Swindle was sold only in a multi-pack with the other Combatrons. As with the G2 Bruticus set, Swindle does not use the retooled blaster from the later releases of the mold.

:As a Deluxe Class ''Unite Warriors'' figure, he can combine to form the leg or arm of any combiner from Hasbro's ''Combiner Wars'' subline or any ''Unite Warriors'' figure, but would usually be associated with [[Bruticus (G1)#Unite Warriors|Bruticus]].
{{CWRookMold}}
{{--}}

===''Age of the Primes''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combaticon Swindle''' (Voyager Class, [[2026]])}} </ul>
:*'''5 of 5: [[Bruticus (G1)#Age of the Primes|Bruticus]]'''
:*''Accessories:''
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMdjxMNBa7k Footage of the joint Hasbro/McFarlane Toys/Iron Studios panel] at [[CCXP#2025|CCXP 2025]] with [[Nate Purswell]] and [[Emily Bader]], recorded at the "Oficina dos Joes" YouTube channel</ref>

:Released in 2026 in the second Voyager wave of that year's ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' line, Combaticon Swindle transforms from cartoon accurate robot mode to jeep. Much like his fellow Combaticon [[Brawl_(G1)#Age_of_the_Primes|Brawl]], Swindle is a Voyager class figure, his new price point allowing him to have more complexity, such as an ankle tilt for his leg mode for Bruticus. He also comes with a small trailer for him to tow in vehicle mode, which transforms into a giant blaster for Bruticus to wield. In combined mode, Swindle only forms the leg to slot into Bruticus's frame, with no arm mode.

{{toystub}}
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{--}}

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

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

{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
[[File:Blokees-TF-DV05-Swindle-vehicle.jpg|thumb|250px|On his way to sell Special Armor Types with the highest possible prices!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Swindle (Vehicle)''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 05 - Traitor to Tyranny'''

:Released as part of the fifth wave of the ''Defender Version'' line of blind boxes, this ''Blokees'' kit of Swindle is molded in his jeep form. Like the Constructicon vehicles, Swindle features two combiner hardpoints for [[Bruticus_(G1)#Blokees|Bruticus]].
{{--}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Blokees Wheels}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Swindle''' (Blokees Wheels, 2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Blokees Wheels Transformers 01 - Roll Out!'''

: Part of the first wave of [[Blokees]] Wheels series of blind-boxed 1/64-scale vehicles, this Swindle kit is based on his Military Jeep alt mode in his depiction in IDW's ''The Transformers'' series. While Swindle features die-cast metal on his vehicle shell, he also features a universal Chassis Connector, used by all vehicle mode kits in the lineup, and the vehicle features rotatable turret, foldable windshield and the open cab allow the chase kits' driver figures and similar small size driver figure to interact. It also shares the mold with the line's [[Hound (G1)#Blokees Wheels|Hound]] figure.
{{--}}

==Notes==
*The [[character model]]s of the Combaticons are kinda... okay, heavily made-up. Swindle is particularly glaring, as his original 1986 toy was based on an {{w|FMC XR311|XR311}} combat vehicle (a predecessor to the {{w|High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle|AM General Humvee}}), whereas his character model was a much smaller Jeep, including a Jeep front on his robot chest, which the fiction has stuck with ever since. [[:File:G1OddCombat.jpg|Early models of the team]] which were a bit more accurate to the toys—except for the heads, oddly enough—have shown up in various sourcebooks, though Swindle's is still off in some very odd ways.
*Swindle is the only Combaticon that doesn't have a faceplate or visor. Perhaps he sold it?
*In the Wings of Honor continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Swindle's vice is, predictably enough, his Greed.
*Unlike his fellow Combaticons, Swindle [[:File:A better tomorrow Swindle Sky Byte.jpg|did not notably sport]] a redesign in "season 1" of the 2012 ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic series based on [[Swindle (FOC)|his Aligned counterpart]]'s [[:File:FOC-Swindlecap.jpg|video game model]] in [[High Moon Studios]]' ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (video game)|Fall of Cybertron]]''.
*The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] toy depicted the Combaticons in new color schemes, despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Swindle''' (スィンドル ''Swindoru'')
*''French:'' '''Filou''' (Canada, "Swindler")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Svindli''' ("Spoof")
*''Italian:'' '''Crasher'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Zhàpiàn''' (诈骗, "Swindle")
*''Russian:'' '''Fingal''' (Фингал, "Black Eye")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Vígaro'''

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:G1OddCombat.jpg
File:EuroClassicsCombaticons.jpg
File:CW Swindle cvr.jpg|''Combiner Wars'' comic packaging art
File:EW-skin-Swindle-G2.jpg|''Earth Wars'' ''Generation 2''-themed skin
File:Transformers 2023 14 2nd Ptg Cover B.jpg
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Age of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Alternators Decepticons]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Merchants]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Decepticons]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

Onslaught (G1)

2025-12-04T18:14:04Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Age of the Primes */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|autobot|eliteguard|ascenticon|exarchon}}
{{disambig3|Onslaught}}
:''Onslaught is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:MTMTEOnslaught.jpg|upright=2|thumb|''The Combaticons are warring! Onslaught is ROARING! He is one metamorphin' DUDICUS!'']]
'''Onslaught''' (aka '''Combatmaster''') is what you'd call the "hands-off" type. He doesn't enjoy getting his mitts dirty, but instead prefers the thrill of designing battle plans, strategies, and tactics, and then watching his [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] soldiers carry them out. While he typically crafts his strategies to exclude his direct involvement, Onslaught is no coward. When required, he will engage in battle with strength, cunning and earthquaking fury. This darker, more brutish side of Onslaught might lead some [[Decepticon]]s into thinking he has a secret blood-lust stashed away in his circuits. But truth be told, he's really just ticked off that his plans didn't work out the way they were supposed to.

Onslaught can combine with his fellow Combaticons to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], who is considerably dumber than Onslaught.

{{bigquote|I beg your pardon?! My strategies are brilliant!|Onslaught to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]|"[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[S. Marc Jordan]] (English), [[Terry McGovern]] (English, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1"), [[Steve Bulen|Steve Bulin]] (English, "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Yū Shimaka|Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese), [[Jin Horikawa]] (Japanese, "The Rebirth")|[[Zhan Che]] (Chinese), [[Hans-Rainer Müller]] (German, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1-3"), [[Walter von Hauff]] (German, "Surprise Party"), [[Thomas Rau]] (German, "Starscream's Ghost"), [[Bernd Simon]] (German, "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Gerd Rigauer]] (German, ''Generation 2'' dub), [[Hélio Ribeiro]] (Portuguese), [[Orlando Drummond]] (Portuguese, "Starscream’s Brigade" & "B.O.T."), [[Mário Monjardim]] (Portuguese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1"), [[Júlio Chaves]] (Portuguese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3"), [[Henry Djanik]] (European French), [[Francis Lax]] (European French, "Surprise Party" & "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Serge Lhorca]] (European French, "Starscream's Ghost"), Unknown (European French, "Aerial Assault" & "Five Faces of Darkness", Parts 1 & 3)}}
[[File:StarscreamsBrigade OnslaughtVortex.jpg|left|upright=1.35|thumb|"Heave! Next time, Vortex, ''chew'' your food!"]]
Onslaught was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the Air Commander's latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. The transplant caused the vehicles to immediately reconfigure themselves: Onslaught in particular went from being a {{w|half-track}} troop carrier to being a flatbed missile-truck, before turning into a robot. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; in the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty though having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel.

Onslaught and his fellow Combaticons agreed to work with Starscream to overthrow Megatron on the promise of being given the vital components. Onslaught worked in capturing two [[Autobot]]s, though he got into an argument with [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] over who was responsible for the act. Later, while recharging at a power station, Starscream's brigade was confronted by the Decepticons under Megatron's command. Anticipating that [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] might come into play, Starscream ordered Onslaught and the other Combaticons to merge into the dim-witted [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. The Combaticon combiner managed to soundly defeat Devastator, but was in turn defeated by a surprise attack by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. For their treachery, Megatron banished Onslaught, his comrades and Starscream in space on a desolate asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[File:Revenge of bruticus 4 changing course.jpg|thumb|Megatron felt quite foolish once Onslaught showed him the one loose wire preventing his [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]] from flying again.]]

After a falling out with Starscream, Onslaught became the mastermind of "Operation Revenge" and helped defeat [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s forces on Cybertron. He also used his external backpack and altered the Space Bridge to send Earth into the sun. It didn't work as he was defeated by the allied Decepticons and Autobots. Then Megatron had the Combaticons, including Onslaught, reprogrammed to serve him. Poor guy, can't seem to get a break. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[File:AerialAssault Onslaughtattacks.jpg|left|thumb|In Soviet Russia, [[Aerialbot (G1)|skeet]] shoots back!]]
After that little lobotomy, the Combaticons were deployed to Earth's Middle East to assist in Megatron's scheme to steal military jets, rebuild them into cars, drive them out of the owners' nations, and then rebuild them back into drone jets in friendly territory. Yeah. Onslaught and the other Combaticons attacked the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] when they snooped around, managing to force [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] to crash into a cave (YAY!). Later, Onslaught and the ground-based Combaticons formed an anti-aircraft screen against an Aerialbot attack on [[Giant Purple Griffin|the Fortress]], then merged into Bruticus, but was rather quickly defeated by [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] before being blown away by the exploding oil wells. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

Back in the [[United States of America|United States]], Onslaught led the Combaticons in driving down the road (yes, including Blast Off and Vortex) of a random city for no apparent reason until they were confronted by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. Though the Combaticons formed Bruticus, they were blown to pieces by a single shot from the Autobot, with [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] being the only survivor. Swindle later sold the parts of his comrades, but was forced to buy them back for Megatron's next Crazy Scheme. The Combaticons formed Bruticus to operate the orbital disruptor cannon, but was shot by the cannon itself when [[B.O.T. (G1)|B.O.T.]] tampered with it. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[File:FFoD1 DamagedOnslaught.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|Stoopid 'Cons never lisssen t'me. I'ma bloody genius, a strategic maschter *hic*maschtermind, but they's still following a [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|looney wit'a big gun]]. Just—it just ain't right. *hic*Aw, I'm gonna over-energize all over my face-plate...]]
By the year 2006, the Decepticons had been forced into retreat on the ruined, burned out world of [[Chaar]]. Though he admired [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s eager attitude to attack, he noted that the Decepticons didn't have the energon reserves to do so. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} When it was found that [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] were snooping around, the Decepticons began beating them to death before being scared off by a [[Skuxxoid]] ship. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} When the [[Quintesson]]s landed on Chaar and proposed an alliance, Onslaught reiterated his earlier concern about the Autobots' military superiority but ultimately joined the rest of the Decepticons, save [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] in their attack on the Autobots anyway. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} Much later, [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] sent Onslaught, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] to assassinate the Decepticon exile [[Octane]]. Onslaught attempted to hold his troops until the proper moment presented itself, but Octane was still able to seek cover before their laser fire could terminate him. The traitor's Autobot partner, [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], then used his eponymous ability to blind and disorient the Combaticons long enough for the two [[Triple Changer]]s to escape. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

When the [[First Inter Galactic Peace Conference]] was to be held, Onslaught led the Combaticons in attacking the shuttle bay that was to bring the delegates to the conference, succeeding in destroying several ships before retreating. {{storylink|Surprise Party}} As part of Bruticus, Onslaught watched the Decepticon assault on [[Paradron]], {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}} and was part of a destructive battle that stretched across [[Japan]]. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}} Along with the other Decepticons, Onslaught was infected by the [[Hate Plague]] when it swept across the galaxy. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

During the battle for the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], Onslaught led his Combaticons in the crafting of a giant [[planetary engine|planetary rocket engine]] that would be used to propel Cybertron into orbit around Earth, harvesting the innards of the defeated Autobots for the necessary parts and fuel. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
{{charstubfiction}}

=====Scramble City=====
{{voiceactor|[[Yū Shimaka]] (Japanese)}}

When the Stunticons were dispatched to hinder the Autobots from constructing [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]], they were attacked by the Aerialbots and did not fare too well. Onslaught's Combaticons arrived to help, and together Bruticus and Menasor easily overpowered Superion. However, Scramble City itself soon arrived and blasted both combiners away. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Michitaka Kobayashi]] (Japanese), [[Kōji Totani]] (Japanese, ep 25)}}
[[File:UltraMagnusDies Combaticons.jpg|upright=1.65|thumb|"Jeez, Galvatron, why put HIM with the Combaticons?"]]

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

The Combaticons were later part of ''another'' attack on Cybertron, during which they killed plenty of [[Generic|soldiers]] before getting into another fight with Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} They lost. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} When the Decepticons planted a giant carnivorous plant in [[San Francisco]], the Combaticons and Stunticons were stationed to attack any Autobots who arrived to kill it. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Sixshot later sent the Combaticons, [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]] to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Florida|Miami]], in order to lure Autobot troops away from [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} The Combaticons also unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Onslaught was present when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] held a speech about Galvatron's recent death and took control of the Decepticons. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} Bruticus was later part of a small group of Decepticons who tried to lead Fortress Maximus away from the Decepticon base on [[Master (planet)|Master]]. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} The combiner then stood by and laughed as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' in the Atlantic Ocean. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} As Bruticus, the Combaticons participated in the final battle with the Autobots at the North Pole, and retreated into space when Scorponok's energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{--}}

=====''Unite Warriors''=====
The Combaticons hosted an illegal arms trading market during which Onslaught purchased a variety of weapons from [[El Presidente]]. {{storylink|Shopping at the Dark Bazaar!}}

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

=====''United EX''=====
Onslaught of the Combaticons helped forge a new era of Decepticons combination warriors. With High Regent [[Scrash (G1)|Scrash]], he provided combination data from his Bruticus form to create the devastating [[Battle Gaia]], while undergoing his own enhancements to become strategic commander for the [[Master Chaos]] brigade as '''Combatmaster''' (コンバットマスター ''Konbattomasutā'').

When [[Straxus (G1)|Rollermaster]] failed to defeat the Autobot [[Blaze Master|Choppermaster]] alone, Combatmaster travelled to Switzerland to finish the job. He stole the PCC Combat Drones from Choppermaster and buried the helicopter in an avalanche. Back at Decepticon headquarters, he and Scrash coordinated Battle Gaia's attack on the Autobots to help cover for the Master Chaos activities. {{storylink|Prelude to the Siege}}

Next, Combatmaster struck another drone-operating Master Class Autobot, the junior officer [[Rapido|Racemaster]]. Although his ambush was well positioned, Combatmaster did not account for the sheer speed Racemaster and his drones were capable of achieving. The Race Drones and their commander soon out-distanced Combatmaster and his artillery, making a successful getaway. {{storylink|Weapons of a New Generation}}

Later, Combatmaster and Master Chaos fought to defend a dig site from Autobot interference. {{storylink|Unearthed Future}}

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
In [[2050]], Bruticus and the Decepticons joined the revolution of the [[Selector]]s against their human masters. The [[Quintesson]]s and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s sided with the humans, and [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] attacked all while craving Angolmois Energy. In battle with a scrambled version of [[Computron (G1)|Computron]], Abominus crashed into Bruticus and Menasor and stole some of their limb components to make an even stronger version of himself. Onslaught was left abandoned on the battlefield as [[Abomenaticus]] charged back into the fight. {{storylink|Abominus comic 2}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[File:DecepticonTrailerBrigade1.jpg|left|upright=0.95|thumb|"Eleven foot six? Damn you!"]]
When Menasor's baseball stadium/command base was attacked by Superion and Defensor, Bruticus (so by proxy, Onslaught) came to his aid. He quickly took out Defensor, damaging [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and preventing the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] from combining again. However, Superion blasted Brawl and Swindle away with his [[electrostatic discharger rifle]], allowing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] to steal their places as Bruticus's legs and fly away with Onslaught and his troops. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

In order to make the Autobots look bad, Onslaught joined the Stunticons in destroying factories while wearing the Autobot [[insignia]]. When they were caught, all but him and [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] fled the scene, but Onslaught had an ace up his sleeve: Together, he and Motormaster made up the [[Decepticon Trailer Corps]]! With their spinning "Decepticon Great Wheel" attack, the subgroup leaders held the Autobots at bay for a while, but were eventually defeated by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s "Prime-Magnus Finish Double" kick. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7}}

Onslaught then led his Combaticons in hunting down a [[Battle Dog|dog]] that had been converted into a Decepticon weapon. They managed to fatally wound it, but the [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] got them good. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
In the year [[2010]], Onslaught participated in a Decepticon attack on the planet Feminia. He and his team merged into Bruticus in order to battle alongside Menasor and Devastator against their Autobot counterparts Superion, Defensor and Omega Supreme. The fight was fairly evenly matched until Galvatron called up his ace-in-the-hole, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], whose power was unmatched by any of the Autobots... except for the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], who essentially tied Predaking's shoelaces together until he fell over, straight into Bruticus and his chums, sending them all toppling to the ground and knocking them to bits. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and the Decepticons kidnapped the scientist Doctor [[Dalton]] to help advance their combination technology. When the Aerialbots and Protectobots arrived to save Dalton, Onslaught and Motormaster merged with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in base mode, deploying their fellow Decepticons into battle. The Decepticon combiners then formed Bruticus and Menasor, but were ultimately defeated by their Autobot counterparts. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
In the early days of the war, Onslaught was a top Autobot cadet at [[Omnihelix Academy]], specializing in battle strategy and tactics. His skill was impressive that he was elected a field leader for the [[Elite Guard|Autobot Elite Guard]] straight out of the Academy, acting as head of the experimental new Special Ops Team, the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 33|Onslaught's profile in Club magazine #33}}

[[File:EliteGuardCombaticons TheComingStorm2.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2|Sorry guys, I traded out our combining ability for this jacked up bod.]]
Onslaught and the Combaticons were assembled by [[Magnum]] and [[Sentinel Major]] to take out the various [[Decepticon Warlord|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. At Elite Guard headquarters they were introduced to one of the other recently minted units, [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] and his Strike Team. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

After a short exchange, Onslaught and Metalhawk brought their teams before [[Big Bang (G1)|Big Bang]] for their first mission together. It was a rather pedestrian assignment, lending military-grade explosives and know-how to a civilian archeological dig. The mission was primarily designed to smooth some ruffled feathers in the High Council about the Elite Guard in general.

Upon arrival in [[Median]], however, events became a bit more serious. The dig had uncovered Cybertronian construction facilities that indicated an inherent dichotomy in Transformer design. Onslaught personally scoffed at the scientists' theory that this dichotomy could explain and excuse the warlike nature of the Decepticon rebels, but the more pressing find was the second part of their discovery: a spark of unprecedented power called the [[Heart of the Dragon]], allegedly housing the essence of a Transformer whose power levels went off the scale. Decepticon rogues called the [[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtroopers]] had learned of the Heart, and were planning a raid on Median to steal it.

As the rest of the Elite Guard did their best to fortify the dilapidated city, Onslaught and Metalhawk grilled [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flipsides]] and the other dig members about the Stormtroopers and any information they had. When the attack came, Onslaught's plan took down the Stormtroopers' advance assault, [[Roadgrabber]] and his exo-shell, by hiding a pit behind an obviously weak part in the defenses as a lure. The Decepticon leader [[Rage (G1)|Rage]] and his three lieutenants managed to sweep by Metalhawk, however, forcing Onslaught's secondary team to hunt them down. The Stormtroopers split-and-run tactics were enough to keep all the Elite Guard chasing their tails long enough for Rage to grab the Heart, however. [[Terror-Tread]] and [[Cement-Head]], two massive Decepticons held in reverse, then surprised and distracted the Elite Guard long enough for Rage and the others to escape.

The Elite Guard chased the Stormtroopers back to their mobile base, the [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. Onslaught and the others managed to make their way inside, where they were confronted by [[Brimstone (G1 Decepticon)|Brimstone]], the reincarnated physical form of the Heart of the Dragon. Despite his small stature, Brimstone still had the ability to decouple molecules with his plasma breath, making him a formidable foe. Onslaught led the Elite Guard in a swift but strategic advance to the rear, giving [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] time to rig all his explosives for one massive blast. Although Brimstone was still standing after the blast, his outer casing had been damaged enough to let his internal energies rage out of control, destroying the Metrotitan in one enormous blast.

Back at Elite Guard headquarters, Onslaught and Metalhawk made their field reports to Magnum. Despite the unconventional nature of the mission in some regards, Magnum congratulated his men on a job well done. They were deployed again almost immediately for a mission to [[Praxium]]. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

The Special Ops Team and Strike Team worked so well as a combined unit that Magnum kept them together for several weeks. Onslaught and Metalhawk became close comrades, as did their men, sharing stories about the different warlords they brought down, such as [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and [[Blue Bacchus]]. Onslaught was aware that Metalhawk could be squeamish about some of the darker parts of warfare, though, and so he made sure [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] had privacy during their interrogations of a Decepticon [[Warrior|prisoner of war]].

Onslaught coordinated their next strike against a Decepticon faction leader named [[Shadowcaster]]. Using explosives and fog grenades, the Elite Guard carried out Onslaught's battle plan, forcing Shadowcaster out in the open for the Combaticon leader to take out with a killshot. Despite the mission's success, Onslaught felt something was amiss. Shadowcaster hardly seemed the type to lead a parade, much less a Decepticon splinter cell. Smelling a larger party at work, Onslaught kept the Combaticons out in the field while Metalhawk and the Strike Team returned to base. Onslaught's instincts were right on target, but even they couldn't keep him and his team from being captured by Warlord [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and his troops. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}

After being held for some time in a cell behind unbreakable Oan force bars, Onslaught and the Combaticons were inexplicably released by the polite and apologetic [[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]] and [[Vanquish]]. Although wary of their intentions, Onslaught agreed to follow the Decepticons to Deathsaurus's throne room for a meeting. The silver-tongued Decepticon Warlord then proceeded to sway the Combaticons to his side. He appealed to Onslaught's pride and vanity, innocently mocking how easily the Combaticons were captured by his forces and intimating that all their greatest successes had been alongside the Strike Team, not on their own. After putting Onslaught on the defensive, Deathsaurus proclaimed how ''he'' truly believed in Onslaught's gift for tactics, and was willing to support the Combaticons in a bid to seize power for themselves. After all, how better to prove their superiority and ensure peace on Cybertron than to eliminate the Elite Guard and establish themselves in the Guard's place? Onslaught and his men gave in to their darker impulses and agreed to work alongside Deathsaurus, receiving the upgrades he promised them as well. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}}

[[File:ComingStorm6-isthatso.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|And this, this IS MY BOOM STICK!!]]
Sometime later, the Combaticons launched their attack on Elite Guard headquarters accompanied by some of Deathsaurus's [[Seeker (body-type)|Skyraider-Seeker Brigade]]. Onslaught chose not to reveal their trump card until the Combaticons appeared surrounded and defeated by the Guard. He then initiated their combination into the massive [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], crushing their former commanding officer Sentinel Major in one mighty hand. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} Bruticus killed most of the assembled Guard before [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] was able to blind the giant, forcing the Combaticons to disengage. Onslaught reacted to Metalhawk standing in their way by simply blowing a hole through his old comrade, and the Combaticons headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs, but not before Onslaught promised they'd be back to deal with the Council. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

During repairs, Onslaught was stunned to learn that Deathsaurus had had it rigged so that the combination into Bruticus could be triggered at Deathsaurus's will. Protesting that it wasn't part of the deal, Onslaught was nonetheless forced to form the torso of Bruticus, though the blinded giant proved difficult for Deathsaurus's Constructicons to control. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 1}} {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} The Combaticons subsequently defended the base against Magnum and the remains of the Elite Guard. Onslaught confirmed to Magnum that Deathsaurus hadn't tampered with the Combaticons' brain modules at all, and they'd turned of their own free will. As they fought the Guard, Onslaught taunted [[Thunder Clash]] while he was grappling with [[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]], much to the latter Autobot's annoyance. Finally he ordered the Combaticons to merge, only them to be blasted mid-combination. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}}

To Onslaught's dismay, the culprits were more survivors the massacre at Elite Guard HQ. He agreed with Brawl's sentiment that they should take the opportunity to end some more Autobots and started to give the command to attempt another merge, only to find that Blast Off was inconveniently missing. When Deathsaurus called a retreat, Onslaught briefly considered staying to find Blast Off, and his hesitation allowed [[Flak (G1)|Flak]] to belt him. He and his entire team were subsequently taken captive by the Autobots. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

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

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Onslaught afterdeath.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
Onslaught was the leader of the Combaticons, ''one of the [[Special Teams]], whose coming was foretold by the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. In a vision shared by [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], the Combaticons and the Stunticons clashed against the Aerialbots and the Protectobots within proximity to the [[Pullen Power Plant]].'' {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}} {{storylink|Second Generation!}} Onslaught and his team were first seen on Earth launching a raid on a hydrothermocline plant, where they were met by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]. In order to avoid destroying the plant, and at the behest of the human [[Ethan Zachary]], both Optimus and Megatron agreed to have their team fight inside the [[Multi-World]] computer game. The Decepticons didn't fare too well. Onslaught faced off against Hot Spot in the game's "Slimepit" area, where he got "fused by a fireball" and his in-game avatar was destroyed. In the end, however, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] would win the game when Optimus Prime forfeited, causing the Autobot leader to be destroyed. Onslaught carried Megatron's prize, the [[hydrothermocline]], back to base. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}} ''These events were observed by the [[time travel]]ling [[Dicet Alpha-zero]].'' {{storylink|The Quest!}}

As the Decepticons prepared to abandon their [[Wyoming base]] to relocate to [[Club Con|a new island headquarters]], Onslaught bore witness as his teammate Brawl attempted to cheer up a despondent Megatron by reminding him of Prime's death, but Megatron responded by crushing Brawl's head in a fit of rage. [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] took charge of the evacuation, and Onslaught and the others departed. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}

[[File:Onslaught ladies night.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9]]
''Later on, Onslaught led his team (including a repaired Brawl) to kill [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] while he was trapped in the cooled lava flow of [[Mount Verona]]. After making short work of the human military encamped on the site, the Combaticons set up explosive charges around the volcano to obliterate the entire area. The operation was met with the interference of [[Cindy Newell|three]] [[Susan Hoffman|human]] [[Joy Meadows|women]], though Onslaught managed to evade their traps. He had them at his mercy after the rest of his troops wound up incapacitated by their efforts, only to be met at gunpoint by [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]] and the [[Throttlebot]]s. Onslaught fled, swearing vengeance against the Autobots.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}} ''In response to that humiliation,'' Onslaught and the Combaticons hunted the Throttlebots down. The Throttlebots were trapped in a used car lot and the Combaticons were forced to bid for them in an auction against RAAT and the Protectobots, but Onslaught cut through this by trying to have the lot's owner assassinated. RAAT would get the Throttlebots and the Combaticons were beaten by [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} However, Blaster had been arrested by the Protectobots under orders from the current Autobot commander, [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. Onslaught and his team chose to track the Protectobots on their return journey to the Ark, and ambushed them as they drove through a sprawling train yard. Once he and his teammates were in position, Onslaught had the Combaticons merge into Bruticus, who downed the similarly combined [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] after a prolonged battle. But the dim-witted Bruticus was tricked by Blaster into lowering his guard, who then collapsed an electrical tower atop of him, knocking him out. Whereas the rest of the team was left where they lay, [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] was captured by the enemy. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

[[File:Onslaught Marvel41.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|{{w|Onslaught (comics)|BEHOLD MY MIGHTY HAND!}}]]
Onslaught was on the Decepticons' island base when Shockwave and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] launched it into space to prevent the Autobots from rescuing their prisoner, Buster Witwicky. As Shockwave was sent plunging back into the Earth's atmosphere, Onslaught found himself under Ratbat's command. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}} Onslaught's shining moment came when he got to lead a massed Decepticon assault on the Autobots, which came close to wiping them all out. [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]], who had been dueling for supremacy over the Autobots at the time, were able to put aside their differences however, and rallied their troops against the Decepticons' attack. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Some time later, the Decepticons acquired two dormant [[Raindance|Autobot]] [[Grand Slam (G1)|mini-cassettes]] carrying data on the powerful [[Underbase]]. Once Buster was put through a [[Realvision]] simulation to test out the simulator itself, Onslaught helped escort the boy back to his cell, allowing Ratbat and Starscream to view the data privately. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}}

''Eventually, the Combaticons fell under the command of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. On his orders, Onslaught's team staged a raid on the [[Rutter U.S. Military Base]]. There, they secured two armed warheads and components from an advanced guidance computer. The Protectobots intervened part-way through the theft, but once Blast Off cleared the area with the loot, the rest of the team used hit-and-run tactics to fend their rivals off, eventually managing their own getaway.''

''Afterwards, the remaining Combaticons went to check on [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s progress at [[Alternate Reality, Inc.]], where Scorponok had likewise tasked them to steal a [[floppy disk]] containing a back-up copy of Optimus Prime's mind. They found [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] about to shoot the jets out of the sky, and blasted the Combiner in the back, crippling him before he could pull the trigger. With the mission a success, Onslaught's group then made themselves scarce.'' {{storylink|Prime Bomb!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[File:Soundwave decepticons space pirates.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"It's okay, the foot shall lead you now!"]]
In an alternate timeline after the attack of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] in [[2006]], Onslaught was still active in 2008 and was one of [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s top lieutenants. After Soundwave learned that most of the Autobots were allegedly off-world, he led a massive attack on the Autobot-controlled territories in order to once and for all gain control of Cybertron. The information proved false, and the Decepticons were caught in a [[Quintesson]] ambush. They were forced to call upon the Autobots for help in thwarting the aliens' forced colonization of Cybertron. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{-}}

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

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:Totalwar-combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8]]
Onslaught was one of the Decepticons operating aboard the [[Warworld]]. At the death of [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]], a [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] killed light years away, Onslaught was briefly overcome by pain, hinting of a genetic connection between these two. {{storylink|Swarm (issue)|Swarm}} When legions of enemy Cybertronians boarded the Warworld, Onslaught and the Combaticons stood against them. He was likely off-lined in the skirmish that ensued. {{storylink|Total War!}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
Onslaught was among the Decepticons under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s leadership, who set up a hidden base in a human industrial estate not far from [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Following a failed raid on the Autobot fortress, Onslaught carried a recovery crew out to pick up the damaged [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]. They returned to base, unaware that they'd been followed by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and a short time later they were chased out of the base by the full Autobot force. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}

===The Special Teams===
Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons were created by Starscream on a remote Pacific island, by combining military vehicles with Energon cubes. They then drove to the [[Pullen Power Plant]], passing Optimus Prime en route, though the Autobot leader was none-the-wiser to the Decepticons in disguise. Onslaught, Brawl and Swindle arrived first on the battlefield, coming upon Menasor already engaged in battle with Defensor. Onslaught then ordered to rest of his team to merge with him to form Bruticus. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}
{{-}}

===St. Michael ''The Transformers'' Sticker Book===
{{notemultipath}}
Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons served under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] on a Decepticon ship, when they managed to shoot down the ship being captained by Ultra Magnus. After the Autobots crash-landed on planet [[Barrenikon]], the Decepticons landed their ship nearby to finish off their enemies. In the many possible adventures that followed, Onslaught and the other Decepticons often underestimated you, which often led to them losing to the Autobots, leaving them either stranded on Barrenikon, or fleeing after they received too much damage. That is, if you somehow didn't get yourself killed at their hands. {{storylink|The Transformers Sticker Book (St. Michael)|The Transformers Sticker Book}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Onslaughtwarwithin.jpg|thumb|Those Autobots are in for some "wheel" trouble now!]]
Onslaught unleashed his considerable firepower against the Autobots during the Decepticon assault against [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}} and was on the front lines when the Decepticons managed to breach the last of the Autobots' defenses and penetrated the [[Decagon]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #5}} He and his fellow Combaticons were later upgraded into Combiners. After the Crisis Intervention Accords were enacted, however, it is unknown if Onslaught joined up separately with any faction.

After the Great Shutdown and the peace that followed it, Onslaught and the Combaticons were labeled as war criminals and held in stasis in a penitentiary. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} That is, at least until Starscream freed them, and loaded them up aboard a [[Sky Lynx (G1)|shuttle]], planning to use their might to plunder Earth. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

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

Damaged or not, the Combaticons soon had to face a powerful enemy when the crazed zealot [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] appeared on Earth, but before they could attack him, Bruticus' head was blown apart by [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] in the Autobot supply ship ''[[Orion]]''. In the aftermath, Bruticus's barely-conscious body was battered upon by an angry Brawn. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} Onslaught and the other Decepticons were made the Autobots' prisoners, until Starscream negotiated a deal for their release in exchange for his aid against Sunstorm. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}}

[[File:Onslaught G1DW routeofallevil.jpg|left|thumb|Well, isn't he a bossy one...]]
The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. Starscream ordered them to defeat the magnificent Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as a means to train themselves for greater battles. Unfortunately, the Combaticons did not fare well when the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, with Onslaught nearly crushed by the Lynx's right paw as he was issuing orders. After Starscream deactivated Sky Lynx, Onslaught berated his team as buffoons for not paying attention to his battle plan.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] showed up as soon after Sky Lynx shut down. Onslaught ordered his men to keep moving and maintain formation so as to remain smaller, faster targets, then as they neared Predaking, formed Bruticus. This encounter did not end well either... {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
The discovery that Swindle was selling Decepticon weapons on the black market lead Megatron to berate Onslaught on his inability to keep his team member under control. Onslaught asked for another chance to get Swindle under control, but Megatron denied his request, giving [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] the task of bringing Swindle in. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
The Combaticons were among the Decepticon army on Cybertron when [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] took control of it. As the new Decepticon leader was assaulted by Optimus Prime, he called Onslaught and several other subgroup leaders to his aid. Prime fought back, grabbing [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]'s [[sword]] and slashing Onslaught with it. It is unclear if this killed him or merely damaged him, but Onslaught wasn't seen for the remainder of the battle. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===''The Beast Within''===
Onslaught participated in a savage all-out Decepticon offensive against the Autobots. With the Decepticons maintaining the advantage throughout the battle, Onslaught was amongst those who approached a crippled Optimus Prime, ready to dispatch the Autobot leader. Before they could deliver the finishing blow, the Dinobots combined into [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]], shifting the Decepticons’ priorities. Onslaught combined with his fellow Combaticons in order to square off against The Beast. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|''[[Spotlight: Arcee]]''}}
[[File:Autocracy12-BrawlOnslaughtSkullgrinBlitzwing.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Who died and put ''Blitzwing'' in charge of ''me''?]]
Onslaught was one of many bots to come from distant regions of Cybertron to attend Megatron's speeches and demonstrations of power as the Decepticon faction began to take shape. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

After the execution of [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] and the Decepticon rise to power, Onslaught fought alongside [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Skullgrin]], and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] against an Autobot resurgence. They were driven back by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]]. {{storylink|Endgame}} When [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] took command of the Decepticons, the Combaticons rebelled and left Cybertron, becoming mercenaries. While breaking into a weapons vault on the [[Presidium (planet)|Presidium]] they were approached by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and offered ample payment for returning to the Decepticon fold, which Onslaught accepted. {{storylink|Primacy issue 2|Primacy #2}} He went on to participate in [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s all-out attack on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}} where he attacked [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]], seeing the Autobot's destruction as his ticket into [[Decepticon High Command]]. He was stopped when the disillusioned Decepticon [[Slinger]] shot him in the eyes. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}}

[[File:SpotlightArcee Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Onslaught transforms into Brawl. Wait.]]
As the war went on, Onslaught led the Combaticon tactical unit assigned to the [[Decepticon Secret Service]] under [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzaitron]]'s command. They were the storming squad which participated in the ground assault raid of the [[Garrus-9]] penal facility, successfully blasting their way through Autobot resistance and capturing [[Pretender Monster|the "gestalt" transformers]]. He was the only one not to wee himself over [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|the raging death that is Arcee]], and he berated the other Combaticons for fearing her. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

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

A few years later, Onslaught went to [[Earth]], where he was captured by the human organization [[Skywatch]]. He was among the deactivated captives retrieved by [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]]'s team as they searched for more allies for their quest to get off the planet. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}} When Swindle unleashed Menasor on the Autobots and the combiner was defeated, Onslaught was one of the Decepticons who managed to slip away. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

[[File:Land Ironclads Onslaught Drinks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|It has a mouth! It has a mouth!!!!]]
After reuniting with Brawl and Vortex, Onslaught was hired by [[North Korea]]n leader [[Kim Jong Du]] to lead an attack on [[South Korea]], destroying a South Korean military outpost at the de-militarized zone in the process. He was surprised by a shot from a tank, but Brawl and Vortex quickly joined in and wiped out the human forces. This attack was directly responsible for the [[President of the United States]] declaring any country working with Cybertronians was considered in possession of weapons of mass destruction. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|The Land Ironclads}} None of the Combaticons much enjoyed working for humans, but unfortunately these humans knew more about the production of [[energon]] than they did. Onslaught assured the others he was formulating a better plan, but it was clear that they needed Swindle for these situations. As the Combaticons argued amongst themselves, the Autobots and [[Skywatch]] performed a surprise attack on them. Onslaught and the others were overwhelmed at first, but soon turned the tide after noting that the Autobots were forced to stay in their vehicle modes and that their only air support was a [[Jetfire (G1)|scientist]]. They took out two Autobots and fled back to North Korea without suffering much damage. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|Ranks of Bronze}}

[[File:Hawk Among the Sparrows Onslaught vs Optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Seriously man, I don't swing that way!]]
As Onslaught toasted to their victory in North Korea, the Autobots returned and resumed their assault, having dealt with their transformation issue. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] began wrestling with Onslaught while also telling him that helping the humans with their infighting would only lead to chaos. Onslaught was unimpressed by his words, since the Autobots had their own human "masters" in Skywatch, but found himself defeated when rebellious Decepticon [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] bombed him. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|Hawk Among the Sparrows}} As the battle got close to the [[China|Chinese]] border, the combatants found that the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] had allied themselves with the Chinese government just like the Combaticons had with North Korea. The Predacons were willing to let them off with a warning, but as they turned to leave, Onslaught decided to shake things up by shooting [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] in the back. [[File:All My Sins Remembered Heheheh.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.9|[[Runamuck (G1)|Heh heh, fire. Fire.]]]] Mistaking this for an Autobot attack, the Predacons attacked Optimus Prime and the others, while Onslaught presumably giggled to himself. The battle ended when [[Russia]] attempted to [[Nuclear weapon|nuke]] everyone present: Onslaught confirmed this via radio contact with the North Koreans. In the end, the Combaticons were set free as the Autobots didn't have the resources to keep them as prisoners, but their alliance with Kim Jong Du ended with a boom as Thundercracker bombed North Korea's energon factories. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|All My Sins Remembered}}

When the war ended, Onslaught returned to Cybertron with a large group of Decepticons. The Decepticons felt oppressed under a provisional government of Autobots, [[NAIL|Non-Aligned Cybertronians]], and... Starscream. Starscream approached Onslaught to buy his services as he made his play for Iacon's leadership. In exchange for protecting him from those like the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] or unruly bots, Starscream would allow Onslaught a position of power when the time came. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} When Megatron arrived at the new Cybertronian settlements, Onslaught and the other Decepticons began rioting in the streets to celebrate his return. {{storylink|City on Fire}} When Starscream successfully became the ruler of Iacon, he reneged on his deal with Onslaught, who was furious over the betrayal. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} Following [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s installation as Cybertron's new capital, Onslaught and many other disgruntled Decepticons chose to live in slums outside the city instead. When they caught Optimus Prime making his way through their territory, many of them formed a mob and attacked him. {{storylink|City of Steel (issue)|City of Steel}} He later skulked by as a group of Camiens were passing out fliers regarding Optimus Prime's divinity in the district. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}

[[File:ChooseMe OnslaughtGrenade.jpg|thumb|right|That's all very sweet, but they're definitely going to do some terrorism with that.]]
He later rejoined his fellow Combaticon teammates as they stewed over Starscream's leadership, and upon throwing an energon canister at a viewscreen promoting his success in uniting some of the lost colonies, Onslaught declared that they wouldn't let Starscream forget the past, not without having to go through them first. They sprayed "SWINDLE LIVES" on a wall {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} thanks to being informed by an anonymous informant, "[[Rattrap (BW)|DC-357]]", that Swindle was alive and had damaging info on Starscream. {{storylink|07:00:00}} In light of the newly announced "Chosen One Day", Onslaught got a new grenade as a gift from his teammates. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

At Brawl's suggestion, Onslaught rejoined the Decepticon movement as they prepared for [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron's]] conquest of Earth. Brawl and Needlenose led a team of Decepticons to the Space Bridge nexus, where they transported aboard the ''[[Ark-7]]'' to overpower the Autobots in Earth orbit. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} Onslaught and the Decepticons engaged Arcee, [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Alpha Trion]] before the ship crashed into Shanghai, China. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} When that all went tits up, he abandoned the operation on Earth and fled back to Cybertron, where he continued to search the underbelly of Cybertron for the missing Swindle.

[[file:Onslaught_Riot_from_Applicable_Skills_Open_Road.jpg|thumb|upright=1|frame|left|230x230px|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esE_uA-XkJ8 MY NAME IS ONSLAUGHT AND I HATE STARSCREAMS]]]As the [[Badgeless]] began to brutalise Decepticons for information, Onslaught became sure DC-357 was onto something but the other Combaticons became worried he was ''too'' focused, costing them paying jobs. The idea of dropping the search made Onslaught storm off in a huff, {{storylink|07:00:00}} and when he came back, he found riots breaking out over a police killing. He decided they shouldn't touch this as it was likely to turn the colonists against their cause and he felt this might be a Starscream plot to draw them out. That's when Blast Off admitted he'd ''done'' the killing in disguise as a Badgeless, so he could film it, send it to the press, and provoke an uprising. Onslaught hit on a sneaky plan: he started a large protest that marched on Starscream to shake the tree and see what happened, and when what happened was Ironhide was made head of the cops and opened them up to anyone who wanted. Onslaught then started a fight so that Blast Off could 'stop him' and 'denounce' his plans, thus getting into the police as someone Ironhide would trust. Blast Off did the deed so well, Onslaught was proud! {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

Onslaught eventually learned from Blast Off that Wheeljack and Rattrap had taken Swindle. Outraged, Onslaught took Brawl and went to Rattrap's, brutally beating him down to figure out where he took Swindle. Soon Vortex and Blast Off arrived with Chromia and Wheeljack, and Onslaught and the other Combaticons forced them to lead them to the brain-dead Swindle. Onslaught was unperturbed by Swindle's condition, and forced Rattrap to retrieve the [[Enigma of Combination]]. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}}

[[File:TheLineBetweenUs CombaticonsAntespace.jpg|thumb|upright=2.0|right]]
Onslaught used the Enigma on himself and his team, forming [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], hoping that he might be able to access the dirt Swindle had on Starscream. As Bruticus rampaged through Iacon, within the combiner's psyche, Onslaught soon found what he was looking for. Though Windblade tried to appeal to Onslaught within the combiner to help her take down Starscream with their evidence, it was to no avail. Eventually Ironhide was forced to fire a rocket at Bruticus' head, and the shock forced the Combaticons to disconnect. Windblade frantically tried to get Onslaught and the Combaticons to wake up to share what they had learned, but failed. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

Onslaught and his fellow Combaticons were imprisoned and awaiting trial, though Ironhide was reluctant to prosecute them if their mental scarring proved too great. {{storylink|Ping}}

[[File:ThePriceOfYou-smoochy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3|What sounds better, "Blastslaught" or "On/Off"?]]
The Combaticons were still comatose when Starscream told the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] to turn them to his side as one of his combiners. In Blast Off's mind he woke up next to Onslaught, revealing that Blast Off had a thing for his commander. It was soon revealed by Starscream, who was also there, that this was all a dream and that if Blast Off took his offer to help him sway the Combaticons for his side he could make this a reality. All he needed in exchange was for Blast Off to cover any holes in their story. Blast Off eventually agreed, and as a result, Onslaught and the others were made to believe that Onslaught's original deal with Starscream had worked out, with the Combaticons having been his secret and loyal bodyguards, Onslaught's public protest was done to draw out dissenters, and that their forming of Bruticus had been a last-ditch attempt to save Swindle's life with Starscream's approval. Soon, Onslaught woke up, seeing Blast Off by his side. He then touched Blast Off's hand, revealing Starscream kept his promise to make Onslaught notice him. {{storylink|The Price of You}} After Onslaught assured Blast Off that he felt fine, Starscream arrived and began playing upon the manipulation to Onslaught's memories, claiming he had felt vulnerable without him around and assured the Combaticon leader that their risk to save Swindle had paid off. Soon the Combaticons "resumed" their work of protecting Starscream, and prior to Onslaught's first day back he and Blast Off arranged a date. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

Onslaught was among the security detail for the ceremony to welcome Earth into the Council of Worlds. When [[Iron Ring|a group of human assailants]] attacked, he mobilised to fight back and evacuate Starscream. {{storylink|First Strike issue 1|First Strike #1}}

Onslaught and Vortex later ushered Circuit and Longtooth out of the Council chambers during Windblade's official return to her post, but when Vortex dared the two reporters to resist, Onslaught warned him not to cause trouble. During the final debate before the election to decide the new leader of Cybertron, Starscream revealed all of his crimes to the public, including the manipulation of the Combaticons. As a result, Onslaught and the other Combaticons were imprisoned for their rampage as Bruticus, with Onslaught shunning Blast Off for his cooperation in manipulating them. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

{{-}}

===''Universe'' toy bio===
Delighting in successful strikes on the Autobots, Onslaught was the type to remain out of battle to direct tactics. His entrance into the battlefield was typically a sign that something had gone wrong with the plan. {{storylink|#Uni08Ultra|''Universe'' Ultra Class Onslaught toy bio}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Generations'' manga===
When the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of another universe attempted to attack [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Onslaught and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] defended their leader. However, Starscream possessed Onslaught and began wreaking havoc with his body. Starscream was exorcised out of his host after [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] projected an illusory [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], scaring Starscream back to his home dimension. {{storylink|Starscream's New Body}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Another Episode, Part 1}} {{storylink|Another Episode, Part 2}}

===Starscream's New Power===
[[File:Starscream's New Power Combaticons.jpg|thumb|100px]]
Onslaught attempted to apprehend Starscream, only to be driven back when the latter managed to get his hands on some weapons from [[Shockwave's Tower|Shockwave's research lab]]. {{storylink|Starscream's New Power}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
Summoned by Starscream to act as his elite squad (whose first mission, of course, was to overthrow [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]), Onslaught rolled onto the scene alongside [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], and [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (who Starscream had swayed to his side by making him one of his elites and even threw in a new paintjob). He boasted that they could leave the strategy to him, and was irritated when Vortex offered to stay behind and guard the base. When the Combaticons combined into Bruticus, Vortex constant worry for the base's safety compelled the team to withdraw. When Starscream, under imminent threat of a beating from Megatron, contacted the team to demand to know where they were, Onslaught joined his teammates in happily informing their illustrious leader they were all protecting the base together. Aww. {{Storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
The Combaticons infiltrated [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] disguised as their vehicles, with Onslaught taking on the form of [[Ghostrider]]'s stealth bomber. During the Decepticon-[[Cobra]] attack on the [[United Nations]], the Combaticons revealed themselves and combined into Bruticus to fight [[GIJONIN]]. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}}
{{-}}

===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===
The [[Combaticon (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Combaticons]] fought multiple tours together. It's likely that the first one of these was when they all changed their alternate modes to Earth-based ones. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

Onslaught was the team's commander, and had shaped it into a nearly unstoppable strike force. He had high expectations for them, putting exacting precision in both his planning and orders. {{storylink|Onslaught (G1)#Combiner Wars|Onslaught's bio}}

[[Brawl (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Brawl]] was often needled and frustrated by his fellow Combaticons in order to make better use of his focused battlefield fury. He often needed to be told important information multiple times, but he ''was'' learning from Onslaught. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

The other Combaticons knew better than to trust [[Swindle (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Swindle]] with ''anything''. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}

Bruticus as a combined form was created by [[Shockwave (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Shockwave]] for the express purpose of pummeling Autobots. {{storylink|Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Shockwave's bio}}

[[Blast Off (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Blast Off]] was captured at one point, leaving the team unable to form Bruticus. Eventually, they were reunited. Onslaught subsequently mandated that he switch his alternate mode once again in order to stay close, so - much to Blast Off's anger - he reformatted into a fighter jet. Onslaught welcomed this new temperment because he considered his subordinate to be a more effective soldier afterwards. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

The Combaticons were posted on Cybertron during the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Vortex's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

===''Combiner Wars'' cartoon===
Onslaught was among the Decepticon troops who bore witness to a pivotal duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron, one meant to end the war before the never-ending arms race between the two factions spiralled further out of control. {{storylink|Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Optimus Prime}}

===''Win If You Dare''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare|Win If You Dare}}}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Constructicons Rising, Part 4|''Galaxies'' #4]]}}
[[File:ConstructiconsRisingPart4 Combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
At some point, Onslaught posed in a group photo with many Cybertronians, including Blast Off. {{storylink|Open Comms}} A member of [[The Rise]], Onslaught was sent to [[Mayalx]] by Shockwave to collect the large bounty of [[energon cube]]s that the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] had processed. {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 4}}

Once he returned to Cybertron, Onslaught assumed a position of authority in the Rise, supporting Shockwave after [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and many of the terrorist cell were fully assimilated into Megatron's Decepticons at Iacon. {{storylink|Escape Part Three}} He assigned [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]] and "Team Stream" to sentry duty at the Rise base while also maintaining security around the radioactive and disturbing [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} Mercifully, Vortex soon arrived to spell Onslaught and take a shift watching over the unsettling Seeker. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}

[[File:WarsEndPartThree JumpstreamSavesCyclonus.jpg|right|thumb|upright=2.0|Oof, right in the dude-icus!]]
When [[Exarchon]] returned, the Combaticons were summoned by [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] to Shockwave's base. When [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] rejected the Threefold Spark's sales pitch and teleported away, Onslaught was ready to pursue only for Exarchon to overrule him. {{storylink|War's End Part One}} Instead, Exarchon ordered them to reinforce his iteration in the [[Sonic Canyons]], with Onslaught coming to blows with [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] when the Decepticons arrived. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} A group of Autobots became involved as well, but they all pulled back once [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] arrived from deep space at Shockwave's call. Onslaught and the others cautiously welcomed Devastator, along with The Rise's other lieutenant [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]] as reinforcements. Exarchon became greedy, however, and tried to impose his spark on Devastator rather than using him as an ally. {{storylink|War's End Part Three}} He failed, but it left the Constructicons disabled and useless as support. The Combaticons soon faced a united attack from the Autobots and Decepticons again. Exarchon was defeated, trapped in a Titan spark cage, which was then destroyed. Onslaught and his cohorts were taken into Decepticon custody. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

====Alternate future====
In one possible future, [[Exarchon]] returned and conquered Cybertron. He used Onslaught, Megatron and Shockwave as hosts for his Threefold Spark. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} Exarchon briefly encountered the time-traveling [[Jumpstream]], but didn't realize her significance and turned her over to the [[Thraal]]. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}

===Energon Universe===
[[File:TF2023 no. 9 – Onslaught & Brawl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.12]]
Onslaught and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] had chased down and cornered [[Elita One (G1)#Energon Universe|Elita One]]. This wouldn't stay the case for long though as the [[Autobot]] slipped through a [[space bridge]], following her, he commanded his team to combine, only to jump clear of the bridge as Elita destroyed it, bisecting [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and cutting Onslaught off from the rest of his team. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 9|Transformers #9}}

As repairs to the space bridge proceeded, Onslaught kept to himself, assuring Brawl that he would be repaired soon and overhearing [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s disagreements with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Onslaught rejoined his fellows when the [[energon]] generated by the [[feeder]] re-opened the space bridge and brought [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to [[Earth]]'s orbit. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 10|Transformers #10}} Following the ensuing battle with the Autobots, a chunk of Cybertron crashed into the ocean, with Onslaught and Brawl caught up in the ensuing tsunami. Luckily, the pair were rescued by Astrotrain and Starscream. Later, the group returned to the crashed section of Cybertron and reunited with the remaining Combaticons. Onslaught and Brawl corroborated Starscream's assertions that Soundwave was an ill-fitting leader. The group then watched as Starscream slaughtered most of his human rescuers. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 14|Transformers #14}}

Once the Combaticons were repaired, Starscream led them into battle against Soundwave, the quintet combining into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 15|Transformers #15}}
{{ongoing}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Onslaught, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] were part of a Decepticon attack force that assaulted the Autobots' launch site. All three were rammed by Ultra Magnus in his vehicle mode as he entered the fray. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Ultra Magnus|Ultra Magnus commercial}}
*Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons charged down a ravine to face-off against [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As they neared him, the Combaticons combined into Bruticus and took to the skies. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Bruticus and Metroplex|Bruticus and Metroplex commercial}}
Onslaught was part of a massive battle between Kreons. He and the Combaticons combined into Bruticus to gain the advantage in battle, and then chased the Autobots off alongside [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. {{storylink|Commercial#Kre-O|KRE-O Transformers Micro Changers and Combiners Construction Sets commercial}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{Note|Onslaught is a non-playable character. He appears among the legion of Decepticon duplicates in the Autobot campaign.}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
In the early days of the war, Megatron tasked Onslaught and [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] with breaching Iacon's defences. The two Decepticons were opposed by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], and were ultimately unsuccessful in taking the city due to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s involvement. {{storylink|Assault on Iacon}}

Onslaught was active in the Decepticon/Autobot war when [[Doctor Arkeville]] created [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]. He didn't take an active role when the Doctor's creation went on a rampage and was stopped by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] however. {{storylink|Nemesis Rising}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsOnslaught.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
Onslaught participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Super Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 250 units of Cybermetal, 75 units of Transmetal, and 10 cores of this character. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:OnslaughtEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=2| Tactical Oversight? Nah. Just lots of BOOM.]]
It would be easy to dismiss Onslaught as a brutish thug. But to him his greatest weapon is not his photon missiles, but his amazing tactical mind.

The key to victory is planning, and Onslaught executes his strategies with exacting and dispassionate logic. It's only when things don't go to plan that he gets frustrated and lashes out.
Which, admittedly, is often. VERY often. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Onslaught bio}}

Onslaught is one of Megatron's more elite warriors, and he is leader of the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] on Cybertron, save Swindle. He is contacted by Megatron to get them to earth. He arrives in time for the battle of the Codex Key. He really hates Swindle for leaving the Combaticons for profit, seeing as it left the Combaticons at a tactical disadvantage.

When Megatron states he needs a new combiner to take on Optimus's new combiner, he immediately <s>forces</s> "recruits" the Combaticons to form their gestalt Bruticus, despite Onslaught's complaints they are not ready to unleash Bruticus yet. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}

Onslaught noticed Swindle's absence, and his team concluded that Swindle was off to sell information on [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s interdimensional recruitment plan to the Autobots. They pursued Swindle to the meeting location, and a battle ensued. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Rogue Trader}}

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest star rating''': 3 Star (2 star beta)
*'''Weapons''': Onslaught uses a unique [[grenade launcher]] custom modified to lay down a blanket of grenades onto the battlefield. It deals heavy damage to any target, or anything around it for that matter, Onslaught has in sights. '''KABOOM!'''
*'''Ability: Line barrage''': Shoots 12 small rockets from long range delivering damage in a line across the target.
**'''Ability Cost''': 7 ability points. +3 for continued usage.
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive''===
[[File:BBOOnslaught.jpg|thumb|100px]]
Onslaught is featured as a boss battle once the player reaches 43,700,000 points. He is in command of the seventeenth Decepticon base attacked and destroyed during a series of Autobot raids. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Onslaught was a military genius and the leader of the Combaticons. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}} At some point during the war, Onslaught was imprisoned in a [[crystalline containment vessel|containment vessel]] and missed Devastator's first deployment. {{storylink|The Enigma of Combination}}

On Earth, Onslaught and the other Combaticons acted as a liaison between the Decepticons and the forces of Cobra, offering them advanced alien technology in exchange for their full cooperation. While meeting with [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] in southern [[France]], the Autobots attacked; in the ensuing fight, Onslaught dealt [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] a debilitating injury before [[Bulkhead (G1)|Bulkhead]] cleared an escape route. The Combaticons, minus Swindle, spent days pursuing the Autobots across southern France before bumping into a [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] encampment; leery of their advanced weapons and unable to form Bruticus, the Combaticons retreated. {{storylink|Cobra/Con Fusion}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1Onslaught toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The Real American Decepticon]]
*'''Onslaught''' ([[1986]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''C5'''
**''Takara/GiG ID number:'' '''D-64'''
**''Accessories'': "[[Sonic stun-gun]]" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Originally designed for the aborted ''[[Diaclone]]'' line ''[[Diaclone#Jizai Gattai|Jizai Gattai]]'' (自在合体 "Limitless Combination") and then brought over to the ''Transformers'' toyline, ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Onslaught transforms into a dark blue and green mobile anti-aircraft truck of made-up origin (though the cab is probably a White Road Boss with sleeper cab), armed with a large double-barreled cannon mounted on the flatbed of his vehicle mode. Like all of the original four [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and Transformers 2010)|Scramble City]]-style combiner team leaders, he can also assume a base/gun emplacement mode with a ramp that smaller Combaticons can use, which can be connected to both the Autobot city [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] (a feature not mentioned in either toy's instructions, for obvious reasons) and to the Decepticon city [[Trypticon (G1)#Toys|Trypticon]] (a feature only documented in Trypticon's instructions). As with [[Motormaster (G1)#Toys|Motormaster]] and [[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]], Onslaught was originally designed to feature a spring-loaded launching mechanism in base mode that would propel the smaller vehicles off him. Hasbro dropped the feature, likely [[for safety reasons]], but it was retained on the Japanese edition of the figure. Onslaught has three distinct [[variant|variants]], the first version having a painted metal chest and silver plastics, the second version replacing the metal chest with silver plastic, and the third swapping the silver plastics for light grey (originating from Macau, as opposed to China or Japan). While the metal version came first and the silver plastic version appears to have had the widest release, none of the three variations are particularly rare.

:In robot mode, Onslaught is armed with a long olive [[sonic stun-gun]] and is accessorized by a small chest plate. The gun can store on his backpack in either mode via two rectangular pegs which hold onto his gun sight. Holes in the side of the gun are, probably coincidentally, just the right size to peg in the smaller weapons from the other Combaticons—a feature that would be canonized only for the later Ruination version of the mold.

:Onslaught combines with the other Combaticon toys into [[Bruticus (G1)#Toys|Bruticus]], forming the central body component of the super-robot with the addition of a large silver chest plate and Bruticus's head. He also comes with Bruticus's hands and feet.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Bruticus}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (multi-pack, [[1985]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''D-69'''
**''Accessories'': "[[Sonic stun-gun]]" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:In addition to his single release, Onslaught was also sold in a "Bruticus" [[giftset]] alongside the other Combaticons. The gift set was never available in the USA or Canada, but only in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

: In 1988, [[GiG]] also re-released the Bruticus set in Italy, with five random "Exogini Transformers" ([[Decoy]]s) added.

{{anchor|1991Classic}}
*'''Classic Onslaught''' ([[1991]])
**''Accessories'': "Sonic stun-gun" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Onslaught was re-released in the European-market "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" line in 1991, with his [[rubsign]] removed. This version was sold in several packaging variants featuring different languages, with the Spanish version somehow ending up with the hilariously nonsensical name "Oslat".
{{--}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Tom Kenny|I'm a Goofy Goober, yeah!]]]]
*'''Onslaught''' ([[1993]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''C5'''
**''Accessories'': "Sonic stun gun" rifle, double-barreled turret, missile launcher, 2 missiles, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Released in the second year of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', Onslaught was redecoed in a rather outlandish color scheme of bright yellow-orange covered in purple camouflage, with purple and black replacing olive and silver. The factory-applied stickers on the back of his truck mode proudly state that he is indeed Onslaught. In this form he was reputedly "one metamorphin' dude-icus."

:His new spring-loaded missile launcher was taken from [http://www.yojoe.com/action/91/snowserpent2.shtml Snow Serpent] from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' toyline, and was the same one used by ''Generation 2'' [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Sideswipe]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Jazz]]. His backpack cannon was [[retool]]ed with a peg-hole to mount this new launcher. In theory the other smaller Combaticons can also hold the launcher, and their weapons can store on Onslaught's backpack now. Not that Onslaught's about to lend his gun to Swindle or Brawl.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on G2 Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2FOC}}{{anchor|G2BoxSet}}
[[File:G2toy-OnslaughtAmazon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"It's not easy bein' cheesy."]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Box set, [[2012]])
**''Accessories'': Dual cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Franks]] (deco artist)}}

:Part of a giftset [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]], this version of Onslaught is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Onslaught (WFC)#Toys|Onslaught]] in ''Generation 2'' colors. As usual, he forms the torso of Bruticus. Though [[:File:GenerationsG2Onslaught.JPG|stock photography depicted Onslaught]] with a black head and black deco on his gun, the final toy rendered both of these in unpainted purple plastic.

:This toy was [[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Impactor (Prime)#Toys|Impactor]].
{{--}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:TFU08-toy Onslaught Legend.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Because ''Classics'' Legends [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] was ''super''-popular.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Legends Class, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''Series'': Classic Series

: Part of the very first wave of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] toys, Onslaught is a [[redeco]] of Legends Class ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)#LOC|Red Alert]], transforming into a SWAT-deco'd BTR-90 armored personnel carrier mounted with a top-mounted missile similar to a SCUD launcher. The missile is permanently sculpted in the open-tipped "cannon" mode the larger version of this toy can assume. The deco's resemblance to the original Onslaught is iffy, but it ''is'' not far from the deco of the next toy of him, below.

: Onslaught uses the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|live-action-movie]]-style Decepticon symbol, a common minor error among toys of this era.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Classics|Perceptor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/LegendsOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe Legends Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2008Ultra}}{{anchor|Uni08Ultra}}
[[File:UniverseOnslaughtToys-HasbroTakara.JPG|upright=1.67|thumb|They found your phone number and want to ask you a few questions. (''Hasbro version on left, Takara version on right)]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Ultra Class, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''Series'': Classic Series
:*''Accessories'': Shield
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the first wave of ''Universe'' Ultra Class toys, this version of Onslaught transforms into a six-wheeled SWAT assault truck with positionable mine-scoops and a rotating double-barreled turret on top. "MONZO 12782" is [[tampograph]]ed onto the front of the vehicle mode on both versions, a reference by Hasbro to the ever-helpful [[Fandom|fan]] [[Matthew Karpowich]] (aka [[User:Monzo|Monzo]]) and his birthdate, [[December 7]], [[1982]], or 12-7-82. When the button on his rotating turret is pressed, electronic lights in his head and turret flash and one hears either machine gun fire or a siren sound, either of which are continuous if held down. Rolling the vehicle's middle left tire activates a third sound effect of him causing extensive property damage on something unfortunate enough to get caught under his wheels. A looped driving sound will then be continuously played until the tire stops rolling, when a final sound of the vehicle driving away/to a halt is played. The first waves of Onslaughts gave only very brief clips of sound when the button gimmick was activated. (The siren ended up sounding like a set car alarm.) This was changed in the Japanese release and as a [[Variant|running change]] in the U.S. version, so that the gun and siren noises are now restored to their intended full lengths.

: He comes with a riot shield, which can either connect to a flip up tab on Onslaught's left arm in robot mode, or store on top of his turret in either mode. The small flap at the top of the shield is used to access the turret's button, either by pressing on the flap itself, or by flipping it open and pressing the button directly. A button on Onslaught's right arm spring-deploys an arm-mounted weapon. His cannons can be removed, but are not meant to be accessories, as the pop-off points are simply there to prevent breakage if the toy is dropped.

: The [[stock photography]] also shows him as [[:File:Onslaughtuniversetoy.jpg|having black cannons and hands, and being slightly mis-transformed]].

: The Japanese [[TakaraTomy]] version of Onslaught was released in American ''Universe'' packaging as a [[USA Edition]] toy... but it's ''not'' the Hasbro deco. He is redecoed to more closely resemble the colours of the original Onslaught toy and his appearance in the original ''The Transformers'' cartoon. His sparkly metallic slate-blue is replaced with swirly metallic teal, the blue paint on his arms and crotch is replaced by a dark greenish-blue, and the silver and dark silver on the sides of his face are replaced by teal. He also has slightly more paint on his face, with his mouth-plate being painted silver.

: This mold was redecoed as ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Hardhead (G1)#Universe (2008)|Hardhead]] and retooled as ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Clench (G1)#Timelines|Clench]]. The Clench tooling also served as the basis of the non-toy ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Torca (BW)|Torca]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/TFUOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe Ultra-Class Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BrutMaxSet}}
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy Onslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]] stole his design, so he stole Grindcore's colors.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus Maximus''' (Multi-pack, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''Series'': G1 Series

: The third ''Universe'' Onslaught toy is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Barricade (Energon)#Toys|Barricade]], transforming into an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier with a rear-mounted (non-firing) missile rack that turns and elevates. (Amusingly, Barricade has a more Onslaught-accurate colour scheme than ''Universe'' Onslaught.) The alphanumeric code "C5" tampographed on the front of his vehicle mode is a reference to the original Onslaught toy's American release's team ID number. For a little extra Generation 1 flair, Onslaught's (as well as any other variations of the sculpt) missile rack in vehicle-mode can be clicked back to be dragged behind, elongating the entire vehicle, similar to the original toy.

: Onslaught also has a paint error on the right robot knee, in that there is no paint around the hole immediately below the knee, where there ''is'' paint on the left one. This error is also evident in the box photos for the individual robot mode, but not the combined mode, curiously. When combined with the other Combaticons, Onslaught forms the torso.

: He was only available as part of the ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus [[giftset]], which was initially intended to be released as a [[Target]] exclusive in the United States, but ultimately ended up being only available in some non-American markets such as Australia and Singapore. Instead, American markets eventually received a [[rebranding|rebranded]] version of this giftset (with no changes to the toys themselves) in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging (thereby creating a new [[live-action film series]] [[Onslaught (ROTF)|Onslaught]] character), exclusively available at Target stores in the United States and at Zellers stores in Canada. ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Onslaught retains the aforementioned paint error.

: This sculpt was redecoed into the ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' versions of Onslaught (see [[#United|below]]) and was retooled to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Heatwave (Timelines)#Toys|Heatwave]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TargetOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe multipack Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Encore''===
*'''Bruticus''' ([[2009]])
**''ID number:'' '''16'''

:A reissue of the original G1 Onslaught toy at first sight, this toy is actually a redeco of the ''Robots in Disguise'' Mega-Octane retool of the sculpt, complete with shortened rifle, a plastic chest, and all other subsequent mold changes. Additionally, the Japan-only base mode launcher mechanism was reinstated for this release. Unfortunately, the sculpt also has quite a bit of visible mold wear-and-tear thanks to the inordinate number of times the Onslaught sculpt has been reused and retooled over the years.

:This version of Onslaught was only available as part of a Bruticus gift set released under [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' line of reissues.
{{G1CombaticonMold}}
{{--}}

===''United EX''===
[[File:UnitedEX-Combatmaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combatmaster Prime Mode''' ([[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''EX-01'''
:*''Release date'': [[September 22]], 2012
:*''Accessories'': "Kannonier Drone", "Morser Drone", "Panzer Drone", "Spaher Drone"

: Released in the first wave of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers United EX|United EX]]'' toyline, Combatmaster is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Bombshock (PCC)|Bombshock]] toy, transforming into a twin-barreled artillery cannon truck of indeterminate model. He also has a "Prime Mode" where he becomes the torso of a super robot, capable of using any auto-transforming Power Core Combiner drone-machine molds for limbs.

: He comes with four color-coordinated military vehicle drone-limbs, redecos of the [[Combaticon (PCC)|Combaticon]]s. Each one has a square socket for a Power Core Combiner connection; when attached via the blue plugs on a Commander figure, the vehicles automatically transform into a super-robot limb, and snaps back to vehicle mode when disconnected. Despite the universal connector, each drone can only form one limb type (but can be swapped from left to right):

:*1: '''Morser Drone''' [Missile Carrier Drone]—Arm (Combatmaster's right)
:*2: '''Panzer Drone''' [Tank Drone]—Arm (Combatmaster's left)
:*3: '''Kannonier Drone''' [APC Drone]—Leg (Combatmaster's right)
:*4: '''Spaher Drone''' [Armored Car Drone]—Leg (Combatmaster's left)

: The drones are named after German terms related to military, which is the motif of Combatmaster himself as well as [[Combaticon (G1)|the group that he led]].

: Combatmaster's mold was also used to make [[Steelshot]]. The drone-limb molds were also used to make components for two other Power Core Combiner teams: the Missile Carrier Drone and Armored Car Drone molds were used for the [[Destron (PCC)|Destrons]], while the APC Drone and Tank Drone molds were used for the [[Protectobot (PCC)|Protectobots]].

:As a redeco of the Bombshock mold, Combatmaster is likely to be plagued with the same assembly errors.
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:Generationstoy-RetailOnslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Onslaught''' (Deluxe Class, [[2012]])
**''Series/number'': '''01/#004'''
**'''PART 1 OF 5!'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''TG07'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[January 26]], [[2013]]
**''Accessories:'' Cannons
{{note|The Aligned Onslaught toy appeared as Generation 1 Onslaught in many continuities.}}

:A [[redeco]] of Onslaught from the [[Bruticus (WFC)#FOCDeluxe|Decepticon Bruticus]] gift set was available individually alongside his fellow Combaticons as part of the second [[wave]] of the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]''-themed 2012-onwards Deluxe Class ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' assortment. Overall, these versions of the Combaticons replace the [[show-accuracy|game-accurate]], the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]]-inspired decos with more "flashy" colors apparently homaging the color scheme of [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]]. Onslaught, however, is an exception to this: Although his colors are brighter and more vivid, the colors themselves are more game-accurate, replacing the dull shade of ocher with dark blue as the main color.

:Aside from the colors, mass retail Onslaught is identical to the version from the Decepticon Bruticus gift set.

:The TakaraTomy Japanese release features a shade of dark blue similar to Hasbro's. Naturally, it features more paint applications, such as blue on the wheels and painted "light" details.

:Unsurprisingly for an Aligned toy inspired by Generation 1, ''Fall of Cybertron'' Onslaught was used in multiple Generation 1-based stories. The Hasbro deco [[Onslaught (G1)#Starscream's New Power|appeared]] in the short comic "[[Starscream's New Power]]" while the TakaraTomy deco [[Onslaught (G1)#Transformers: All Spark|appeared]] in the ''[[Transformers: All Spark]]'' manga series and the ''[[Transformers Cloud]]'' stories. This toy also serves as an approximate stand-in for Onslaught's 2012 body in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic series.<ref>Onslaught appears in [[City on Fire|''Robots in Disguise'' #12]] redesigned according to [[:File:WFC Onslaught bot.jpg|his concept art]] for the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|''War for Cybertron'' game]].</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on retail Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:United Bruticus Maximus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, [[November 7]], 2012)

:Released exclusively by TakaraTomy in non-Japanese Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has paint layouts similar to the previous ''Universe'' (2008)/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a much greater emphasis on G1-accurate colors. Onslaught's color scheme is perhaps the most different from the previous release, being very similar to his Generation 1 toy in robot mode, but is almost completely gray when transformed into Bruticus' torso, to reflect the large gray chest plate on the original Bruticus toy. Additionally, Bruticus' hands/feet/weapons, which were previously cast in translucent colored plastic are now opaque gray.
{{--}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[Image:BotShots Onslaught.jpg|thumb|right|300px|I'm only doing the o_O face because someone stole one of my cannons... and my release date!]]
*'''Combaticons''' (Multi-pack, 2013?)
**''Number'': '''T0??'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}
***''Fist strength'': '''447'''
***''Blaster strength'':
***''Sword strength'':
:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' Onslaught is a redeco of [[Warpath (G1)#Bot Shots|Warpath]], transforming into a tank. As a Flip Shot, an impact to the front of his vehicle mode causes him to flip up when autotransforming. He was to be sold in a five-pack with [[Blast Off (G1)#Bot Shots|Blast Off]], [[Brawl (Movie)#5Pack|Decepticon Brawl]], [[Swindle (G1)#Bot Shots|Swindle]], and [[Vortex (G1)#Bot Shots|Vortex]], but this never saw release.

:This mold was originally used to make [[Brawl (Movie)#BotShotFlipShot|Flip Shot Brawl]].

{{canceledtoy}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[Image:KreO-Toy Onslaught.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Where'd my cannons go?!]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A2225'''
**''Pieces'': '''79'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:Onslaught comes as part of the [[Bruticus (G1)#Kre-O|Bruticus]] [[Micro-Changer]] combiner set, and can be rebuilt from his robot mode into a truck. He can also contribute his bricks to form Bruticus. Unlike Swindle but like Brawl and Vortex, he is based on his [[#Toys|Generation 1 toy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Kre-OOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Kre-O'' Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Combiner3pack}}
*'''Combiner Robot Mega Pack''' (3-pack, 2016)
**''Set number'': '''B6425'''
**''Pieces'': '''245'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: Bruticus was reissued in a 3-pack along with [[Superion (G1)#Kre-O|Superion]] and [[Menasor (G1)#Kre-O|Menasor]], with ''most'' of the components unchanged from the previous release. For this version however, Onslaught came with bronze clip-on smokestacks rather than the original's silver.

: This three-pack was sold in Dollar General stores for a whopping $12. Considering the original releases of each combiner cost $10 ''each'', that's quite a bargain!
{{--}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:Combiner Wars Onslaught toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I like big guns and I cannot lie!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right cannons
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' product for 2016, Onslaught is a heavy retool of [[Hot Spot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Hot Spot]], replacing most the robot mode's parts from the waist up and turning the vehicle mode backwards, resulting in a transformation into an anti-aircraft truck rather than a fire truck. Being a ''Combiner Wars'' Voyager, he can combine with any four of that line's Deluxes, though he is meant to combine with his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)#Combiner Wars|Combaticon]]s to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Combiner Wars|Bruticus]]. His guns can combine end-to-end to form a larger gun for Bruticus. While it may seem as if his turret cannot rotate, folding the combiner chestplate parts at the side of the truck mode up will allow it to do so. [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Shockwave]] can also ''loosely'' sit in a designated port on top of Onslaught's vehicle mode, between Bruticus' face cover and the crotch plate.

:When Hasbro originally announced the figure at [[BotCon 2015]], he was advertised as having a tan Bruticus chestplate for a Generation 1 Onslaught-accurate color scheme as the first release and a silver chestplate for a Generation 1 Bruticus-accurate color scheme as a [[variant#Running changes|running change]]. Instead, only the version with a silver chest plate ever made it to retail, with the tan chestplate version never being released.

:While this toy officially omits the base mode of [[#Toys|his G1 self]], many [[fan mode]] base configurations exist to homage the G1 toy and even dock with Titan Class [[Trypticon (G1)#Titans Return|Trypticon]].

: Onslaught and the last three waves of ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe and Voyager figures later showed up at TJ Maxx at reduced prices.

:This version of the Hot Spot/Onslaught mold served as the basis for [[Soundwave (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Soundwave]]'s appearance in "[[Epilogue Two]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{CWHotSpotMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|G2BruticusSet}}
[[File:CW-toy Onslaught G2.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Onslaught is a long time practitioner of the ancient art of disco!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right cannons

: The entire ''Combiner Wars'' Combaticon team was redecoed into close approximations of their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' colors; Onslaught is a lighter, pure-yellow, and his formerly-black parts are now a very very dark brown. Unfortunately, he still has the original Decepticon faction symbol, not the ''Generation 2'' style one.

: Also unfortunately, it appears that this Onslaught suffers from the same [[misassembly]] as [[Pyra Magna#Toys|Pyra Magna]]: The knee struts are reversed on both legs, preventing his assemblies from locking in properly for robot mode. In an undocumented feature also shared with Pyra Magna, the backs of his feet can flip out to provide better support.

: This version of the team was only available as a large boxed set, which also included a ''Generation 2''-ish version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#CWG2|Shockwave]]. This was the fourth of five different combiner "Collection Pack" box sets, which were "shared exclusives" sold by numerous online retailers... though many ultimately ended up at US discounters like Ross and TJ Maxx.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWG2Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' G2 Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-Unite-Warriors-UW07-Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Swindle dumped a bucket of blue paint on me. I'd kill him if I didn't need to combine with him.]]
*'''Bruticus''' (giftset, [[June 25]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-07'''
**''Accessories'': Individual Combaton weapons, Combatron extremities

:''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' Onslaught is a redeco of the [[#Combiner Wars|''Combiner Wars'' mold]] in a color layout based on his cartoon model, with changes such as a blue head with silver faceplate and yellow visor, blue shoulders, black hands, and a Bruticus chestplate [[Bruticus (G1)#Notes|colored like Blast Off]]. He also features additional paint details in vehicle mode, including a painted grill and rims. ''Unite Warriors'' Onslaught was sold only in a multi-pack with the other Combatrons.

:As a Voyager Class ''Unite Warriors'' figure, he can combine with any Deluxe Class figures from either Hasbro's ''Combiner Wars'' subline or Takara's ''Unite Warriors'' line, though he was meant to combine with his Combatrons to from [[Bruticus (G1)#Unite Warriors|Bruticus]].

:The stock photo on the right has him mistransformed; his knees aren't fully locked.
{{CWHotSpotMold}}
{{--}}

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:TF-AOTP-Commander-Onslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combaticon Onslaught''' (Commander Class, [[2026]])}} </ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro),<ref>[[July 25]], [[2025]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T18IQaMuGVk Transformers Brand Panel Recap | SDCC 2025 | Hasbro Pulse] on YouTube, with [[Mark Maher]], [[Evan Brooks]] and [[Nate Purswell]].</ref> [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)<ref>[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Y30qeI_a4 Footage of the Hasbro Transformers brand panel] at [[San Diego Comic-Con#2025|San Diego Comic-Con 2025]] featuring [[Mark Maher]], [[Evan Brooks]] and [[Nate Purswell]] on the "Toys are Russ" YouTube channel.</ref>}}

:The second Commander Class figure in the [[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]] line, Onslaught is a fully-cartoon accurate figure that transforms into his usual artillery truck mode, albiet his robot mode only being formed from the front cab portion of the truck. The rest of his alt-mode, including his trademark cannons, transforms into either a battle station on which one of his fellow Combaticons can be placed in vehicle mode or a combiner frame for all the other Combaticon toys to plug into to form Bruticus. Much like the previous [[Menasor_(G1)#Legacy|two]] [[Superion_(G1)#Age_of_the_Primes|combiners]] in the line, Onslaught only forms Bruticus's chest, with his packaging advertising a simple skeletal Bruticus. In the name of cartoon-accuracy, Bruticus's chestplate is styled after Blast Off's shuttle mode. Onslaught also has a pair of smaller turrets on his back in robot mode to match his cartoon model, though obviously not formed from his actual cannons. He can swap his combined arm compontents with Superion and Menasor easily, allowing one to mix-and-match the combiners.

{{toystub}}
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

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

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

{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
[[File:Blokees-TF-DV05-Onslaught-vehicle.jpg|thumb|300px]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught (Vehicle)''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 05 - Traitor to Tyranny'''

:Released as part of the fifth wave of the ''Defender Version'' line of blind boxes, this ''Blokees'' kit of Onslaught is molded in his anti-aircraft truck mode. Like the Constructicon vehicles and the ''T.rex'' Grimlock kit before him, Onslaught features a (largely undocumented) gimmick that allows him to form the torso of [[Bruticus_(G1)#Blokees|Bruticus]]. The chassis that connects the rear wheels also double as the rear half of Bruticus's gun.
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Onslaught's ability to combine with Metroplex is due to the fact that both were originally designed as part of the ''[[Diaclone]]'' line, where both were presumably part of the same faction. Neither were ever released under the ''Diaclone'' brand, as it had been overtaken by the Transformers.
*Like the rest of the Combaticons, Onslaught had an earlier, unused [[character model]] which superficially resembles the toy, other than the head design. There are other problems, such as wheel placement, but it's possible the artist of the unused character model was working off crappy source material.
*When the unused character model was redrawn into the final character model, it kept the odd wheel placement and gave Onslaught his toy's head, but did some bizarre things with his transformation. Like with many of the other Combaticons' final character models, such as Swindle's, his torso is the bumper, hood, and roof of the vehicle mode flattened out. Years later, Onslaught's Ultra class ''Universe'' toy attempted to replicate this [[Transformation|transformation scheme]].
*In the [[commercial]] advertising the Generation 2 Aerialbots and Combaticons, Onslaught is referred to as "one metamorphin' dudicus". It is presently unknown what a dudicus ''is'', or what qualifications Onslaught has met to be the only known one.
*The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original Onslaught toy depicted Onslaught and the Combaticons in new color schemes—Onslaught himself was mainly purple—despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.
*As revealed on Hasbro's ''Transformers'' website,<ref>[http://replay.web.archive.org/20090121131445/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=A795A47F-D56F-E112-48649ACADFB6ADDC Hasbro's preview of ''Universe'' Wave 1's toys]</ref> ''Universe'' Ultra class Onslaught's original prototype featured a larger head that lacked a neck section, and the front section of his vehicle with a (non-functional) winch folded down to become his stomach and waist, as well as more cartoon-accurate sculpted detailing on his waist. However, on the final version of this mold, the winch remains on his shoulders while another winch is molded onto the battery cover as part of his waist.
*In the Wings of Honor continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Fittingly enough, as the leader of the team Onslaught falls to the most dangerous of the Sins: Pride.
*As with most modern projects by Hasbro, the ''Combiner Wars'' [[#Combiner Wars|Voyager Class Onslaught mold]] had a "pretooled" alternate head, in Onslaught's case based on [[Demolisher (G1)#Notes|''Armada'' Demolishor]]. This head tooling was never used, though a test prototype surfaced on the Chinese site [[TaoBao]].<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/looks-like-were-getting-a-cw-demolisher.1051737/ TFW2005 thread, 19 September 2015]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Onslaught''' (オンスロート ''Onsurōto'')
*''French:'' '''Abordage''' (Canada, "Boarding")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Cudar''' ("Rascally")
*''Italian:'' '''Destroyer'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Tújí''' (Taiwan, 突擊, "Onslaught"), '''Anslo''' (Taiwan ''Universe'', 安史羅 ''Ān Shǐ Lúo''), '''Xíjí''' (China, 袭击, "Raid")
*''Spanish:'' '''Oslat''' (Spain, [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] only)
*''Russian:'' '''Osilok''' (Осилок)
*''Polish:'' '''Gwałtowny Atak''' (TM Semic Comic, "Sudden Attack")

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Onslaughtmodelsheetshood.jpg|Early model sheet
File:EuroClassicOnslaughtPurple.jpg|Miscolored ''Classics'' deco
File:Universe Onslaught originalsculpt.jpg|''Universe'' prototype sculpt
File:WFC Onslaught bot.jpg|High Moon Studios concept art which inspired Onslaught's 2012 IDW robot mode
File:WFC Onslaught vehicle.jpg|High Moon Studios concept art which inspired Onslaught's 2012 IDW vehicle mode
File:EW-skin-Onslaught-G2.jpg|''Earth Wars'' ''Generation 2''-themed skin
File:Transformers 2023 11 2nd Ptg Cover A.jpg
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Age of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Encore]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:United EX Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

Onslaught (G1)

2025-12-04T18:12:30Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Age of the Primes */ Added a simple write up for the new Onslaught toy. I think I covered all the bases.

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2|autobot|eliteguard|ascenticon|exarchon}}
{{disambig3|Onslaught}}
:''Onslaught is a [[Decepticon]] [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:MTMTEOnslaught.jpg|upright=2|thumb|''The Combaticons are warring! Onslaught is ROARING! He is one metamorphin' DUDICUS!'']]
'''Onslaught''' (aka '''Combatmaster''') is what you'd call the "hands-off" type. He doesn't enjoy getting his mitts dirty, but instead prefers the thrill of designing battle plans, strategies, and tactics, and then watching his [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] soldiers carry them out. While he typically crafts his strategies to exclude his direct involvement, Onslaught is no coward. When required, he will engage in battle with strength, cunning and earthquaking fury. This darker, more brutish side of Onslaught might lead some [[Decepticon]]s into thinking he has a secret blood-lust stashed away in his circuits. But truth be told, he's really just ticked off that his plans didn't work out the way they were supposed to.

Onslaught can combine with his fellow Combaticons to form [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], who is considerably dumber than Onslaught.

{{bigquote|I beg your pardon?! My strategies are brilliant!|Onslaught to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]|"[[The Revenge of Bruticus]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[S. Marc Jordan]] (English), [[Terry McGovern]] (English, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1"), [[Steve Bulen|Steve Bulin]] (English, "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Yū Shimaka|Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese), [[Jin Horikawa]] (Japanese, "The Rebirth")|[[Zhan Che]] (Chinese), [[Hans-Rainer Müller]] (German, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1-3"), [[Walter von Hauff]] (German, "Surprise Party"), [[Thomas Rau]] (German, "Starscream's Ghost"), [[Bernd Simon]] (German, "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Gerd Rigauer]] (German, ''Generation 2'' dub), [[Hélio Ribeiro]] (Portuguese), [[Orlando Drummond]] (Portuguese, "Starscream’s Brigade" & "B.O.T."), [[Mário Monjardim]] (Portuguese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1"), [[Júlio Chaves]] (Portuguese, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3"), [[Henry Djanik]] (European French), [[Francis Lax]] (European French, "Surprise Party" & "The Rebirth, Part 3"), [[Serge Lhorca]] (European French, "Starscream's Ghost"), Unknown (European French, "Aerial Assault" & "Five Faces of Darkness", Parts 1 & 3)}}
[[File:StarscreamsBrigade OnslaughtVortex.jpg|left|upright=1.35|thumb|"Heave! Next time, Vortex, ''chew'' your food!"]]
Onslaught was one of the five [[renegade Decepticon]]s liberated by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] in the Air Commander's latest attempt to unseat [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. As an element of their imprisonment, they had been reduced to mere [[personality component]]s, so Starscream installed them into abandoned [[World War II]] military vehicles. The transplant caused the vehicles to immediately reconfigure themselves: Onslaught in particular went from being a {{w|half-track}} troop carrier to being a flatbed missile-truck, before turning into a robot. Starscream called them "Combaticons" and announced their names as they transformed, but they didn't recognize him. Nor did they feel particularly indebted to him for their release; in the end, Starscream only guaranteed their loyalty though having given them bodies bereft of [[energy absorber]]s, so they would be dependent upon him to refuel.

Onslaught and his fellow Combaticons agreed to work with Starscream to overthrow Megatron on the promise of being given the vital components. Onslaught worked in capturing two [[Autobot]]s, though he got into an argument with [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] over who was responsible for the act. Later, while recharging at a power station, Starscream's brigade was confronted by the Decepticons under Megatron's command. Anticipating that [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] might come into play, Starscream ordered Onslaught and the other Combaticons to merge into the dim-witted [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. The Combaticon combiner managed to soundly defeat Devastator, but was in turn defeated by a surprise attack by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. For their treachery, Megatron banished Onslaught, his comrades and Starscream in space on a desolate asteroid. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

[[File:Revenge of bruticus 4 changing course.jpg|thumb|Megatron felt quite foolish once Onslaught showed him the one loose wire preventing his [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]] from flying again.]]

After a falling out with Starscream, Onslaught became the mastermind of "Operation Revenge" and helped defeat [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s forces on Cybertron. He also used his external backpack and altered the Space Bridge to send Earth into the sun. It didn't work as he was defeated by the allied Decepticons and Autobots. Then Megatron had the Combaticons, including Onslaught, reprogrammed to serve him. Poor guy, can't seem to get a break. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

[[File:AerialAssault Onslaughtattacks.jpg|left|thumb|In Soviet Russia, [[Aerialbot (G1)|skeet]] shoots back!]]
After that little lobotomy, the Combaticons were deployed to Earth's Middle East to assist in Megatron's scheme to steal military jets, rebuild them into cars, drive them out of the owners' nations, and then rebuild them back into drone jets in friendly territory. Yeah. Onslaught and the other Combaticons attacked the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] when they snooped around, managing to force [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] to crash into a cave (YAY!). Later, Onslaught and the ground-based Combaticons formed an anti-aircraft screen against an Aerialbot attack on [[Giant Purple Griffin|the Fortress]], then merged into Bruticus, but was rather quickly defeated by [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] before being blown away by the exploding oil wells. {{storylink|Aerial Assault}}

Back in the [[United States of America|United States]], Onslaught led the Combaticons in driving down the road (yes, including Blast Off and Vortex) of a random city for no apparent reason until they were confronted by [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. Though the Combaticons formed Bruticus, they were blown to pieces by a single shot from the Autobot, with [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] being the only survivor. Swindle later sold the parts of his comrades, but was forced to buy them back for Megatron's next Crazy Scheme. The Combaticons formed Bruticus to operate the orbital disruptor cannon, but was shot by the cannon itself when [[B.O.T. (G1)|B.O.T.]] tampered with it. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}

[[File:FFoD1 DamagedOnslaught.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|Stoopid 'Cons never lisssen t'me. I'ma bloody genius, a strategic maschter *hic*maschtermind, but they's still following a [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|looney wit'a big gun]]. Just—it just ain't right. *hic*Aw, I'm gonna over-energize all over my face-plate...]]
By the year 2006, the Decepticons had been forced into retreat on the ruined, burned out world of [[Chaar]]. Though he admired [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s eager attitude to attack, he noted that the Decepticons didn't have the energon reserves to do so. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} When it was found that [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] were snooping around, the Decepticons began beating them to death before being scared off by a [[Skuxxoid]] ship. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} When the [[Quintesson]]s landed on Chaar and proposed an alliance, Onslaught reiterated his earlier concern about the Autobots' military superiority but ultimately joined the rest of the Decepticons, save [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] in their attack on the Autobots anyway. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3}} Much later, [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] sent Onslaught, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] to assassinate the Decepticon exile [[Octane]]. Onslaught attempted to hold his troops until the proper moment presented itself, but Octane was still able to seek cover before their laser fire could terminate him. The traitor's Autobot partner, [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], then used his eponymous ability to blind and disorient the Combaticons long enough for the two [[Triple Changer]]s to escape. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

When the [[First Inter Galactic Peace Conference]] was to be held, Onslaught led the Combaticons in attacking the shuttle bay that was to bring the delegates to the conference, succeeding in destroying several ships before retreating. {{storylink|Surprise Party}} As part of Bruticus, Onslaught watched the Decepticon assault on [[Paradron]], {{storylink|Fight or Flee (episode)|Fight or Flee}} and was part of a destructive battle that stretched across [[Japan]]. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}} Along with the other Decepticons, Onslaught was infected by the [[Hate Plague]] when it swept across the galaxy. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

During the battle for the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], Onslaught led his Combaticons in the crafting of a giant [[planetary engine|planetary rocket engine]] that would be used to propel Cybertron into orbit around Earth, harvesting the innards of the defeated Autobots for the necessary parts and fuel. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages=====
{{charstubfiction}}

=====Scramble City=====
{{voiceactor|[[Yū Shimaka]] (Japanese)}}

When the Stunticons were dispatched to hinder the Autobots from constructing [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]], they were attacked by the Aerialbots and did not fare too well. Onslaught's Combaticons arrived to help, and together Bruticus and Menasor easily overpowered Superion. However, Scramble City itself soon arrived and blasted both combiners away. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Michitaka Kobayashi]] (Japanese), [[Kōji Totani]] (Japanese, ep 25)}}
[[File:UltraMagnusDies Combaticons.jpg|upright=1.65|thumb|"Jeez, Galvatron, why put HIM with the Combaticons?"]]

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

The Combaticons were later part of ''another'' attack on Cybertron, during which they killed plenty of [[Generic|soldiers]] before getting into another fight with Defensor. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} They lost. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} When the Decepticons planted a giant carnivorous plant in [[San Francisco]], the Combaticons and Stunticons were stationed to attack any Autobots who arrived to kill it. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}} Sixshot later sent the Combaticons, [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] and [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcons]] to attack an Autobot energy facility in [[Florida|Miami]], in order to lure Autobot troops away from [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} The Combaticons also unleashed Bruticus as Sixshot continued his reign of terror over the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Onslaught was present when [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] held a speech about Galvatron's recent death and took control of the Decepticons. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} Bruticus was later part of a small group of Decepticons who tried to lead Fortress Maximus away from the Decepticon base on [[Master (planet)|Master]]. {{storylink|The Zarak Shield Turns the Tide}} The combiner then stood by and laughed as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] sank the luxury liner ''[[Queen World]]'' in the Atlantic Ocean. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} As Bruticus, the Combaticons participated in the final battle with the Autobots at the North Pole, and retreated into space when Scorponok's energy-absorbing satellite started tearing the Earth apart. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{--}}

=====''Unite Warriors''=====
The Combaticons hosted an illegal arms trading market during which Onslaught purchased a variety of weapons from [[El Presidente]]. {{storylink|Shopping at the Dark Bazaar!}}

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

=====''United EX''=====
Onslaught of the Combaticons helped forge a new era of Decepticons combination warriors. With High Regent [[Scrash (G1)|Scrash]], he provided combination data from his Bruticus form to create the devastating [[Battle Gaia]], while undergoing his own enhancements to become strategic commander for the [[Master Chaos]] brigade as '''Combatmaster''' (コンバットマスター ''Konbattomasutā'').

When [[Straxus (G1)|Rollermaster]] failed to defeat the Autobot [[Blaze Master|Choppermaster]] alone, Combatmaster travelled to Switzerland to finish the job. He stole the PCC Combat Drones from Choppermaster and buried the helicopter in an avalanche. Back at Decepticon headquarters, he and Scrash coordinated Battle Gaia's attack on the Autobots to help cover for the Master Chaos activities. {{storylink|Prelude to the Siege}}

Next, Combatmaster struck another drone-operating Master Class Autobot, the junior officer [[Rapido|Racemaster]]. Although his ambush was well positioned, Combatmaster did not account for the sheer speed Racemaster and his drones were capable of achieving. The Race Drones and their commander soon out-distanced Combatmaster and his artillery, making a successful getaway. {{storylink|Weapons of a New Generation}}

Later, Combatmaster and Master Chaos fought to defend a dig site from Autobot interference. {{storylink|Unearthed Future}}

=====''Generations Selects Special Comic''=====
In [[2050]], Bruticus and the Decepticons joined the revolution of the [[Selector]]s against their human masters. The [[Quintesson]]s and the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s sided with the humans, and [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] attacked all while craving Angolmois Energy. In battle with a scrambled version of [[Computron (G1)|Computron]], Abominus crashed into Bruticus and Menasor and stole some of their limb components to make an even stronger version of himself. Onslaught was left abandoned on the battlefield as [[Abomenaticus]] charged back into the fight. {{storylink|Abominus comic 2}}

====''TV Magazine'' comic continuity====
=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====
[[File:DecepticonTrailerBrigade1.jpg|left|upright=0.95|thumb|"Eleven foot six? Damn you!"]]
When Menasor's baseball stadium/command base was attacked by Superion and Defensor, Bruticus (so by proxy, Onslaught) came to his aid. He quickly took out Defensor, damaging [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] and preventing the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] from combining again. However, Superion blasted Brawl and Swindle away with his [[electrostatic discharger rifle]], allowing [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] and [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] to steal their places as Bruticus's legs and fly away with Onslaught and his troops. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 5|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #5}}

In order to make the Autobots look bad, Onslaught joined the Stunticons in destroying factories while wearing the Autobot [[insignia]]. When they were caught, all but him and [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] fled the scene, but Onslaught had an ace up his sleeve: Together, he and Motormaster made up the [[Decepticon Trailer Corps]]! With their spinning "Decepticon Great Wheel" attack, the subgroup leaders held the Autobots at bay for a while, but were eventually defeated by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s "Prime-Magnus Finish Double" kick. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 7|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7}}

Onslaught then led his Combaticons in hunting down a [[Battle Dog|dog]] that had been converted into a Decepticon weapon. They managed to fatally wound it, but the [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] got them good. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

=====''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''=====
In the year [[2010]], Onslaught participated in a Decepticon attack on the planet Feminia. He and his team merged into Bruticus in order to battle alongside Menasor and Devastator against their Autobot counterparts Superion, Defensor and Omega Supreme. The fight was fairly evenly matched until Galvatron called up his ace-in-the-hole, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], whose power was unmatched by any of the Autobots... except for the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]], who essentially tied Predaking's shoelaces together until he fell over, straight into Bruticus and his chums, sending them all toppling to the ground and knocking them to bits. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}

=====''The Great Transformer War''=====
[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and the Decepticons kidnapped the scientist Doctor [[Dalton]] to help advance their combination technology. When the Aerialbots and Protectobots arrived to save Dalton, Onslaught and Motormaster merged with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in base mode, deploying their fellow Decepticons into battle. The Decepticon combiners then formed Bruticus and Menasor, but were ultimately defeated by their Autobot counterparts. {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 1|The Great Transformer War #1}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
In the early days of the war, Onslaught was a top Autobot cadet at [[Omnihelix Academy]], specializing in battle strategy and tactics. His skill was impressive that he was elected a field leader for the [[Elite Guard|Autobot Elite Guard]] straight out of the Academy, acting as head of the experimental new Special Ops Team, the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 33|Onslaught's profile in Club magazine #33}}

[[File:EliteGuardCombaticons TheComingStorm2.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2|Sorry guys, I traded out our combining ability for this jacked up bod.]]
Onslaught and the Combaticons were assembled by [[Magnum]] and [[Sentinel Major]] to take out the various [[Decepticon Warlord|leaders]] of the new Decepticon faction, in the hopes of ending the war quickly. At Elite Guard headquarters they were introduced to one of the other recently minted units, [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]] and his Strike Team. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 2}}

After a short exchange, Onslaught and Metalhawk brought their teams before [[Big Bang (G1)|Big Bang]] for their first mission together. It was a rather pedestrian assignment, lending military-grade explosives and know-how to a civilian archeological dig. The mission was primarily designed to smooth some ruffled feathers in the High Council about the Elite Guard in general.

Upon arrival in [[Median]], however, events became a bit more serious. The dig had uncovered Cybertronian construction facilities that indicated an inherent dichotomy in Transformer design. Onslaught personally scoffed at the scientists' theory that this dichotomy could explain and excuse the warlike nature of the Decepticon rebels, but the more pressing find was the second part of their discovery: a spark of unprecedented power called the [[Heart of the Dragon]], allegedly housing the essence of a Transformer whose power levels went off the scale. Decepticon rogues called the [[Stormtrooper (G1)|Stormtroopers]] had learned of the Heart, and were planning a raid on Median to steal it.

As the rest of the Elite Guard did their best to fortify the dilapidated city, Onslaught and Metalhawk grilled [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flipsides]] and the other dig members about the Stormtroopers and any information they had. When the attack came, Onslaught's plan took down the Stormtroopers' advance assault, [[Roadgrabber]] and his exo-shell, by hiding a pit behind an obviously weak part in the defenses as a lure. The Decepticon leader [[Rage (G1)|Rage]] and his three lieutenants managed to sweep by Metalhawk, however, forcing Onslaught's secondary team to hunt them down. The Stormtroopers split-and-run tactics were enough to keep all the Elite Guard chasing their tails long enough for Rage to grab the Heart, however. [[Terror-Tread]] and [[Cement-Head]], two massive Decepticons held in reverse, then surprised and distracted the Elite Guard long enough for Rage and the others to escape.

The Elite Guard chased the Stormtroopers back to their mobile base, the [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. Onslaught and the others managed to make their way inside, where they were confronted by [[Brimstone (G1 Decepticon)|Brimstone]], the reincarnated physical form of the Heart of the Dragon. Despite his small stature, Brimstone still had the ability to decouple molecules with his plasma breath, making him a formidable foe. Onslaught led the Elite Guard in a swift but strategic advance to the rear, giving [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] time to rig all his explosives for one massive blast. Although Brimstone was still standing after the blast, his outer casing had been damaged enough to let his internal energies rage out of control, destroying the Metrotitan in one enormous blast.

Back at Elite Guard headquarters, Onslaught and Metalhawk made their field reports to Magnum. Despite the unconventional nature of the mission in some regards, Magnum congratulated his men on a job well done. They were deployed again almost immediately for a mission to [[Praxium]]. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}}

The Special Ops Team and Strike Team worked so well as a combined unit that Magnum kept them together for several weeks. Onslaught and Metalhawk became close comrades, as did their men, sharing stories about the different warlords they brought down, such as [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] and [[Blue Bacchus]]. Onslaught was aware that Metalhawk could be squeamish about some of the darker parts of warfare, though, and so he made sure [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] had privacy during their interrogations of a Decepticon [[Warrior|prisoner of war]].

Onslaught coordinated their next strike against a Decepticon faction leader named [[Shadowcaster]]. Using explosives and fog grenades, the Elite Guard carried out Onslaught's battle plan, forcing Shadowcaster out in the open for the Combaticon leader to take out with a killshot. Despite the mission's success, Onslaught felt something was amiss. Shadowcaster hardly seemed the type to lead a parade, much less a Decepticon splinter cell. Smelling a larger party at work, Onslaught kept the Combaticons out in the field while Metalhawk and the Strike Team returned to base. Onslaught's instincts were right on target, but even they couldn't keep him and his team from being captured by Warlord [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and his troops. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 3}}

After being held for some time in a cell behind unbreakable Oan force bars, Onslaught and the Combaticons were inexplicably released by the polite and apologetic [[Falcon (G1)|Falcon]] and [[Vanquish]]. Although wary of their intentions, Onslaught agreed to follow the Decepticons to Deathsaurus's throne room for a meeting. The silver-tongued Decepticon Warlord then proceeded to sway the Combaticons to his side. He appealed to Onslaught's pride and vanity, innocently mocking how easily the Combaticons were captured by his forces and intimating that all their greatest successes had been alongside the Strike Team, not on their own. After putting Onslaught on the defensive, Deathsaurus proclaimed how ''he'' truly believed in Onslaught's gift for tactics, and was willing to support the Combaticons in a bid to seize power for themselves. After all, how better to prove their superiority and ensure peace on Cybertron than to eliminate the Elite Guard and establish themselves in the Guard's place? Onslaught and his men gave in to their darker impulses and agreed to work alongside Deathsaurus, receiving the upgrades he promised them as well. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 4}}

[[File:ComingStorm6-isthatso.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|And this, this IS MY BOOM STICK!!]]
Sometime later, the Combaticons launched their attack on Elite Guard headquarters accompanied by some of Deathsaurus's [[Seeker (body-type)|Skyraider-Seeker Brigade]]. Onslaught chose not to reveal their trump card until the Combaticons appeared surrounded and defeated by the Guard. He then initiated their combination into the massive [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], crushing their former commanding officer Sentinel Major in one mighty hand. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 5}} Bruticus killed most of the assembled Guard before [[Dion (G1)|Dion]] was able to blind the giant, forcing the Combaticons to disengage. Onslaught reacted to Metalhawk standing in their way by simply blowing a hole through his old comrade, and the Combaticons headed back to Deathsaurus's base for repairs, but not before Onslaught promised they'd be back to deal with the Council. {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 6}}

During repairs, Onslaught was stunned to learn that Deathsaurus had had it rigged so that the combination into Bruticus could be triggered at Deathsaurus's will. Protesting that it wasn't part of the deal, Onslaught was nonetheless forced to form the torso of Bruticus, though the blinded giant proved difficult for Deathsaurus's Constructicons to control. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 1}} {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}} The Combaticons subsequently defended the base against Magnum and the remains of the Elite Guard. Onslaught confirmed to Magnum that Deathsaurus hadn't tampered with the Combaticons' brain modules at all, and they'd turned of their own free will. As they fought the Guard, Onslaught taunted [[Thunder Clash]] while he was grappling with [[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]], much to the latter Autobot's annoyance. Finally he ordered the Combaticons to merge, only them to be blasted mid-combination. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}}

To Onslaught's dismay, the culprits were more survivors the massacre at Elite Guard HQ. He agreed with Brawl's sentiment that they should take the opportunity to end some more Autobots and started to give the command to attempt another merge, only to find that Blast Off was inconveniently missing. When Deathsaurus called a retreat, Onslaught briefly considered staying to find Blast Off, and his hesitation allowed [[Flak (G1)|Flak]] to belt him. He and his entire team were subsequently taken captive by the Autobots. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 4}}

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

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Onslaught afterdeath.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
Onslaught was the leader of the Combaticons, ''one of the [[Special Teams]], whose coming was foretold by the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. In a vision shared by [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], the Combaticons and the Stunticons clashed against the Aerialbots and the Protectobots within proximity to the [[Pullen Power Plant]].'' {{storylink|The Special Teams Have Arrived}} {{storylink|Second Generation!}} Onslaught and his team were first seen on Earth launching a raid on a hydrothermocline plant, where they were met by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]. In order to avoid destroying the plant, and at the behest of the human [[Ethan Zachary]], both Optimus and Megatron agreed to have their team fight inside the [[Multi-World]] computer game. The Decepticons didn't fare too well. Onslaught faced off against Hot Spot in the game's "Slimepit" area, where he got "fused by a fireball" and his in-game avatar was destroyed. In the end, however, [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] would win the game when Optimus Prime forfeited, causing the Autobot leader to be destroyed. Onslaught carried Megatron's prize, the [[hydrothermocline]], back to base. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}} ''These events were observed by the [[time travel]]ling [[Dicet Alpha-zero]].'' {{storylink|The Quest!}}

As the Decepticons prepared to abandon their [[Wyoming base]] to relocate to [[Club Con|a new island headquarters]], Onslaught bore witness as his teammate Brawl attempted to cheer up a despondent Megatron by reminding him of Prime's death, but Megatron responded by crushing Brawl's head in a fit of rage. [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] took charge of the evacuation, and Onslaught and the others departed. {{storylink|Gone but Not Forgotten!}}

[[File:Onslaught ladies night.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9]]
''Later on, Onslaught led his team (including a repaired Brawl) to kill [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] while he was trapped in the cooled lava flow of [[Mount Verona]]. After making short work of the human military encamped on the site, the Combaticons set up explosive charges around the volcano to obliterate the entire area. The operation was met with the interference of [[Cindy Newell|three]] [[Susan Hoffman|human]] [[Joy Meadows|women]], though Onslaught managed to evade their traps. He had them at his mercy after the rest of his troops wound up incapacitated by their efforts, only to be met at gunpoint by [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]] and the [[Throttlebot]]s. Onslaught fled, swearing vengeance against the Autobots.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}} ''In response to that humiliation,'' Onslaught and the Combaticons hunted the Throttlebots down. The Throttlebots were trapped in a used car lot and the Combaticons were forced to bid for them in an auction against RAAT and the Protectobots, but Onslaught cut through this by trying to have the lot's owner assassinated. RAAT would get the Throttlebots and the Combaticons were beaten by [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} However, Blaster had been arrested by the Protectobots under orders from the current Autobot commander, [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. Onslaught and his team chose to track the Protectobots on their return journey to the Ark, and ambushed them as they drove through a sprawling train yard. Once he and his teammates were in position, Onslaught had the Combaticons merge into Bruticus, who downed the similarly combined [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] after a prolonged battle. But the dim-witted Bruticus was tricked by Blaster into lowering his guard, who then collapsed an electrical tower atop of him, knocking him out. Whereas the rest of the team was left where they lay, [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] was captured by the enemy. {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

[[File:Onslaught Marvel41.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|{{w|Onslaught (comics)|BEHOLD MY MIGHTY HAND!}}]]
Onslaught was on the Decepticons' island base when Shockwave and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] launched it into space to prevent the Autobots from rescuing their prisoner, Buster Witwicky. As Shockwave was sent plunging back into the Earth's atmosphere, Onslaught found himself under Ratbat's command. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}} Onslaught's shining moment came when he got to lead a massed Decepticon assault on the Autobots, which came close to wiping them all out. [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]], who had been dueling for supremacy over the Autobots at the time, were able to put aside their differences however, and rallied their troops against the Decepticons' attack. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Some time later, the Decepticons acquired two dormant [[Raindance|Autobot]] [[Grand Slam (G1)|mini-cassettes]] carrying data on the powerful [[Underbase]]. Once Buster was put through a [[Realvision]] simulation to test out the simulator itself, Onslaught helped escort the boy back to his cell, allowing Ratbat and Starscream to view the data privately. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}}

''Eventually, the Combaticons fell under the command of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. On his orders, Onslaught's team staged a raid on the [[Rutter U.S. Military Base]]. There, they secured two armed warheads and components from an advanced guidance computer. The Protectobots intervened part-way through the theft, but once Blast Off cleared the area with the loot, the rest of the team used hit-and-run tactics to fend their rivals off, eventually managing their own getaway.''

''Afterwards, the remaining Combaticons went to check on [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s progress at [[Alternate Reality, Inc.]], where Scorponok had likewise tasked them to steal a [[floppy disk]] containing a back-up copy of Optimus Prime's mind. They found [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] about to shoot the jets out of the sky, and blasted the Combiner in the back, crippling him before he could pull the trigger. With the mission a success, Onslaught's group then made themselves scarce.'' {{storylink|Prime Bomb!}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
[[File:Soundwave decepticons space pirates.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|"It's okay, the foot shall lead you now!"]]
In an alternate timeline after the attack of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] in [[2006]], Onslaught was still active in 2008 and was one of [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]'s top lieutenants. After Soundwave learned that most of the Autobots were allegedly off-world, he led a massive attack on the Autobot-controlled territories in order to once and for all gain control of Cybertron. The information proved false, and the Decepticons were caught in a [[Quintesson]] ambush. They were forced to call upon the Autobots for help in thwarting the aliens' forced colonization of Cybertron. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}
{{-}}

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

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:Totalwar-combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8]]
Onslaught was one of the Decepticons operating aboard the [[Warworld]]. At the death of [[Mindset (G2)|Mindset]], a [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] killed light years away, Onslaught was briefly overcome by pain, hinting of a genetic connection between these two. {{storylink|Swarm (issue)|Swarm}} When legions of enemy Cybertronians boarded the Warworld, Onslaught and the Combaticons stood against them. He was likely off-lined in the skirmish that ensued. {{storylink|Total War!}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
Onslaught was among the Decepticons under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s leadership, who set up a hidden base in a human industrial estate not far from [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Following a failed raid on the Autobot fortress, Onslaught carried a recovery crew out to pick up the damaged [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]. They returned to base, unaware that they'd been followed by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and a short time later they were chased out of the base by the full Autobot force. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}

===The Special Teams===
Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons were created by Starscream on a remote Pacific island, by combining military vehicles with Energon cubes. They then drove to the [[Pullen Power Plant]], passing Optimus Prime en route, though the Autobot leader was none-the-wiser to the Decepticons in disguise. Onslaught, Brawl and Swindle arrived first on the battlefield, coming upon Menasor already engaged in battle with Defensor. Onslaught then ordered to rest of his team to merge with him to form Bruticus. {{storylink|The Special Teams}}
{{-}}

===St. Michael ''The Transformers'' Sticker Book===
{{notemultipath}}
Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons served under [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] on a Decepticon ship, when they managed to shoot down the ship being captained by Ultra Magnus. After the Autobots crash-landed on planet [[Barrenikon]], the Decepticons landed their ship nearby to finish off their enemies. In the many possible adventures that followed, Onslaught and the other Decepticons often underestimated you, which often led to them losing to the Autobots, leaving them either stranded on Barrenikon, or fleeing after they received too much damage. That is, if you somehow didn't get yourself killed at their hands. {{storylink|The Transformers Sticker Book (St. Michael)|The Transformers Sticker Book}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Onslaughtwarwithin.jpg|thumb|Those Autobots are in for some "wheel" trouble now!]]
Onslaught unleashed his considerable firepower against the Autobots during the Decepticon assault against [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}} and was on the front lines when the Decepticons managed to breach the last of the Autobots' defenses and penetrated the [[Decagon]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #5}} He and his fellow Combaticons were later upgraded into Combiners. After the Crisis Intervention Accords were enacted, however, it is unknown if Onslaught joined up separately with any faction.

After the Great Shutdown and the peace that followed it, Onslaught and the Combaticons were labeled as war criminals and held in stasis in a penitentiary. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} That is, at least until Starscream freed them, and loaded them up aboard a [[Sky Lynx (G1)|shuttle]], planning to use their might to plunder Earth. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

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

Damaged or not, the Combaticons soon had to face a powerful enemy when the crazed zealot [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] appeared on Earth, but before they could attack him, Bruticus' head was blown apart by [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] in the Autobot supply ship ''[[Orion]]''. In the aftermath, Bruticus's barely-conscious body was battered upon by an angry Brawn. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} Onslaught and the other Decepticons were made the Autobots' prisoners, until Starscream negotiated a deal for their release in exchange for his aid against Sunstorm. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}}

[[File:Onslaught G1DW routeofallevil.jpg|left|thumb|Well, isn't he a bossy one...]]
The repaired Combaticons were brought to Guadalcanal where they could hone their somewhat lackluster combat skills and listen to Starscream's long-winded aspirations of glory. Starscream ordered them to defeat the magnificent Autobot [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] as a means to train themselves for greater battles. Unfortunately, the Combaticons did not fare well when the crafty Autobot split into his two forms, with Onslaught nearly crushed by the Lynx's right paw as he was issuing orders. After Starscream deactivated Sky Lynx, Onslaught berated his team as buffoons for not paying attention to his battle plan.

This was the least of their troubles, however, as [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] showed up as soon after Sky Lynx shut down. Onslaught ordered his men to keep moving and maintain formation so as to remain smaller, faster targets, then as they neared Predaking, formed Bruticus. This encounter did not end well either... {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
The discovery that Swindle was selling Decepticon weapons on the black market lead Megatron to berate Onslaught on his inability to keep his team member under control. Onslaught asked for another chance to get Swindle under control, but Megatron denied his request, giving [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] the task of bringing Swindle in. {{storylink|Two for the Price of One}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
The Combaticons were among the Decepticon army on Cybertron when [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] took control of it. As the new Decepticon leader was assaulted by Optimus Prime, he called Onslaught and several other subgroup leaders to his aid. Prime fought back, grabbing [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]'s [[sword]] and slashing Onslaught with it. It is unclear if this killed him or merely damaged him, but Onslaught wasn't seen for the remainder of the battle. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===''The Beast Within''===
Onslaught participated in a savage all-out Decepticon offensive against the Autobots. With the Decepticons maintaining the advantage throughout the battle, Onslaught was amongst those who approached a crippled Optimus Prime, ready to dispatch the Autobot leader. Before they could deliver the finishing blow, the Dinobots combined into [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]], shifting the Decepticons’ priorities. Onslaught combined with his fellow Combaticons in order to square off against The Beast. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|''[[Spotlight: Arcee]]''}}
[[File:Autocracy12-BrawlOnslaughtSkullgrinBlitzwing.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|Who died and put ''Blitzwing'' in charge of ''me''?]]
Onslaught was one of many bots to come from distant regions of Cybertron to attend Megatron's speeches and demonstrations of power as the Decepticon faction began to take shape. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

After the execution of [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] and the Decepticon rise to power, Onslaught fought alongside [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Skullgrin]], and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] against an Autobot resurgence. They were driven back by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]]. {{storylink|Endgame}} When [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] took command of the Decepticons, the Combaticons rebelled and left Cybertron, becoming mercenaries. While breaking into a weapons vault on the [[Presidium (planet)|Presidium]] they were approached by [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] and offered ample payment for returning to the Decepticon fold, which Onslaught accepted. {{storylink|Primacy issue 2|Primacy #2}} He went on to participate in [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]'s all-out attack on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}} where he attacked [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]], seeing the Autobot's destruction as his ticket into [[Decepticon High Command]]. He was stopped when the disillusioned Decepticon [[Slinger]] shot him in the eyes. {{storylink|Primacy issue 4|Primacy #4}}

[[File:SpotlightArcee Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Onslaught transforms into Brawl. Wait.]]
As the war went on, Onslaught led the Combaticon tactical unit assigned to the [[Decepticon Secret Service]] under [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzaitron]]'s command. They were the storming squad which participated in the ground assault raid of the [[Garrus-9]] penal facility, successfully blasting their way through Autobot resistance and capturing [[Pretender Monster|the "gestalt" transformers]]. He was the only one not to wee himself over [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|the raging death that is Arcee]], and he berated the other Combaticons for fearing her. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

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

A few years later, Onslaught went to [[Earth]], where he was captured by the human organization [[Skywatch]]. He was among the deactivated captives retrieved by [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]]'s team as they searched for more allies for their quest to get off the planet. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 2: "A Rude Awakening"|A Rude Awakening}} When Swindle unleashed Menasor on the Autobots and the combiner was defeated, Onslaught was one of the Decepticons who managed to slip away. {{storylink|Things Fall Apart, Part 5: "Earthworks"|Earthworks}}

[[File:Land Ironclads Onslaught Drinks.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|It has a mouth! It has a mouth!!!!]]
After reuniting with Brawl and Vortex, Onslaught was hired by [[North Korea]]n leader [[Kim Jong Du]] to lead an attack on [[South Korea]], destroying a South Korean military outpost at the de-militarized zone in the process. He was surprised by a shot from a tank, but Brawl and Vortex quickly joined in and wiped out the human forces. This attack was directly responsible for the [[President of the United States]] declaring any country working with Cybertronians was considered in possession of weapons of mass destruction. {{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|The Land Ironclads}} None of the Combaticons much enjoyed working for humans, but unfortunately these humans knew more about the production of [[energon]] than they did. Onslaught assured the others he was formulating a better plan, but it was clear that they needed Swindle for these situations. As the Combaticons argued amongst themselves, the Autobots and [[Skywatch]] performed a surprise attack on them. Onslaught and the others were overwhelmed at first, but soon turned the tide after noting that the Autobots were forced to stay in their vehicle modes and that their only air support was a [[Jetfire (G1)|scientist]]. They took out two Autobots and fled back to North Korea without suffering much damage. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"|Ranks of Bronze}}

[[File:Hawk Among the Sparrows Onslaught vs Optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Seriously man, I don't swing that way!]]
As Onslaught toasted to their victory in North Korea, the Autobots returned and resumed their assault, having dealt with their transformation issue. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] began wrestling with Onslaught while also telling him that helping the humans with their infighting would only lead to chaos. Onslaught was unimpressed by his words, since the Autobots had their own human "masters" in Skywatch, but found himself defeated when rebellious Decepticon [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] bombed him. {{storylink|International Incident Part 3: "Hawk Among the Sparrows"|Hawk Among the Sparrows}} As the battle got close to the [[China|Chinese]] border, the combatants found that the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] had allied themselves with the Chinese government just like the Combaticons had with North Korea. The Predacons were willing to let them off with a warning, but as they turned to leave, Onslaught decided to shake things up by shooting [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] in the back. [[File:All My Sins Remembered Heheheh.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.9|[[Runamuck (G1)|Heh heh, fire. Fire.]]]] Mistaking this for an Autobot attack, the Predacons attacked Optimus Prime and the others, while Onslaught presumably giggled to himself. The battle ended when [[Russia]] attempted to [[Nuclear weapon|nuke]] everyone present: Onslaught confirmed this via radio contact with the North Koreans. In the end, the Combaticons were set free as the Autobots didn't have the resources to keep them as prisoners, but their alliance with Kim Jong Du ended with a boom as Thundercracker bombed North Korea's energon factories. {{storylink|International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|All My Sins Remembered}}

When the war ended, Onslaught returned to Cybertron with a large group of Decepticons. The Decepticons felt oppressed under a provisional government of Autobots, [[NAIL|Non-Aligned Cybertronians]], and... Starscream. Starscream approached Onslaught to buy his services as he made his play for Iacon's leadership. In exchange for protecting him from those like the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] or unruly bots, Starscream would allow Onslaught a position of power when the time came. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} When Megatron arrived at the new Cybertronian settlements, Onslaught and the other Decepticons began rioting in the streets to celebrate his return. {{storylink|City on Fire}} When Starscream successfully became the ruler of Iacon, he reneged on his deal with Onslaught, who was furious over the betrayal. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} Following [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s installation as Cybertron's new capital, Onslaught and many other disgruntled Decepticons chose to live in slums outside the city instead. When they caught Optimus Prime making his way through their territory, many of them formed a mob and attacked him. {{storylink|City of Steel (issue)|City of Steel}} He later skulked by as a group of Camiens were passing out fliers regarding Optimus Prime's divinity in the district. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}

[[File:ChooseMe OnslaughtGrenade.jpg|thumb|right|That's all very sweet, but they're definitely going to do some terrorism with that.]]
He later rejoined his fellow Combaticon teammates as they stewed over Starscream's leadership, and upon throwing an energon canister at a viewscreen promoting his success in uniting some of the lost colonies, Onslaught declared that they wouldn't let Starscream forget the past, not without having to go through them first. They sprayed "SWINDLE LIVES" on a wall {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} thanks to being informed by an anonymous informant, "[[Rattrap (BW)|DC-357]]", that Swindle was alive and had damaging info on Starscream. {{storylink|07:00:00}} In light of the newly announced "Chosen One Day", Onslaught got a new grenade as a gift from his teammates. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

At Brawl's suggestion, Onslaught rejoined the Decepticon movement as they prepared for [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron's]] conquest of Earth. Brawl and Needlenose led a team of Decepticons to the Space Bridge nexus, where they transported aboard the ''[[Ark-7]]'' to overpower the Autobots in Earth orbit. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|Lagrange}} Onslaught and the Decepticons engaged Arcee, [[Sideswipe (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sideswipe]] and [[Alpha Trion]] before the ship crashed into Shanghai, China. {{storylink|Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|Perihelion}} When that all went tits up, he abandoned the operation on Earth and fled back to Cybertron, where he continued to search the underbelly of Cybertron for the missing Swindle.

[[file:Onslaught_Riot_from_Applicable_Skills_Open_Road.jpg|thumb|upright=1|frame|left|230x230px|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esE_uA-XkJ8 MY NAME IS ONSLAUGHT AND I HATE STARSCREAMS]]]As the [[Badgeless]] began to brutalise Decepticons for information, Onslaught became sure DC-357 was onto something but the other Combaticons became worried he was ''too'' focused, costing them paying jobs. The idea of dropping the search made Onslaught storm off in a huff, {{storylink|07:00:00}} and when he came back, he found riots breaking out over a police killing. He decided they shouldn't touch this as it was likely to turn the colonists against their cause and he felt this might be a Starscream plot to draw them out. That's when Blast Off admitted he'd ''done'' the killing in disguise as a Badgeless, so he could film it, send it to the press, and provoke an uprising. Onslaught hit on a sneaky plan: he started a large protest that marched on Starscream to shake the tree and see what happened, and when what happened was Ironhide was made head of the cops and opened them up to anyone who wanted. Onslaught then started a fight so that Blast Off could 'stop him' and 'denounce' his plans, thus getting into the police as someone Ironhide would trust. Blast Off did the deed so well, Onslaught was proud! {{storylink|Applicable Skills}}

Onslaught eventually learned from Blast Off that Wheeljack and Rattrap had taken Swindle. Outraged, Onslaught took Brawl and went to Rattrap's, brutally beating him down to figure out where he took Swindle. Soon Vortex and Blast Off arrived with Chromia and Wheeljack, and Onslaught and the other Combaticons forced them to lead them to the brain-dead Swindle. Onslaught was unperturbed by Swindle's condition, and forced Rattrap to retrieve the [[Enigma of Combination]]. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}}

[[File:TheLineBetweenUs CombaticonsAntespace.jpg|thumb|upright=2.0|right]]
Onslaught used the Enigma on himself and his team, forming [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], hoping that he might be able to access the dirt Swindle had on Starscream. As Bruticus rampaged through Iacon, within the combiner's psyche, Onslaught soon found what he was looking for. Though Windblade tried to appeal to Onslaught within the combiner to help her take down Starscream with their evidence, it was to no avail. Eventually Ironhide was forced to fire a rocket at Bruticus' head, and the shock forced the Combaticons to disconnect. Windblade frantically tried to get Onslaught and the Combaticons to wake up to share what they had learned, but failed. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

Onslaught and his fellow Combaticons were imprisoned and awaiting trial, though Ironhide was reluctant to prosecute them if their mental scarring proved too great. {{storylink|Ping}}

[[File:ThePriceOfYou-smoochy.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3|What sounds better, "Blastslaught" or "On/Off"?]]
The Combaticons were still comatose when Starscream told the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukarian]] [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] to turn them to his side as one of his combiners. In Blast Off's mind he woke up next to Onslaught, revealing that Blast Off had a thing for his commander. It was soon revealed by Starscream, who was also there, that this was all a dream and that if Blast Off took his offer to help him sway the Combaticons for his side he could make this a reality. All he needed in exchange was for Blast Off to cover any holes in their story. Blast Off eventually agreed, and as a result, Onslaught and the others were made to believe that Onslaught's original deal with Starscream had worked out, with the Combaticons having been his secret and loyal bodyguards, Onslaught's public protest was done to draw out dissenters, and that their forming of Bruticus had been a last-ditch attempt to save Swindle's life with Starscream's approval. Soon, Onslaught woke up, seeing Blast Off by his side. He then touched Blast Off's hand, revealing Starscream kept his promise to make Onslaught notice him. {{storylink|The Price of You}} After Onslaught assured Blast Off that he felt fine, Starscream arrived and began playing upon the manipulation to Onslaught's memories, claiming he had felt vulnerable without him around and assured the Combaticon leader that their risk to save Swindle had paid off. Soon the Combaticons "resumed" their work of protecting Starscream, and prior to Onslaught's first day back he and Blast Off arranged a date. {{storylink|If I Know You}}

Onslaught was among the security detail for the ceremony to welcome Earth into the Council of Worlds. When [[Iron Ring|a group of human assailants]] attacked, he mobilised to fight back and evacuate Starscream. {{storylink|First Strike issue 1|First Strike #1}}

Onslaught and Vortex later ushered Circuit and Longtooth out of the Council chambers during Windblade's official return to her post, but when Vortex dared the two reporters to resist, Onslaught warned him not to cause trouble. During the final debate before the election to decide the new leader of Cybertron, Starscream revealed all of his crimes to the public, including the manipulation of the Combaticons. As a result, Onslaught and the other Combaticons were imprisoned for their rampage as Bruticus, with Onslaught shunning Blast Off for his cooperation in manipulating them. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

{{-}}

===''Universe'' toy bio===
Delighting in successful strikes on the Autobots, Onslaught was the type to remain out of battle to direct tactics. His entrance into the battlefield was typically a sign that something had gone wrong with the plan. {{storylink|#Uni08Ultra|''Universe'' Ultra Class Onslaught toy bio}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Generations'' manga===
When the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] of another universe attempted to attack [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Onslaught and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] defended their leader. However, Starscream possessed Onslaught and began wreaking havoc with his body. Starscream was exorcised out of his host after [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] projected an illusory [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], scaring Starscream back to his home dimension. {{storylink|Starscream's New Body}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Another Episode, Part 1}} {{storylink|Another Episode, Part 2}}

===Starscream's New Power===
[[File:Starscream's New Power Combaticons.jpg|thumb|100px]]
Onslaught attempted to apprehend Starscream, only to be driven back when the latter managed to get his hands on some weapons from [[Shockwave's Tower|Shockwave's research lab]]. {{storylink|Starscream's New Power}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
Summoned by Starscream to act as his elite squad (whose first mission, of course, was to overthrow [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]), Onslaught rolled onto the scene alongside [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], and [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (who Starscream had swayed to his side by making him one of his elites and even threw in a new paintjob). He boasted that they could leave the strategy to him, and was irritated when Vortex offered to stay behind and guard the base. When the Combaticons combined into Bruticus, Vortex constant worry for the base's safety compelled the team to withdraw. When Starscream, under imminent threat of a beating from Megatron, contacted the team to demand to know where they were, Onslaught joined his teammates in happily informing their illustrious leader they were all protecting the base together. Aww. {{Storylink|New Military Unit Combaticon! Bruticus, Combine!}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
The Combaticons infiltrated [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] disguised as their vehicles, with Onslaught taking on the form of [[Ghostrider]]'s stealth bomber. During the Decepticon-[[Cobra]] attack on the [[United Nations]], the Combaticons revealed themselves and combined into Bruticus to fight [[GIJONIN]]. {{storylink|Expelled from the Garden}}
{{-}}

===''Prime Wars Trilogy'' marketing material===
The [[Combaticon (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Combaticons]] fought multiple tours together. It's likely that the first one of these was when they all changed their alternate modes to Earth-based ones. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

Onslaught was the team's commander, and had shaped it into a nearly unstoppable strike force. He had high expectations for them, putting exacting precision in both his planning and orders. {{storylink|Onslaught (G1)#Combiner Wars|Onslaught's bio}}

[[Brawl (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Brawl]] was often needled and frustrated by his fellow Combaticons in order to make better use of his focused battlefield fury. He often needed to be told important information multiple times, but he ''was'' learning from Onslaught. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

The other Combaticons knew better than to trust [[Swindle (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Swindle]] with ''anything''. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}

Bruticus as a combined form was created by [[Shockwave (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Shockwave]] for the express purpose of pummeling Autobots. {{storylink|Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Decepticon Shockwave's bio}}

[[Blast Off (G1)#Prime Wars Trilogy marketing material|Blast Off]] was captured at one point, leaving the team unable to form Bruticus. Eventually, they were reunited. Onslaught subsequently mandated that he switch his alternate mode once again in order to stay close, so - much to Blast Off's anger - he reformatted into a fighter jet. Onslaught welcomed this new temperment because he considered his subordinate to be a more effective soldier afterwards. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}

The Combaticons were posted on Cybertron during the [[Combiner Wars (event)|Combiner Wars]]. {{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Swindle's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Decepticon Blast Off's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Vortex's bio}}{{storylink|Source:Combiner Wars pack-in comic bios|Brawl's bio}}

===''Combiner Wars'' cartoon===
Onslaught was among the Decepticon troops who bore witness to a pivotal duel between Optimus Prime and Megatron, one meant to end the war before the never-ending arms race between the two factions spiralled further out of control. {{storylink|Prelude to Transformers: Combiner Wars - Optimus Prime}}

===''Win If You Dare''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee - Win If You Dare|Win If You Dare}}}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Constructicons Rising, Part 4|''Galaxies'' #4]]}}
[[File:ConstructiconsRisingPart4 Combaticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
At some point, Onslaught posed in a group photo with many Cybertronians, including Blast Off. {{storylink|Open Comms}} A member of [[The Rise]], Onslaught was sent to [[Mayalx]] by Shockwave to collect the large bounty of [[energon cube]]s that the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] had processed. {{storylink|Constructicons Rising, Part 4}}

Once he returned to Cybertron, Onslaught assumed a position of authority in the Rise, supporting Shockwave after [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and many of the terrorist cell were fully assimilated into Megatron's Decepticons at Iacon. {{storylink|Escape Part Three}} He assigned [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]] and "Team Stream" to sentry duty at the Rise base while also maintaining security around the radioactive and disturbing [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} Mercifully, Vortex soon arrived to spell Onslaught and take a shift watching over the unsettling Seeker. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}

[[File:WarsEndPartThree JumpstreamSavesCyclonus.jpg|right|thumb|upright=2.0|Oof, right in the dude-icus!]]
When [[Exarchon]] returned, the Combaticons were summoned by [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]] to Shockwave's base. When [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] rejected the Threefold Spark's sales pitch and teleported away, Onslaught was ready to pursue only for Exarchon to overrule him. {{storylink|War's End Part One}} Instead, Exarchon ordered them to reinforce his iteration in the [[Sonic Canyons]], with Onslaught coming to blows with [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] when the Decepticons arrived. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} A group of Autobots became involved as well, but they all pulled back once [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] arrived from deep space at Shockwave's call. Onslaught and the others cautiously welcomed Devastator, along with The Rise's other lieutenant [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]] as reinforcements. Exarchon became greedy, however, and tried to impose his spark on Devastator rather than using him as an ally. {{storylink|War's End Part Three}} He failed, but it left the Constructicons disabled and useless as support. The Combaticons soon faced a united attack from the Autobots and Decepticons again. Exarchon was defeated, trapped in a Titan spark cage, which was then destroyed. Onslaught and his cohorts were taken into Decepticon custody. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

====Alternate future====
In one possible future, [[Exarchon]] returned and conquered Cybertron. He used Onslaught, Megatron and Shockwave as hosts for his Threefold Spark. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} Exarchon briefly encountered the time-traveling [[Jumpstream]], but didn't realize her significance and turned her over to the [[Thraal]]. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}

===Energon Universe===
[[File:TF2023 no. 9 – Onslaught & Brawl.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.12]]
Onslaught and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] had chased down and cornered [[Elita One (G1)#Energon Universe|Elita One]]. This wouldn't stay the case for long though as the [[Autobot]] slipped through a [[space bridge]], following her, he commanded his team to combine, only to jump clear of the bridge as Elita destroyed it, bisecting [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and cutting Onslaught off from the rest of his team. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 9|Transformers #9}}

As repairs to the space bridge proceeded, Onslaught kept to himself, assuring Brawl that he would be repaired soon and overhearing [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s disagreements with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. Onslaught rejoined his fellows when the [[energon]] generated by the [[feeder]] re-opened the space bridge and brought [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to [[Earth]]'s orbit. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 10|Transformers #10}} Following the ensuing battle with the Autobots, a chunk of Cybertron crashed into the ocean, with Onslaught and Brawl caught up in the ensuing tsunami. Luckily, the pair were rescued by Astrotrain and Starscream. Later, the group returned to the crashed section of Cybertron and reunited with the remaining Combaticons. Onslaught and Brawl corroborated Starscream's assertions that Soundwave was an ill-fitting leader. The group then watched as Starscream slaughtered most of his human rescuers. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 14|Transformers #14}}

Once the Combaticons were repaired, Starscream led them into battle against Soundwave, the quintet combining into [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|Transformers (2023) issue 15|Transformers #15}}
{{ongoing}}

==Commercial appearances==
*Onslaught, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] were part of a Decepticon attack force that assaulted the Autobots' launch site. All three were rammed by Ultra Magnus in his vehicle mode as he entered the fray. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Ultra Magnus|Ultra Magnus commercial}}
*Onslaught and the rest of the Combaticons charged down a ravine to face-off against [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As they neared him, the Combaticons combined into Bruticus and took to the skies. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Bruticus and Metroplex|Bruticus and Metroplex commercial}}
Onslaught was part of a massive battle between Kreons. He and the Combaticons combined into Bruticus to gain the advantage in battle, and then chased the Autobots off alongside [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. {{storylink|Commercial#Kre-O|KRE-O Transformers Micro Changers and Combiners Construction Sets commercial}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{Note|Onslaught is a non-playable character. He appears among the legion of Decepticon duplicates in the Autobot campaign.}}
{{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
In the early days of the war, Megatron tasked Onslaught and [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] with breaching Iacon's defences. The two Decepticons were opposed by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], and were ultimately unsuccessful in taking the city due to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s involvement. {{storylink|Assault on Iacon}}

Onslaught was active in the Decepticon/Autobot war when [[Doctor Arkeville]] created [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]. He didn't take an active role when the Doctor's creation went on a rampage and was stopped by the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] however. {{storylink|Nemesis Rising}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsOnslaught.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
Onslaught participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Super Rare character who could be recruited by collecting 250 units of Cybermetal, 75 units of Transmetal, and 10 cores of this character. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[file:OnslaughtEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=2| Tactical Oversight? Nah. Just lots of BOOM.]]
It would be easy to dismiss Onslaught as a brutish thug. But to him his greatest weapon is not his photon missiles, but his amazing tactical mind.

The key to victory is planning, and Onslaught executes his strategies with exacting and dispassionate logic. It's only when things don't go to plan that he gets frustrated and lashes out.
Which, admittedly, is often. VERY often. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Onslaught bio}}

Onslaught is one of Megatron's more elite warriors, and he is leader of the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] on Cybertron, save Swindle. He is contacted by Megatron to get them to earth. He arrives in time for the battle of the Codex Key. He really hates Swindle for leaving the Combaticons for profit, seeing as it left the Combaticons at a tactical disadvantage.

When Megatron states he needs a new combiner to take on Optimus's new combiner, he immediately <s>forces</s> "recruits" the Combaticons to form their gestalt Bruticus, despite Onslaught's complaints they are not ready to unleash Bruticus yet. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}

Onslaught noticed Swindle's absence, and his team concluded that Swindle was off to sell information on [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s interdimensional recruitment plan to the Autobots. They pursued Swindle to the meeting location, and a battle ensued. {{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Rogue Trader}}

*'''Class''': Special
*'''Lowest star rating''': 3 Star (2 star beta)
*'''Weapons''': Onslaught uses a unique [[grenade launcher]] custom modified to lay down a blanket of grenades onto the battlefield. It deals heavy damage to any target, or anything around it for that matter, Onslaught has in sights. '''KABOOM!'''
*'''Ability: Line barrage''': Shoots 12 small rockets from long range delivering damage in a line across the target.
**'''Ability Cost''': 7 ability points. +3 for continued usage.
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive''===
[[File:BBOOnslaught.jpg|thumb|100px]]
Onslaught is featured as a boss battle once the player reaches 43,700,000 points. He is in command of the seventeenth Decepticon base attacked and destroyed during a series of Autobot raids. {{storylink|Transformers: Bumblebee Overdrive}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Onslaught was a military genius and the leader of the Combaticons. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}} At some point during the war, Onslaught was imprisoned in a [[crystalline containment vessel|containment vessel]] and missed Devastator's first deployment. {{storylink|The Enigma of Combination}}

On Earth, Onslaught and the other Combaticons acted as a liaison between the Decepticons and the forces of Cobra, offering them advanced alien technology in exchange for their full cooperation. While meeting with [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] in southern [[France]], the Autobots attacked; in the ensuing fight, Onslaught dealt [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] a debilitating injury before [[Bulkhead (G1)|Bulkhead]] cleared an escape route. The Combaticons, minus Swindle, spent days pursuing the Autobots across southern France before bumping into a [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] encampment; leery of their advanced weapons and unable to form Bruticus, the Combaticons retreated. {{storylink|Cobra/Con Fusion}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1Onslaught toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The Real American Decepticon]]
*'''Onslaught''' ([[1986]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''C5'''
**''Takara/GiG ID number:'' '''D-64'''
**''Accessories'': "[[Sonic stun-gun]]" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Originally designed for the aborted ''[[Diaclone]]'' line ''[[Diaclone#Jizai Gattai|Jizai Gattai]]'' (自在合体 "Limitless Combination") and then brought over to the ''Transformers'' toyline, ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Onslaught transforms into a dark blue and green mobile anti-aircraft truck of made-up origin (though the cab is probably a White Road Boss with sleeper cab), armed with a large double-barreled cannon mounted on the flatbed of his vehicle mode. Like all of the original four [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and Transformers 2010)|Scramble City]]-style combiner team leaders, he can also assume a base/gun emplacement mode with a ramp that smaller Combaticons can use, which can be connected to both the Autobot city [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] (a feature not mentioned in either toy's instructions, for obvious reasons) and to the Decepticon city [[Trypticon (G1)#Toys|Trypticon]] (a feature only documented in Trypticon's instructions). As with [[Motormaster (G1)#Toys|Motormaster]] and [[Silverbolt (G1)#Toys|Silverbolt]], Onslaught was originally designed to feature a spring-loaded launching mechanism in base mode that would propel the smaller vehicles off him. Hasbro dropped the feature, likely [[for safety reasons]], but it was retained on the Japanese edition of the figure. Onslaught has three distinct [[variant|variants]], the first version having a painted metal chest and silver plastics, the second version replacing the metal chest with silver plastic, and the third swapping the silver plastics for light grey (originating from Macau, as opposed to China or Japan). While the metal version came first and the silver plastic version appears to have had the widest release, none of the three variations are particularly rare.

:In robot mode, Onslaught is armed with a long olive [[sonic stun-gun]] and is accessorized by a small chest plate. The gun can store on his backpack in either mode via two rectangular pegs which hold onto his gun sight. Holes in the side of the gun are, probably coincidentally, just the right size to peg in the smaller weapons from the other Combaticons—a feature that would be canonized only for the later Ruination version of the mold.

:Onslaught combines with the other Combaticon toys into [[Bruticus (G1)#Toys|Bruticus]], forming the central body component of the super-robot with the addition of a large silver chest plate and Bruticus's head. He also comes with Bruticus's hands and feet.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Bruticus}}{{anchor|Bruticus}}
*'''Bruticus''' (multi-pack, [[1985]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''D-69'''
**''Accessories'': "[[Sonic stun-gun]]" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:In addition to his single release, Onslaught was also sold in a "Bruticus" [[giftset]] alongside the other Combaticons. The gift set was never available in the USA or Canada, but only in [[Japan]] and [[Italy]].

: In 1988, [[GiG]] also re-released the Bruticus set in Italy, with five random "Exogini Transformers" ([[Decoy]]s) added.

{{anchor|1991Classic}}
*'''Classic Onslaught''' ([[1991]])
**''Accessories'': "Sonic stun-gun" rifle, double-barreled turret, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Onslaught was re-released in the European-market "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" line in 1991, with his [[rubsign]] removed. This version was sold in several packaging variants featuring different languages, with the Spanish version somehow ending up with the hilariously nonsensical name "Oslat".
{{--}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Tom Kenny|I'm a Goofy Goober, yeah!]]]]
*'''Onslaught''' ([[1993]])
**''Team ID number:'' '''C5'''
**''Accessories'': "Sonic stun gun" rifle, double-barreled turret, missile launcher, 2 missiles, chest shield, ramp, Bruticus chest shield, Bruticus head, left & right Bruticus fists, left & right Bruticus foot stands

:Released in the second year of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', Onslaught was redecoed in a rather outlandish color scheme of bright yellow-orange covered in purple camouflage, with purple and black replacing olive and silver. The factory-applied stickers on the back of his truck mode proudly state that he is indeed Onslaught. In this form he was reputedly "one metamorphin' dude-icus."

:His new spring-loaded missile launcher was taken from [http://www.yojoe.com/action/91/snowserpent2.shtml Snow Serpent] from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' toyline, and was the same one used by ''Generation 2'' [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Sideswipe]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Jazz]]. His backpack cannon was [[retool]]ed with a peg-hole to mount this new launcher. In theory the other smaller Combaticons can also hold the launcher, and their weapons can store on Onslaught's backpack now. Not that Onslaught's about to lend his gun to Swindle or Brawl.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on G2 Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{G1CombaticonMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2FOC}}{{anchor|G2BoxSet}}
[[File:G2toy-OnslaughtAmazon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"It's not easy bein' cheesy."]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Box set, [[2012]])
**''Accessories'': Dual cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Franks]] (deco artist)}}

:Part of a giftset [[exclusive]] to [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and [[BigBadToyStore]], this version of Onslaught is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Onslaught (WFC)#Toys|Onslaught]] in ''Generation 2'' colors. As usual, he forms the torso of Bruticus. Though [[:File:GenerationsG2Onslaught.JPG|stock photography depicted Onslaught]] with a black head and black deco on his gun, the final toy rendered both of these in unpainted purple plastic.

:This toy was [[retool]]ed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Impactor (Prime)#Toys|Impactor]].
{{--}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:TFU08-toy Onslaught Legend.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Because ''Classics'' Legends [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] was ''super''-popular.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Legends Class, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''Series'': Classic Series

: Part of the very first wave of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] toys, Onslaught is a [[redeco]] of Legends Class ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)#LOC|Red Alert]], transforming into a SWAT-deco'd BTR-90 armored personnel carrier mounted with a top-mounted missile similar to a SCUD launcher. The missile is permanently sculpted in the open-tipped "cannon" mode the larger version of this toy can assume. The deco's resemblance to the original Onslaught is iffy, but it ''is'' not far from the deco of the next toy of him, below.

: Onslaught uses the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|live-action-movie]]-style Decepticon symbol, a common minor error among toys of this era.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Classics|Perceptor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/LegendsOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe Legends Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2008Ultra}}{{anchor|Uni08Ultra}}
[[File:UniverseOnslaughtToys-HasbroTakara.JPG|upright=1.67|thumb|They found your phone number and want to ask you a few questions. (''Hasbro version on left, Takara version on right)]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Ultra Class, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''Series'': Classic Series
:*''Accessories'': Shield
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the first wave of ''Universe'' Ultra Class toys, this version of Onslaught transforms into a six-wheeled SWAT assault truck with positionable mine-scoops and a rotating double-barreled turret on top. "MONZO 12782" is [[tampograph]]ed onto the front of the vehicle mode on both versions, a reference by Hasbro to the ever-helpful [[Fandom|fan]] [[Matthew Karpowich]] (aka [[User:Monzo|Monzo]]) and his birthdate, [[December 7]], [[1982]], or 12-7-82. When the button on his rotating turret is pressed, electronic lights in his head and turret flash and one hears either machine gun fire or a siren sound, either of which are continuous if held down. Rolling the vehicle's middle left tire activates a third sound effect of him causing extensive property damage on something unfortunate enough to get caught under his wheels. A looped driving sound will then be continuously played until the tire stops rolling, when a final sound of the vehicle driving away/to a halt is played. The first waves of Onslaughts gave only very brief clips of sound when the button gimmick was activated. (The siren ended up sounding like a set car alarm.) This was changed in the Japanese release and as a [[Variant|running change]] in the U.S. version, so that the gun and siren noises are now restored to their intended full lengths.

: He comes with a riot shield, which can either connect to a flip up tab on Onslaught's left arm in robot mode, or store on top of his turret in either mode. The small flap at the top of the shield is used to access the turret's button, either by pressing on the flap itself, or by flipping it open and pressing the button directly. A button on Onslaught's right arm spring-deploys an arm-mounted weapon. His cannons can be removed, but are not meant to be accessories, as the pop-off points are simply there to prevent breakage if the toy is dropped.

: The [[stock photography]] also shows him as [[:File:Onslaughtuniversetoy.jpg|having black cannons and hands, and being slightly mis-transformed]].

: The Japanese [[TakaraTomy]] version of Onslaught was released in American ''Universe'' packaging as a [[USA Edition]] toy... but it's ''not'' the Hasbro deco. He is redecoed to more closely resemble the colours of the original Onslaught toy and his appearance in the original ''The Transformers'' cartoon. His sparkly metallic slate-blue is replaced with swirly metallic teal, the blue paint on his arms and crotch is replaced by a dark greenish-blue, and the silver and dark silver on the sides of his face are replaced by teal. He also has slightly more paint on his face, with his mouth-plate being painted silver.

: This mold was redecoed as ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Hardhead (G1)#Universe (2008)|Hardhead]] and retooled as ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Clench (G1)#Timelines|Clench]]. The Clench tooling also served as the basis of the non-toy ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Torca (BW)|Torca]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/TFUOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe Ultra-Class Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BrutMaxSet}}
[[File:Universe-ROTF-toy Onslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Grindcore (G1)|Grindcore]] stole his design, so he stole Grindcore's colors.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus Maximus''' (Multi-pack, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''Series'': G1 Series

: The third ''Universe'' Onslaught toy is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Barricade (Energon)#Toys|Barricade]], transforming into an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier with a rear-mounted (non-firing) missile rack that turns and elevates. (Amusingly, Barricade has a more Onslaught-accurate colour scheme than ''Universe'' Onslaught.) The alphanumeric code "C5" tampographed on the front of his vehicle mode is a reference to the original Onslaught toy's American release's team ID number. For a little extra Generation 1 flair, Onslaught's (as well as any other variations of the sculpt) missile rack in vehicle-mode can be clicked back to be dragged behind, elongating the entire vehicle, similar to the original toy.

: Onslaught also has a paint error on the right robot knee, in that there is no paint around the hole immediately below the knee, where there ''is'' paint on the left one. This error is also evident in the box photos for the individual robot mode, but not the combined mode, curiously. When combined with the other Combaticons, Onslaught forms the torso.

: He was only available as part of the ''Universe'' Bruticus Maximus [[giftset]], which was initially intended to be released as a [[Target]] exclusive in the United States, but ultimately ended up being only available in some non-American markets such as Australia and Singapore. Instead, American markets eventually received a [[rebranding|rebranded]] version of this giftset (with no changes to the toys themselves) in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging (thereby creating a new [[live-action film series]] [[Onslaught (ROTF)|Onslaught]] character), exclusively available at Target stores in the United States and at Zellers stores in Canada. ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Onslaught retains the aforementioned paint error.

: This sculpt was redecoed into the ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' versions of Onslaught (see [[#United|below]]) and was retooled to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Heatwave (Timelines)#Toys|Heatwave]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TargetOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on Universe multipack Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Encore''===
*'''Bruticus''' ([[2009]])
**''ID number:'' '''16'''

:A reissue of the original G1 Onslaught toy at first sight, this toy is actually a redeco of the ''Robots in Disguise'' Mega-Octane retool of the sculpt, complete with shortened rifle, a plastic chest, and all other subsequent mold changes. Additionally, the Japan-only base mode launcher mechanism was reinstated for this release. Unfortunately, the sculpt also has quite a bit of visible mold wear-and-tear thanks to the inordinate number of times the Onslaught sculpt has been reused and retooled over the years.

:This version of Onslaught was only available as part of a Bruticus gift set released under [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' line of reissues.
{{G1CombaticonMold}}
{{--}}

===''United EX''===
[[File:UnitedEX-Combatmaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combatmaster Prime Mode''' ([[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''EX-01'''
:*''Release date'': [[September 22]], 2012
:*''Accessories'': "Kannonier Drone", "Morser Drone", "Panzer Drone", "Spaher Drone"

: Released in the first wave of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers United EX|United EX]]'' toyline, Combatmaster is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Bombshock (PCC)|Bombshock]] toy, transforming into a twin-barreled artillery cannon truck of indeterminate model. He also has a "Prime Mode" where he becomes the torso of a super robot, capable of using any auto-transforming Power Core Combiner drone-machine molds for limbs.

: He comes with four color-coordinated military vehicle drone-limbs, redecos of the [[Combaticon (PCC)|Combaticon]]s. Each one has a square socket for a Power Core Combiner connection; when attached via the blue plugs on a Commander figure, the vehicles automatically transform into a super-robot limb, and snaps back to vehicle mode when disconnected. Despite the universal connector, each drone can only form one limb type (but can be swapped from left to right):

:*1: '''Morser Drone''' [Missile Carrier Drone]—Arm (Combatmaster's right)
:*2: '''Panzer Drone''' [Tank Drone]—Arm (Combatmaster's left)
:*3: '''Kannonier Drone''' [APC Drone]—Leg (Combatmaster's right)
:*4: '''Spaher Drone''' [Armored Car Drone]—Leg (Combatmaster's left)

: The drones are named after German terms related to military, which is the motif of Combatmaster himself as well as [[Combaticon (G1)|the group that he led]].

: Combatmaster's mold was also used to make [[Steelshot]]. The drone-limb molds were also used to make components for two other Power Core Combiner teams: the Missile Carrier Drone and Armored Car Drone molds were used for the [[Destron (PCC)|Destrons]], while the APC Drone and Tank Drone molds were used for the [[Protectobot (PCC)|Protectobots]].

:As a redeco of the Bombshock mold, Combatmaster is likely to be plagued with the same assembly errors.
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:Generationstoy-RetailOnslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Onslaught''' (Deluxe Class, [[2012]])
**''Series/number'': '''01/#004'''
**'''PART 1 OF 5!'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''TG07'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[January 26]], [[2013]]
**''Accessories:'' Cannons
{{note|The Aligned Onslaught toy appeared as Generation 1 Onslaught in many continuities.}}

:A [[redeco]] of Onslaught from the [[Bruticus (WFC)#FOCDeluxe|Decepticon Bruticus]] gift set was available individually alongside his fellow Combaticons as part of the second [[wave]] of the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]''-themed 2012-onwards Deluxe Class ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' assortment. Overall, these versions of the Combaticons replace the [[show-accuracy|game-accurate]], the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]]-inspired decos with more "flashy" colors apparently homaging the color scheme of [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus Maximus]]. Onslaught, however, is an exception to this: Although his colors are brighter and more vivid, the colors themselves are more game-accurate, replacing the dull shade of ocher with dark blue as the main color.

:Aside from the colors, mass retail Onslaught is identical to the version from the Decepticon Bruticus gift set.

:The TakaraTomy Japanese release features a shade of dark blue similar to Hasbro's. Naturally, it features more paint applications, such as blue on the wheels and painted "light" details.

:Unsurprisingly for an Aligned toy inspired by Generation 1, ''Fall of Cybertron'' Onslaught was used in multiple Generation 1-based stories. The Hasbro deco [[Onslaught (G1)#Starscream's New Power|appeared]] in the short comic "[[Starscream's New Power]]" while the TakaraTomy deco [[Onslaught (G1)#Transformers: All Spark|appeared]] in the ''[[Transformers: All Spark]]'' manga series and the ''[[Transformers Cloud]]'' stories. This toy also serves as an approximate stand-in for Onslaught's 2012 body in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic series.<ref>Onslaught appears in [[City on Fire|''Robots in Disguise'' #12]] redesigned according to [[:File:WFC Onslaught bot.jpg|his concept art]] for the [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|''War for Cybertron'' game]].</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on retail Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:United Bruticus Maximus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5]]
*'''Bruticus''' (Multi-pack, [[November 7]], 2012)

:Released exclusively by TakaraTomy in non-Japanese Asian markets, this redeco of the ''Energon'' Bruticus Maximus set has paint layouts similar to the previous ''Universe'' (2008)/''Revenge of the Fallen'' release, but with a much greater emphasis on G1-accurate colors. Onslaught's color scheme is perhaps the most different from the previous release, being very similar to his Generation 1 toy in robot mode, but is almost completely gray when transformed into Bruticus' torso, to reflect the large gray chest plate on the original Bruticus toy. Additionally, Bruticus' hands/feet/weapons, which were previously cast in translucent colored plastic are now opaque gray.
{{--}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[Image:BotShots Onslaught.jpg|thumb|right|300px|I'm only doing the o_O face because someone stole one of my cannons... and my release date!]]
*'''Combaticons''' (Multi-pack, 2013?)
**''Number'': '''T0??'''
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}
***''Fist strength'': '''447'''
***''Blaster strength'':
***''Sword strength'':
:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' Onslaught is a redeco of [[Warpath (G1)#Bot Shots|Warpath]], transforming into a tank. As a Flip Shot, an impact to the front of his vehicle mode causes him to flip up when autotransforming. He was to be sold in a five-pack with [[Blast Off (G1)#Bot Shots|Blast Off]], [[Brawl (Movie)#5Pack|Decepticon Brawl]], [[Swindle (G1)#Bot Shots|Swindle]], and [[Vortex (G1)#Bot Shots|Vortex]], but this never saw release.

:This mold was originally used to make [[Brawl (Movie)#BotShotFlipShot|Flip Shot Brawl]].

{{canceledtoy}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[Image:KreO-Toy Onslaught.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Where'd my cannons go?!]]
*'''Decepticon Bruticus''' (Micro-Changer Combiner, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A2225'''
**''Pieces'': '''79'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Ed Masiello]] (Hasbro)}}

:Onslaught comes as part of the [[Bruticus (G1)#Kre-O|Bruticus]] [[Micro-Changer]] combiner set, and can be rebuilt from his robot mode into a truck. He can also contribute his bricks to form Bruticus. Unlike Swindle but like Brawl and Vortex, he is based on his [[#Toys|Generation 1 toy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/Kre-OOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Kre-O'' Onslaught at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Combiner3pack}}
*'''Combiner Robot Mega Pack''' (3-pack, 2016)
**''Set number'': '''B6425'''
**''Pieces'': '''245'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: Bruticus was reissued in a 3-pack along with [[Superion (G1)#Kre-O|Superion]] and [[Menasor (G1)#Kre-O|Menasor]], with ''most'' of the components unchanged from the previous release. For this version however, Onslaught came with bronze clip-on smokestacks rather than the original's silver.

: This three-pack was sold in Dollar General stores for a whopping $12. Considering the original releases of each combiner cost $10 ''each'', that's quite a bargain!
{{--}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:Combiner Wars Onslaught toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I like big guns and I cannot lie!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right cannons
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' product for 2016, Onslaught is a heavy retool of [[Hot Spot (G1)#Combiner Wars|Hot Spot]], replacing most the robot mode's parts from the waist up and turning the vehicle mode backwards, resulting in a transformation into an anti-aircraft truck rather than a fire truck. Being a ''Combiner Wars'' Voyager, he can combine with any four of that line's Deluxes, though he is meant to combine with his fellow [[Combaticon (G1)#Combiner Wars|Combaticon]]s to form [[Bruticus (G1)#Combiner Wars|Bruticus]]. His guns can combine end-to-end to form a larger gun for Bruticus. While it may seem as if his turret cannot rotate, folding the combiner chestplate parts at the side of the truck mode up will allow it to do so. [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Shockwave]] can also ''loosely'' sit in a designated port on top of Onslaught's vehicle mode, between Bruticus' face cover and the crotch plate.

:When Hasbro originally announced the figure at [[BotCon 2015]], he was advertised as having a tan Bruticus chestplate for a Generation 1 Onslaught-accurate color scheme as the first release and a silver chestplate for a Generation 1 Bruticus-accurate color scheme as a [[variant#Running changes|running change]]. Instead, only the version with a silver chest plate ever made it to retail, with the tan chestplate version never being released.

:While this toy officially omits the base mode of [[#Toys|his G1 self]], many [[fan mode]] base configurations exist to homage the G1 toy and even dock with Titan Class [[Trypticon (G1)#Titans Return|Trypticon]].

: Onslaught and the last three waves of ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe and Voyager figures later showed up at TJ Maxx at reduced prices.

:This version of the Hot Spot/Onslaught mold served as the basis for [[Soundwave (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Soundwave]]'s appearance in "[[Epilogue Two]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWOnslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{CWHotSpotMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CWG2}}{{anchor|G2BruticusSet}}
[[File:CW-toy Onslaught G2.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Onslaught is a long time practitioner of the ancient art of disco!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Bruticus''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left & right cannons

: The entire ''Combiner Wars'' Combaticon team was redecoed into close approximations of their ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' colors; Onslaught is a lighter, pure-yellow, and his formerly-black parts are now a very very dark brown. Unfortunately, he still has the original Decepticon faction symbol, not the ''Generation 2'' style one.

: Also unfortunately, it appears that this Onslaught suffers from the same [[misassembly]] as [[Pyra Magna#Toys|Pyra Magna]]: The knee struts are reversed on both legs, preventing his assemblies from locking in properly for robot mode. In an undocumented feature also shared with Pyra Magna, the backs of his feet can flip out to provide better support.

: This version of the team was only available as a large boxed set, which also included a ''Generation 2''-ish version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#CWG2|Shockwave]]. This was the fourth of five different combiner "Collection Pack" box sets, which were "shared exclusives" sold by numerous online retailers... though many ultimately ended up at US discounters like Ross and TJ Maxx.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/CWG2Onslaught/onslaught.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' G2 Onslaught at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
[[File:TF-Unite-Warriors-UW07-Onslaught.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Swindle dumped a bucket of blue paint on me. I'd kill him if I didn't need to combine with him.]]
*'''Bruticus''' (giftset, [[June 25]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-07'''
**''Accessories'': Individual Combaton weapons, Combatron extremities

:''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' Onslaught is a redeco of the [[#Combiner Wars|''Combiner Wars'' mold]] in a color layout based on his cartoon model, with changes such as a blue head with silver faceplate and yellow visor, blue shoulders, black hands, and a Bruticus chestplate [[Bruticus (G1)#Notes|colored like Blast Off]]. He also features additional paint details in vehicle mode, including a painted grill and rims. ''Unite Warriors'' Onslaught was sold only in a multi-pack with the other Combatrons.

:As a Voyager Class ''Unite Warriors'' figure, he can combine with any Deluxe Class figures from either Hasbro's ''Combiner Wars'' subline or Takara's ''Unite Warriors'' line, though he was meant to combine with his Combatrons to from [[Bruticus (G1)#Unite Warriors|Bruticus]].

:The stock photo on the right has him mistransformed; his knees aren't fully locked.
{{CWHotSpotMold}}
{{--}}

===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:TF-AOTP-Commander-Onslaught.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Combaticon Onslaught''' (Commander Class, [[2026]])}} </ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro),<ref>[[July 25]], [[2025]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T18IQaMuGVk Transformers Brand Panel Recap | SDCC 2025 | Hasbro Pulse] on YouTube, with [[Mark Maher]], [[Evan Brooks]] and [[Nate Purswell]].</ref> [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)<ref>[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Y30qeI_a4 Footage of the Hasbro Transformers brand panel] at [[San Diego Comic-Con#2025|San Diego Comic-Con 2025]] featuring [[Mark Maher]], [[Evan Brooks]] and [[Nate Purswell]] on the "Toys are Russ" YouTube channel.</ref>}}

:The second Commander class figure in the [[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]] line, Onslaught is a fully-cartoon accurate figure that transforms into his usual artillery truck mode, albiet his robot mode only being formed from the front cab portion of the truck. The rest of his alt-mode, including his trademark cannons, transforms into either a battle station on which one of his fellow Combaticons can be placed in vehicle mode or a combiner frame for all the other Combaticon toys to plug into to form Bruticus. Much like the previous [[Menasor_(G1)#Legacy|two]] [[Superion_(G1)#Age_of_the_Primes|combiners]] in the line, Onslaught only forms Bruticus's chest, with his packaging advertising a simple skeletal Bruticus. In the name of cartoon-accuracy, Bruticus's chestplate is styled after Blast Off's shuttle mode. Onslaught also has a pair of smaller turrets on his back in robot mode to match his cartoon model, though obviously not formed from his actual cannons. He can swap his combined arm compontents with Superion and Menasor easily, allowing one to mix-and-match the combiners.

{{toystub}}
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

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

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

{{-}}
===''Blokees''===
[[File:Blokees-TF-DV05-Onslaught-vehicle.jpg|thumb|300px]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Onslaught (Vehicle)''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Series:'' '''Defender Version 05 - Traitor to Tyranny'''

:Released as part of the fifth wave of the ''Defender Version'' line of blind boxes, this ''Blokees'' kit of Onslaught is molded in his anti-aircraft truck mode. Like the Constructicon vehicles and the ''T.rex'' Grimlock kit before him, Onslaught features a (largely undocumented) gimmick that allows him to form the torso of [[Bruticus_(G1)#Blokees|Bruticus]]. The chassis that connects the rear wheels also double as the rear half of Bruticus's gun.
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Onslaught's ability to combine with Metroplex is due to the fact that both were originally designed as part of the ''[[Diaclone]]'' line, where both were presumably part of the same faction. Neither were ever released under the ''Diaclone'' brand, as it had been overtaken by the Transformers.
*Like the rest of the Combaticons, Onslaught had an earlier, unused [[character model]] which superficially resembles the toy, other than the head design. There are other problems, such as wheel placement, but it's possible the artist of the unused character model was working off crappy source material.
*When the unused character model was redrawn into the final character model, it kept the odd wheel placement and gave Onslaught his toy's head, but did some bizarre things with his transformation. Like with many of the other Combaticons' final character models, such as Swindle's, his torso is the bumper, hood, and roof of the vehicle mode flattened out. Years later, Onslaught's Ultra class ''Universe'' toy attempted to replicate this [[Transformation|transformation scheme]].
*In the [[commercial]] advertising the Generation 2 Aerialbots and Combaticons, Onslaught is referred to as "one metamorphin' dudicus". It is presently unknown what a dudicus ''is'', or what qualifications Onslaught has met to be the only known one.
*The packaging of the 1990 European [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] release of the original Onslaught toy depicted Onslaught and the Combaticons in new color schemes—Onslaught himself was mainly purple—despite the fact that the actual toys looked identical to their original releases. While it may never be known for certain, it has been theorized that these colors originated from a packaging printing error rather than a legitimate attempt to [[redeco]] the Combaticons.
*As revealed on Hasbro's ''Transformers'' website,<ref>[http://replay.web.archive.org/20090121131445/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=A795A47F-D56F-E112-48649ACADFB6ADDC Hasbro's preview of ''Universe'' Wave 1's toys]</ref> ''Universe'' Ultra class Onslaught's original prototype featured a larger head that lacked a neck section, and the front section of his vehicle with a (non-functional) winch folded down to become his stomach and waist, as well as more cartoon-accurate sculpted detailing on his waist. However, on the final version of this mold, the winch remains on his shoulders while another winch is molded onto the battery cover as part of his waist.
*In the Wings of Honor continuity the Combaticons are swayed to the Decepticon side by Deathsaurus appealing to their darker natures, represented by one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Fittingly enough, as the leader of the team Onslaught falls to the most dangerous of the Sins: Pride.
*As with most modern projects by Hasbro, the ''Combiner Wars'' [[#Combiner Wars|Voyager Class Onslaught mold]] had a "pretooled" alternate head, in Onslaught's case based on [[Demolisher (G1)#Notes|''Armada'' Demolishor]]. This head tooling was never used, though a test prototype surfaced on the Chinese site [[TaoBao]].<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/looks-like-were-getting-a-cw-demolisher.1051737/ TFW2005 thread, 19 September 2015]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Onslaught''' (オンスロート ''Onsurōto'')
*''French:'' '''Abordage''' (Canada, "Boarding")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Cudar''' ("Rascally")
*''Italian:'' '''Destroyer'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Tújí''' (Taiwan, 突擊, "Onslaught"), '''Anslo''' (Taiwan ''Universe'', 安史羅 ''Ān Shǐ Lúo''), '''Xíjí''' (China, 袭击, "Raid")
*''Spanish:'' '''Oslat''' (Spain, [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] only)
*''Russian:'' '''Osilok''' (Осилок)
*''Polish:'' '''Gwałtowny Atak''' (TM Semic Comic, "Sudden Attack")

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Onslaughtmodelsheetshood.jpg|Early model sheet
File:EuroClassicOnslaughtPurple.jpg|Miscolored ''Classics'' deco
File:Universe Onslaught originalsculpt.jpg|''Universe'' prototype sculpt
File:WFC Onslaught bot.jpg|High Moon Studios concept art which inspired Onslaught's 2012 IDW robot mode
File:WFC Onslaught vehicle.jpg|High Moon Studios concept art which inspired Onslaught's 2012 IDW vehicle mode
File:EW-skin-Onslaught-G2.jpg|''Earth Wars'' ''Generation 2''-themed skin
File:Transformers 2023 11 2nd Ptg Cover A.jpg
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Age of the Primes Decepticons]]
[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combaticons]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Earth Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Encore]]
[[Category:Energon Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Character Card Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Decepticons]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Decepticons]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:United EX Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

YÅ«ichi Nakamura

2025-12-02T16:37:22Z

StarGayCybertron:

[[File:Yuichi Nakamura.jpeg|thumb|300px|''"Arrivederci."'']]
'''Yūichi Nakamura''' (中村悠一 ''Nakamura Yūichi'', born [[February 20]], [[1980]]) is a prolific Japanese voice actor. Among his many roles are Beet J. Stag in ''Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters'', Bruno Bucciarati in ''JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind'', Gray Fullbuster in ''Fairy Tail'', Greed in ''Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'', Graham Aker in ''Mobile Suit Gundam 00'', N in ''[[Pokeformers|Pokémon]]'', Golden Ryan in ''Tiger & Bunny: The Rising'', Kevin Washington in ''Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance'', Dinosaur Ryusaki/Rex Raptor in ''Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters'', Mumen Rider in ''One Punch-Man'' and Kyohei Kadota in ''Durarara!!''.

In the world of dubbing, he's the official voice of [[Captain America]] (Chris Evans) in all the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] Cinematic Universe movies, Liam Hemsworth's dub voice across numerous films (such as ''The Hunger Games'' franchise), Prince Orm/Ocean Master in ''Aquaman'', Rocksteady in ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem'' and Garble the dragon in ''[[My Little Pony|My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic]]''

==Voice Roles==
===Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns===
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Lambor]]
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]
===''Transformers Adventure''===
*[[Steeljaw (RID)|Steeljaw]]
===''Transformers Adventure -Prime of Micron-''===
*Steeljaw
===''[[Transformers One (film)|Transformers One]]''===
*[[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax/Optimus Prime]]

==Trivia==
*Not only have Yuichi Nakamura and [[Troy Baker]] shared the role of Steeljaw, but they also shared the role of Greed in ''FullMetal Alchemist Brotherhood''.
*He is best friends with [[Tomokazu Sugita]], it's no coincidence that they always end up both being in the same Transformers projects.

==External links==
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1697606/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 IMDB entry]
*[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=15878 Anime News Network entry]
*{{w|Yuichi Nakamura (voice actor)|Wikipedia entry}}
*[http://myanimelist.net/people/513/Yuuichi_Nakamura My Anime List entry]
*[http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/yuichi-nakamura/ Behind The Voice Actors entry]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nakamura, Yuichi}}
[[Category:Japanese voice actors]]

Tidal Wave (Armada)

2025-05-01T23:30:41Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Armada */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{featured}}
{{disambigm|Tidal Wave (disambiguation)|Mirage (disambiguation)}}
{{suite}}
:''Tidal Wave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[File:Tidal wave looms ps2.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Like a vast predatory <s>bird</s> fish...]]
'''Tidal Wave''' (sometimes '''Mirage''') is a colossal powerhouse, one of the largest Decepticons under [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s command. His power is backed up by a brain that doesn't exactly run at optimal speeds; he's not so much stupid as he is single-minded and easily frustrated, although [[Pokeformers|his tendency to shout his own name repeatedly as a sort of battle cry]] doesn't do much to refute his reputation as a knucklehead. In battle he is merciless, an unyielding engine of destruction.

He is unquestionably loyal to Megatron and his ideals and will quickly sign up with anyone that promises power to the Decepticon cause. He may or may not have a [[Deathsaurus (G1)|soft spot for children]].<ref>One of the ''Super Link'' [[commercial bumper]]s features Mirage introducing himself, then telling the good little children out there that it's nice to meet them.</ref>

Tidal Wave's [[Mini-Con]] partner is [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]].

{{bigquote|My word! Now that is what I call one finely-tuned piece of military machinery.|[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] on Tidal Wave|"[[Awakening (Armada)|Awakening]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
[[File:Armada V4 Tidal Wave.jpg|left|thumb]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Tidal Wave rescued [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] when the [[Decepticon]] leader was being transported to prison. The two combined, and their power was too much for [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] and [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] to handle. Their battle was cut short when Ramjet pointed out the gigantic form of [[Unicron]] in the sky. {{Storylink|Armada Volume 4}}

[[File:Energon V4 Decepticons.jpg|thumb]]

In another battle, Mirage, along with [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]], and [[Shockblast]], were sicced on a weakened [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], but were blasted away by [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]]. {{storylink|Energon Volume 4}}
{{--}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Doug Parker]] (English), [[Jin Yamanoi]] (Japanese)|[[Arto Nieminen]] (Finnish), [[Matti Klemm]] (German), [[Enrico Pallini]] (Italian), [[Jorge Saudinós]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Márcio Simões]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Armando Volcanes]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Guy de La Berg]] (Swedish), [[Jo-ho Park]] (Korean)}}

[[File:ArmadaTidalShockwave.jpg|thumb|left|220px]]
After leading the Decepticons to victory on the planet [[Dabola]], {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}} Tidal Wave was brought to [[Earth]] by the Decepticon strategist [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] in an attempt to bolster [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s forces. He passed [[Neptune]] on his way to [[Earth]], {{storylink|Detection}} before coming upon the Autobots and Decepticons locked in a beachfront battle. Thrust's claims of Tidal Wave's prowess initially conflicted with the newcomer's... lack of grace. This was exemplified when [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] capsized the huge warship and sent it to the bottom of the deep. However, Tidal Wave quickly recovered by transforming into his massively powerful [[robot mode]] and quickly sent the Autobots scrambling for cover. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}}
[[File:ArmTVTidalWave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Crumbs, chief.]]
Pounding the Autobots with firepower, Thrust called out to Tidal Wave to initiate his party piece. Tidal Wave transformed and split into three component vehicle sections (which somehow shrank in size), headed for Megatron and Powerlinxed with him, forming a combination known as ''Burning Megatron''. Megatron used his new flight capability and increased firepower to keep Jet Optimus at bay long enough for him to sever Optimus' connection with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] with the Star Saber. However, Optimus managed to obtain the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] and used it to injure both Tidal Wave and Megatron, forcing the Decepticons to retreat {{storylink|Desperate}} to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] for repairs. {{storylink|Runaway}}

Tidal Wave later participated in the Decepticons' operation to steal the Blaster. When the Decepticons learned the Autobots had not brought the super-weapon into the open, Megatron had Tidal Wave abandon Starscream on the battlefield and combined with him to attack the undermanned enemy headquarters. There, Megatron used the extra power Tidal Wave granted him to take the Requiem Blaster by force. {{storylink|Sacrifice}} After Starscream cracked and attacked Megatron, Tidal Wave was sent after him to Earth when the rogue Decepticon jet escaped their moon base with the Star Saber in his possession. The Autobots initially assumed both Decepticons were part of a combined attack, but eventually came to Starscream's assistance against Tidal Wave when the Decepticon shot him down. Hot Shot nailed Tidal Wave in the eye with his axle cannon but the powerful Tidal Wave recovered quickly and caused problems for Jet Optimus, who couldn't so much as scratch him. This prompted Starscream to toss the Star Saber to the Autobot leader which he used to slice off one of Tidal Wave's chest guns and forced the Decepticon to retreat again. {{storylink|Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration}}

[[File:Desperate Tidal Wave blocked.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Tidal Wave was present when Starscream led the Autobots into the heart of the Decepticon base to liberate the captive Mini-Cons. He handily took down Side Swipe, then moved to the chamber where the [[Hydra Cannon]] was under construction to prevent the Mini-Cons from being lost to the Autobots. On the way, he encountered [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] and Hot Shot, the latter of whom distracted him long enough for the former to penetrate deeper into the Decepticon base.

Though Hot Shot fought hard, Tidal Wave was simply too big and powerful for the young 'bot to defeat alone, so he fled to the construction room with Tidal Wave in hot pursuit. Tidal Wave arrived just in time to see the Mini-Cons flee with Perceptor. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] then arrived and the two fought for a while before the Autobots retreated, their objectives achieved. {{storylink|Rescue}}

[[File:Rescue tidal wave kicked.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Megatron then sent Tidal Wave to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] as part of a trap for Starscream and Jetfire. He beat up Starscream in the sky, but lost him in a dust storm. He encountered both the Autobots, as well as their Mini-Cons, shortly thereafter in orbit where they had located [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]]. Megatron and Thrust arrived to help him at this point, but all three were forced back when the three Mini-Con weapons reacted to their close proximity, and unleashed a powerful wave of energy. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}}

Tidal Wave participated in the attack during which Starscream returned to the Decepticons, bringing the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield with him. Once again, he fought Hot Shot and Jet Optimus. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} When Optimus Prime and Jetfire arrived to stop the Decepticon ship from unleashing the power of the [[Hydra Cannon]] against Earth, Tidal Wave was able to use cloaking technology to sneak up on the Autobot leader. He then proceeded to pin down Optimus, only for Jetfire to throw Starscream at him, allowing Optimus to wrestle free from his grasp. Nonetheless, thanks to Tidal Wave's and the other Decepticons' efforts, Optimus was forced to sacrifice himself to stop the super-weapon's blast from reaching the planet.{{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}} Tidal Wave later combined with Megatron to defeat Side Swipe, {{storylink|Miracle (episode)|Miracle}} and again when they found themselves on [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]]'s world. Despite being combined with his leader, Tidal Wave was not given a power boost or new colors when the Mini-Cons repaired Megatron and the others who had been severely damaged by the dark clone. {{storylink|Puppet}} He presumably took part in Galvatron's conquest of Cybertron {{storylink|Uprising (Armada)|Uprising}} and later tried, with only partial success, to prevent Hot Shot from getting close to Galvatron. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}}

[[File:Cramp galvatron tidalwave.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]

After that, Tidal Wave was assigned a squad to Decepticons and sent to clear an area of Autobots. He engaged Jetfire during this time, calling the Autobot a "show-off". {{storylink|Portent}} He again combined with Megatron when the Decepticon leader decided to approach Optimus Prime for some... aggressive negotiations. Jetfire managed to keep him occupied single-handedly during this time. {{storylink|Cramp}}

Tidal Wave attended the meeting during which the Autobots and Decepticons formed a temporary truce to combat the menace of [[Unicron]], notably shaking hands with Jetfire. {{storylink|Alliance}} After this, he combined with Galvatron in order to kill the traitorous Thrust, and then, with the similarly combined Optimus Prime and Jetfire, helped his commander penetrate deep into the core of Unicron, while he doubled back to keep the titan occupied. {{storylink|Union}} Though Tidal Wave participated on the final assault on Unicron, his efforts proved unnecessary; once Galvatron sacrificed himself to the dark god, there was no longer enough hatred in the universe to sustain Unicron, and he vanished from existence. The Transformers' war now at an end, Tidal Wave and his fellow Cybertronians stood united as a race, and begun rebuilding their war-torn planet. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}

====''Linkage''====
At the climax of the Unicron Battles, Tidal Wave fought side by side with Overload against the malicious planet 'bot and his followers. {{storylink|Linkage Part 13}}
{{--}}

====''Energon'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Doug Parker]] (English), [[Jin Yamanoi]] (Japanese)|[[Anders Öjebo]] (Swedish), [[Gábor Forgács]] (Hungarian), [[Bruno Lähteenmäki]] (Finnish), [[Enrico Pallini]] (Italian), [[Jorge Saudinós]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Armando Volcanes]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Marek Obertyn]] (Polish), [[Alexandre Gillet]] (French)}}

[[File:Energon-Tidal-Wave-Meets-Scorponok.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]
After the end of the Unicron Battles, Tidal Wave loyally followed Galvatron's last request—that the Decepticons remain at peace with the Autobots. During the ten-year period that followed, Tidal Wave changed not only his color palette but also his occupation: instead of being a warrior, he was now a guardian of the [[energon]] mines in the Solar System's asteroid belt.

[[File:Energonep3 shock shock shock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]

Tidal Wave's post was one of the first targets of the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] hordes. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}} After being attacked and abducted, {{storylink|Energon Stars}} he was brought to [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] and [[Alpha Quintesson]]'s base of operations where they convinced him to side with them by promising to revive Megatron, a deal which Tidal Wave eagerly agreed to despite clearly disliking Scorponok. He began by attacking the energon-mining facility at Desert City and managed to obtain a large amount of energon before being driven back by the Autobots. He attempted to retrieve a dropped raw energon star from one of the fallen Terrorcons which resulted in him being painfully shocked, leaving permanent, lightning-like scars across his body.{{storylink|Scorpinok (episode)|Scorpinok}} At some point thereafter, he met up with Cyclonus somewhere in space and gave him a quick run-down on the situation. Cyclonus liked the idea of reviving Megatron, but was skeptical that this goal could actually be achieved and continued to Earth.

After that, Tidal Wave led a force of Terrorcons to attack [[Mars City]] and steal its energon. Due to the city's weak defenses, he was able to grab all its energon and slaughter most of its guards and inhabitants before leaving.

[[File:E4 Tidal Wave.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Fresh from this success, he led an attack on [[Plains City]] alongside Scorponok where he faced off against his old allies Cyclonus and Demolishor. They were again repelled after a fierce battle against the Autobots, but this time Cyclonus came with them, having seen that Scorponok possessed [[Energon Sword|Megatron's sword]] and thus concluding that Megatron could be brought back to life with reasonable effort. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

[[File:Energon-Cyclonus-Galvatron-Corpse.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]

Tidal Wave, Cyclonus, and Scorponok returned to Unicron's body where Tidal Wave showed Megatron's corpse to Cyclonus. After Cyclonus hitting the corpse failed to resurrect it, he and Tidal Wave began to question Scorponok over whether or not it was possible to bring Megatron back, given what state he was in. They were dismissively ordered to simply keep at their Energon-gathering tasks. Tidal Wave's team then tried to raid a recently discovered Energon vein in some snow mountains, but were driven away when the Autobots warped in an [[Cybertron City (city)|entire city]] atop of it. {{Storylink|The New Cybertron City}}

After this, the Autobots upgraded all their defenses around their energon sources, leading to a series of defeats for the Decepticons under Alpha Q's control. In frustration, Cyclonus kicked Megatron's corpse a few times in proxy revenge for all the times he'd mistreated them. Tidal Wave begged him not to do that and verbally defended Megatron when their leader's disembodied voice demanded that they treat him with more respect.

[[File:Decepticons Megatron Resurrected.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Seeing that Megatron's spark was causing trouble, Scorponok attempted to kill him outright but only succeeded in resurrecting him in a new body; at this, Tidal Wave was overjoyed and gleefully helped Megatron take control of Unicron's body from Alpha Q. He then followed Megatron in another attack on Plains City, during which Hot Shot lost an arm. {{storylink|Megatron Resurrected}} After this, they returned to their base where Tidal Wave was assigned to guard the recently inducted Scorponok. Scorponok wondered why Megatron didn't kill Optimus Prime in their last sortie and Tidal Wave told him to figure it out—in the event that he did, the rest of the Decepticons would start to trust him.

[[File:Energon-Decepticons-Flee-Tower.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Tidal Wave later took part in the Decepticon mission to [[Ocean City]], during which Demolishor returned to their ranks {{storylink|Megatron Raid}} for another raid on [[Moon (moon)|Earth's moon]]. {{storylink|Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary}} He also accompanied the Decepticons in their next attack on Ocean City, attacking from beneath the water but was like everyone else, repelled by the [[energon tower]]'s ''Autobot-flavored'' energon. {{storylink|Energon Tower (episode)|Energon Tower}} He was present when Megatron, for the first and only time, used the powers he gained from Unicron to restore Starscream's loyalty to the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Legend of Rodimus}}

After this, he observed a force of Alpha Q's Terrorcons investigating [[Jungle City]], and reasoned that there was probably energon to be had. The Decepticons attacked and made off with as much energon as they could, during which Tidal Wave attempted to destroy the energon tower. On this occasion, most of their efforts went to waste when the Autobots exploded the city to prevent the Decepticons from getting the energon, but the 'Cons still came out ahead. {{storylink|Crisis in Jungle City}}

He also took part in an attempt to capture [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]]. {{storylink|Kicker Beware!}} When this failed, Megatron got the idea that chucking some giant comet-shaped lumps of Unicron at Earth would obliterate the Autobots and assigned Tidal Wave to lead the efforts in pushing them across the gulf of space. Tidal Wave explained to Scorponok that this slow procession would scare the humans much more than having the projectiles appear near their planet without warning.

However, Megatron's grand plan just gave the humans and Autobots time to prepare and so the plan failed miserably. All the Decepticons fled back to Unicron. {{storylink|Energon Grid (episode)| Energon Grid}} Following this, Megatron ordered them to find Alpha Q, who would be the next potential target for retrieving a lot of energon. Demolishor and Tidal Wave protested that this would be nigh impossible, but Megatron would have none of it. Just before trying to track him down, Tidal Wave and Starscream were responsible for seeing that Scorponok took all his energon back to Megatron and didn't try to skim any off the top for Alpha Q. {{storylink|Rodimus Friend or Foe?}}

He later took part in a plan to lure out Alpha Q, using Scorponok as bait. However, it was [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] who came to Scorponok's rescue. All the Decepticons present, Tidal Wave among them, exchanged fire with Rodimus's team and retreated when Megatron was injured. {{storylink|Go for Unicron!}} Some time after this battle, he received a message from Snow Cat that he had found energon on an icy planet and so the Decepticons set off in pursuit. He attacked the ''[[Miranda II]]'' alongside Megatron and, after making some initial gains, the two were forced back by Alpha Q's new [[Cruellock]] drones.

Still, this event ended well for Tidal Wave and the Decepticons. The Autobot's used the ''Miranda II's'' [[Energon Ring]] to destroy the Terrorcons, allowing the Decepticons to take all the planet's energon. {{storylink|The Return of Demolishor}} After that, he took part in a rather half-hearted attack on the ''Miranda II'' in deep space, and was again driven off. {{storylink|A Tale of Two Heros}} After that, the Autobots under Optimus Prime decided to attack Unicron and so the Decepticons went to defend their base, Tidal Wave paying particular attention to Optimus Prime. After fighting for a while, both Unicron and the ''Miranda II'' arrived at Cybertron where both sides fell back to regroup. {{storylink|Battle Stations}}

[[File:Energon-Shockblast-Rides-Tidal-Wave.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

With the arrival of Unicron, Cybertron erupted into chaos. Megatron decided to recruit the unstable and dangerous Shockblast, who was currently imprisoned by the Autobot/Decepticon coalition for having refused to lay down his arms when the two factions made peace. Knowing of Shockblast's disregard for the lives of his fellow Decepticons, Tidal Wave vehemently opposed this plan, but to no avail. {{storylink|Alpha Q: Identity}} Shockblast [[radio]]ed Megatron regarding a cache of energon big enough to revive Unicron, and thus despite his objections to trusting Shockblast, Tidal Wave was assigned to lead a team to this location.

As soon as they met, Shockblast immediately took charge of the operation, sending the Decepticons to smash various towers. Tidal Wave refused to obey him and the two began squabbling with Shockblast actually using Tidal Wave as a flying surfboard from which to shoot down Autobots. Megatron ordered the Decepticons to bring Shockblast to him and, his loyalty to Megatron being greater than his hatred of Shockblast, Tidal Wave reluctantly did so. {{storylink|Shockblast: Rampage}}

Tidal Wave kept up his dislike and distrust of Shockblast, even going so far as to blame him for Unicron's highly destructive pangs of hunger. {{storylink|Survival Instincts}} When Unicron had been sated, Megatron sent the surviving Decepticons to destroy Cybertron's energy grid with Shockblast in command; Tidal Wave chafed at this, but still obeyed his commander. Shockblast ended up getting in over his head and so Tidal Wave tried to rescue him, getting hit by a falling energon tower in the process. {{storylink|Each One Fights...}} After this, Megatron rebuilt him as Mirage, a much smaller and sleeker form.

[[File:Energon-Mirage-1st-Appearance.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]

Mirage's first mission in his new body was to lead a large force of Terrorcons down to Cybertron as a distraction to allow Shockblast to sneak in with the main force. The plan worked and, despite Shockblast's incompetence, Unicron was restored to functionality. {{storylink|Unicron Unleashed}} The Autobots retaliated and Mirage helped defend Unicron. {{storylink|Open Fire!}} In the aftermath he helped Starscream save Megatron from Shockblast's attempted coup and then followed Megatron into the rift in space that had opened up in the meantime. {{storylink|Ripped Up Space}}

[[File:Energon-Mirage-Unleashed.jpeg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|I got smaller after my upgrade?]]

Mirage followed Megatron when he destroyed the first of Alpha Q's planets and also when they took a large amount of energon from [[Iron Planet]] while deliberately not helping the imprisoned Shockblast. {{storylink|Protection}} He then accompanied Megatron on his secret mission to Iron Planet. There, Mirage advised Megatron not to release Shockblast; Megatron agreed, threatening to 'rewire' the traitor which inspired Shockblast to offer to capture an Autobot as proof of his loyalty. Megatron did release Shockblast at this, above Mirage's objections; Mirage's fears on this particular occasion proves groundless as Shockblast did indeed capture [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]], allowing Megatron to forcibly turn him into a Decepticon. {{storylink|Imprisoned Inferno}}

When Scorponok went to harvest the energon from [[Jungle Planet (Energon)|Jungle Planet]], Mirage was among those who distracted the Autobots from this mission. {{storylink|Jungle Planet (episode)|Jungle Planet}} Mirage took part in the Decepticons' attempt to steal Jungle Planet's Energon before an energon tower was activated there. They met with failure. {{storylink|Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead}}

Some time later, he took part in the attack on the Autobot base on Ocean Planet, approaching the base of the energon tower from underwater and destroying it. The Autobots brought in another tower to Ocean Planet, and Mirage tried once more to destroy it, but this time was met by an Autobot team waiting for him underwater. They foiled Mirage's attempt at toppling this second tower, and the Decepticons were forced to flee as the [[energon grid (technology)|energon grid]] came online. {{storylink|Farewell Inferno}} ''When [[Planet Q]] was restored, Mirage was one of those sent to guard the palace in case Scorponok should get in and regain his memories, but was smashed out of the way by [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]]. As it turned out, however, they needn't have bothered. {{storylink|Return! Our Scorponok}}''

He later took part in another defense of Unicron against the Autobots, and was this time defeated by the presence of [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] and the timely arrival of Inferno, now rebuilt as Roadblock, with a huge number of energon towers. {{storylink|Omega Supreme (episode)|Omega Supreme}} He remained with Unicron and again fought to defend the chaos bringer's body from those who would destroy it, successfully doing so long enough for Megatron to reattach the Planet-Eater's head to its body. {{storylink|A Heroic Battle}}

Optimus used the new powers granted to him by his combination with Omega Supreme to toss Snow Cat and Mirage around like rag dolls as he made his way towards Megatron's throne room. As soon as the pair recovered, they were hounded by a team of Autobots led by Hot Shot, leaving them unable to help Megatron gather the last bit of Energon he needed to fully awaken Unicron. Then... the voice of the Decepticon leader was heard throughout the planet, declaring Megatron was no more: Unicron was now in command of the Decepticon's body! {{storylink|The Power of Unicron}} Mirage, Snow Cat, and Demolishor struggled to escape the planet-eater's internal defenses. They failed, and ended up bound to Unicron's surface by energy-tendrils, giving them a front-row seat for Unicron/Megatron's battle with the giant-size, [[Primus]]-empowered Optimus Supreme. {{storylink|Optimus Supreme}} Fortunately for them, they were freed by a barrage of Autobot fire moments before Optimus destroyed Unicron, and captured by [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]. {{storylink|Unicron Perishes}}

[[File:Snow Cat Ballerina.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Mirage, Snow Cat, and Demolishor were summarily put in prison where they shared a block with Six Shot. ''Oddly enough, given their history'', Mirage didn't seem to bear Six Shot any of the hatred he had for his brother. The four jailbirds were eventually released by Starscream. {{storylink|Ambition}} During the jailbreak, Mirage was separated from the others, but soon found them again. Not seeing any Autobots around, they just decided to blow up whatever was convenient. After a while, the others left him to attend to various tasks, leaving Mirage and Snow Cat to carry on creating chaos. {{storylink|Wishes}}
[[File:Energon-Mirage-Galvatron!.jpg|thumb|200px]]
After Six Shot collapsed the energon towers and flooded Cybertron with ''Decepticon-flavored'' energon gas, Mirage and Snow Cat rejoined the rest of the Decepticons in their commandeered control room, where they along with Demolishor were ready and willing to express their disdain for Six Shot when he activated the base defenses to fire on the ''Miranda II'' without Galvatron's express permission. {{storylink|Galvatron!}}

The Autobots were soon to find a way to break through the gas shroud and return to Cybertron; Mirage took part in the battle that followed, which concluded with the Autobots escaping underground. {{storylink|Break Through}}

At some point in time, both Mirage and a digital duplicate of his "Tidal Wave" body were among the Decepticons who hacked into an Autobot virtual training program that took the form of a tag-team fighting tournament. They lost their very first match against Hot Shot and Rodimus, but stuck around to watch Superion Maximus get thrashed by Bruticus Maximus and Constructicon Maximus later in the tournament. {{storylink|Distribution}}

Mirage, Demolishor, and Snow Cat followed Rad and [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] to the energon core, having been misdirected by Starscream into thinking this was the location of the Super Energon pool. Dr. Jones led Snow Cat and Demolishor off to find the actual pool, leaving Mirage to guard Rad. {{storylink|The Omega Train}} After a while, [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] and Kicker arrived on a rescue mission. Arcee fired an [[energon star]] at [[Primus]], temporarily re-energising the deity and causing it to drive Mirage out. {{storylink|Ironhide Team}} Mirage then rejoined the Decepticons to shoot Autobots on the surface. The Decepticons turned to the business of using the energon towers to move Cybertron through space, through the rift back to Alpha Q's realm. Mirage helped battle the Autobots as the planet moved through the rift, and later tried to defend the towers against Autobot attack. Both efforts were undermined by Six Shot's pettiness and insubordination, and Cybertron was brought to a halt. {{storylink|Formidable}}

Following this battle, the Decepticons retreated and Mirage, along with Demolishor and Snow Cat, was assigned to guard the unreliable Six Shot. Having apparently become stupider since his upgrade, Mirage and friends took seriously Six Shot's suggestion that they go and claim some super energon for themselves, and so they ran off and let their prisoner escape.

[[File:Snow Cat and Mirage.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Six Shot managed to trap them and they were once again rescued by Starscream. The four blasted their way into the control room, only to find Six Shot was long gone. Then, thanks to [[Sally Jones|Sally]] who had since infiltrated the Decepticons' control room, the Autobots arrived to take control of the Decepticon base. Mirage despaired at how Galvatron had left them to their own devices in a distinctly soap operatic manner. {{storylink|Galvatron Terror}} He was impressed when Galvatron became a giant after immersing himself for a second time in the super energon pool. Mirage helped his fellow Decepticons make war against the Autobots even as the now Unicron-sized Galvatron took to space, fluttering about like skirmishing insects around the colossus. {{storylink|Destructive Power}}

Mirage was left unable to contribute further to the conflict when Optimus channeled Unicron's essence to grow in size and match Galvatron in stature. As the two titans crashed down on Jungle Planet, Mirage tried to step in anyways, only to be stopped by Starscream, who assured him his leader wouldn't want them to interfere even if they could. {{storylink|Spark (episode)|Spark}} When Galvatron flung himself into the energon sun to destroy Unicron's spark, ''Mirage loyally followed after him and seemingly ended his life''. {{storylink|The Sun}}

[[File:Gayforgalvatron.jpg|750px|thumb|center|<center>''Pretty Soldier Sailor Mirage.</center>]]
{{--}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===
====''Armada'' comic====
Tidal Wave was among the Decepticon troops allied with the Autobots and Mini-Cons during the battle against Unicron. He clutched his head in agony when the Chaos Bringer appeared and declared that this reality would be consumed. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

====''Energon'' comic====
[[File:Aftershock TidalWaveIronhideFlashback.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|...was it [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]?]]
Millions of years ago, Tidal Wave captured [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] and coerced him into building [[seismic-shock warhead]]s for the Decepticons, which Megatron would use as a last resort to destroy the planet should he lose the war. Whenever Ironhide refused, an Autobot prisoner of war was executed. {{storylink|Aftershock (issue)|Aftershock}}

Ten years after the defeat of Unicron, Tidal Wave felt ill-at-ease during peacetime, and was recruited by [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] into joining the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]]. Starscream came upon the group and openly mocked them during a cathartic exercise, wherein they unloaded their weaponry into the open. Tidal Wave and Scorponok sent Starscream tumbling into a ore processor to be crushed, though Tidal Wave's leg was injured in the process. The other Terrorcons brought him before their master, and Tidal Wave met with Alpha Quintesson for the first time. His benefactor healed his wounds and granted him an upgraded "hyper-mode," boosting his offensive capabilities. The Terrorcons were then dispatched to Earth, in order to retrieve the energon that lay there, and revive Unicron. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}}

On Earth, the Terrorcons attacked an [[Alterenergy]] excavation/drilling operation site. Tidal Wave and Insecticon began setting up Energon siphons when the humans retaliated by sending several fighter jets their way. To Tidal Wave's chagrin, the other Terrorcons got to destroy them all while he prepped their equipment. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}} Once that distraction had been dealt with, Scorponok made it known that he planned to gather Energon for himself, and only deliver his table scraps to Unicron. Though Tidal Wave disagreed with short-changing their master, he was too intimidated by Scorponok to speak up about it. He later alerted Scorponok to the return of Battle Ravage, who had caught the humans [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] while on a hunt. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Two}} Scorponok took immediate interest in Kicker Jones, as his analysis of the boy indicated that he could detect Energon from afar. Tidal Wave doubted that Kicker was anything special, but Scorponok reminded him that he wasn't on his team to think. Optimus Prime and his Autobots then traveled to Earth to battle the Terrorcons. Tidal Wave and his compatriots powered themselves with pure Energon before the battle, giving them an extra edge. Though the Terrorcons easily outclassed their opponents, they stopped short of destroying them when one of their Energon siphons was destroyed; Scorponok ordered his soldiers to retreat, so they could salvage as much Energon as possible. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}}

After coercing Kicker to find them another Energon vein, Scorponok left Tidal Wave behind to guard the siphons while he dealt with the Autobots. Hot Shot managed to get past the other Terrorcons, and rescued Kicker alongside [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] and [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]. The Autobots then fled, leaving Tidal Wave with the Energon canisters... which contained impure and highly volatile Energon. The stockpile detonated, and Tidal Wave was later forcibly retrieved from Earth so that Alpha Quintesson could discipline him for his failure. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}

[[File:Multiplicity MirageAttacksOmnicons.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.6|He's more verbose in this comic, but he still likes to say his name a lot.]]
Tidal Wave attacked Ironhide and [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]] while they were overseeing the construction of a new base on Cybertron. Using Cliffjumper's life as leverage, he forced Ironhide to reactivate the seismic-shock warheads for Scorponok's scheme to use on Earth. Ironhide foiled Tidal Wave when he armed the doomsday weapon, with the cold threat of destroying Cybertron rather than allowing the Decepticons destroy Earth. Tidal Wave panicked and left through a space bridge. {{storylink|Aftershock (issue)|Aftershock}}

While the other Decepticons and Terrorcons thought little of Tidal Wave, [[Alpha Quintesson]], however, saw something in him, and reformatted him into Mirage, noting as he did so that Scorponok had fallen out of [[Unicron]]'s favor. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} Mirage, Slugslinger, and Sharkticon then tracked down Kicker and the Omnicons to the shores of the Black Sea and attacked, intent on once more capturing the energon-detecting boy. {{storylink|Multiplicity}} Mirage dominated the Omnicons on the battlefield, easily beating down both Skyblast and Arcee simultaneously while his acolytes took care of the other enemy 'bots. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} Mirage believed his victory was assured. As he readied to finish off Strongarm, Sharkticon rose up from the nearby body of water... and went belly up. Kicker burst forth from the aquatic Decepticon, charged with incredible power from the subterranean energon well beneath them. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}} As Alpha Quintesson had instructed him to capture Kicker alive, Mirage was at a loss as to how he should handle this unexpected turn of events. While he hesitated, Kicker used his energon-manipulating abilities to revive the Omnicons to full strength. Now suddenly outgunned, Mirage and Slugslinger fled, leaving Sharkticon to fend for himself. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}}

{{Unreleased energon comic}}
Mirage fell in with Megatron after the Decepticon leader was resurrected, but was of the opinion that Megatron had lost his edge. He shared his thoughts on the matter with [[Shockblast]], and though the other Decepticon rebuked him, he secretly agreed with Mirage. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 2}}

===MegaWing Galvatron instructions===
In [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon|one universe]], Tidal Wave could combine with Galvatron and [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] and [[Smokejumper]] to form Dark MegaWing Galvatron {{storylink|The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|MegaWing Galvatron instructions}} using the [[Spark of Combination]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
[[File:Tidal_Wave_Kre-O_Character_Image.png|thumb|upright=0.5|Tidal Wave, Tidal Wave]]
Tidal Wave was among the Decepticons present during Megatron's brief takeover of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. {{storylink|Two Giant Bases! Everybody Getting Along, Come On, Fight!}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers'' (PS2)===
[[File:Tidalwave pushup.gif|left|thumb|Megatron might be a jerk, but he cares for his troops' physical fitness.]]
Tidal Wave, in his combined battleship mode, was stationed as a relay and refuel point off a small chain of islands in the Mid-Atlantic. The [[Autobot]]s made their way inside him to take out the [[Decepticlone]] platoons inside and destroy him, but discovered that Tidal Wave wasn't merely a transport. They escaped just in time to avoid being crushed as Tidal Wave transformed into his titanic robot mode.

Tidal Wave walked around the island chain in the deep waters, unloading volleys of missiles, lasers, and the occasional [[Jet Laser]] on the tiny-by-comparison Autobots. Despite his impressive size, firepower, and nigh-impenetrable armor, the Autobots managed to do enough damage to Tidal Wave's one weak point—his face—to cause a chain reaction that caused multiple explosions inside him, sending him falling face-first to the ocean floor.

The Autobots were able to extract information from Tidal Wave's computer that the Decepticons' main base was located in Northern Alaska, but the information was planted there by Megatron to lead the Autobots into a trap.

Tidal Wave was later seen still on Earth and has survived from his battle with the Autobots, but is now taking exercises with the survived [[Decepticlone]] army. {{storylink|Transformers (PS2)|Transformers}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
[[File:Armada Tidal Wave toy.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|thumb|"TCS Tiger's Claw, Transform!" (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:Micron Shockwave toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Alleged Decepticon Military Genius. (''Takara version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Tidal Wave with Ramjet''' (Giga-Con Class, [[2003]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ)
:*''Takara ID number'': '''MD-06'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[2003]] [[July 17]]
:*''Accessories'': 2 missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)}}

: Released in the fourth wave of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Giga-Cons (the first with the "Unicron Battles" branding), Tidal Wave is a robot made up of three different aquatic vehicles, collectively called the "Dark Fleet": an aircraft carrier, a Cybertronic double-bowed battleship, and a troop-landing craft. All three can combine to form a single gigantic warship, which from there they can transform to [[robot mode]] ''without'' having to separate. Each smaller craft has its own [[gimmick]]; the carrier has a working storage elevator for Tidal Wave's [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Ramjet (Armada)#Toys|Ramjet]], the battleship can launch two projectiles and has Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]]-activated swiveling cannons (also usable in robot mode), and the landing craft opens up to reveal seats for Mini-Cons to sit on. The Powerlinx-activated cannons on the battleship section are also ratcheted separately from the gimmick, allowing you to position them in any direction you want. Or you could just rotate the two at the back at 45° degrees, to match his robot mode appearance in both the ''Armada'' and ''Energon'' cartoons.

: Tidal Wave can also combine with [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Armada|Megatron]] (and the [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#ArmadaGalvatron|Galvatron redeco]]) to form Tidal Wave's '''Weapon Mode''' (or '''Burning Megatron''' in Japan). To achieve this, Tidal Wave's aircraft carrier and battleship clip onto Megatron's arms, and his troop transport clips onto Megatron's back (after the turret has been positioned into the "Full Blast Mode" configuration) as a jetpack. The connectors for his arms are compatible with the sockets on ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Optimus Prime]] toys used to attach [[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Leobreaker|Leobreaker]] and [[Nemesis Breaker#Toys|Nemesis Breaker]], which allows for some rather funky combinations.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] and [[Hasbro]] versions are considerably different. Takara's '''Shockwave''' uses purple in place of green, uses darker grays, and has some different paint applications. Hasbro's version is less [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] because the Hasbro team thought there was already too much purple between the Decepticons on the store shelves at the time, and [[Aaron Archer]] was happy to make the change.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The Animation is a little different from the final toy, there is some green and copper on the final toy. With Galvatron, Unicron, and Skywarp we felt there was to much purple in the Decepticon ranks. Unfortunately we already sent the first deco pass to the animation guys and they ran with it. The final toy looks good.|link=https://news.tfw2005.com/2003/03/10/orson-clarifies-tidal-waves-final-colors-47|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=2003|month=03|day=10}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=tidal wave was planned for the purple you see in the animation. We had a few purple characters at that time (galvatron, sideways, others), so my team leader asked for a change to have color variety. It was a good note and one of very few changes i was ever asked to make.|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/Buo6VPOHYTm/c/18040518439049013/r/18008984194154969/|name=Aaron Archer|site=Instagram|year=2019|month=03|day=06}}</ref>

: In Japan, Ito Yokaido stores offered one of the three [[Race Mini-Con Team#RoadAssault|Road Assault Edition Race Microns]] with the purchase of either Shockwave or [[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]] in August (though reportedly, most stores just gave them away with ''any'' toy in the line).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/TidalWave/tidalwave.htm More information on Tidal Wave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Energon''===
[[File:Energon Tidal Wave toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Tidal Wave…Tidal Wave…Tidal Wave…]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Tidal Wave with Ramjet''' (Command Class, 2003/[[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ)
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SD-04'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[2003]] [[December 25]]
:*''Accessories'': Ramjet Mini-Con partner, 2 missiles

: Redecoed for the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line, Command Class Tidal Wave was given an "energon-charged" deco with clear-green plastics and "energy" patterns painted across him. The toy has also been very slightly [[retool]]ed: the notches on the inside of his body that were originally designed to prevent the missiles from firing by giving the triggers a place to rest have been made larger so they now actually fulfill their original purpose.

: Takara's ''Super Link'' '''Shockwave''' release has a [[Show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] silver-painted forehead in [[robot mode]], where the Hasbro has a gold-painted forehead, as shown on the boxart.

: Tidal Wave retains his ability to combine with ''Armada'' Megatron/Galvatron, as well as ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/TidalWave/tidalwave.htm More information on ''Energon'' Tidal Wave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Mirage}}
[[File:Energon Mirage toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Megatron…Megatron…Megatron…]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Mirage''' (Mega Class, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Shockfleet''' (ショックフリート)
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SD-15'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[2004]] [[June 10]]
:*''Accessories'': 4 missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takio Ejima]] (Takara)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: ''Energon'' Mega Class [[Mirage (Energon)#Toys|Mirage]] transforms into a sleek assault speedboat with multiple spring-loaded missile launchers, as well as fold-out wings for his "Hyper Power Mode". Something of a [[shellformer]], Mirage's transformation sequence is one of the most complex for the ''Energon'' toyline, and as a side effect, he ends up with some rather large [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]] shell [[kibble]]. Some poor design and excessively tight knee joints means his lower legs will often detach from the upper thighs whenever one tries to bend his knees.

: Speaking of poor design, the [[instructions]] show that Mirage's feet are supposed to fold all the way up inside his boat mode, however, when doing this, his forearms don't sit flush on the top due to the raised edges of his feet occupying the same space that the elbow joints need to sit in, causing collisions. This doesn't affect the tabbing of any of the parts, it just causes his forearms to stick out, which can be annoying. Seemingly, the [[Character model|model]] designers of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' cartoon caught onto this, and opted to design his boat mode model with only his heels folded inside the boat mode, with his toes just folded up onto the back. This can be replicated on the toy and looks objectively cleaner overall.

: The initial release of Mirage was one-per-case, and was part of a wave that saw limited distribution due to [[Shelfwarmer|a glut of early product on the shelves]]. However, Mirage was later put into "Mega-Buy" multi-packs at a buy-one-get-one-free price at numerous chains, including [[Toys"R"Us]] and [[Walmart]], relieving much of the demand for the item.

: The Mirage toy was released in Japan as '''Shockfleet''', an upgraded form of Shockwave (Tidal Wave) for the ''Super Link'' line, with no discernable differences from the Hasbro release. While the Hasbro Mirage toy was marketed as a separate character, the cartoon and comic depictions followed the Japanese characterization, even going so far as to keep the name "Mirage" for Tidal Wave in his new form.

: This mold was also used to make into ''Energon'' [[Dreadwing (Energon)#Toys|Dreadwing]] and [[BotCon 2009]] [[Banzai-Tron (G1)#Timelines|Banzai-Tron]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Mirage/mirage.htm More information on Mirage at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Titans Return''===
[[File:TF-Titans-Return-Siege-on-Cybertron-Tidal-Wave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Technically not ''Armada'' Tidal Wave by this wiki's classification.]]
{{main|Tidal Wave (G1)#Titans Return}}

:The [[2017]] "Siege on Cybertron" box set from the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' subline of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' includes a Tidal Wave figure, based on the ''Armada'' character's cartoon appearance and Takara toy. However, as the box set is not cross-dimensional in nature, we've elected to include information for the figure in [[Tidal Wave (G1)|Generation 1 Tidal Wave]]'s article.
{{-}}

===''Legacy''===
[[File:Legacy-United-Tidal-Wave.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|We have sailors, we have airmen. We have soldiers brave and good men.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Armada Universe Tidal Wave''' (Titan Class, [[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy name'': '''Tidal Wave (Armada Universe)''' (タイダルウェーブ (アルマダユニバース))
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-70'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[2024]] [[August 31]]
:*''Accessories'': Right arm, left arm, 4 gun turrets, 2 runway edge parts, super mode accessories (for [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Legacy|Megatron]])
{{toydesigner|[[Sam Smith]] and [[Mike Booth]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (detailing), [[Mario Carreiro]] (packaging)}}<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zNOSGOACe/ Design notes on ''Legacy'' Tidal Wave] by [[Hasbro]] designer [[Sam Smith]] on Instagram.</ref><ref>[[January 16]], [[2024]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iU32kaSXEI Hasbro Pulse | Transformers Legacy United Titan Class Armada Universe Tidal Wave | SCC Reveal] with [[Ben MacCrae]] and [[Sam Smith]]</ref>

:The Titan Class centerpiece for the ''[[Transformers:_Legacy#Legacy:_United|Legacy: United]]'' lineup, "Armada Universe Tidal Wave" splits from robot mode or a combined ship form into the Dark Fleet of three smaller boats. Unlike the original toy, the robot must be disassembled when transforming into the combined ship mode and vice-versa; as a way of compensating for this, the figure now sports an additional "base" mode which does not require disassembly. Tidal Wave's deco is based on his purple and grey appearance in the cartoon but with orange detailing on his windows and other elements inspired by his [[#Armada|''Legends of the Microns'' toy]].

:The swiveling gun turrets on Tidal Wave's torso are on 5 mm posts and can be removed. Additionally, the guns have hexagonal 5 mm ports in their barrels. Instead of being able to combine with [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Legacy|''Legacy: Evolution'' Armada Universe Megatron]] himself, Tidal Wave comes with several accessories that represent his body parts at a much smaller scale; these in turn attach to Megatron to ''simulate'' that combined mode despite the immense size difference between their ''Legacy'' toys. When Megatron is not wearing them, these miniature Tidal Wave parts also function as a miniature Dark Fleet. The miniature Dark Fleet pieces are strategically stored on Tidal Wave so as when combined with Megatron it doesn't detract too heavily from Tidal Wave's forms, though the combination does leave Tidal Wave without most of his forearms and hands, or with a large gap in the bow of his ship mode. A note of caution: the ratchet joints on the "battleship" accessory are extremely strong, making it very easy to bend and stress the darker purple [[plastic]] tabs when folding and unfolding it for storage. The [[package art]] and [[Hasbro Pulse]] listing inadvertently revealed Megatron in his [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#LegacyArmadaGalvatron|Galvatron]] color scheme.

:Tidal Wave was teased on the ''Legacy: United'' poster, then revealed at [[Cybertron Fest|Cybertron Fest 2023]] on [[December 9]], [[2023]]. He was accompanied by a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iU32kaSXEI pre-recorded video] by [[Ben MacCrae]] and [[Sam Smith]] explaining all of his gimmicks. He was made available to pre-order on January 16, 2024.

:*''Designer commentary on ''Legacy'' "Armada Universe Tidal Wave" from Sam Smith on Instagram:''
:**''[https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zNOSGOACe/ Part I - Robot Mode]''
:**''[https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zNcdlO6_x/ Part II - Ship Mode/Dark Fleet]''
:**''[https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zNoMVO0Tl/ Part III - "Burning Megatron" mode]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
===Tidal Wave===
[[File:TidalwaveMouthplate.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
* In the English dub of the ''Armada'' cartoon, Tidal Wave is referred to by his Japanese name (Shockwave) several times. Of course, the English dub was notorious for [[Sparkplug (Armada)|not]] [[High Wire (Armada)|keeping]] [[Sureshock (Armada)|names]] [[Grindor (Armada)|straight]].
* While Tidal Wave's use of his own name as a battle cry is a trait shared in both versions of the ''Armada'' cartoon, his vocabulary is much more rich in the dub, mostly speaking in simple-minded short sentences. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his title is "Strong-arm admiral Shockwave", with his dialog mostly consisting of repeating his name or the word "Strong-arm", saying "Combine" when combining with Megatron, or chanting "Shock, Shock, Shockwaaaaaaave", a trait he carries over into ''Super Link''. When he upgrades to Mirage ("Shockfleet" in Japan), his battle cry becomes "ShockShockShock!"
* In the ''Armada'' cartoon, the big frowny expression and chin guard on Tidal Wave's toy is sometimes misinterpreted as a mouthplate. This alternate mouthplate design went on to be used for Tidal Wave's 3D model in the ''Energon'' cartoon.
* The only time Tidal Wave splits into his three individual vehicle modes in the cartoon universe is during the [[stock footage]] combination with Megatron/Galvatron in ''Armada''.
* Tidal Wave's [[:File:ArmadaTidalShockwave.jpg|Cybertronian mode]] is directly based on Generation 1 [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s [[alternate mode]].
* An easter egg in the PlayStation 2 ''Transformers'' game is that, when he's in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], you can enter a cavity where his robot mode head is stored. You can walk all over it and a glitch enables you to walk inside his head. He doesn't seem to mind.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8hcHAW3YiY Gameplay video showing the Tidal Wave's head Easter egg.]</ref>
[[File:Tidal Wave Snipe Head.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|GIVE ME YOUR FACE!]]
* Tidal Wave's size in the ''Armada'' cartoon is incredibly inconsistent. While the [[:File:Scalearmada1.png|official scale chart]] depicts him as being only about three heads taller than [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Super Mode]], most episodes depict him as much bigger—in particular, his debut episode, "[[Awakening (Armada)|Awakening]]", has Jet Optimus Prime only coming up to around his knee. His size can shift even within the span of a single episode—"[[Rescue]]" has him appear only a couple of heads taller than [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] in its first battle scene, but later on, he's big enough for Megatron to comfortably drive between his legs in tank mode with room to spare.
** The PlayStation 2 ''Transformers'' game, on the other hand, goes even bigger—its depiction of Tidal Wave forms an entire level in [[alternate mode]], and the subsequent boss fight in [[robot mode]] retains that colossal size!
** ''Energon''{{'}}s depiction of Tidal Wave's scale is fairly consistent throughout the show—even in his starship mode, which had actually lost its mass-shifting capabilities from ''Armada'', due to the cartoon's use of 3D animation.
** Tidal Wave and Megatron's toys in the ''Energon'' toyline are a couple of "scale anomalies", as Tidal Wave is [[:File:Energon-Decepticon-scale-chart.jpg|in-scale with the other Decepticons]] in the ''Energon'' toyline (aside from the Maximus's), yet he doesn't scale well at all with Hasbro's [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Energon|Leader Class Megatron toy]], which scales perfectly with the other Decepticon toys. Instead, Tidal Wave is better scaled with the Takara [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Ultra|Ultra-sized "Galvatron" toy]] (Takara's ''Energon'' Megatron mold), but this Megatron figure doesn't scale with the rest of the Decepticon toys. How this works is uncertain, but it probably has something to do with the way their designs were translated into animation models (e.g. certain parts being longer or shorter compared to their toys, etc.).
* In the ''Energon'' cartoon, Tidal Wave's appearance is significantly altered after he touches a raw [[Energon star]] in the episode "[[Scorpinok (episode)|Scorpinok]]" {{sic}}. Not only does he gain his toy-accurate "lightning" deco as a sort of scarring, his shoulders also notably [[:File:Decepticons Megatron Resurrected.jpg|sit in a higher position]] than before; having the tops of them sit above his head, rather than down in [[:File:Energon-Tidal-Wave-Meets-Scorponok.jpg|their natural position]] like his toy and ''Armada'' character model. The deco change makes sense, but what was the purpose of shifting his shoulders?
* Designer [[Aaron Archer]] opined that Tidal Wave was the only ''Armada'' mold to return for the ''Energon'' cartoon simply because "he's big and will sell well".<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Hes big and will sell well|link=https://news.tfw2005.com/2003/08/19/orsons-world-819-updated-again-758|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=2003|month=08|day=19}}</ref> A glowing endorsement.
* Like all non-toy [[Kreon]]s, Tidal Wave is made up of existing parts, in his case using the [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Ironhide]] helmet, as well as using legs in place of his arms, with hand pieces inserted into the feet.

===Mirage===
* An early name used for Shockfleet (Mirage) found on Takara concept sheets is "Gigawave" (ギガウェーブ ''Gigauwēbu'').
* Mirage was almost certainly intended by [[Hasbro]] to be a [[Mirage (Energon)|separate character]]: they implied this to be the case, saying that designing the toys before the show was completed led to "some characters not aligning together in the animation and toy expressions".<ref>[[Hasbro Q&A/August 2009: Answers]]</ref>
* Archer also states that the Mirage/Dreadwing design's alternate mode was inspired by the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' Cobra Moray hydrofoil.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=I wanted to do a boat at a larger scale in the line. vehicle mode was slightly inspired by the Cobra Moray hydrofoil, Great robot not so great vh in the end. This was a design by @ericjsiebenaler|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/BvFrAekH9JV/|name=Aaron Archer|site=Instagram|year=2019|month=03|day=17}}</ref> The general "form" of the robot mode, meanwhile, was inspired by a fan-painted {{w|Gundam}} Archer saw in ''{{w|Hobby Japan}}'' magazine, which also served as reference for Dreadwing's colour scheme.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=One of my favorite designs for a few reasons, 1) it was always a win when we got to make a boat toy, 2) I love the grace of his robot form 3)the overall form and redeco colors are based off of a fan-painted Gundam figure I liked in #hobbyjapan back in the day. (still looking dor the ref to share)|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/CEW8eKMg-Lh/|name=Aaron Archer|site=Instagram|year=2020|month=08|day=26}}</ref>
* Despite [[Simon Furman]] going on record to say that he wasn't paying attention to what the cartoon was doing with the characters, Mirage still ended up becoming an upgraded form for Tidal Wave in the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comics, even though Hasbro already established him as a separate individual in his toy bio. Perhaps someone tipped Furman off about this particular cartoon change?
* In the Japanese version of the ''Energon'' cartoon, after Tidal Wave becomes Mirage, he becomes [[Transformer romance|very affectionate]] towards Megatron/Galvatron. The English dub dodges the issue as best it could (although that was probably due to the fact that the English writers didn't seem to know what was going on in the show at the best of times), with Mirage's love-struck remarks being replaced with simple cheering for his leader or something else entirely—but it couldn't do anything about his repeated coquettish gestures, doe-eyed expressions, or that one time he pirouetted and struck a pose while surrounded by a glowing pink heart. Maybe Tidal Wave couldn't properly articulate his love in his ''Armada'' form?

===Foreign names===
====Tidal Wave====
*''Japanese:'' '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ ''Shokkuwēbu''), '''Tidal Wave''' (タイダルウェーブ ''Taidaru Wēbu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Hullámsír''' (''Armada'', "Wave Grave"), '''Szökőár''' (''Energon'', "Tidal Wave"), '''Árhullám''' ("[[Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle]]")
*''Korean:'' '''Shock''' (쇼크 ''Syokeu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Cháoxī Bō''' (潮汐波, "Tidal Wave"), '''Hǎixiào''' (''Armada'' dub, 海啸, "Tsunami")
*''Polish:'' '''Falotron''' ("Wavetron"), '''Falomiot''' ("Wavethrower")
*''Russian:'' '''Priliv''' (Прилив, "Tide")
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Khvylya''' (Хвиля, "Wave")

====Mirage====
*''Japanese:'' '''Shockfleet''' (ショックフリート ''Shokkufurīto'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Délibáb''' ("Mirage")
*''Polish:'' '''Miraż''' ("Mirage")

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

[[Category:Armada combiners]]
[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Energon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Energon Terrorcons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legacy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Sea specialists]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]

Starscream (Armada)/toys

2025-04-30T10:47:15Z

StarGayCybertron: /* Energon */

{{suite}}
[[File:GHC Starscream Scream.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Admit it, we all had a crush on him when we were eleven.]]

'''Starscream''' has many toys, a testament to the enduring popularity of this [[Unicron Trilogy]] version of the character.

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
[[File:Armada SS toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He's Emo-tastic! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:LOTM Starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|(''Takara version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream with Swindle''' (Max-Con Class, 2002)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name:'' '''Starscream''' (スタースクリーム)
:*''Takara ID number:'' '''MD-02'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[2002]] [[December 26]]
:*''Accessories:'' Port wing/sword, 2 "fireblast" missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (Takara)}}

: Released in the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Max-Cons, Starscream transforms into a Cybertronic jet fighter, loaded with electronic sound effects that function in both modes. Pressing down on his cockpit canopy activates a laser-pulse sound effect; his pack-in [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Swindle (Armada)#Toys|Swindle]] can also snap into place under his nosecone, and pops free with an explosion effect when the canopy is pressed down hard. Pulling back his rearmost Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]] plug activates a take-off sound effect, while holding it follows up the sound with an extended engine roar that lasts a few seconds. Placing a Mini-Con on the plug (Swindle is of course sized perfectly to fit into this small space) releases two spring-activated over-shoulder spring-loaded missile launchers, and pulling back on the port with a Mini-Con attached triggers a laser-firing noise that lasts ''just'' long enough to be too long. His robot-mode head pops up automatically during transformation by connecting his waist to his upper torso. His left wing detaches and unfolds to form a large sword for use in robot mode.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Legend of the Microns'' version of this toy uses a much brighter light gray plastic, and gold paint instead of yellow. He also has more detailed, contiguous paint applications on the wings, and a "separated" Decepticon sigil deco rather than the solid block of purple on the Hasbro version. He's also slightly [[retool]]ed: the nosecone is parallel to the rest of the jet mode, while the Hasbro version was retooled to slope downward [[for safety reasons]], making it "collapse" easier if pressed point-first into, say, your little brother.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Armada'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaStarscreamMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|JapaneseSuper}}
[[File:Armada Thundercracker toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm afraid I just blue myself. (''Hasbro Thundercracker pictured for now'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream Super Mode''' (スタースクリームS, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''MD-09'''
:*''Release date:'' [[2003]] September
:*''Accessories:'' Port wing/sword, 2 "fireblast" missiles

: In the Takara ''Legend of the Microns'' line, the Hasbro [[Thundercracker (Armada)#Toys|Thundercracker]] deco (with slight alterations) was released as Starscream's powered-up form, as seen in the ''Armada'' cartoon. "Starscream Super Mode" uses more vivid blue and red plastics, has "separated" Decepticon symbols with white outlines, and has the parallel nosecone like the regular Takara Starscream.

: Similarly, his Mini-Con partner was the powered-up version of Swindle, dubbed "Spark Grid", rather than [[Zapmaster (Armada)#Toys|Zapmaster]].

: You can, of course, use your ''Armada'' Thundercracker toy as "Powerlinx Starscream" if you want. Nobody can stop you.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm More information on Thundercracker/Starscream Supermode at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Built to Rule!''===
[[File:BTR-toy Starscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Starscream's attempts to take over [[Block Town]] were less than successful.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream with Swindle''' (2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' Starscream is a building-brick set centered around a "Trans-Skeleton", a generic core that changes from "robot" to vehicle-mode-base and back. His robot and Cybertronic fighter jet modes are built around each of these configurations. He features two missile launchers that use a "twist-block" trigger mechanism for the spring-loaded launchers. He also has a 2x2 "[[Powerlinx]]" plate that can mouth any ''BTR'' vehicle-mode Mini-Con or normal-series Mini-Con, though the grip on the latter is not very good.

: His jet-mode build as depicted in some of the stock photography differs slightly from the mode shown in the set's [[instructions]]. But as it's a building-brick set, do what you like!

: He comes with a building-brick version of [[Swindle (Armada)#Built to Rule!|Swindle]].

: This set was later released in different colors as [[Thundercracker (Armada)#Built to Rule!|Thundercracker]] and [[Zapmaster (Armada)#Built to Rule!|Zapmaster]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/BTRStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Built to Rule!'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BTREnergon}}
[[File:BTR EnergonStarscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Starscream's attempt to infiltrate Space Police II was only marginally more successful.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream''' (2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: The ''Energon'' version of ''Built to Rule!'' Starscream was designed with a much more solid skeleton with larger, blockier limbs. He can be rebuilt from a Cybertronic jet fighter with pressure-launch missiles, to a robot, to basically whatever you feel like doing with the parts.

: Unfortunately, due to the slow performance of the ''Built to Rule!'' line overall, the ''Energon'' versions only had a limited, test market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into many "Tuesday Morning" chain discount stores at drastically dropped prices.
{{--}}

===''Energon''===
[[File:Energon Starscream toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hasbro Starscream, all spooky.]]
[[File:Superlink Nightscream Toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Takara Starscream, now with G1 sweetening.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream''' (Combat Class, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Nightscream''' (ナイトスクリーム)
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SD-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[2003]] [[December 25]]
:*''Accessories'': Energon sword, energon rifle, 2 missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (Takara)}}

: Released in "wave 1.5" of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Combat Class toys (aka Deluxes), Starscream transforms into a jet fighter loosely based upon the F/A-22 Raptor (which would later be used as the alt-mode of [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#Earth and Ore-13|two other]] [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscreams]]), cast mostly in dark clear-green plastics to emphasize his new "energon ghost" status. The toy also features numerous spots down the right-hand side of the robot mode's front, back, shoulder and wings where Starscream appears only partially-constructed or damaged, along with asymmetrical plastic-color layouts, to further enhance the "half-formed" effect—though [[Aaron Archer]] would later remark that he felt these design cues did not come across properly.

: He comes with two very large accessories, a sword and a non-firing blaster rifle, which can combine to form a ''really'' large sword. He's also armed with two wing-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers, which can flip up over his robot-mode shoulders for his "Hyper Mode".

: Takara's "Nightscream", released in the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)#Takara Super Link toyline|Super Link]]'' product, uses light gray plastics instead of stony-blue, a lighter shade of red paint, and darker blue plastic and paint, hewing his deco closer to his original namesake's.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Skyquake (G1)#Timelines|Skyquake]] and [[Leozack#Timelines|Leozack]]. It also served as the model for the non-toy ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]'' incarnations of [[Hellbat (G1)#Wings Universe|Hellbat]], [[Guyhawk#Wings Universe|Guyhawk]], and [[Hooligan (G2)#Wings Universe|Hooligan]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Energon'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{EnergonStarscreamMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|VsProwl}}
[[File:Energon-toy 2-pack Starscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Obi-Wan Kenobi|This weapon is your life]], because without it, you are literally useless in both of your modes.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Prowl with Longarm & Starscream with Zapmaster''' (Multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Port wing/sword, 2 missiles

: Part of a [[Sam's Club]] [[exclusive]] set, the [[#Armada_2|''Armada'' Starscream toy]] was [[redeco]]ed in primarily dark gray with burgundy and black accents, patterned after the color scheme of his Deluxe ''Energon'' figure. He retains his sound gimmicks from the previous releases of this mold.

: This time around, his Mini-Con partner is [[Zapmaster (Armada)#Energon|Zapmaster]] rather than Swindle.

: The set also includes ''Energon'' [[Prowl (Energon)#VsStarscream|Prowl]] and [[Longarm (Armada)#Energon|Longarm]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/SamsStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Sam's Club Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaStarscreamMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonEnergon}}
[[File:Energon Energon Starscream Toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hasbro Starscream has twice the G1 for half the price.]]
[[File:Superlink Nightscream Reverse Toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Takara "Nightscream" has two scoops of G1 in every toy.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Energon Starscream''' (Combat Class, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Nightscream Reverse''' (ナイトスクリーム{{ruby|R|リバース}})
:*''Takara ID number:'' '''SD-19'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[2004]] [[September 20]]
:*''Accessories'': Sword, rifle, 2 missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Representing Starscream in a powered-up form following his immersion in [[Super Energon]], Hasbro's ''Energon'' Starscream (released in the eighth and final wave of ''Energon'' Combat Class toys) was redecoed into a more [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]-inspired color scheme, primarily light gray with blue and red accents. Though the sculpted "half-formed" sections remain, the figure's new paint layouts ignore them, sometimes painting directly over the top of them, which coupled with the figure's new lack of translucent plastic seems to suggest that this is a non-ghosty version of the character, though his asymmetrical arm coloration remains due to the use of [[unpaintable plastic]] needed for structural support.

: This toy was first listed in [[Walmart]] computers under the name "[[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp Interceptor]]", perhaps indicating an aborted intent for the toy.

: The Takara "Nightscream Reverse" release of the toy, released in the sixteenth wave of ''Super Link'' product, is a considerably different take on the same general deco concept. Large portions of the toy are cast in clear-blue plastics in the place of some of the solid-gray in the Hasbro version. Black plastic has been replaced with light gray, and many paint details are different. This deco was used for Starscream's powered up appearance in the ''Energon'' cartoon, if you really care to maintain show-accuracy in your collection. It also came with a fluorescent yellow version of ''Energon'' [[Insecticon (Energon)#Toys|Insecticon]]'s [[Energon weapon#Gallery|energon drill weapon]] and Decepticon-style [[Energon star|energon chip]]; the drill lacks the usual paint applications that the Insecticon toys' versions have.

: The Hasbro deco of this figure was used as a reference for the [[#Attacktix|unreleased ''Attacktix'' vehicle-mode Starscream piece]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/EStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Energon'' Energon Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{EnergonStarscreamMold}}
{{--}}

===''Cybertron''===
[[File:GalaxyForce Starscream toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiya- I mean, I will be leader of all Decepticons!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream''' (スタースクリーム, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''GD-03'''
:*''Release date'': [[2004]] [[December 28]]
:*''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, missile, Cybertron Decepticon [[Cyber Key|Force Chip]]
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (Takara)|[[Don Figueroa]] and [[Masakatsu Saito]] (concept art)}}

: Exclusive to [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force]]'' line, this Voyager-sized version of Starscream draws much of its influence from [[Don Figueroa]]'s design for [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 Starscream]] in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'', transforming into a Cybertronic starfighter. In both modes, plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into his back end flips out a spring-loaded blade from each arm. His spring-loaded missile launcher can be used as either a hand-held weapon, or mounted under his jet-mode nosecone. Another port for the weapon can be found behind the rear landing gear, allowing it to be stored horizontally in robot mode, along with a port under each forearm (though these are loose due to being molded across two parts).

: This toy was designed with a [[soundbox]] in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you [[:File:Starscream soundbox.jpg|crack one open]]), but the final version has no electronics. In fact, ''no'' version of this mold would have electronics either.

: Although essentially the "standard" version of ''Cybertron'' Starscream, this figure was not released in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline, presumably so it would not interfere with the sales of the much larger (more expensive) Supreme Class Starscream toy (see below). A [[redeco]], however, would be made available later in the line (again [[#VsVector|see below]]).

: This toy was redecoed to create ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Starscream (SG)#Toys|Starscream]] and the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] [[Dirge (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Dirge]]. This mold also served as the model for the non-toy [[Skywarp (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' incarnation of Skywarp]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Galaxy Force'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Supreme}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy supreme starscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Honeycomb big? Yeah Yeah Yeah! It's not small? No No No!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream''' (Supreme Class, [[2005]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name:'' '''Starscream''' (スタースクリーム)
:*''Takara release date:'' [[2005]] [[August 11]]
:*''Accessories'': Missile, "Crown of Leadership", Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Key, Earth Cyber Planet Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''s5a3'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (Takara)|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist)}}

: Sold in the first wave of ''Cybertron'' Supreme-class toys (yes, there were more than one!), this Starscream is a colossally-upscaled version of Takara's Voyager-sized Starscream toy, with quite a few changes. The most notable is the change in his Cyber Key [[gimmick]]: each arm has a separate Key jack in it rather than the Voyager's single joint-jack. While the right arm still deploys a blade, the left arm now reveals a spring-loaded missile-firing "null laser cannon" with expanding prongs. The original back-mounted Key jack is still present, though it does not activate any gimmicks and merely serves as a Key storage space (a rarity among ''Cybertron'' toys). A second storage-only jack is found on the underside of the same assembly. The two small guns on the sides of his cockpit can swivel up to firing position in robot mode, and he also has several electronic light and sound gimmicks, including one activated by moving his sword-arm. His eyes are, for some strange reason, green.

: He comes with a Decepticon "Crown of Leadership", based on Generation 1 Starscream's crown from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' that fits over his noggin (which, together with his considerable size, has earned him the nickname "King Starscream" among fans.) He is also the only ''Cybertron'' toy to come with ''two'' Cyber Keys, a Decepticon Cybertron Key, and a gold-bordered Earth [[Cyber Planet Key]]. Both Keys have the same [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] [[tampograph]]ed on their backs. The placement of these accessories in the box varies in later releases.

: Supreme Starscream was released in the first wave of ''Cybertron'' toys, long before Starscream was transformed into a giant in the third quarter of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. [[To sell toys|To sell]] this large, expensive figure at this early stage, a few other toys in the ''Cybertron'' line were changed—predominantly, the standard Voyager-sized Starscream figure went unreleased in Hasbro markets—well, except for the two-pack release listed below.

: Starscream [[scale]]s perfectly with the other toys in the ''Cybertron'' toyline, due to the robot mode [[Scale charts#Cybertron cartoon|scale charts]] for the cartoon being based directly on toy scale. He also scales rather well with fellow Supreme Class figure, [[Primus#Cybertron|Primus]], representing the size-altering power up he received in the episode "[[Titans]]".

: In Japan, this toy was released as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive as a "[[USA Edition]]", basically unchanged in US packaging with the addition of Japanese stickers.

: This mold was later redecoed to make ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Platinum Edition|Supreme Starscream]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Cybertron'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VsVector}}
[[File:Tru2005Cybertronstarscream.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|Thrust? No wait… Ramjet?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Starscream vs. Vector Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Missile launcher, missile, Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Key

: Takara's Voyager-sized Starscream mold was made available by Hasbro only in a two-pack of Voyager Class toys with an unaltered [[Vector Prime#Toys|Vector Prime]], now sporting a predominantly-burgundy paint job. It retains all the gimmickry of the Takara release, and also retains the ''lack'' of electronic gimmickry.

: The two-pack was exclusive to [[Toys"R"Us]] stores, and was sold for slightly less than the cost of two Voyagers. It was also available widely in Europe in regular stores.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/TRUStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Toys"R"Us Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LOC}}
[[File:CybScream-LOC.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Starsqueak. (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)}}</ul>

: A colossally ''downscaled'' and simplified version of the ''Cybertron'' Starscream figure was released as part of the first wave of the ''[[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]]'' series. He transforms into the same Cybertronic starfighter altmode, and has flip-out weapons based on his Supreme-class toy (one sword, one non-firing blaster).

: In Japan, the toy was sold as part of the ''very'' short-lived ''Galaxy Force'' "[[EZ Collection]]", and given more extensive [[paint operation]]s than the Hasbro version, basically faithfully re-creating the larger toys' paint layouts in this smaller format (which you can see on the clear version of the figure below). The Takara EZ Collection toys were sold on Hasbro ''Cybertron'' cards, but with a Japanese-language ''Galaxy Force''-branded insert in the bubble and a large sticker for Japanese legal information slapped on the back.

: This mold was used to make ''Legends of Cybertron'' [[Ramjet (Universe)#Cybertron|Ramjet]], [[Skywarp (Armada)#Cybertron|Skywarp]], and [[Sunstorm (Universe)#Cybertron|Sunstorm]], ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Thrust]], ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]'' [[Starscream (WFC)/toys#War for Cybertron|Starscream]], and [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|''Dark of the Moon'']] [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#BeeStarscream|Cybertronian Starscream]]. Phew!

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/LOCStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Legends of Cybertron'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EZClear}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy clear ez starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''EZ Collection Clear Set''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>

: A Japanese exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection" Starscream, [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#EZClear|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#EZClear|Optimus Prime]] recast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Starscream's case, both his greys became translucent. A mail-away exclusive to ''[[TV Magazine]]'' in October 2005, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.

::*''[http://plasticcrack.net/archives/2007/07/photo-review-takara-galaxy-force-ez-telemag-exclusive-3pack More information on the EZ Collection multi-pack at PlasticCrack.net]
{{--}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:Generations armada starscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Cuz once you got a theory of how the thing works, everybody wants the next thing to be just like the first.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Armada Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2014)}}</ul>
:*''Series / Number'': '''02 / #011'''
:*''Accessories:'' 2 Energon Swords, 2 missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:Part of the eighth wave of 2012-onwards ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' "Armada Starscream" is a modern update of the original ''Armada'' Starscream figure. He comes with two "Energon Swords" which he holds via [[5 mm post|5mm post]], and can fold up and store on his wings, as opposed to the wings themselves detaching and forming swords. He has numerous Powerlinx plugs on his forearms and turbines, though they do not activate any features. In place of his spring-loaded cannons, his turbines can each fire a missile in either mode via pressure-launch, and can be positioned in robot mode to either face forward or lay flat on his back.

:While his [[bio]] paints this toy as ''this'' Starscream, [[IDW Publishing]] [[Repurposing|repurposed]] this toy as a new body for [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ArmadaStarscream|Generation 1 Starscream]], debuting it in the [[Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|issue]] the figure comes packaged with.

:This mold was heavily [[retool]]ed into ''Generations'' [[Jhiaxus (G2)#Generations|Jhiaxus]], differently retooled into ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Skywarp (Armada)#Timelines|Skywarp]] and ''Timelines'' [[Ramjet (Universe)#Timelines|Ramjet]], and [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Starscream (Armada)#Legends|Armada Starscream Super Mode]]. This mold was also the basis for the non-toy ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]'' incarnation of [[Eagle Eye (G2)#Wings Universe|Eagle Eye]] and the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Jetstorm (BM)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Jetstorm]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Decepticon/GenArmadaStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Generations'' Armada Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{GenerationsArmadaStarscreamMold}}
{{--}}

===''Generations'' (Japan)===
[[File:Generationstoy-TakaraTomy-ArmadaStarscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Armada Starscream''' (アルマダスタースクリーム, 2014)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''TG33'''
:*''Release date:'' [[2014]] [[March 23]]
:*''Accessories:'' 2 Energon Swords, 2 missiles

:The [[TakaraTomy]] release of Armada Starscream, part of the fourteenth wave of Japanese [[Transformers: Generations (Japan)|''Generations'']] toys, features a deco more accurate to his original cartoon appearance, most obviously by casting much of his arms, legs, wings, and launchers stark white. Other changes include use of a darker shade of red plastic and paint, a thoroughly-painted red cockpit, red-painted toes, a black-painted canopy, and a silver face with painted "chinstrap".
{{GenerationsArmadaStarscreamMold}}
{{--}}

===''Legends''===
[[File:Transformers-Legends-LG18-Starscream-Super-Mode.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Armada Starscream Super Mode''' (アルマダスタースクリームスーパーモード, 2016)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''LG18'''
:*''Release date:'' [[2016]] [[January 30]]
:*''Accesories'': 2 Energon Swords, 2 missiles
{{toydesigner|[[Munetaka Abe]] (packaging artist)}}

:A [[redeco]] of the ''Generations'' Starscream figure based on the super mode coloration Starscream had in ''Armada''.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Thundercracker (Armada)|''Armada'' Thundercracker]] in [[Fun Publications]]' [[Armada Volume 5|''Armada'' Volume 5]].
{{GenerationsArmadaStarscreamMold}}
{{--}}

===''Legacy''===
[[File:TF-Legacy-Voyager-Class-Armada-Starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The great emo resurgence of 2022 is underway!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Armada Universe Starscream''' (Voyager Class, [[2022]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy name'': '''Starscream (Armada Universe)''' (スタースクリーム (アルマダユニバース))
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-19'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[2023]] [[February 25]]
:*''Accessories'': Wing Sword/"Energon Sword", [[Star Saber (Armada)#Legacy|Star Saber]]
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Ittoku Kuwazu]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[[August 16]], [[2022]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxRrhLJ1KH0 Hasbro Pulse Transformers Fanstream] on YouTube, with [[Ben MacCrae]], [[Delaney Norris]], [[Sam Smith]], [[Evan Brooks]], [[Isabella Weiss]], and [[Mark Maher]].</ref>

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' Voyager Class toys, "Armada Universe Starscream" is a mostly faithful recreation of his appearance from the ''Armada'' cartoon, transforming into his jet mode in 18 steps. He is prominently missing the white areas on his upper chest and lower legs, and the white he does have instead light gray paint and plastics.

: Unlike his original toy, his wing sword (called an "[[Energon]] Sword" by the official product description) is a separate, non-converting accessory. The original Hasbro promotional pictures show it fully painted red, but subsequent stock photos from Takara as well as the final product leave it unpainted. Starscream also comes with a simplified [[Star Saber (Armada)#Legacy|Star Saber]] accessory, allowing him to dual-wield swords in robot mode. Both swords store underneath his wings. Like the [[#Armada|original ''Armada'' toy]], Starscream features turbines that can double over as shoulder cannons, though this is unmentioned in the instructions. The cannons are compatible with [[Fire Blast effect]]s and can be folded down his back like his [[#Generations|''Generations'' toy]].

: Unlike his fellow "Armada Universe" ''Legacy'' toy, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Legacy|Hot Shot]], Starscream doesn't feature any [[Mini-Con]]-compatible [[Powerlinx]] ports.

:Due to a design flaw, on many copies Starscream's thighs are a bit on the loose side and fall off easily when attempting to rotate them. It's also a bit difficult to peg him into his alternate mode.

::*''[https://www.instagram.com/p/CiyBGcruWoe Designer commentary on Armada Universe Starscream from Mark Maher on Instagram]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LegacyCybertron}}
[[File:Legacytoy-VoyagerCybertronStarscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's a schmedium.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Cybertron Universe Starscream''' (Voyager Class, [[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy name'': '''Starscream (Cybertron Universe)''' (スタースクリーム (サイバトロンユニバース))
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-73'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[2024]] [[September 28]]
:*''Accessories'': Blaster, [[Cyber Key]], 2 wings/Null Cannons, 2 tail fins
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref name ="United Stream">[[March 21]], [[2024]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPkQZZ4zasE Hasbro Pulse | Transformers 40th Anniversary Fanstream | March 21, 2024] on YouTube, with [[Ben MacCrae]], [[Mark Maher]], and [[Evan Brooks]].</ref>

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy United]]'' Voyager Class toys, "Cybertron Universe Starscream" is an updated version of his appearance from the ''Cybertron'' cartoon, featuring a greater range of articulation and a deco based on his show model. He transforms into a cartoon-accurate jet in 26 steps. His butterfly joints, inner shoulders, biceps, and wrists are reused from [[Starscream (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|''Siege'' Starscream]].<ref name = "United Stream"/> His shoulder pads can be hinged out of the way for more shoulder articulation.

: Unlike other contemporary ''Cybertron'' figures from the ''Legacy'' line, such as [[Override (Cybertron)#Legacy|Override]] and [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Legacy|Metroplex]], he comes with a [[Cyber Key]] that can be fitted into a slot on his back or in the back of his blaster, though it does not activate any [[gimmick]]. This Cyber Key is ''much'' smaller than the original, and thus isn't backwards compatible. His flip-out "Vertex blades" are now manually flipped out instead of being spring-loaded. His blaster is based on an unused design from his original character sheet.<ref>https://www.tfraw.com/p/galaxy-force-design-sheets.html</ref> The blaster can be stored on the back of his robot mode and the bottom or top of his jet mode.

: The unfoldable nose piece on his left foot doesn't fold quite flat in robot mode because of the tab, which means he's very slightly unstable on that foot. Also, his instructions show his back panel folding down to horizontal, but it can only fold about half that, but thankfully there's no need for it to go further than that.

: His wing null cannons and tail fins are removable and can be placed onto other 5mm ports on his body. He features [[Fire Blast effect]] pegs on his blaster, wing cannons, and non-rotating torso cannons.

:If one wants to make a Super Starscream with the crown from the ''Studio Series 86'' [[Starscream_(G1)/toys#Studio_Series|Coronation Starscream]], take note that the accessory ''very loosely'' fits onto Cybertron Starscream's head.

::*''[https://www.instagram.com/p/C5hL6o4MjiO/ Designer commentary on Cybertron Universe Starscream from Mark Maher on Instagram]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LegacySuper}}
[[File:TF-Legacy-Takara-Starscream-Super-Mode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|We put a picture of the ''Legends'' one here just to see if you'd notice.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Starscream Super Mode''' (スタースクリーム {{ruby|S|スーパーモード}}, 2024)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''TL-EX'''
:*''Release date:'' [[2024]] [[September 13]]
:*''Accessories'': Energon Sword, Star Saber, [[Fire Blast effect]]s

:Released exclusively at the 40th Anniversary Transformers Expo 2024 in Tokyo, Japan, Starscream Super Mode is a redeco of [[#Legacy|Armada Universe Starscream]] based on the [[#JapaneseSuper|original Starscream Super Mode]] toy but in colors more accurate to the ''Armada'' cartoon.

:In addition to the Energon Sword and Star Saber accessories, Starscream Super Mode comes with a set of ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Jetfire]]'s Fire Blast effects in pink to allow buyers to recreate [[:File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|scenes]] in which he fires his [[Null-ray|null ray cannons]].

:Starscream Super Mode is the first ''Legacy'' toy exclusive to TakaraTomy markets. Though marked with a ''Legacy'' ID number, the box itself makes no mention of the ''Legacy'' line, instead wholeheartedly replicating the style of the original Starscream Super Mode's box.
{{WFCSiegeJetfireFireBlastMold}}
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Happy Meal toy===
{{anchor|McDonalds}}[[File:Armadatoy mcdonalds starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
: Part of the McDonald's ''Armada'' promotion, this version of Starscream is based on his larger toy and features a pull-back motor gimmick that propels his jet-mode forward, then leaps up to instantly convert to robot mode, like the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Jumpstarter]]s.

:In jet mode, he has ''two'' Mini-Con ports molded into his underside which allows him to combine with the other three Happy Meal Decepticons to form a goofy-looking [[Mighty Vehicle]]. The ports can also be used to access Mini-Con gimmicks on mainline ''Armada'' toys, but given his size and weight, it would be an awkward fit on most figures.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/McStarscream/starscream.htm More information on McDonald's Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:SCF Starscream Armada.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Normal and unintentional "currently dying in a Unicron beam" variant.]]
*'''Starscream''' (SCF, 2002)
**''Act'': '''9'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base

:A three-inch tall non-transforming PVC figurine of Starscream was released in the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''-specific ninth "Act" of Takara's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. The figure came in both full color and metallic silver "pewter" variants, available at an equal ratio one each in every case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures.

: Care may need to be taken with the pewter variant when moving "joints" or popping parts off the main body. It is distressingly common for pewter SCF figures to have the connection pegs painted as well, which can lead to sticking and tearing of the soft-plastic pegs keeping the figure together. A little shaving of the socket interiors with a thin hobby knife is usually enough to solve this, once the peg has been removed.
{{--}}

===''Mega Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:MegaSCF starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' 13
**''Accessories:'' Swindle figure, sword

: A five-inch tall non-transforming, highly-articulated PVC figure of Starscream was the thirteenth and final release in Takara's ''Mega Super Colleciton Figure'' series. Like other toys in the line, he came with a few extra pieces, like a separate wing-sword, and a mini-PVC of his [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]. The miracle of universal pegs also allows him to wield weapons belonging to other ''Mega SCF'' figures, most characteristically appropriate being the Star Saber that came with Optimus Prime.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act133/ More information on Mega SCF Starscream at TFKenkon.com]''
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===''Transformers Figure''===
[[File:TFfigure starscream.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)

:A non-transforming PVC figurine of Starscream was released by [[Omron Entertainment]] as part of their simply-named ''[[Transformers Figure]]'' line of gaming arcades prizes, standing around 5" tall. Despite there being a nationwide commercial for the figures, their distribution was poor, and not many arcades actually wound up carrying them.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act127/ More information on Omron PVC figures from TFKenkon.com]
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===''Battle for Cybertron Game''===
[[File:BattleforCybertron starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Transformers: Armada - Battle for Cybertron Game''' (2003)

:A small figurine of Starscream was among the eight Transformers character playing pieces included with the [[Milton Bradley]] ''[[Battle for Cybertron Game|Battle for Cybertron]]'' board game.

::*''[http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/6841/transformers-armada-battle-for-cybertron More information on Battle for Cybertron at BoardGameGeek.com]''
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===Bubble Twist===
[[File:BubbleTwist starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
:A small solid-color PVC figurine of Starscream was among the [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] toys available with [[Bubble Twist]] bubble gum, produced by Hasbro's subsidiary [[Cap Candy]] and only available at Toys"R"Us. Like all figures in the series, Starscream was available in red, blue, purple, grey and black.
::*''[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=2059 More information on Bubble Twist at TFormers.com]''
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===''Attacktix''===
[[File:AttacktixScream.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|He keeps flying in circles for some reason.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF08
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Captain
|special=Rally - 14/26 (54%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=6
|attacktype=Shooter (Large Missile)
}}
{{-}}
: ''[[Attacktix]]'' Starscream is based on his [[#Cybertron_2|''Cybertron'' incarnation]]. His Special Power, ''Rally'', enables a player to return any one of their already-defeated [[Decepticon]] pieces to play. If Starscream's speed wheel reads 8 stop moving him there—you'll be able to move him 2 extra tix next turn and even if he gets shot down his special power is always white when he's on 8 speed.

: A Captain figure Starscream works very well with his own redeco, [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]], supporting his ''Infiltration'' power.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/AttacktixStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Attacktix'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[File:Attacktix EnergonStarscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''Starscream''' (Booster, <s>2007</s>)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF11
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Captain
|special=Transform
|cost=30
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Small Missile)/Flight
}}
{{-}}
: This unreleased Starscream is a missile launching piece based on his [[#EnergonEnergon|"''Energon'' Energon" form's vehicle mode]]. His vehicle form can detach from his base and fly on a string, enabling him to get better shots at opposing pieces, or even airlift allies (or enemies... is that a legal move?). His "Transform" power would probably allow you to bring any Starscream figure into play from your back-ups—making Starscream an even more effective figure when working with Skywarp. But as the toy was never released, we'll never know.

: Several pieces of this mold would also have been used to make [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Attacktix|Generation 1 Skywarp]], who also went unreleased.

{{canceledattacktix}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The feature where Starscream deploys [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] from his nosecone was directly inspired by the God Phoenix aircraft from the anime ''{{w|Science Ninja Team Gatchaman}}'', which similarly can [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAqrt9iR1G0&t=93s deploy an F1 racecar].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=So no under the nose cone, which is, you know—not even gonna lie—a direct kind of honorific to ''Gatchaman'', you know, where the race car dropped out of the bottom of the Phoenix. So for you old '70s Japanese anime fans out there [...] that is an echo to my childhood love there!|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW7bBZgluQQ&t=3058s|name=Aaron Archer|site=''The Toy Armada''|title=Toy Armada Friday night LIVE: ARMADA STARSCREAM|year=2023|month=06|day=02}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Built to Rule!]]
[[Category:Energon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Legacy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:McDonald's exclusives]]
[[Category:Sam's Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]