MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

M.A.S.K. (franchise)

2026-05-05T03:31:31Z

SteelSkull:

{{disambig2|the real-world media franchise|the fictional crime-fighting team|M.A.S.K.}}

'''''M.A.S.K.''''' was a toyline created by [[Kenner]] in [[1985]]. The series followed a team of specially trained individuals called [[M.A.S.K.]] (the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand), led by wealthy philanthropist [[Matt Trakker]], facing off against the evil organization [[V.E.N.O.M.]] (the Vicious Evil Network Of Mayhem), led by [[Miles Mayhem]]. Each faction had different masks that their members would wear that granted them special abilities, while also commanding a series of vehicles that could transform from one mode to another. In this way, ''M.A.S.K.'' acted as a cross between [[Hasbro]]'s ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' and ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', having transforming vehicles with action figure pilots.

==History==
Like most '80s toylines, M.A.S.K. soon developed into a full franchise, with an animated series developed along with the toys, as well as several tie-in comic books. The cartoon ran for two seasons, from 1985 to [[1986]], while the toys continued for another two years, moving more towards a racing theme than the original crime-fighting motif, with M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M. each being teams competing against one another.

M.A.S.K. remained dormant from [[1988]] to [[2008]], when Hasbro (who by this time had purchased Kenner) introduced Matt Trakker (under the name "Specialist Trakker") into the G.I. Joe universe as a figure. His on-package bio also established M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M. as being sub-divisions of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and [[Cobra]], respectively.

Hasbro later tried to revive the series in 2011 as part of their ''[[Unit:E (issue)|Unit:E]]'' crossover, which saw several Hasbro brands united (get it?) into a single universe. In this version, M.A.S.K. is a group of rescue workers who use advanced technology to upgrade their vehicles in order to protect the citizens of a war-torn [[Detroit]]. M.A.S.K. was also mentioned in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'', as a government division from which [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] obtains [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]’s [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#BHVoyager|''Beast Hunters'' alternate mode]]. ''Prime'', like ''Unit:E'', was intended to work as a backdoor to several other properties, including ''M.A.S.K.'', but nothing ever happened.

M.A.S.K. would be referenced again in 2015 in the ''[[Beast Wars Uprising]]'' [[Transformers Timelines (fiction)|continuity]] created by the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]], where the characters of [[Aura]] and [[Vampire (BWU)|Vampire]] were based on the [[Shark]] and ''Vampire'' vehicles driven by M.A.S.K.'s [[Gloria Baker]] and V.E.N.O.M.'s [[Floyd Malloy]].

In 2016, [[IDW Publishing]] announced that they had obtained the ''M.A.S.K.'' license from Hasbro and would be introducing them as part of their ''[[Revolution]]'' event, uniting all their Hasbro titles into a single universe. As had been done with Specialist Trakker and ''Unit:E'', IDW brought the ''M.A.S.K.'' characters into the previously established ''Transformers'' and ''G.I. Joe'' comics by introducing Miles Mayhem (now with the legal name Miles Manheim) in the "[[Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders]]" prelude story. Here, Mayhem is a former member of [[Joe Colton]]'s [[Adventure Team]] who also has connections to the [[Earth Defense Command]] and completed development of the M.A.S.K. vehicles by reverse-engineering technology from the [[Triple Changer]] [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. In 2017, M.A.S.K. was included in a [[San Diego Comic-Con]] [[Exclusive|exclusive]] ''Revolution''-branded [[Revolution#Toys|boxset]] of various [[Hasbro Universe]] characters, featuring an updated Matt Trakker figure based on his IDW incarnation. This iteration of ''M.A.S.K.'' eventually came to an end in 2018 as IDW wrapped up the events of that continuity with the ''[[Transformers: Unicron|Unicron]]'' miniseries.

In 2021, the ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]'' toyline would pay tribute to M.A.S.K. in the ''Galactic Odyssey Collection'' with the characters of [[Windstorm]] and [[Stingracer]] being mentioned explicitly in the product description as [[Homage|homaging]] two classic M.A.S.K. vehicles.

In 2025, after [[Skybound Entertainment]] acquired the ''Transformers'' and ''G.I. Joe'' comic license, ''M.A.S.K.'' officially joined the [[Energon Universe]] via an appearance by Matt Trakker in the ''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]'', where he is introduced as an old friend of [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] in a nod to his "Specialist Trakker" days. Later that year, Miles Mayhem was introduced in the pages of [[Robert Kirkman]]'s run on ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' as part of the buildup to the launch of [[M.A.S.K. (2026 comic)|an ongoing ''M.A.S.K.'' title]].

==External links==
*{{w|M.A.S.K.|M.A.S.K. on Wikipedia}}
*[[wikia:mask:M.A.S.K. Wiki|The M.A.S.K. Wiki]]
*{{i|M.A.S.K. (franchise)}} at the IDW Hasbro Wiki

[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:M.A.S.K. franchise| ]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]

M.A.S.K. (franchise)

2026-05-04T06:48:53Z

SteelSkull: /* History */ Added the missing information mentioned in the stub note.

{{disambig2|the real-world media franchise|the fictional crime-fighting team|M.A.S.K.}}

'''''M.A.S.K.''''' was a toyline created by [[Kenner]] in [[1985]]. The series followed a team of specially trained individuals called [[M.A.S.K.]] (the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand), led by wealthy philanthropist [[Matt Trakker]], facing off against the evil organization [[V.E.N.O.M.]] (the Vicious Evil Network Of Mayhem), led by [[Miles Mayhem]]. Each faction had different masks that their members would wear that granted them special abilities, while also commanding a series of vehicles that could transform from one mode to another. In this way, ''M.A.S.K.'' acted as a cross between [[Hasbro]]'s ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' and ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', having transforming vehicles with action figure pilots.

==History==
Like most '80s toylines, M.A.S.K. soon developed into a full franchise, with an animated series developed along with the toys, as well as several tie-in comic books. The cartoon ran for two seasons, from 1985 to [[1986]], while the toys continued for another two years, moving more towards a racing theme than the original crime-fighting motif, with M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M. each being teams competing against one another.

M.A.S.K. remained dormant from [[1988]] to [[2008]], when Hasbro (who by this time had purchased Kenner) introduced Matt Trakker (under the name "Specialist Trakker") into the G.I. Joe universe as a figure. His on-package bio also established M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M. as being sub-divisions of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and [[Cobra]], respectively.

Hasbro later tried to revive the series in 2011 as part of their ''[[Unit:E (issue)|Unit:E]]'' crossover, which saw several Hasbro brands united (get it?) into a single universe. In this version, M.A.S.K. is a group of rescue workers who use advanced technology to upgrade their vehicles in order to protect the citizens of a war-torn [[Detroit]]. M.A.S.K. was also mentioned in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'', as a government division from which [[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] obtains [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]’s [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#BHVoyager|''Beast Hunters'' alternate mode]]. ''Prime'', like ''Unit:E'', was intended to work as a backdoor to several other properties, including ''M.A.S.K.'', but nothing ever happened.

M.A.S.K. would be referenced again in 2015 in the ''[[Beast Wars Uprising]]'' [[Transformers Timelines (fiction)|continuity]] created by the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]], where the characters of [[Aura]] and [[Vampire (BWU)|Vampire]] were based on the [[Shark]] and ''Vampire'' vehicles driven by M.A.S.K.'s [[Gloria Baker]] and V.E.N.O.M.'s [[Floyd Malloy]].

In 2016, [[IDW Publishing]] announced that they had obtained the ''M.A.S.K.'' license from Hasbro and would be introducing them as part of their ''[[Revolution]]'' event, uniting all their Hasbro titles into a single universe. As had been done with Specialist Trakker and ''Unit:E'', IDW brought the ''M.A.S.K.'' characters into the previously established ''Transformers'' and ''G.I. Joe'' comics by introducing Miles Mayhem (now with the legal name Miles Manheim) in the "[[Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Secret Raiders]]" prelude story. Here, Mayhem is a former member of [[Joe Colton]]'s [[Adventure Team]] who also has connections to the [[Earth Defense Command]] and completed development of the M.A.S.K. vehicles by reverse-engineering technology from the [[Triple Changer]] [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. In 2017, M.A.S.K. was included in a [[San Diego Comic-Con]] [[Exclusive|exclusive]] ''Revolution''-branded [[Revolution#Toys|boxset]] of various [[Hasbro Universe]] characters, featuring an updated Matt Trakker figure based on his IDW incarnation. This iteration of ''M.A.S.K.'' eventually came to an end in 2018 as IDW wrapped up the events of that continuity with the ''[[Transformers: Unicron|Unicron]]'' miniseries.

In 2021, the [[War for Cybertron: Earthrise]] toyline would pay tribute to M.A.S.K. in the ''Galactic Odyssey Collection'' with the characters of [[Windstorm]] and [[Stingracer]] being mentioned explicitly in the product description as [[Homage|homaging]] two classic M.A.S.K. vehicles.

In 2025, after [[Skybound Entertainment]] acquired the ''Transformers'' and ''G.I. Joe'' comic license, ''M.A.S.K.'' officially joined the [[Energon Universe]] via an appearance by Matt Trakker in the ''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]'', where he is introduced as an old friend of [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] in a nod to his "Specialist Trakker" days. Later that year, Miles Mayhem was introduced in the pages of [[Robert Kirkman]]'s run on ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' as part of the buildup to the launch of [[M.A.S.K. (2026 comic)|an ongoing ''M.A.S.K.'' title]].

==External links==
*{{w|M.A.S.K.|M.A.S.K. on Wikipedia}}
*[[wikia:mask:M.A.S.K. Wiki|The M.A.S.K. Wiki]]
*{{i|M.A.S.K. (franchise)}} at the IDW Hasbro Wiki

[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:M.A.S.K. franchise| ]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]

Exarchon

2026-01-28T00:24:52Z

SteelSkull:

{{factions|exarchon}}

:''Exarchon is a [[Transformer]] from the [[2019 IDW continuity|2019 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:TheChangeInYourNaturePartThree-Exarchon.jpg|thumb||400px|Ex, Exx, n' Exxy]]

Once a leading figure in Cybertronian society, '''Exarchon''' was corrupted by forces unknown, sent back to his home as a weapon to curtail their [[expansion]], and in response unleashed the [[War of the Threefold Spark]] on his own people. Whatever kind of bot he was before, he has been twisted by his experience into something only barely recognizable as [[Transformer|Cybertronian]]. Arrogant and uncaring, he despises his fellow Cybertronians, referring to them with disdain as "stubborn machines" and viewing them only as potential assets. Totally divorced from his own species, Exarchon's only concerned with his vision of a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] under his complete control. He hoards exotic technology, cosmic secrets, and what allies he has are few and far between, promised power and riches in exchange for their service. Though one must wonder if even his "chosen few" are safe from becoming potential victims when the chips are down...

After all, Exarchon ''must'' succeed. His twisted sense of destiny demands it.

Exarchon's most dangerous ability is the one that earned him the moniker the '''Threefold Spark''': a corrupted [[spark]] capable of possessing and "usurping" the bodies of other Cybertronians, stealing them for his own personal use. The only limitation to this ability is he can only inhabit up to three bodies at a time; regardless if one is a [[Titan (group)|Titan]] or a [[Micromaster]], three is his limit, forcing him to leave behind an empty, dead husk as he jumps from body to body (which he tends to do a lot). Exarchon is always seeking more powerful or interesting shells to inhabit, or to replace a fallen iteration, as he loathes to be limited to just one, which leaves him as vulnerable to destruction as any other Cybertronian. While this ability grants him access to a range of bodies and opportunities, Exarchon does ''not'' inherit their memories, and if forced to assume the identity of one of his victims, is reliant on secondhand data to maintain his cover.

{{quote|The future has no room for any but '''me''' and those I elevate. Those '''few'''. This planet, this entire civilization... I am its '''destiny'''.|Exarchon|"[[War's End Part One]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part One|''Transformers'' #7]] (mentioned); [[The Change In Your Nature Part Three|''Transformers'' #15]] (full appearance)}}
[[File:WarsEndPartTwo ExarchonOrigin.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8|"Freak?! I'm merely the victim of an accident. And ''anyone'' can have an 'accident'."]]
Once a trusted and respected figure in Cybertronian society, {{storylink|Orion Pax: Free Fall}} at some point during the [[Expansion|Age of Expansion]], Exarchon left Cybertronian space. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Three}} Parties that existed "behind the barrier of quintessence" abducted and overpowered Exarchon, altering his very [[spark]] into something akin to a biological virus, capable of "usurping" another Cybertronian's body, consuming their sparks and minds. The only mercy was that Exarchon was unable to maintain more than three bodies at any one time. However, this proved barely an obstacle to him, as he swapped bodies repeatedly. While he would not recall all of what befell him, Exarchon was shown and promised a vision of the future where Cybertron would be his to rule, prompting him to turn to conquest. Seeking to silence Cybertron's expansion into the larger galaxy, Exarchon's benefactors provided him with exotic weapons and technology to turn loose on his home planet and make his vision a reality. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part One}} {{storylink|War's End Part One}} {{storylink|War's End Part Three}} To bring this about, Exarchon's ultimate ambition was to usurp the [[AllSpark|Allspark]] itself, the massive spark from which all other sparks originated. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}}

When Exarchon returned to Cybertron, he allied with the amoral [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], offering him the chance to indulge his every scientific curiosity, and the mercurial [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], who was offered every Cybertronian colony world he conquered as playthings. However, despite his promises there were some secrets Exarchon kept from his supposed allies. {{storylink|War's End Part One}} In time, some Cybertronians deduced that Exarchon had been deliberately corrupted and unleashed upon his homeworld as a weapon to curtail their species's rampant expansionism. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust I|Sea of Rust I}} Other Cybertronians fought for Exarchon voluntarily. Of all of Exarchon's soldiers, [[Turmoil]] established a reputation for himself as a cruel and ruthless warrior. {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}}

[[File:Escape-3-Skywarp cloning procedure.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
With the technology at their disposal, Exarchon and Shockwave developed a revolutionary form of [[cloning]] that allowed Cybertronians to raise an army of copies from the planet's [[living metal]]—the earliest such experiments yielded [[Soundblaster (G1)|Soundblaster]], who later became a loyal servant of Shockwave's. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust I|Sea of Rust I}} Although the pair had hoped that cloning the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] would give them an army of teleporting warriors, the [[Skywarp drone|Skywarp clones]] did not inherit this ability. {{storylink|Escape Part Three}} Exarchon soon made his presence known to Cybertron, and the battle to stop him became known as the [[War of the Threefold Spark]]. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Three}}

In battle, Exarchon proved cautious; he rarely put himself in danger by exposing all three of his bodies on the field at any one time. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Three}} His prudence didn't prevent [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] from assassinating at least one of his bodies, although this setback was ultimately temporary. {{storylink|Arcee/Greenlight: Run}} At some point during the war, Exarchon attempted to usurp the [[Titan (group)|Titans]]; he succeeded with [[Croaton (G1)|Croaton]], but this was short-lived, as the Titan [[Citadel (Titan)|Citadel]] obliterated Croaton with an [[imploder]] weapon. {{storylink|Wheeljack: Orbital Decay}} {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} {{storylink|Light/Star}} Cybertron as a whole would not learn the truth of Exarchon's changed nature until towards the end of the war. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part One}}

[[File:WarsEndPartOne ExarchonProvoke.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|]]
At one point during the war, when [[Yuss]] was leveled, and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s assault force had fallen back, Exarchon felt confident that the battle was over, and began inspecting the battlefield with all three of his bodies. He found a damaged [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and noted that while the miner was his enemy, he could have been of use. Whatever Exarchon was planning, he didn't have a chance to implement it, as [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]'s [[Strika's Heavies|Heavies]] attacked him and destroyed one of his bodies before Skywarp's clone army saved him. Eventually, Megatron would come to realize that it was Exarchon's ''will'', not his weapons or deeds, that came to truly define his fearsome reputation. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Three}}

The final battle of the War of the Threefold Spark was fought approximately two megacycles before the rise of the [[Decepticon]]s, just beyond the city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. By that time, much of Exarchon's forces had been defeated, captured or killed, leaving only the fanatics. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part One}} The last of his current bodies critically damaged, Exarchon, seconds before he was buried by the shelling, jumped into [[Provoke]]'s near-failing shell, doing what he could to sustain it and retreating into [[stasis lock]] until the time was right. {{storylink|War's End Part One}} Sandwiched between the layers of Cybertron's strata, Exarchon became buried beneath the [[Memorial Crater]] that commemorated his defeat. {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} Most Cybertronians believed that Exarchon had perished, though it was noted that they'd never found his body. Unconvinced that the Threefold Spark was truly gone, the war veteran [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] maintained a solitary vigil at the Memorial Crater that marked Exarchon's final defeat. {{storylink|The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part One}}

[[File:Enigmatic-Exarchon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"And now it is your darkness that shall be the ark that sustains me!"]]
When Senator [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]] wondered whether he could still trust Megatron, Orion's mentor [[Codexa]] reminded him that Cybertron had once trusted Exarchon before he'd led them to ruin. {{storylink|Orion Pax: Free Fall}} After accepting the [[Matrix of Leadership]], its [[Mediator]] program informed Orion that Exarchon's [[spark]] had not yet joined the [[Transformer afterlife|afterlife]]. {{storylink|War World: Prime|Prime}}

During Megatron's attempted military takeover, he had the Titan [[Cargohold]] crash into the Memorial Crater. In the aftermath, the rubble was explored by [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] and [[Roadtrap (POTP)|Roadtrap]], who found Exarchon in Provoke's body. {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} They brought 'her' to the Iacon medical center, where [[Flatline (G1)|Flatline]] attended to Provoke while Cyclonus held vigil. The medic felt that it was unlikely 'Provoke' would ever wake up. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I|Test Flight I}} However, this prognosis proved incorrect. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}} In the guise of Provoke, Exarchon began studying what had happened in his absence, brushing off Cyclonus's attempts to reconnect with his supposed friend. Meanwhile, he usurped the body of [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]], and tried to pass the otherwise completely dead mechanoid's revival as a miracle. When Flatline became curious, a frustrated Exarchon—feeling the need to be three once more—usurped him as well. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Enigmatic|Enigmatic}} The Decepticons took no notice of Ruckus's revival, or his strange behaviour, with Swindle shooing Cyclonus off when he tried asking him. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part One}}

[[File:DarknessOnceGazedUponPart3 FlatlineExarchon.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|]]
When brought before Megatron, Ultra Magnus tried to warn the [[Decepticon leader]] about Exarchon's threat while Exarchon himself consulted the archives regarding what he had missed in Provoke's body. His failure to completely mimic Provoke's mannerisms further roused Cyclonus's suspicions. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Two}}

[[File:DarknessOnceGazedUponPart3 ExarchonDeathsaurus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|]]
In Provoke's body, Exarchon continued to consult the archives before Cyclonus confronted him again. Unable to put off Cyclonus any longer, Exarchon attacked with the intent to usurp him only for Cyclonus to cut out Provoke's spark chamber, though not before the warlord had confirmed his identity to Cyclonus. In Flatline's body, Exarchon approached Shockwave and Skywarp, eager to conclude their old work. In Ruckus's body, Exarchon discovered the [[Simultronic|multiworld simulation]] chambers beneath [[Swindle's]] and a sleeping [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]]. Opening the chamber, Exarchon abandoned Ruckus's form and usurped Deathsaurus's body, dramatically erupting out of the building in dragon mode. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Three}}

In Deathsaurus's form, Exarchon fled to one his hidden bases in the [[Sonic Canyons]], {{storylink|War's End Part One}} bringing its store of technology and clones online {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} while Cyclonus warned [[Decepticon High Command]] of his return. In Shockwave's base, Exarchon summoned Soundblaster and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], whereupon he informed his minions of his secret caches. After Skywarp teleported out, Exarchon emerged from the base in Deathsaurus's body to confront the Autobot scouts who had been sent to find his hideout. {{storylink|War's End Part One}}

[[File:WarsEndPartTwo ExarchonDrill.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.2|Exarchon's master plan is straight from [[Megatron_(G1)#Kid Stuff Talking Story Books continuity|Kid Stuff Megatron]]'s playbook.]]
With Deathsaurus's body proving too large to pursue the Autobots through the Sonic Canyons, Exarchon instead delegated the task of protecting the sanctum and finding the Autobots to Soundblaster's infiltration troopers and the Combaticons. Within the base, Exarchon revealed the massive drill tank he planned to use to burrow down into the core of Cybertron and monologued to Soundblaster of his plan to absorb the AllSpark before the Decepticons arrived. Overpowering [[Tracer (Micromaster)|Tracer]], Exarchon flew back to the surface only to be met by [[Pyra Magna (G1)|Pyra Magna]] and her [[Companion]]s. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}}

Though initially managing to overpower Pyra Magna, Exarchon was caught off-guard by [[Jumpstream]] teleporting onto his head, the distraction allowing Pyra to clip his talon. Wounded, Exarchon retreated back into his sanctum, confirming that the drill tank still functioned, before the Autobots and Decepticons fell back when [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] approached. In Flatline's body, Exarchon was shown the bound [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], whose irradiated body he desired, despite Shockwave's warnings before the two were informed that Megatron had arrived, Exarchon ordering the [[Decepticon leader]] to be brought to him. With Shockwave gone, Exarchon freed Sunstorm with the intent to usurp him before Megatron arrived. After a few words, Megatron fired on Exarchon, sending him stumbling back into Sunstorm, whose touch melted Flatline's body. In the Sonic Canyons, just as he was being shown Devastator, Exarchon cursed the Decepticons before he made to usurp the [[combiner]]. {{storylink|War's End Part Three}}

[[File:WarsEndPartFour CyclonusVExarchon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Ready for his cameo in a Don Bluth cartoon.]]
However, being made up of six individual minds, Devastator was able to resist Exarchon's touch, though at the cost of decombining into the dazed [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Furious, Exarchon turned on [[Team Stream]], making to usurp [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]] before Soundblaster reminded him of their exposed position and nearby enemies. Tossing the Decepticon aside, Exarchon returned to his fortress and inserted a third of his spark into the drill tank. After he had sent it down to the planet's core to usurp the AllSpark, he made for the surface to confront his returned foes. Leading his forces into battle, Exarchon was attacked by [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]'s hypnotic gaze, giving him an overwhelming desire to consume a contained [[Titan (group)|Titanspark]]. When Cyclonus opened the cage, Exarchon made to usurp the spark, the cage's technology drawing him out of Deathsaurus's body and sealing him. Though Sixshot was ready to take the Threefold Spark to Megatron, Pyra Magna destroyed the cage and two-thirds of Exarchon's spark.

In his last iteration, Exarchon continued to drill through the layers of Cybertron, being followed by [[Zetar (G1)|Zetar]]'s team of Autobots. When the Autobots caught up to the drill tank, Soundblaster and his minions caught up to them, their fighting stalling the tank. Before it could recover, [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] frantically ordered Zetar to drill through the machine. The Autobot ruptured the tank's systems, finally destroying the Threefold Spark in a mighty explosion. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

====Alternate future====
[[File:TestFlightI FutureExarchon.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|''Things have gotten out of hand...'']]
While experimenting with her teleportation abilities, [[Jumpstream]] found herself teleporting out of control, and somehow travelled through time into a future where Exarchon had returned from hiding, stolen the bodies of Megatron, Shockwave, and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], and conquered the planet. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight I}} As the ''de facto'' ruler of Cybertron, Exarchon held court in the ruined [[Senate]] building as his minions—Cybertronian, [[Thraal]], and [[Voin]] alike—drained Cybertron's [[energon]] and sold Transformers into slavery. When his Skywarp clones found Jumpstream, she was brought before the ruler of Cybertron; unaware that she'd travelled through time, Exarchon mistook her for a rebel guerilla and ordered his minions to give her to the Thraal mercenaries as a gift. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Test Flight II|Test Flight II}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Exarchon vs Dia Attacker.jpg|thumb|250px|right|True story: No relationship to Exar Kun]]
*The name "Exarchon" is a portmanteau of the Ancient Greek words "{{w|archon}}" (ἄρχων ''árkhōn'') and "{{w|exarch}}" (ἔξαρχος ''éxarkhos'').<ref>{{citesocial|quote=And, not that I imagine anyone actually wantss this much info (!), later an Exarch was an official in Byzantine empire - so I mashed exarch and archon together. And that's the story of how Exarchon, the Threefold Spark, got his name ...|link=https://twitter.com/Brian_Ruckley/status/1133848034213867520|name=Brian Ruckley|site=Twitter|year=2019|month=05|day=29|(defunct=)}}</ref> Both originally referred to rulers or other individuals in positions of authority, but in modern English usage have come to be used specifically for religious leaders within the Eastern Orthodox Church.
*Exarchon's original form is based on a recolored version of the 1981 ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy '''Dia-Attacker''' (ダイアアタッカー) (also released by Grandstand in the United Kingdom in the [https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/grandstandconvertors.html ''Convertors''] toyline as "Zetanoid"), albeit with some artistic license taken—most notably the breastplate, which is considerably simpler and less impressive on Exarchon than it is on Dia-Attacker. Meanwhile, Exarchon's controlled bodies [[:File:Transformers-2019-Exarchon bodies.jpg|as seen]] in [[The Change In Your Nature Part Three|''Transformers'' #15]] include designs based on ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Twin Twist (G1)#Titans Return|Twin Twist]] and [[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|''Prime'']] [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]].
*While the identities of Exarchon's benefactors went unrevealed before the end of the 2019 IDW continuity, they would have been revealed as the [[Quintesson]]s had the story continued.<ref>Brian Ruckley at TFNation 2022</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.collectiondx.com/toy_review/1981/dai_attacker Dia-Attacker photo review at CollectionDX]

[[Category:Comic-only Transformers]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]

Void Rivals issue 19

2025-12-21T09:21:29Z

SteelSkull: Added another reference.

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Void Rivals]]'' #19
|prev= Void Rivals Energon Universe 2025 Special story
|next=Void Rivals issue 20
|image=Void Rivals 19 Cover B.jpg
|caption=Looks like the Skuxxoid is getting a backdoor pilot, with special guests!
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[May 28]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=April 2025
|written by=[[Robert Kirkman]]
|art by=[[Conor Hughes]]
|colors by=[[Patricio Delpeche]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editor=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''The true origins of the Skuxxoid are finally revealed as he – or rather, they – find a new group to belong to.'''

==Synopsis==
A group of [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]]s led by [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] come across the [[Rockeroid]] and the carnage that was left within. As they examine the remains of the [[Skuxxoid]], they find that each half of his body has begun regenerating what they were missing. They decide to take the bodies with them as they return to [[Junkion (planet)|their home planet]].

Later, the regenerated Skuxxoid awakens in a shock, yelling with concern about his wife and kids... only to turn and see ''another'' Skuxxoid with a thankfully distinguishing face scar. The Scarred Skuxxoid explains to the New Skuxxoid that neither of them are the Original Skuxxoid, and that each time a Skuxxoid loses a big enough piece, it regenerates into a new individual. The wife and kids belonged to the Original, they just have his memories. As the Skuxxoids ponder what this means for their existence, they are attacked by [[Akronus]], who also hitched a ride with the Junkions.

The Junkions arrive and Akronus attacks them as well, but is unable to contend with their size alone and is quickly subdued until he yields. When the Skuxxoids question why they're letting him go, Wreck-Gar, in his own unique way, says that everyone on Junkion is equally lost and broken. The Skuxxoids have difficulty understanding the Junkion, but Akronus recognizes some of the words and speech patterns as that of human [[television]]. However, this moment of open communication is interrupted by an attack from a mysterious robot, which uses a device to stun and abduct the Skuxxoids. It transports them to an unknown world in deep space where it presents them to its master: [[Skuxxoid Alpha]], who wishes for them to join his Skuxxoid Army!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Junkion (species)|Junkion]]s|c1=
* [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (1)
* [[Rubbish]] (4)
* [[Re-Cycle]] (5)
* [[Junkyard (G1)|Junkyard]] (6)
* [[HAZMAT]] (8)

|h2=[[Cobra-La]]|c2=
* [[Akronus]] (7)

|h6=Others|c6=
* Scarred [[Skuxxoid]] (2)
* New Skuxxoid (3)
* Mysterious robot (9)
* [[Skuxxoid Alpha]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
"I don't... I don't feel like I'm ever going to be okay." 
"Welcome to life, pal!"
:—'''New Skuxxoid''' and '''Scarred Skuxxoid'''

"Could this be the end of our dynamic duo? Answers tomorrow! Same bat-time! Same bat-channel!" 
"What? There is zero indication that we’ll find out anything about what just happened tomorrow."
:—'''Wreck-Gar''' and '''Akronus'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This issue follows on from the events Skuxxoid's clash with Cobra-La, where Skuxxoid was cut in half by [[Grakula]], in [[Void Rivals issue 16|''Void Rivals'' #16]].
* This issue finally answers what Skuxxoid remembered about his wife and kids in [[Void Rivals issue 9|issue #9]].
* Akronus' living [[Royal Guard]] armor was killed during the fight with Skuxxoid in issue #16, leading it to be discolored and faded this issue.
* Akronus reiterates his people's technophobia, something that was present in the ''[[Cobra Commander (comic)|Cobra Commander]]'' series.
** On that topic, with how technophobic they are, how ''does'' Akronus recognize the TV talk?
* Akronus mentions training with "the Nemesis", referencing [[Nemesis Enforcer]], who we met in the pages of ''Cobra Commander''.
* The mysterious robot who takes the Skuxxoids to Skuxxoid Alpha was first seen watching our Skuxxoid in the [[Void Rivals Energon Universe 2024 Special story|''Void Rivals'' story]] of the ''[[Energon Universe 2024 Special]]'' and was still following him in [[Void Rivals issue 11|issue #11]].

===''Transformers'' references===
* The Junkions and their home planet first appeared in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Wreck-Gar even quotes his own "operators are standing by" line from the film.
**The ship that tows the Rockeroid to Junkion is the [[Minnow]], the ship of the Junkions also first introduced in the movie.

===Real life references===
* As would be expected, the Junkions' TV talk is littered with phrases and lines lifted directly and indirectly from television programs and human idioms, including:
** [[Disney]]'s ''{{w|Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 film)|Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs}}''
** [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]]'s {{w|First inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt|first inauguration speech}}
** The {{w|Bible|biblical}} passage John 8:7
** “{{w|De plane! De plane!|The plane! The plane!}}”, catchphrase of Tattoo from ''{{w|Fantasy Island}}''
** The cliffhanger announcement from {{w|Batman (TV series)|''Batman'' (1966)}}
* Akronus calls the Junkions "[["Weird Al" Yankovic|weird]]" multiple times.

===Covers (7)===

* '''Cover A:''' Skuxxoid, by [[Lorenzo De Felici]].
* '''Cover B:''' Wreck-Gar kneeling over Skuxxoid, by [[Conor Hughes]].
* '''Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive):''' Connecting cover, by [[Martín Morazzo]] and Patricio Delpeche..
* '''Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive):''' Wreck-Gar riding another Junkion, by [[Eric Canete]].
* '''Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive):''' Skuxxoid, by [[Patricia Martín Samaniego]].
* '''Cover F (1:100 Copy Incentive):''' Wreck-Gar design sheet, by [[E. J. Su]].
* '''Cover G:''' Blank sketch cover.

<gallery>
File:Void Rivals 19 Cover A.jpg|
File:Void Rivals 19 Cover B.jpg|
File:Void Rivals 19 Cover C.jpg|
File:Void Rivals 19 Cover D.jpg|
File:Void Rivals 19 Cover E.jpg|
File:Void Rivals 19 Cover F.jpg|
File:Void Rivals 19 Cover G.jpg|
File:Void Rivals 19 Skybound Shop Cover A.jpg|
File:Void Rivals 19 Skybound Shop Cover B.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 21|#21]], ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 8|#8]] and ''Void Rivals'' #20.
* Energon Universe hardcovers
* ''Invincible Universe: Battle Beast''
* ''Ghost Pepper''
* ''[[Transformers: Worst Bot Ever]]'' — ''[[Meet Ballpoint!]]''

===Reprints===
* '''''Void Rivals Volume 4: First Chosen''''' ([[December 10]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534329536 / ISBN 978-1534329539
** Collects ''Void Rivals'' issues #19–24.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:Void Rivals V4.jpg|'''''Volume 4: First Chosen''''' – cover art by Lorenzo De Felici
</gallery>

==External links==

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Void Rivals issues]]

Void Rivals issue 13

2025-12-21T08:15:54Z

SteelSkull: Added a new reference.

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Void Rivals]]'' #13
|prev=Void Rivals issue 12
|prev2=Cobra Commander issue 5
|next=Void Rivals issue 14
|image=Void Rivals 13 Cover A.jpg
|caption=Looks like the Void Rivals have a snake problem!
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[October 23]], [[2024]]
|coverdate=October 2024
|written by=[[Robert Kirkman]]
|art by=[[Lorenzo De Felici]]
|colors by=[[Patricio Delpeche]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editor=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}
'''As Darak and Solila go their separate ways, they learn that unity may not necessarily be a good thing.'''

==Synopsis==
''[[Golobulus]] angrily yells at [[Pythona]], admonishing her for her failure to locate the [[Cybertron (planet)|mechanical world]] that is the antithesis to [[Cobra-La]]...''
Aboard the Cobra-La organic probe, Pythona is awoken from her nightmare by [[Vipria]], who alerts her liege that the [[Energon]] signature they were ordered to track has led them to a small planetoid. On the surface, Cobra-La troops investigate the signature, and are led to the exact spot it originated. Nearby, they discover the tracks of two bipedal creatures, which leads them to the launch site of a small, non-energonic craft. [[Akronus]] reports that, though faint, they can track it.

In the wasteland of the [[Sacred Ring]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Darak]] make their way to [[Agorria]]. Meanwhile, [[Solila]] and the [[Handroid]] make their way through the cramped interior of the Sacred Ring. Handroid raises concerns about if [[Beta (G1)|Zerta Trion]] (or Zerta, Solila corrects) would have even fit through the path, but Solila tells it to just have faith. Out in space, the [[Skuxxoid]] concludes his business with [[Bosch]], surprising him with his apathy towards being paid.

Springer and Darak continue to make their way to Agorria, but the terrain forces Springer to convert to his helicopter mode . Springer continues to probe Darak for details on his encounter with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], but Darak informs him that while he could direct Springer to the planetoid, he unfortunately didn't catch Jetfire's trajectory. As their conversation finishes, they reach the outskirts of Agorria, and Darak disembarks into the city.

On the other side of the Sacred Ring, [[Zalilak]] pays a visit to the [[Temple of Zerta's Light]], for a meeting with [[Vill]]. Meanwhile, Solila continues her descent into the center of the planet, musing to Handroid that she hasn't felt hungry since Springer gave her Energon. As they reach what appears to be the end of the path, Solila simply grabs a pole and jumps into the depths of the planet. She uses the pole to slow her descent against the walls as she nears the bottom, and makes her landing...

In Agorria, Darak is approached by Director [[Elander]], who informs him that his father, Minister [[Dulin]], wants to see him. At the capital, Dulin demands Darak turn in Solila, and voices his disappointment in his son's chosen path in life. Dulin wanted a successor, not another pilot. When Darak passionately tells his father that they need to stop the stupid war with the Zertonians and unify as one race, Dulin warns him that the current status quo is actually to the benefit of their planet - and that Unity would lead to their end.

Mistress Vill converses with Zalilak, informing him that their sacred texts were flawed. Zalilak is furious at the blasphemy, but Vill knocks him to his knees and explains that Zalilak will be taught their ways; while the texts do state that unity will bring an end, unity will also be followed by a new beginning.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in dreams. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (6)

|h4=[[Agorrian]]s|c4=
* [[Darak]] (11)
* [[Elander]] (14)
* [[Dulin]] (15)

|h5=[[Zertonian]]s|c5=
* [[Solila]] (8)
* [[Zalilak]] (12)
* [[Vill]] (13)

|h2=[[Cobra-La]]|c2=
* ''[[Golobulus]]'' (1)
* [[Pythona]] (2)
* [[Vipria]] (3)
* [[Akronus]] (4)
* [[Royal Guard]]s (5)

|h6=Others|c6=
* [[Handroid]] (7)
* [[Bosch]] (9)
* [[Skuxxoid]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
"No, son. You have been ''misled''. Unity is the path to ''destruction''. It will tear our civilization asunder and shatter the Sacred Ring until...nothing remains. ''Unity is our very end.''"
:—'''Dulin''' reminds us that there’s something more at play here...

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* '''''COBRA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA!!!''''' For those not keeping up with the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' side of the Energon Universe, Cobra-La is a secret society of snake people introduced in the pages of ''[[Cobra Commander (comic)|Cobra Commander]]''. They hate technology, and their recent encounter with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] has led them to discovering the [[Transformer]]s, whose mechanical nature they view as a threat to their own organic society. As such, their leader, Golobulus, sent Pythona and the small group we see here to find their [[Cybertron (planet)|home planet]] at the end of [[Cobra Commander issue 5|''Cobra Commander'' #5]]. Their journey has brought them to the same planetoid where Darak and Solila first found [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] all the way back at [[Void Rivals issue 1|the start of the series]].
** It’s noted that they traced an Energon signature from Earth to the planetoid, meaning they tracked Jetfire’s journey from when he arrived on Earth in ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 1|#1]]. Furthermore, they locate and track the signature from Darak and Solila's makeshift spaceship. This probably doesn't bode well…
* Pythona’s nightmare about failing Golobulus is well-warranted. We saw how he punished [[Cobra Commander]] for his treachery in [[Cobra Commander issue 1|''Cobra Commander'' #1]].
* Solila and Handroid note that Energon she received from Springer in [[Void Rivals issue 10|issue #10]] is sustaining her to the point where she doesn't need to eat.
* Bosch hired Skuxxoid back in [[Void Rivals issue 11|issue #11]].
* The [[Skuxxoid]] has been pretty down ever since remembering his family isn't around anymore back in [[Void Rivals issue 9|issue #9]].

===''Transformers'' references===
*Bosch's shuttle is based on the shuttle he and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] used in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode "[[The Gambler]]", though it's colored like the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_ship mothership] from the same episode.

===''G.I. Joe'' references===
* The organic Cobra-La ship Pythona and the Royal Guards use is based on a Cobra-La creature-slash-vessel that first appeared, along with the rest of Cobra-La, in ''G.I. Joe: The Movie''.
* ''Void Rivals'' marks the first time we have gotten individual names for any of the Cobra-La Royal Guards.

===Covers (7)===
*'''Cover A''': [[Pythona]] and her [[Cobra-La]] soldiers, by [[Lorenzo De Felici]].
*'''Cover B''': [[Solila]], [[Darak]] and [[Vill]], by [[Mattia De Iulis]].
*'''Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive)''': [[Pythona]] with her Cobra-La soldiers again, by [[Leonardo Romero]].
*'''Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive)''': Darak and Solila, by [[Gerardo Zaffino]] and [[Rex Lokus]].
*'''Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive)''': Pythona, by [[Kendrick Lim]].
*'''Cover F (1:100 Copy Incentive)''': [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and Darak, by [[Ludo Lullabi]].
*'''Cover G''': Blank sketch cover.

<gallery>
File:Void Rivals 13 Cover A.jpg
File:Void Rivals 13 Cover B.jpg
File:Void Rivals 13 Cover C.jpg
File:Void Rivals 13 Cover D.jpg
File:Void Rivals 13 Cover E.jpg
File:Void Rivals 13 Cover F.jpg
File:Void Rivals 13 Cover G.jpg
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Five-page preview of the upcoming [[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe series]].

===Reprints===
* '''''Void Rivals Volume 3: The Key to Vector Theta''''' ([[June 11]], [[2025]]) ISBN 153432691X / ISBN 978-1534328242 
** Collects issues #13–18.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:Void Rivals V3.jpg|'''''Volume 3: The Key to Vector Theta''''' – cover art by Lorenzo De Felici
</gallery>

==External links==

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Void Rivals issues]]

Mysterians

2025-12-16T04:28:34Z

SteelSkull:

[[File:Mysterians logo.jpg|right|350px]]
'''''Mysterians''''' was a cancelled toyline developed by Knickerbocker Toys in late [[1982]] for a planned release in [[1983]]. Inspired by a small keychain that transformed from train to robot discovered by some of the company's executives on a trip to Japan, the line would have been one of the earliest attempts to bring the transforming robot toy craze already gripping that country to America.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 29</ref>

They might or might not also be the original [[pre-Transformers]] toyline for four out of the seven original [[Mini-Vehicle]] molds.

It's a long story, so buckle up.

==Development==
[[File:Mysterians guardians and warbots.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.25|The Hidden Force line-up.]]
Seeking to produce a monthly ''Mysterians'' comic book, pack-in comics for the toys, and an animated TV special, Knickerbocker approached [[DC Comics]] to help develop the property and produce the comic.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 30-31</ref> Unhappy with what DC produced, the company turned to [[Marvel Comics]] editor-in-chief [[Jim Shooter]] to ask if they could do better. Shooter put together a premise for the series, totally new and unrelated to what DC had done, but troubled relations with Marvel's media arm, [[Marvel Productions]], led to its head of development [[Dennis Marks]] ignoring Shooter's work and creating his own, distinct proposal for the series, involving heavy focus on kid supporting characters and a goofy dog.

Knickerbocker insisted on going with Shooter's premise,<ref>[http://jimshooter.com/2011/06/secret-origin-of-transformers-part-1.html/ "The Secret Origin of the Transformers - Part 1"] - Jim Shooter recounts Marvel's role in the development of ''Mysterians'' which he mistakenly calls "Mysterions"</ref> and the ''Mysterians'' comic book was solicited in issue #1 of ''Marvel Age'' in December 1982, which stated that the book was about "a trio of otherwordly robots stranded on Earth." Notably, it's not clear if this "alien" origin was Shooter's creation, or had been previously decided upon by Knickerbocker before approaching either Marvel or DC.

But, the ''very day'' the comic solicitation came out, the news broke that Knickerbocker had been acquired by [[Hasbro]].<ref>[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/12/22/Raggedy-Ann-and-Andy-will-still-be-around/5198409381200/ "Raggedy Ann and Andy will still be around"], UPI article from December 1982</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/27/business/the-risky-business-of-toys.html "The Risky Business of Toys"], ''New York Times'' article from June 1984</ref> ''Mysterians'' promptly ceased to be, with a note in the following month's ''Marvel Age'' #2 mentioning the cancellation of the comic, and the next year, Hasbro approached Marvel to help develop ''their'' new transforming robot franchise, ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]''. Jim Shooter developed another brand-new premise, while Marvel Productions recycled the "kids and dog" concept to pitch Hasbro [[The Transformers (CBS pitch)|their own vision for the ''Transformers'' cartoon]], but once again, Hasbro went with Shooter's—and the rest is history!

==Connection to Transformers==
[[File:Mysterians mobile force.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Card art for Truckar, Jeepar, and Blazar.]]
The ''Mysterians'' toyline would have reportedly consisted of two sub-lines.

First, there was "The Hidden Force," which would have featured the heroic "Golden Guardians"—Goldar, Seekar, and Tinkar—battling the "Evil Warbots"—Vengor, Blastor, and Destructor (above right). Drawing inspiration from the Japanese robot toy {{w|Golden Warrior Gold Lightan|Gold Lightan}}, who transformed into a rectangular, golden-chromed cigarette lighter, each of the Hidden Force transformed from a simple geometric shape like a cube or a sphere into a retro sci-fi robot, each featuring a hidden compartment containing removable weapons and accessories.

Secondly, there was "The Mobile Force," who transformed into cars and trucks. These four "Mobile Force" figures—Jeepar, Blazar, Truckar, and Speedar—were the figures that would later become the ''Transformers'' toys, [[Brawn (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Brawn]], [[Gears (G1)#The Transformers|Gears]], [[Huffer (G1)#The Transformers|Huffer]], and [[Windcharger (G1)#The Transformers|Windcharger]], respectively. (While no good/evil affiliation is explicitly stated in any of the existing material, that their names end in "-ar" rather than "-or" would indicate they were going to be good guys.) Packaging mock-ups for the first three have been found (left), while concept art for "Speedar" by Knickerbocker artist Steven Hodges exists (right).<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 32-35</ref> All indications are that these four figures were designed by Knickerbocker, but with the cancellation of ''Mysterians'', the figures' first actual release would be in the Japanese ''[[Micro Change]]'' line, created by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], in 1983, which fans assumed for decades to be the toys' point of origin. It remains unclear precisely how Takara acquired the designs to include them in ''Micro Change''; the possibility exists that they may have been working on ''Mysterians'' with Knickerbocker.

[[File:Mysterians speedar.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Concept art for Speedar.]]
The figures do have some notable differences from the other three molds that they were released alongside during ''Micro Change'' ([[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]) which suggest different origins: they all have unique transformation schemes (while the other three share identical engineering); their vehicle modes lack the extreme super-deformed proportions of the other three (not having been designed to represent ''[[Choro-Q]]'' toys, hence they also lack the fake "penny slot" on the backs of the other toys); they have hard plastic wheels (the other three have rubber tires); three out of four of these molds feature the non-typically Takara design trait where the head and chest of the robots is one large bulk portion stored under the vehicles and the rest of the transformation involves folding out the limbs around them (you might be surprised to learn that no other figure in the ''Diaclone'' / ''Micro Change'' line-up is actually designed this way — in fact, this is an almost [[GoBots|''GoBots'' / ''Machine Robo'']]-esque engineering choice instead!); and perhaps most notably, Gears, Brawn, and Huffer all have an "M" logo sculpted into their bodies, which fans had always assumed stood for ''Micro Change''... but the "M" is stylized in a way ''completely different'' from the way it is in the ''Micro Change'' brandings, so... could it be that "M" actually stood for ''Mysterians''?

Considering all of the aforementioned evidence, you'd think that we should be able to confidently say that these are, in fact, Knickerbocker-designed toys — except, Takara's [[Masaki Maruyama]] is typically credited with being the designer of ''all'' molds in the original Mini-Vehicle batch! So, could there be a mistake in the attribution of credits? Or, again, could there have been some collaboration between Takara and Knickerbocker that led to the creation of these designs? Unfortunately, given the absence of any official answers, the exact origin of these four molds remains ambiguous.

==Marchon's ''Mysterians''==
[[File:Mysterians marchon major repair.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Marchon's "Major Repair," based on Knickerbocker's "Tinkar."]]
The story of ''Mysterians'' did not end with Hasbro's acquisition of Knickerbocker. In 1984, a toy company named Marchon released a toyline named ''Mysterians: The Secret Force''... which consisted of geometric shapes that transformed into simple robots, all very clearly based on Knickerbocker's "Hidden Force" designs, and sporting an "M" logo very similar to the one sculpted into the three "Mobile Force" figures that became Transformers. It's possible Marchon may have cut a deal with Hasbro for the unused Knickerbocker designs, but there's no documented proof of it, and the full story of how this came to be remains unknown.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 35</ref>

==Notes==
*As Knickerbocker was going out of business, [[Tonka]] executive Pat Feely would discover a knockoff transforming toy robot among Knickerbocker's liquidated assets while searching for a toy to license. As luck would have it, Tonka's Vice President of Sales at the time, Jerry Cleary, had previously worked for [[Bandai|Bandai America]] and introduced Tonka to [https://gbwiki.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Machine_Robo_(toyline) Machine Robo], which Tonka would eventually license to create the [[GoBots]] toyline. Much like how Mysterians and Knickerbocker have a mysterious link to the creation of Transformers, they also seem to have ties to its former rival as well.<ref>''[https://play.history.com/shows/the-toys-that-built-america/season-3/episode-1| The Toys That Built America Season 3, Episode 1]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Mysterians]]
[[Category: Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category: Things that don't exist]]

==External Links==
*[https://www.the-liberator.net/site-files/robot-toys/mysterians-index.htm "Mysterians Index on the Hidden Force"]

Mysterians

2025-12-15T08:17:52Z

SteelSkull: Added a new bit of history as a note to the article.

[[File:Mysterians logo.jpg|right|350px]]
'''''Mysterians''''' was a cancelled toyline developed by Knickerbocker Toys in late [[1982]] for a planned release in [[1983]]. Inspired by a small keychain that transformed from train to robot discovered by some of the company's executives on a trip to Japan, the line would have been one of the earliest attempts to bring the transforming robot toy craze already gripping that country to America.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 29</ref>

They might or might not also be the original [[pre-Transformers]] toyline for four out of the seven original [[Mini-Vehicle]] molds.

It's a long story, so buckle up.

==Development==
[[File:Mysterians guardians and warbots.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.25|The Hidden Force line-up.]]
Seeking to produce a monthly ''Mysterians'' comic book, pack-in comics for the toys, and an animated TV special, Knickerbocker approached [[DC Comics]] to help develop the property and produce the comic.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 30-31</ref> Unhappy with what DC produced, the company turned to [[Marvel Comics]] editor-in-chief [[Jim Shooter]] to ask if they could do better. Shooter put together a premise for the series, totally new and unrelated to what DC had done, but troubled relations with Marvel's media arm, [[Marvel Productions]], led to its head of development [[Dennis Marks]] ignoring Shooter's work and creating his own, distinct proposal for the series, involving heavy focus on kid supporting characters and a goofy dog.

Knickerbocker insisted on going with Shooter's premise,<ref>[http://jimshooter.com/2011/06/secret-origin-of-transformers-part-1.html/ "The Secret Origin of the Transformers - Part 1"] - Jim Shooter recounts Marvel's role in the development of ''Mysterians'' which he mistakenly calls "Mysterions"</ref> and the ''Mysterians'' comic book was solicited in issue #1 of ''Marvel Age'' in December 1982, which stated that the book was about "a trio of otherwordly robots stranded on Earth." Notably, it's not clear if this "alien" origin was Shooter's creation, or had been previously decided upon by Knickerbocker before approaching either Marvel or DC.

But, the ''very day'' the comic solicitation came out, the news broke that Knickerbocker had been acquired by [[Hasbro]].<ref>[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/12/22/Raggedy-Ann-and-Andy-will-still-be-around/5198409381200/ "Raggedy Ann and Andy will still be around"], UPI article from December 1982</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/27/business/the-risky-business-of-toys.html "The Risky Business of Toys"], ''New York Times'' article from June 1984</ref> ''Mysterians'' promptly ceased to be, with a note in the following month's ''Marvel Age'' #2 mentioning the cancellation of the comic, and the next year, Hasbro approached Marvel to help develop ''their'' new transforming robot franchise, ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]''. Jim Shooter developed another brand-new premise, while Marvel Productions recycled the "kids and dog" concept to pitch Hasbro [[The Transformers (CBS pitch)|their own vision for the ''Transformers'' cartoon]], but once again, Hasbro went with Shooter's—and the rest is history!

==Connection to Transformers==
[[File:Mysterians mobile force.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Card art for Truckar, Jeepar, and Blazar.]]
The ''Mysterians'' toyline would have reportedly consisted of two sub-lines.

First, there was "The Hidden Force," which would have featured the heroic "Golden Guardians"—Goldar, Seekar, and Tinkar—battling the "Evil Warbots"—Vengor, Blastor, and Destructor (above right). Drawing inspiration from the Japanese robot toy {{w|Golden Warrior Gold Lightan|Gold Lightan}}, who transformed into a rectangular, golden-chromed cigarette lighter, each of the Hidden Force transformed from a simple geometric shape like a cube or a sphere into a retro sci-fi robot, each featuring a hidden compartment containing removable weapons and accessories.

Secondly, there was "The Mobile Force," who transformed into cars and trucks. These four "Mobile Force" figures—Jeepar, Blazar, Truckar, and Speedar—were the figures that would later become the ''Transformers'' toys, [[Brawn (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Brawn]], [[Gears (G1)#The Transformers|Gears]], [[Huffer (G1)#The Transformers|Huffer]], and [[Windcharger (G1)#The Transformers|Windcharger]], respectively. (While no good/evil affiliation is explicitly stated in any of the existing material, that their names end in "-ar" rather than "-or" would indicate they were going to be good guys.) Packaging mock-ups for the first three have been found (left), while concept art for "Speedar" by Knickerbocker artist Steven Hodges exists (right).<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 32-35</ref> All indications are that these four figures were designed by Knickerbocker, but with the cancellation of ''Mysterians'', the figures' first actual release would be in the Japanese ''[[Micro Change]]'' line, created by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], in 1983, which fans assumed for decades to be the toys' point of origin. It remains unclear precisely how Takara acquired the designs to include them in ''Micro Change''; the possibility exists that they may have been working on ''Mysterians'' with Knickerbocker.

[[File:Mysterians speedar.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Concept art for Speedar.]]
The figures do have some notable differences from the other three molds that they were released alongside during ''Micro Change'' ([[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]) which suggest different origins: they all have unique transformation schemes (while the other three share identical engineering); their vehicle modes lack the extreme super-deformed proportions of the other three (not having been designed to represent ''[[Choro-Q]]'' toys, hence they also lack the fake "penny slot" on the backs of the other toys); they have hard plastic wheels (the other three have rubber tires); three out of four of these molds feature the non-typically Takara design trait where the head and chest of the robots is one large bulk portion stored under the vehicles and the rest of the transformation involves folding out the limbs around them (you might be surprised to learn that no other figure in the ''Diaclone'' / ''Micro Change'' line-up is actually designed this way — in fact, this is an almost [[GoBots|''GoBots'' / ''Machine Robo'']]-esque engineering choice instead!); and perhaps most notably, Gears, Brawn, and Huffer all have an "M" logo sculpted into their bodies, which fans had always assumed stood for ''Micro Change''... but the "M" is stylized in a way ''completely different'' from the way it is in the ''Micro Change'' brandings, so... could it be that "M" actually stood for ''Mysterians''?

Considering all of the aforementioned evidence, you'd think that we should be able to confidently say that these are, in fact, Knickerbocker-designed toys — except, Takara's [[Masaki Maruyama]] is typically credited with being the designer of ''all'' molds in the original Mini-Vehicle batch! So, could there be a mistake in the attribution of credits? Or, again, could there have been some collaboration between Takara and Knickerbocker that led to the creation of these designs? Unfortunately, given the absence of any official answers, the exact origin of these four molds remains ambiguous.

==Marchon's ''Mysterians''==
[[File:Mysterians marchon major repair.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Marchon's "Major Repair," based on Knickerbocker's "Tinkar."]]
The story of ''Mysterians'' did not end with Hasbro's acquisition of Knickerbocker. In 1984, a toy company named Marchon released a toyline named ''Mysterians: The Secret Force''... which consisted of geometric shapes that transformed into simple robots, all very clearly based on Knickerbocker's "Hidden Force" designs, and sporting an "M" logo very similar to the one sculpted into the three "Mobile Force" figures that became Transformers. It's possible Marchon may have cut a deal with Hasbro for the unused Knickerbocker designs, but there's no documented proof of it, and the full story of how this came to be remains unknown.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 35</ref>

==Notes==
*As Knickerbocker was going out of business, [[Tonka]] executive Pat Feely would discover a knockoff transforming toy robot among Knickerbocker's liquidated assets while searching for a toy to license. As luck would have it, Tonka's Vice President of Sales at the time, Jerry Cleary, had previously worked for [[Bandai|Bandai America]] and introduced Tonka to [https://gbwiki.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Machine_Robo_(toyline)| Machine Robo], which Tonka would eventually license to create the [[GoBots]] toyline. Much like how Mysterians and Knickerbocker have a mysterious link to the creation of Transformers, they also seem to have ties to its former rival as well.<ref>''[https://play.history.com/shows/the-toys-that-built-america/season-3/episode-1| The Toys That Built America Season 3, Episode 1]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Mysterians]]
[[Category: Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category: Things that don't exist]]

==External Links==
*[https://www.the-liberator.net/site-files/robot-toys/mysterians-index.htm "Mysterians Index on the Hidden Force"]

G.I. Joe (2024) issue 8

2025-06-20T13:06:50Z

SteelSkull:

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' #8
|prev=G.I. Joe (2024) issue 7
|next=G.I. Joe (2024) issue 9
|image=G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[June 18]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=June 2025
|written by=[[Joshua Williamson]]
|art by=[[Andrea Milana]]
|colors by=[[Lee Loughridge]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editors=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|production design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Baroness and Cover Girl find themselves as prey while on what was supposed to be a relaxing Parisian getaway.'''

==Synopsis==
Alarms blare in [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|the Pit]], secret headquarters of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. [[Cover Girl]] and [[Risk (G.I. Joe)|Risk]] sneak down a hallway, knowing they are getting closer to finding the [[Baroness]]. Unbeknownst to them, the Baroness is hiding in the rafters above and easily sneaks up on Cover Girl, knocking her down and shooting her in the chest with her paintball gun. As she stands above the “dead” Cover Girl, to pose and gloat, Risk tags her himself. With their training exercise complete, [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] tells Baroness that her head wasn't in the game, and that could cost them in a real fight.

At [[Cobra]] headquarters, [[Destro]] and [[Cobra Commander]] discuss recent events with the [[Transformer|alien robot]]s in [[Seattle]], with the Commander even revealing some vague details about his own history with the machines. The Commander and Destro agree that they aren't ready to get involved in the robots' conflict. Destro suggests sending [[Mercer]] to Seattle to recover any pieces of technology they can use, but the Commander is far more interested in acquiring an intact specimen.

Meanwhile, [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] returns to the Pit with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. Though the [[Autobot]] would like to explore more of [[Earth]], Clutch insists that they have to keep him hidden, fearing what will happen if the rest of the Joes discover him. However, he is startled by the sudden appearance of Duke, who questions Clutch about the “new car”; nervously, Clutch claims it's his new pet project. Duke can tell something is off with Clutch, but assumes he's just rattled after his experience in Cobra, offering to let him take some time off to recover. This annoys the Baroness, as she isn't allowed to leave the Pit. She begs Duke for 48 hours of leave, which Duke reluctantly agrees to. When the Baroness arrives at her private plane later, however, she learns that her leave will not be unsupervised: Cover Girl is tagging along. Though the Baroness insists she doesn't need a babysitter, Cover Girl reveals that she agrees with her, the Joes do need some R&R.

Arriving in [[Paris]], Courtney is excited, asking the Baroness what she wants to do first, but she's already given her chaperone the slip, zooming down the Parisian streets on a motorcycle until she arrives at a café with a waiter already expecting her. Cover Girl arrives minutes later, having put a tracker in the Baroness' boot on the plane. The Baroness reveals the real reason she asked for time away was to see her parents, who are dining at another restaurant across the street to celebrate their anniversary. However, when Courtney suggests going over to see them, Anastasia refuses, not wanting to spoil her parents' time.

Suddenly, a cast of falcons descends on the cafe, pecking and scratching at the customers before turning their attention to the pair of heroines. Anastasia asks Courtney to help her parents, but not let them see her. However, they are stopped by the arrival of the man controlling the birds: [[Raptor (G.I. Joe)|Raptor]]! The avian adversary delivers a message to the Baroness - [[Major Bludd]] demands her audience.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|h1=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c1=
* [[Cover Girl]] (1)
* [[Risk (G.I. Joe)|Risk]] (2)
* [[Baroness]] (3)
* [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] (4)
* [[Stalker (G.I. Joe)|Stalker]] (5)
* [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] (12)

|h2=[[Cobra]]|c2=
* [[Destro]] (6)
* [[Cobra Commander]] (7)

|h3=Others|c3=
* ''[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]'' (8, on screen)
* ''[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'' (9, on screen)
* ''[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'' (10, on screen)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (11)
* Baroness' pilot (13)
* Baroness' flight attendant (14)
* Café host (15)
* Café waiter (16)
* [[Major Bludd]] (17)
* Mr. Cisarovna (18)
* Mrs. Cisarovna (19)
* [[Raptor (G.I. Joe)|Raptor]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"You stopped to ''pose'', Baroness. Always a mistake."
:—'''Risk'''

"What a treat for you. Riding on a private jet for the first time." 
"First time? Baroness, please. I was a model before I enlisted, remember? Had shoots all over. I've been flown around the world on quite a few private jets. My favorite being the Gulfstream G650ER. Hell, I’ve even flown in [[Air Force One]] a few times. Let me tell you, ''that'' is luxury. Yours is cute, tho."
:—'''Baroness''' and '''Cover Girl'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Cobra Commander and Destro watch footage of the brawl between Bruticus and Devastator from ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 18|#18]].
* Cobra Commander reveals to Destro that he once had possession of a "[[Megatron (G1)|damaged robot]]" but that he no longer has access to [[Cobra-La|its location]]. However, the Commander is unaware that Megatron freed himself from Cobra-La during the [[Transformers Energon Universe 2024 Special story|''Transformers'' portion]] of the ''[[Energon Universe 2024 Special]]'' and has since taken back control of the [[Decepticon]]s in [[Transformers (2023) issue 20|''Transformers'' #20]].
* We saw our first glimpse at the Baroness's parents in ''[[Duke (comic)|Duke]]'' [[Duke issue 3|#3]], when Duke filled Clutch in on the Baroness’s history.
** Speaking of, how exactly does an internationally wanted war criminal in the custody of the United States government still have access to private planes with their own staff, especially if she isn’t in contact with her parents?
* Cover Girl's history as a model was first alluded to in [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 1|the first issue]].

===''G.I. Joe'' references===
* Major Bludd is shown writing a poem, referencing his usual love of poetry from the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] ''[[G.I. Joe (comic)|A Real American Hero]]'' series.
* Raptor is a character that originated in the 1987 line of ''A Real American Hero'' toys. His appearance here is based on his ''G.I. Joe: Classified Series'' figure.

===Real-life references===
* Cover Girl mentions the {{w|Gulfstream G650/G700/G800|Gulfstream G650ER}}, a class of large business jet favored by tech billionaires such as {{w|Bill Gates}}, {{w|Mark Zuckerberg}}, and {{w|Jeff Bezos}}.
* The falcons attacking multiple civilians in the streets has a similar vibe to Alfred Hitchcock's ''{{w|The Birds (film)|The Birds}}.

===Errors===
* The host at the café's dialogue misspells Anastasia's last name as "Cisaronva."

===Other notes===
* Energon Experience:
** '''Character Spotlight:''' A brief overview of the Baroness and what happened to her in the issue you just read.
** '''Transformation:''' Confirmation that the object Cobra Commander unlocked from the [[Brainwave Scanner]] in [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 6|issue #6]] was a [[transformation cog]].
** '''Creator Q&A:''' Ben asks Joshua Williamson what his G.I. Joe codename would be. Williamson answers “BURNOUT”.

===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Baroness leaves G.I. Joe, by Tom Reilly.
* '''Cover B:''' A target is locked on Baroness, by Andrea Milana.
* '''Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive):''' Connecting cover, by [[Alan Quah]].
* '''Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive):''' Major Bludd on an explosion background, by [[Marco Farrari]].
* '''Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive):''' Baroness at a café, by [[Rossi Gifford]].
* '''Cover F (1:100 Copy Incentive):''' Baroness and Major Bludd, by [[Howard Porter]] & [[Romulo Fajardo Jr]].
* '''Cover G:''' Energon Universe Anniversary connecting cover, by [[Jason Howard]] and [[Annalisa Leoni]].
* '''Cover H:''' Energon Universe Anniversary connecting cover (black and white), by Jason Howard.

<gallery>
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover A.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover B.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover C.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover D.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover E.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover F.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover G.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover H.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 20|#20]], ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 22|#22]], and ''G.I. Joe'' #9.
* 4-page preview of ''Ghost Pepper''

===Reprints===
* '''''G.I. Joe Volume 2: Bludd's Revenge''''' ([[November 19]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534329900 / ISBN 978-1534329904 
** Collects issues #7–12.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:G.I. Joe 2024 V2.jpg|'''''Volume 2: Bludd's Revenge''''' – cover art by [[Homare]]
</gallery>

[[Category:G.I. Joe (2024) issues]]

G.I. Joe (2024) issue 8

2025-06-20T13:00:45Z

SteelSkull:

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' #8
|prev=G.I. Joe (2024) issue 7
|next=G.I. Joe (2024) issue 9
|image=G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[June 18]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=June 2025
|written by=[[Joshua Williamson]]
|art by=[[Andrea Milana]]
|colors by=[[Lee Loughridge]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editors=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|production design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Baroness and Cover Girl find themselves as prey while on what was supposed to be a relaxing Parisian getaway.'''

==Synopsis==
Alarms blare in [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|the Pit]], secret headquarters of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. [[Cover Girl]] and [[Risk (G.I. Joe)|Risk]] sneak down a hallway, knowing they are getting closer to finding the [[Baroness]]. Unbeknownst to them, the Baroness is hiding in the rafters above and easily sneaks up on Cover Girl, knocking her down and shooting her in the chest with her paintball gun. As she stands above the “dead” Cover Girl, to pose and gloat, Risk tags her himself. With their training exercise complete, [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] tells Baroness that her head wasn't in the game, and that could cost them in a real fight.

At [[Cobra]] headquarters, [[Destro]] and [[Cobra Commander]] discuss recent events with the [[Transformer|alien robot]]s in [[Seattle]], with the Commander even revealing some vague details about his own history with the machines. The Commander and Destro agree that they aren't ready to get involved in the robots' conflict. Destro suggests sending [[Mercer]] to Seattle to recover any pieces of technology they can use, but the Commander is far more interested in acquiring an intact specimen.

Meanwhile, [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] returns to the Pit with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. Though the [[Autobot]] would like to explore more of [[Earth]], Clutch insists that they have to keep him hidden, fearing what will happen if the rest of the Joes discover him. However, he is startled by the sudden appearance of Duke, who questions Clutch about the “new car”; nervously, Clutch claims it's his new pet project. Duke can tell something is off with Clutch, but assumes he's just rattled after his experience in Cobra, offering to let him take some time off to recover. This annoys the Baroness, as she isn't allowed to leave the Pit. She begs Duke for 48 hours of leave, which Duke reluctantly agrees to. When the Baroness arrives at her private plane later, however, she learns that her leave will not be unsupervised: Cover Girl is tagging along. Though the Baroness insists she doesn't need a babysitter, Cover Girl reveals that she agrees with her, the Joes do need some R&R.

Arriving in [[Paris]], Courtney is excited, asking the Baroness what she wants to do first, but she's already given her chaperone the slip, zooming down the Parisian streets on a motorcycle until she arrives at a café with a waiter already expecting her. Cover Girl arrives minutes later, having put a tracker in the Baroness' boot on the plane. The Baroness reveals the real reason she asked for time away was to see her parents, who are dining at another restaurant across the street to celebrate their anniversary. However, when Courtney suggests going over to see them, Anastasia refuses, not wanting to spoil her parents' time.

Suddenly, a cast of falcons descends on the cafe, pecking and scratching at the customers before turning their attention to the pair of heroines. Anastasia asks Courtney to help her parents, but not let them see her. However, they are stopped by the arrival of the man controlling the birds: [[Raptor (G.I. Joe)|Raptor]]! The avian adversary delivers a message to the Baroness - [[Major Bludd]] demands her audience.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|h1=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c1=
* [[Cover Girl]] (1)
* [[Risk (G.I. Joe)|Risk]] (2)
* [[Baroness]] (3)
* [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] (4)
* [[Stalker (G.I. Joe)|Stalker]] (5)
* [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] (12)

|h2=[[Cobra]]|c2=
* [[Destro]] (6)
* [[Cobra Commander]] (7)

|h3=Others|c3=
* ''[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]'' (8, on screen)
* ''[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'' (9, on screen)
* ''[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'' (10, on screen)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (11)
* Baroness' pilot (13)
* Baroness' flight attendant (14)
* Café host (15)
* Café waiter (16)
* [[Major Bludd]] (17)
* Mr. Cisarovna (18)
* Mrs. Cisarovna (19)
* [[Raptor (G.I. Joe)|Raptor]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"You stopped to ''pose'', Baroness. Always a mistake."
:—'''Risk'''

"What a treat for you. Riding on a private jet for the first time." 
"First time? Baroness, please. I was a model before I enlisted, remember? Had shoots all over. I've been flown around the world on quite a few private jets. My favorite being the Gulfstream G650ER. Hell, I’ve even flown in [[Air Force One]] a few times. Let me tell you, ''that'' is luxury. Yours is cute, tho."
:—'''Baroness''' and '''Cover Girl'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Cobra Commander and Destro watch footage of the brawl between Bruticus and Devastator from ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 18|#18]].
* Cobra Commander reveals to Destro that he once had possession of a "[[Megatron (G1)|damaged robot]]" but that he no longer has access to [[Cobra-La|its location]]. However, the Commander is unaware that Megatron freed himself from Cobra-La during the [[Transformers Energon Universe 2024 Special story|''Transformers'' portion]] of the ''[[Energon Universe 2024 Special]]'' and has since taken back control of the [[Decepticon]]s in [[Transformers (2023) issue 20|''Transformers'' #20]].
* We saw our first glimpse at the Baroness's parents in ''[[Duke (comic)|Duke]]'' [[Duke issue 3|#3]], when Duke filled Clutch in on the Baroness’s history.
** Speaking of, how exactly does an internationally wanted war criminal in the custody of the United States government still have access to private planes with their own staff, especially if she isn’t in contact with her parents?
* Cover Girl's history as a model was first alluded to in [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 1|the first issue]].

===''Transformers'' references===
*As confirmed in the letter pages of this issue, the Shard, what Cobra Commander calls the piece of technology he powered up with the Brainwave Scanner in [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 6|issue 6]], is in fact a [[Transformation cog|transformation cog]]. What the Commander plans to do with it remains to be seen.

===''G.I. Joe'' references===
* Major Bludd is shown writing a poem, referencing his usual love of poetry from the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] ''[[G.I. Joe (comic)|A Real American Hero]]'' series.
* Raptor is a character that originated in the 1987 line of ''A Real American Hero'' toys. His appearance here is based on his ''G.I. Joe: Classified Series'' figure.

===Real-life references===
* Cover Girl mentions the {{w|Gulfstream G650/G700/G800|Gulfstream G650ER}}, a class of large business jet favored by tech billionaires such as {{w|Bill Gates}}, {{w|Mark Zuckerberg}}, and {{w|Jeff Bezos}}.
* The falcons attacking multiple civilians in the streets has a similar vibe to Alfred Hitchcock's ''{{w|The Birds (film)|The Birds}}.

===Errors===
* The host at the café's dialogue misspells Anastasia's last name as "Cisaronva."

===Other notes===
* Energon Experience:
** '''Character Spotlight:''' A brief overview of the Baroness and what happened to her in the issue you just read.
** '''Transformation:''' Confirmation that the object Cobra Commander unlocked from the [[Brainwave Scanner]] in [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 6|issue #6]] was a [[transformation cog]].
** '''Creator Q&A:''' Ben asks Joshua Williamson what his G.I. Joe codename would be. Williamson answers “BURNOUT”.

===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Baroness leaves G.I. Joe, by Tom Reilly.
* '''Cover B:''' A target is locked on Baroness, by Andrea Milana.
* '''Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive):''' Connecting cover, by [[Alan Quah]].
* '''Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive):''' Major Bludd on an explosion background, by [[Marco Farrari]].
* '''Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive):''' Baroness at a café, by [[Rossi Gifford]].
* '''Cover F (1:100 Copy Incentive):''' Baroness and Major Bludd, by [[Howard Porter]] & [[Romulo Fajardo Jr]].
* '''Cover G:''' Energon Universe Anniversary connecting cover, by [[Jason Howard]] and [[Annalisa Leoni]].
* '''Cover H:''' Energon Universe Anniversary connecting cover (black and white), by Jason Howard.

<gallery>
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover A.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover B.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover C.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover D.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover E.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover F.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover G.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 8 Cover H.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 20|#20]], ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 22|#22]], and ''G.I. Joe'' #9.
* 4-page preview of ''Ghost Pepper''

===Reprints===
* '''''G.I. Joe Volume 2: Bludd's Revenge''''' ([[November 19]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534329900 / ISBN 978-1534329904 
** Collects issues #7–12.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:G.I. Joe 2024 V2.jpg|'''''Volume 2: Bludd's Revenge''''' – cover art by [[Homare]]
</gallery>

[[Category:G.I. Joe (2024) issues]]

Star Seeker

2025-06-16T00:40:11Z

SteelSkull:

{{factions|starseeker}}
[[File:Symbol star seeker reg.png|upright=1.4|thumb|What're we up to now, three Autobot/Decepticon symbol fusions? We've lost count.]]
The '''Star Seekers''' (aka '''Star Raiders''') are a crew of space pirates. They are headed by [[Thundertron]], who due to his hate of Cybertronians, leads them in their spacecraft, the ''[[Tidal Wave (Prime)|Tidal Wave]]'', to hunt down any and all Cybertronians they can find.

==Fiction==
===Aligned novels===
Thundertron led his crew on the trail of a [[Ark (WFC)|Cybertronian ship]], landing on [[Velocitron]]. Facing opposition from [[Override (Prime)|the planet's leader]], Thundertron grew angry and ordered his men to attack.

Continuing their travels, they took a [[space bridge]] to [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]]. Discovering not only the ''Ark'' but [[Trypticon (WFC)|another Cybertronian ship]], Thundertron met [[Wreck-Gar (Prime)|Wreck-Gar]] while the Cybertronians fought each other. Forcing Wreck-Gar and the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] to repair the ''[[Tidal Wave (Prime)|Tidal Wave]]'' and install a space bridge on it, Brimstone and Cannonball killed [[Arclight (Junkion)|Arclight]] on Thundertron's orders to make a point. Following the repair and installation, the Star Seekers attacked the Cybertronians. After acquiring the [[Requiem Blaster (Megatronus)|Requiem Blaster]], the pirates affixed it to their vessel.

The Star Seekers gained a member for the crew with the addition of Axer, who feigned hatred for Cybertronians to live and join the crew. {{storylink|Transformers: Exiles|Exiles}}

Some time after the battle on Junkion, the Star Seekers reunited with their fleet and used [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] technology to mimic the frequency of the ''Ark'' and lure the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'' into a trap where they would destroy it with the Requiem Blaster. Once the trap had been sprung, [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] proposed an alliance between the two factions, with him in charge, before both sides came to blows. The more nimble ''Nemesis'' took advantage of the Requiem Blaster's high energy consumption rate to have the pirates detach the weapon before it moved in for the kill, damaging the ''Tidal Wave'' to the point of retreat. As the Star Seekers fled, Thundertron swore that he and Megatron would cross blades again, an opinion that the Decepticon leader did not share, overriding pursuit of the pirates in favour of continuing to hunt the [[Autobot]]s. {{storylink|Transformers: Retribution|Retribution}}

'''Known members:'''
*[[Axer (Prime)|Axer]]
*[[Brimstone (Prime)|Brimstone]]
*[[Cannonball (Prime)|Cannonball]]
*[[Famine]]
*[[Sandstorm (Prime)|Sandstorm]]
*[[Thundertron]] (leader)

===''Wings Universe''===
The Star Seekers rescued [[Tornado]] and [[Ferak]] from Autobot pursuers and enlisted them as part of their crew, the Decepticon duo joining them on a series of epic space adventures as the pirates gathered enough resources for a heist. Once all the necessary supplies had been gathered, the ''Tidal Wave'' [[time travel]]ed to the year [[2984]] whereupon Cannonball intended to siphon away the [[energon]] reserves of a now peaceful and defenceless [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur}}

Recruiting the Decepticon [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]], the Star Seekers travelled to the [[Galadria Space Bridge Outpost]] in the [[Delta Prysmos Sector]] to use the [[space bridge]] to enter [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s head, intending to use the deceased god's systems to drain the planet. As they schemed, the pirates were confronted by the [[Cybertronian Knight]]s who revealed that Cybertron was now [[technorganic]] and no longer ran on pure energon as a result. Feeling like plonkers, the pirates were taken into custody. {{storylink|Hoist the Flag}}

After breaking free of the prison, the Star Seekers began a new quest for the [[spark]] of the immortal [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] heading to the planet [[Shut-Up-Tornado-I'm-Trying-To-Think]] in the [[Unknown Sector]] where they found but a decrepit [[Quintesson]] who asked for passage off the planet in exchange for Starscream's location. In short order it was revealed that Starscream's spirit had possessed the Quintesson, abandoning its body for Cannonball's, reformatting it to suit his needs. Backed by Flamewar, Starscream took control of the ship, the Decepticons stranding a third of the Star Seekers, along with Cannonball's own spark, on Shut-Up-Tornado-I'm-Trying-To-Think. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur}}

'''Known members:'''
{| style="margin-left:-0.25em;" width="100%"
|width="25%" valign="top"|
*[[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball the 3rd]] (captain)
*[[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball the 4th]] (captain)
*[[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball the 5th]] (captain)
*[[Axer (G1)|Axor]]
*[[Brimstone (G1 Star Seeker)|Brimstone]]
*[[Chairman]]
*[[Eclipse (G1)|Eclipse]]
*[[Ferak]]
*[[Gallows]]
*[[Guillotine]]
*[[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]]
*[[Shokaract|Hunter]]
|width="25%" valign="top"|
*[[Izzerkilod]]
*[[Navigator (Star Seeker)|Navigator]]
*[[Olin Zarak]] / [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]
*[[Pillage]]
*[[Plunder]]
*[[Prism Glider]]
*[[Rockhopper]]
*[[Star Dasher]]
*[[Thunderlane (G1)|Thunderlane]]
*[[Tornado]]
*[[Vez]]
|width="25%" valign="top"|[[Dread Pirate Crew]] Pounce-types:
*[[Cutback]]
*[[Drydock (G1)|Drydock]]
*[[Neurotoxin]]
*[[Rolling Thunder (G1)|Rolling Thunder]]
*[[Stormcharge]]
*[[Wheellock]]
|width="25%" valign="top"|Dread Pirate Crew Wingspan-types:
*[[Boltcaster]]
*[[Lockpick]]
*[[Skyduster]]
*[[Thunderclap (G1)|Thunderclap]]
*[[Turbolift]]
|}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
After the technologically superior [[Human Confederacy]] had declared the Great War over, {{storylink|Micro-Aggressions}} the Decepticon [[Star Dasher]] signed on to the Star Seekers. The group enjoyed a successful career until they ran afoul of some [[Nebulan]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] who dragged the Star Seekers back to Cybertron, ending their plundering. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}}

'''Known members:'''
* [[Cannonball (G1)|Cannonball the 3rd]]
* [[Bilge (BWU)|Bilge]]
* [[Guillotine]]
* [[Nebulon (Headmasters)|The Nebulon]]
* [[Neurotoxin]]
* [[Pillage]]
* [[Star Dasher]]
* [[Tornado]]

==Games==
===''Transformers Online''===
Thundertron and the Star Seekers recruited robots that turn into animals from another planet,<ref>http://tf.91.com/guide/map/map.shtml</ref> and they hunt Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers Online (2012 video game)|Transformers Online}}
{{charstubgame}}

==Toys==
===Legacy: United===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-ss|'''[[Cannonball (Cybertron)#Legacy|Star Raider Cannonball]]''' (Deluxe, 2024)}}
{{Bp-ss|'''[[Filch#Legacy|Star Raider Filch]]''' (Deluxe, 2024)}}
{{Bp-ss|'''[[Lockdown (G1)#Legacy|Star Raider Lockdown]]''' (Deluxe, 2024)}}
{{Bp-ss|'''[[Road Pig (G2)#Legacy|Star Raider Road Pig]]''' (Deluxe, 2024)}}
{{Bp-ss|'''[[Ferak#Legacy|Star Raider Ferak]]''' (Voyager, 2024)}}
{{Bp-ss|'''[[Thundertron#Walmart|Star Raider Thundertron]] / [[Nightstrike#Legacy|Star Raider Nightstrike]] / [[Calcitron#Legacy|Infernac Universe Calcitron]]''' (Multipack, 2024)}}
</ul>

: The [[Walmart]]-exclusive ''Legacy United Star Raider Collection'' was themed around the Star Raiders. The figures are adorned with the Star Raiders insignia introduced in ''Transformers Online'' (except for Lockdown, who has a Decepticon insignia). The collection consists of eight characters, made up of four Deluxe figures, one Voyager figure, and one multipack (that does not seem to have ever hit brick-and-mortar Walmart stores) that consists of a Voyager, Deluxe, and a Micromaster. All figures are retools of figures from the ''War for Cybertron'' and ''Legacy'' toylines.

==Notes==
*As originally conceived, the Star Seekers consisted of Thundertron, captain of the ''Tidal Wave'', and his crew: [[Cosmos (RID)|Cosmos]], [[Cannonball (Prime)|Cannonball]], [[Axer (Prime)|Axer]], [[Sandstorm (Prime)|Sandstorm]], [[Brimstone (Prime)|Brimstone]], [[Chromia (Prime)|Chromia]], [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]], [[Crumplezone (Prime)|Crumplezone]] (an Aligned version of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]]), [[Oilslick]], a character based on the [[Tako Tank]], and a [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]].<ref>{{citesocial|quote=In the concept around Thundertron [...] he had a ship that he got away on, which was the ''Tidal Wave'' [...] The crew that we had planned for ''Tidal Wave'' was a Junkion [...] Cosmos [...] Cannonball was on that list. We had Chromia, I believe? Dreadwing... [...] Is that the green guy from ''Cybertron''? [...] Yeah, Crumplezone, Crumplezone was in our pitch. [...] Oil Slick, I think, the ''Animated'' kind of bubble-headed Mr. Freeze looking dude, he was also on that short list. [...] The giant Tako-squid-thing from that ''Beast Wars Neo'' set with the bike [...] that guy was in there too.|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGOC47Wrt5Y&t=1132s|name=Aaron Archer|site=''The Toy Armada''|title=LIVE: Cybertron Starscream/Cannonball thoughts|year-2024|month=03|day=23}}</ref> This roster was compiled for internal presentations for the Aligned continuity, and the same pitch was later repurposed for the ''Transformers Online'' MMO.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Now that says MMO, but that was actually us reusing the presentation for a different presentation for an MMO, but originally this was built for the Aligned continuity. So there's the Tako guy, Axer was on the list, there's the Junkion, Sandstorm...|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGOC47Wrt5Y&t=1391s|name=Aaron Archer|site=''The Toy Armada''|title=LIVE: Cybertron Starscream/Cannonball thoughts|year-2024|month=03|day=23}}</ref> Other members considered for the Star Seekers were [[Wreck-Gar (Prime)|Wreck-Gar]], [[Detritus (Prime)|Detritus]], [[Iguanus (Prime)|Iguanus]] (an Aligned version of either the [[Iguanus (G1)|Generational 1]] or [[Iguanus (BW)|Beast Wars]] version), and [[Lockdown (RID)|Lockdown]] was also considered as an ex-Star Seeker who was left for dead and had repaired himself with parts from other Cybertronians.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Thundertron, Cannonball, Brimstone, Cosmos, Sandstorm, Detritus, Iguanus, Oil Slick, Crumplezone, Wreck-Gar and Tidal Wave functioning as the ship. Lockdown was an ex-pirate left for dead which explained the assortment of diff parts on him. I forget the other two members.|link=https://twitter.com/PlayWithThisToo/status/1606365846443524100|name=Rik Alvarez|site=Twitter|year=2022|month=12|day=23}}</ref>
*[[Rik Alvarez]] has said ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' would have introduced "pirates" if it had continued.<ref>Rik Alvarez panel, slide show on ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)#Season 3: Beast Hunters|Beast Hunters]]'' - [http://sunnybutte.tumblr.com/post/131368170623/and-if-you-were-wondering-why-beast-hunters-was See fan photos]</ref>
*The ''Wings Universe'' Star Seekers almost included the Generation 1 Insecticon [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]], who would have had a toy redecoed from [[Kickback (FOC)|''Generations Fall of Cybertron'' Kickback]].<ref>[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/bc14br.html BotCon 2014 attendee report by griffin]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Mandarin:'' '''Léitíng Nù''' (China, 雷霆怒, "Thunder Fury")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Pirates]]
[[Category:Prime]]
[[Category:Star Seekers| ]]
[[Category:Wings Universe subgroups]]

Aquastar

2025-06-15T03:40:47Z

SteelSkull: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Aquastar is a [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[human]] from the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Masterforce portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Tapestry Aquastar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Some'' ''BODY once told me'']]

'''Aquastar''' (アクアスター ''Akuasutā'') is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Masterforce Warrior]], a human in a Cybertron-made suit of armor that allows him to transform into an engine and control compatible [[transtector]] bodies.

Aquastar's nature varies. He is human in some universes, and Cybertronian in others.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
Aquastar was a Cybertronian Autobot. When the ''[[Lost Light]]'' found itself under attack by a horde of [[Ammonite]]s beneath the surface of the [[Crimson Sea]] on [[Hydrophena]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] noted that Aquastar, [[Waverider]], and half of the [[Hydrobot]]s were on board and would be well-suited to fighting underwater. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Aquastar was among the [[Master (planet)|Master]] warriors who discovered the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[transtector]]s in [[G Nebula 89]] only to bear witness to [[Devil Z]] stealing them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Super-God Masterforce}}
[[File:aquastar1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm the not-as-rich-man's [[Autobot Master Warrior]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Aquastar''' (Masterforce Warrior, [[1988]])}}</ul>

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Powermaster]] [[Nebulan]] [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]], Aquastar transforms from an armored human into an engine block that can fit in the engine-plug of any Autobot Powermaster/Godmaster toy, unlocking their transformation features. (He ''can'' fit into Decepticon sockets, but will not unlock their transformation.)

: He was sold in a small box in Japan as part of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1988 (Super-God Masterforce)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' series, along with the other separate Godmaster engines [[Vollet#Toys|Vollet]] and [[Zetca#Toys|Zetca]].

: This mold was also used to make the Godmaster engine form of [[Ranger#Toys|Ranger]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/Aquastar/aquastar.htm More info on Aquastar at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Aquastar's name seems to be a very elaborate reference to the [[Microman]] Acroyear Bluestar, combining together ''Acroyear'' (アクロイヤー ''Akuroiyā'') and ''Bluestar'' (ブルースター ''Burūsutā'') while using the loanword ''Aqua'' (アクア ''Akua'') to both reference the ''aku'' (悪, "evil") found in the Acroyear name and keep the blue color connotation. This is also not the first time Bluestar has shown up as a reference in another [[Takara]] toy line with one of the [[Waruder]] Generals in [[Diaclone]] also being named Bluestar.

[[Category:Godmasters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce humans]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]

Aquastar

2025-06-15T03:34:13Z

SteelSkull: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Aquastar is a [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[human]] from the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Masterforce portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Tapestry Aquastar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Some'' ''BODY once told me'']]

'''Aquastar''' (アクアスター ''Akuasutā'') is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Masterforce Warrior]], a human in a Cybertron-made suit of armor that allows him to transform into an engine and control compatible [[transtector]] bodies.

Aquastar's nature varies. He is human in some universes, and Cybertronian in others.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
Aquastar was a Cybertronian Autobot. When the ''[[Lost Light]]'' found itself under attack by a horde of [[Ammonite]]s beneath the surface of the [[Crimson Sea]] on [[Hydrophena]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] noted that Aquastar, [[Waverider]], and half of the [[Hydrobot]]s were on board and would be well-suited to fighting underwater. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Aquastar was among the [[Master (planet)|Master]] warriors who discovered the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[transtector]]s in [[G Nebula 89]] only to bear witness to [[Devil Z]] stealing them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Super-God Masterforce}}
[[File:aquastar1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm the not-as-rich-man's [[Autobot Master Warrior]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Aquastar''' (Masterforce Warrior, [[1988]])}}</ul>

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Powermaster]] [[Nebulan]] [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]], Aquastar transforms from an armored human into an engine block that can fit in the engine-plug of any Autobot Powermaster/Godmaster toy, unlocking their transformation features. (He ''can'' fit into Decepticon sockets, but will not unlock their transformation.)

: He was sold in a small box in Japan as part of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1988 (Super-God Masterforce)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' series, along with the other separate Godmaster engines [[Vollet#Toys|Vollet]] and [[Zetca#Toys|Zetca]].

: This mold was also used to make the Godmaster engine form of [[Ranger#Toys|Ranger]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/Aquastar/aquastar.htm More info on Aquastar at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Aquastar's name seems to be a very elaborate reference to the [[Microman]] Acroyear Bluestar, combining together ''Acroyear'' (アクロイヤー ''Akuroiyā'') and ''Bluestar'' (ブルースター ''Burūsutā'') while using the loanword ''Aqua'' (アクア ''Akua'') to both reference the ''aku'' (悪, "evil") found in the Acroyear name and keep the blue color connotation. This is not the first time Bluestar showed up as a reference in another [[Takara]] toy line however, with one of the [[Waruder]] Generals in [[Diaclone]] also being named Bluestar.

[[Category:Godmasters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce humans]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]

Aquastar

2025-06-15T00:39:26Z

SteelSkull: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Aquastar is a [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[human]] from the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Masterforce portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Tapestry Aquastar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Some'' ''BODY once told me'']]

'''Aquastar''' (アクアスター ''Akuasutā'') is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Masterforce Warrior]], a human in a Cybertron-made suit of armor that allows him to transform into an engine and control compatible [[transtector]] bodies.

Aquastar's nature varies. He is human in some universes, and Cybertronian in others.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
Aquastar was a Cybertronian Autobot. When the ''[[Lost Light]]'' found itself under attack by a horde of [[Ammonite]]s beneath the surface of the [[Crimson Sea]] on [[Hydrophena]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] noted that Aquastar, [[Waverider]], and half of the [[Hydrobot]]s were on board and would be well-suited to fighting underwater. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Aquastar was among the [[Master (planet)|Master]] warriors who discovered the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[transtector]]s in [[G Nebula 89]] only to bear witness to [[Devil Z]] stealing them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Super-God Masterforce}}
[[File:aquastar1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm the not-as-rich-man's [[Autobot Master Warrior]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Aquastar''' (Masterforce Warrior, [[1988]])}}</ul>

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Powermaster]] [[Nebulan]] [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]], Aquastar transforms from an armored human into an engine block that can fit in the engine-plug of any Autobot Powermaster/Godmaster toy, unlocking their transformation features. (He ''can'' fit into Decepticon sockets, but will not unlock their transformation.)

: He was sold in a small box in Japan as part of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1988 (Super-God Masterforce)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' series, along with the other separate Godmaster engines [[Vollet#Toys|Vollet]] and [[Zetca#Toys|Zetca]].

: This mold was also used to make the Godmaster engine form of [[Ranger#Toys|Ranger]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/Aquastar/aquastar.htm More info on Aquastar at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Aquastar's name seems to be a very elaborate [[Microman]] reference to the Acroyear Bluestar, combining together ''Acroyear'' (アクロイヤー ''Akuroiyā'') and ''Bluestar'' (ブルースター ''Burūsutā'') while using the loanword ''Aqua'' (アクア ''Akua'') to both reference the ''aku'' (悪, "evil") found in the Acroyear name and keep the blue color connotation. This is not the first time Bluestar showed up as a reference in another [[Takara]] toy line however, with one of the [[Waruder]] Generals in [[Diaclone]] also being named Bluestar.

[[Category:Godmasters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce humans]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]

Aquastar

2025-06-14T23:37:01Z

SteelSkull:

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Aquastar is a [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[human]] from the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Masterforce portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Tapestry Aquastar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Some'' ''BODY once told me'']]

'''Aquastar''' (アクアスター ''Akuasutā'') is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Masterforce Warrior]], a human in a Cybertron-made suit of armor that allows him to transform into an engine and control compatible [[transtector]] bodies.

Aquastar's nature varies. He is human in some universes, and Cybertronian in others.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
Aquastar was a Cybertronian Autobot. When the ''[[Lost Light]]'' found itself under attack by a horde of [[Ammonite]]s beneath the surface of the [[Crimson Sea]] on [[Hydrophena]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] noted that Aquastar, [[Waverider]], and half of the [[Hydrobot]]s were on board and would be well-suited to fighting underwater. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Aquastar was among the [[Master (planet)|Master]] warriors who discovered the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[transtector]]s in [[G Nebula 89]] only to bear witness to [[Devil Z]] stealing them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Super-God Masterforce}}
[[File:aquastar1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm the not-as-rich-man's [[Autobot Master Warrior]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Aquastar''' (Masterforce Warrior, [[1988]])}}</ul>

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Powermaster]] [[Nebulan]] [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]], Aquastar transforms from an armored human into an engine block that can fit in the engine-plug of any Autobot Powermaster/Godmaster toy, unlocking their transformation features. (He ''can'' fit into Decepticon sockets, but will not unlock their transformation.)

: He was sold in a small box in Japan as part of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1988 (Super-God Masterforce)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' series, along with the other separate Godmaster engines [[Vollet#Toys|Vollet]] and [[Zetca#Toys|Zetca]].

: This mold was also used to make the Godmaster engine form of [[Ranger#Toys|Ranger]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/Aquastar/aquastar.htm More info on Aquastar at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Aquastar's name seems to be a very elaborate [[Microman]] reference to the Acroyear Bluestar, combining together ''Acroyear'' (アクロイヤー ''Akuroiyā'') and ''Bluestar'' (ブルースター ''Burūsutā'') while using the loanword ''Aqua'' (アクア ''Akua'') to both reference the ''aku'' (悪, "evil") found in the Acroyear name and keep the blue color connotation. This is not the first time Bluestar showed up as a reference in another [[Takara]] toy line, with one of the [[Waruder]] Generals in [[Diaclone]] also being named Bluestar.

[[Category:Godmasters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce humans]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]

Aquastar

2025-06-14T22:48:22Z

SteelSkull:

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Aquastar is a [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[human]] from the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Masterforce portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Tapestry Aquastar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Some'' ''BODY once told me'']]

'''Aquastar''' (アクアスター ''Akuasutā'') is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Masterforce Warrior]], a human in a Cybertron-made suit of armor that allows him to transform into an engine and control compatible [[transtector]] bodies.

Aquastar's nature varies. He is human in some universes, and Cybertronian in others.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
Aquastar was a Cybertronian Autobot. When the ''[[Lost Light]]'' found itself under attack by a horde of [[Ammonite]]s beneath the surface of the [[Crimson Sea]] on [[Hydrophena]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] noted that Aquastar, [[Waverider]], and half of the [[Hydrobot]]s were on board and would be well-suited to fighting underwater. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Aquastar was among the [[Master (planet)|Master]] warriors who discovered the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[transtector]]s in [[G Nebula 89]] only to bear witness to [[Devil Z]] stealing them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Super-God Masterforce}}
[[File:aquastar1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm the not-as-rich-man's [[Autobot Master Warrior]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Aquastar''' (Masterforce Warrior, [[1988]])}}</ul>

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Powermaster]] [[Nebulan]] [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]], Aquastar transforms from an armored human into an engine block that can fit in the engine-plug of any Autobot Powermaster/Godmaster toy, unlocking their transformation features. (He ''can'' fit into Decepticon sockets, but will not unlock their transformation.)

: He was sold in a small box in Japan as part of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1988 (Super-God Masterforce)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' series, along with the other separate Godmaster engines [[Vollet#Toys|Vollet]] and [[Zetca#Toys|Zetca]].

: This mold was also used to make the Godmaster engine form of [[Ranger#Toys|Ranger]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/Aquastar/aquastar.htm More info on Aquastar at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Aquastar's name seems to be a very elaborate [[Microman]] reference, specially to the Acroyear Bluestar, combining together ''Acroyear'' (アクロイヤー ''Akuroiyā'') and ''Bluestar'' (ブルースター ''Burūsutā'') while using the loanword ''Aqua'' (アクア ''Akua'') to both reference the ''aku'' (悪, "evil") found in the Acroyear name and keep the blue color connotation. This is not the first time Bluestar showed up as a reference in another [[Takara]] toy line, with one of the [[Waruder]] Generals in [[Diaclone]] also being named Bluestar.

[[Category:Godmasters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce humans]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]

Aquastar

2025-06-14T19:51:01Z

SteelSkull:

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Aquastar is a [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[human]] from the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Masterforce portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Tapestry Aquastar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Some'' ''BODY once told me'']]

'''Aquastar''' (アクアスター ''Akuasutā'') is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Masterforce Warrior]], a human in a Cybertron-made suit of armor that allows him to transform into an engine and control compatible [[transtector]] bodies.

Aquastar's nature varies. He is human in some universes, and Cybertronian in others.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
Aquastar was a Cybertronian Autobot. When the ''[[Lost Light]]'' found itself under attack by a horde of [[Ammonite]]s beneath the surface of the [[Crimson Sea]] on [[Hydrophena]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] noted that Aquastar, [[Waverider]], and half of the [[Hydrobot]]s were on board and would be well-suited to fighting underwater. {{storylink|Into the Abyss: Dark Cybertron Chapter 4|Into the Abyss}}

===''Legends'' comic===
Aquastar was among the [[Master (planet)|Master]] warriors who discovered the [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] [[transtector]]s in [[G Nebula 89]] only to bear witness to [[Devil Z]] stealing them. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 35|Bonus Edition Vol. 35}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Super-God Masterforce}}
[[File:aquastar1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm the not-as-rich-man's [[Autobot Master Warrior]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Aquastar''' (Masterforce Warrior, [[1988]])}}</ul>

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Powermaster]] [[Nebulan]] [[Hotwire (G1)#Toys|Hotwire]], Aquastar transforms from an armored human into an engine block that can fit in the engine-plug of any Autobot Powermaster/Godmaster toy, unlocking their transformation features. (He ''can'' fit into Decepticon sockets, but will not unlock their transformation.)

: He was sold in a small box in Japan as part of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1988 (Super-God Masterforce)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' series, along with the other separate Godmaster engines [[Vollet#Toys|Vollet]] and [[Zetca#Toys|Zetca]].

: This mold was also used to make the Godmaster engine form of [[Ranger#Toys|Ranger]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/Aquastar/aquastar.htm More info on Aquastar at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* Aquastar's name seems to be a very elaborate [[Microman]] reference, specially to the Acroyear Bluestar, combining together ''Akuroiyā'' (アクロイヤー) and ''Burūsutā'' (ブルースター) while using the loanword ''Aqua'' (アクア) to both reference the ''aku'' (悪, "evil") found in the Acroyear name and keep the blue color connotation. This is not the first time Bluestar showed up as a reference in another [[Takara]] toy line, with one of the [[Waruder]] Generals in [[Diaclone]] also being named Bluestar.

[[Category:Godmasters]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce humans]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]

Kronoform

2025-06-05T03:23:07Z

SteelSkull:

[[File:Kronoform logo.gif|upright=1.6|thumb|For all time. Always.]]

Succeeding ''[[Diakron]]'' in [[1984]], the '''''Kronoform''''' line was [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s second pass at engaging directly with the North American market, this time in the form of a somewhat half-hearted attempt to move various remaining ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Microman]]'' toys that [[Hasbro]] had declined to license for ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|The Transformers]]'' franchise.

Unique to the line was the "Time Machine" series of transforming watch toys from which the line derives its name, many of which were taken from Takara's '''''Watch-Q''''' toyline in Japan.

Three of the watches, [[Autoceptor]], [[Deceptor]], and [[Kaltor]] were released directly in ''The Transformers'' packaging, (retaining a smaller ''Kronoform'' logo printed on the box) while the Robot Time Machine (as [[Autobot (G2)|Autobot]]) and [[Scorpia (G2)|Scorpia]] toys would later see release as Transformers as part of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Transformers: Generation 2]]'' toyline in [[1993]].

Decades later, the long-running [[Ask Vector Prime]] feature seized on ''Kronoform''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "Time Machine" schtick to conscript its toys and concepts into most of the ''Transformers'' brand's [[Hytherion|extant]] [[Vector Prime|time-travel]] [[Chronarchitect|deep lore]].

{{quote|This is the Kronoform Robotic World. The [[Originator (Kronoform)|Originators]] are protectors of the universe directed by Diakron Commanders. The [[Terminator (Kronoform)|Terminators]] are evil robots attempting to enforce their rule. Create your Kronoform Robot World with this space age concept.|The entire Kronoform story<ref>[https://twitter.com/_necronomitron_/status/1386309900553265156?s=20 1985 ''Diakron'' catalog, source unknown. From Necronomitron on Twitter]</ref><ref>[https://soundwavesoblivion.blogspot.com/2015/06/grandstand-convertors-zetanoid.html Article on Dia-Attacker's various releases] at Soundwave's Oblivion</ref>}}

==Toy Range (Incomplete)==
The following list covers all ''Kronoform'' releases that were released or later rereleased as ''Transformers'' toys or otherwise inspired ''Transformers'' concepts. ''Kronoform'' molds with no ''Transformers'' relation are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.

===1984 - The Robot Time Machine===
[[File:RobotTimeMachineSixModes.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|Oops! all [[Sixshot (G1)#The Transformers|wingwolves]].]]
''Kronoform's'' idiosyncratic first year consisted of a single toy: '''Kronoform, the Robot Time Machine'''. Originally released in Takara's ''Watch-Q'' as simply "Watch Robo" and rereleased in ''[[Micro Change]]'' as "MC-06 Watch Robo," Kronoform was marketed not only as a watch-to-robot transformer but as a six-changer ("and more!") with some very... creative modes, as famously immortalized in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNlb0h6qig8 its commercial]. This toy would go on to inspire a flurry of ''Transformers'' characters, mostly in the pages of the Facebook incarnation of [[Ask Vector Prime]].
*Silver deco: The toy's primary colorway. Released unchanged in ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' as [[Autobot (G2)|Autobot]], later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Vector Prime]] in [[Ask Vector Prime]] and again as [[Azimuth (G1)|Azimuth]] in the pages of [[IDW Publishing]]'s comics.
*Gold deco: Not released in ''Transformers'' but did later inspire the appearance of [[Azimuth (COP)|another Azimuth]].
*Blue deco: Not released in ''Transformers'' but did later inspire the character [[Ephemeris]] in [[Ask Vector Prime]].
*Black deco: Not released in ''Transformers'' but did later inspire the character [[Meantime (G1)|Meantime]] in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s comics.
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy)}}
{{-}}
===1985 - Robotic World===
[[File:Kronoform timemachines.jpg|thumb|right|upright=2|Deceptor is the unlabeled one between Autoceptor and Kaltor.]]
1985 saw ''Kronoform'' explode in size as it took on ''Diakron''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s duties as Takara's "miscellaneous" toyline for the North American market.

====''Diaclone'' refugees====
The ''[[Diaclone]]''-derived toys that made up the bulk of ''Kronoform'''s second year were recast as the central players in what could charitably be called ''Kronoform''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "story" as they were carved up into the heroic "[[Originator (Kronoform)|Originator]]s" and the villainous "[[Terminator (Kronoform)|Terminator]]s." While none of them made their way into ''The Transformers'', some have inspired later toys or fiction-only characters.

;Pilot mini-figures
*Presumably the enigmatic "Diakron Commanders", these unnamed accessories were slight retools of ''Diaclone'''s heroic Dianaut pilots to replace their foot magnets with cheaper inert metals. Used as inspiration for the toy characters [[Dia Cinders|Dia]], [[Cline]], and [[Diac]], as well as the fiction-only character [[Chifumi Takahashi]].

;Originators
*Multi-Force - Originally the ''Diaclone'' Gats Blocker toy and pretty much a straight reissue of ''Diakron'''s Multi-Force 14 Robot. Used as inspiration for an [[Gats Blocker Autobot|unnamed background comic character]].

;Terminators
*Attackon - Originally the ''Diaclone'' Dia-Attacker toy. Used as inspiration for the original form of [[Exarchon]], arch-villain of the [[2019 IDW continuity|2019-2022 IDW comics]].
*Wargon - Originally the ''Diaclone'' Warudaros toy. Used as inspiration for the [[Storm Rider]] toy.

====Time Machines and the Transformers====
Kronoform-the-toy, now renamed simply "Robot Time Machine," returned at the head of a whole [[subline imprint|subline]] of watch-themed toys sourced from ''Watch-Q'' and/or ''Micro Change.'' Most significantly, this is where ''Kronoform'''s final year saw the line pipe toys straight into ''Transformers'' proper via [[Rebranding|rebranding]], following a similar trajectory to adjacent European lines such as ''[[Trasformer]]'' and [[Joustra]]'s iteration of ''Diaclone''. While the entire "Time Machine" subline hovered in the vicinity of a ''Transformers'' logo in advertising, three specific toys received explicit ''Transformers'' packaging. ''Transformers''-relevant releases include:

;''Transformers''-adjacent releases
*'''Robot Time Machine''' again - see above.
*'''[[Scorpia (G2)|Scorpia]]''' - Converts from watch to scorpion. Originally released as "Scorpio" in ''Watch-Q''. Released unchanged (up to and including her name) in ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]''.

;Joint ''Transformers'' releases
*'''[[Autoceptor]]''' - Converts from watch to car to robot. Seemingly original to ''Kronoform''. Produced in gray, black, blue, and red. Not repurposed into a zillion characters. Sorry.
*'''[[Deceptor]]''' - Converts from watch to jet/bird thing to robot. Seemingly original to ''Kronoform''. Produced in gray, blue, and gold.
*'''[[Kaltor]]''' - Converts from wrist calculator to robot. Originally released in ''Watch-Q'' as "Watch Robo Calculator.".

{{-}}
[[File:G1-toy Maxitrek.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Maxitrek - having mastered the Satsui No Hado - unleashes their Shun Goku Satsu on an unprepared wristwatch]]

===<strike>1986</strike> - Maxitrek===
The only known ''Kronoform'' toy solicited for 1986 was a potential fourth ''Transformers''/''Kronoform'' figure named "[[Maxitrek]]." The figure would have been a new mold watch Transformer with a motorized walking gimmick via a small wind-up motor. The prototype is credited to TakaraTomy designer [[Takashi Matsuda]], who was also responsible for the original Robot Time Machine.
{{-}}

==Fiction==
The [[Terminator (Kronoform)|Terminator]]s unleashed the chronal bioweapon [[Hytherion]] against the [[Originator (Kronoform)|Originator]]s in their war at the end of time as the [[Big Crunch]] loomed in [[Cymond 772.0 Beta]]. {{storylink|Source:Ask_Vector_Prime/Facebook#June_15.2C_2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/15}}

==Notes==
* ''Kronoform''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s pilot figures were not distributed with any particular regard for the toyline's factions. What that means for the Diakron Commanders, who knows.
* [[Ask Vector Prime]] recruited all five ''Transformers'' releases from ''Kronoform'' to form a squad of multiversal adventurers known as the [[Time Warrior (AVP)|Time Warrior]]s. You get it? Because, because of the watches. You get it.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNlb0h6qig8 Kronoform the Robot Time Machine commercial] at YouTube
*[https://soundwavesoblivion.blogspot.com/2016/05/watch-q-1984-1985.html Article on the ''Watch-Q'' toyline] at Soundwaves Oblivion
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe5umc6Jha4 The History of Kronoform: The Robot Watch] at YouTube

[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]
[[Category:Pre-Transformer franchises]]
[[Category:Kronoform| ]]
[[Category:Watches]]

G.I. Joe (2024) issue 6

2025-04-24T20:39:14Z

SteelSkull: /* Transformers references */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' #6
|prev=G.I. Joe (2024) issue 5
|next=G.I. Joe Energon Universe 2025 Special story
|image=G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[April 23]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=April 2025
|written by=[[Joshua Williamson]]
|art by=[[Tom Reilly]]
|colors by=[[Jordie Bellaire]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editors=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|production design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''The opening salvo of G.I. Joe's fight against Cobra climaxes as Duke and Cobra Commander face off for the first time. But this is just the beginning of the war to come…'''

==Synopsis==
With [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] holding him at gunpoint, [[Cobra Commander]] decides to introduce himself to the [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] leader. Knowing Duke's history, the Commander says they're not so different: both men loyal to systems greater than them that found themselves betrayed. However, while Duke went back to the military, the Commander built something new. Duke rejects this notion, at which point the Commander fully activates the [[Brainwave Scanner|Brainwave Bomb]]. After explaining its effects, Duke orders Cobra Commander to shut it down, but the Commander tells him the only way to do so is to kill [[Doctor Venom|Doctor Monev]]. As the Commander turns to leave, Duke fires on him, but he blocks the bullets with his metal gauntlet and fires back with [[Energon]] blasts.

Meanwhile, [[Destro]] pursues the escaping Joes in a [[F.A.N.G.]] As [[Baroness]] tries to evade his fire, [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] insists that they go back to rescue Duke. Despite her objections, Clutch is able to goad her into turning around, much to Destro's shock. [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz|Chameleon]] reports to him that Cobra Commander has activated the Brain Bomb. With the likelihood of the Joes being caught in its blast, Destro orders the rest of Cobra to return to [[Springfield (G.I. Joe)|Springfield]].

As Duke and Cobra Commander continue their fight, the Commander taunts Duke that he's already lost. However, Duke counters that he doesn't need to win; he just needs to keep the Commander within the Brainwave Bomb's blast radius so that he dies too. The Commander says he's not afraid to die, but Duke counters that if he does, then Cobra will rule the world without him. In response, Cobra Commander turns and fires an Energon blast through Doctor Monev's head, shutting down the Brain Bomb. He then retrieves a small orb from the Brainwave Scanner. As the other Joes arrive, Cobra Commander takes his leave, telling Duke that he looks forward to their future battles.

In Springfield, Cobra regroups. Destro is outraged that Cobra Commander's actions have compromised [[M.A.R.S.]] so completely, but the Commander remains unperturbed. He reveals that while the Brainwave Bomb was but one means to an end, his real goal with merging the Brainwave Scanner and the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] shard was to unlock a piece of technology hidden inside. He decides it's time for Destro to know the truth about the [[Transformer|robots in disguise]] on [[Earth]].

At [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|The Pit]], the Joes recover. Duke reports to [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Colonel Hawk]] that they lost, but Hawk simply commends him on surviving the incident. Duke reaffirms that while the Joes need more training and time in the field together, their unique abilities is what made sure they survived. However, they can't lose focus on why the Joes were formed in the first place: finding [[Starscream (G1)|the robot]] that killed [[Frosting]]. Meanwhile, Clutch decides to go for a drive to clear his head, hopping into a jeep outside the Pit. As he drives into the desert, he is suddenly thrown from the vehicle… as it transforms into [[Hound (G1)|a giant robot]]!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|h1=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c1=
* [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] (2)
* ''[[Rock 'n Roll]]'' (5)
* [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] (6)
* [[Stalker (G.I. Joe)|Stalker]] (7)
* [[Cover Girl]] (8)
* [[Risk (G.I. Joe)|Risk]] (9)
* [[Baroness]] (10)
* [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]] (21)

|h2=[[Cobra]]|c2=
* [[Cobra Commander]] (1)
* [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz|Chameleon]] (13)
* [[Destro]] (14)
* [[Tomax and Xamot]] (15 & 16)
* [[Scrap-Iron]] (17)
* [[Mercer]] (18)
* [[Ripper (G.I. Joe)|Ripper]] (19)

|h3=Others|c3=
* [[Doctor Venom|Archibald Monev]] (3)
* ''[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'' (4)
* ''[[Golobulus]]'' (11)
* ''[[Nemesis Enforcer]]'' (12)
* ''[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'' (20)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (22)
}}

==Quotes==
"You should have run. Like your team did.” 
"They only ran because I ordered them to. Luckily, they don't listen to me."
:—'''Cobra Commander''' and '''Duke'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Cobra Commander first learned about Duke from Destro in [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 1|the first issue of this series]]. However, he appears to know far more about Duke's recent history - including his encounter with the Transformers - than was gleaned from that brief exchange. While it is possible Destro, who learned the full ordeal of Duke's encounter with Starscream from [[General Flagg]]'s files back in ''[[Destro (comic)|Destro]]'' [[Destro issue 4|#4]], told him about it off panel, that seems dubious given Destro's distrust of the Commander.
* During Cobra Commander's “we're not so different” speech, we see flashbacks to the events of both ''[[Duke (comic)|Duke]]'' and ''[[Cobra Commander (comic)|Cobra Commander]]''.
* Cobra Commander was seen upgrading his energon blasting gauntlet, first seen in [[Cobra Commander issue 4|''Cobra Commander'' #4]], in issue #1.
* Duke is still mad about the death of Frosting from back in ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 2|#2]].
* Hey kids, it's '''Hound'''! The Autobot tracker makes his Energon Universe debut in this issue, also marking the first proper appearance of a Transformer in the main ''G.I. Joe'' title. We had previously seen an arm that appeared to belong to Hound among the [[Autobot]] remains aboard the [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'']] in [[Transformers (2023) issue 1|''Transformers'' #1]]. What is he doing here? We'll find out in the ''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]''!

===''Transformers'' references===
* The piece of technology Cobra Commander was powering up looks eerily similar to a [[Transformation cog]], specifically the version seen in the [[Sunbow cartoon|Generation 1 cartoon]] but colored as the version seen in ''[[Transformers One]]''.
* As Hound transforms, the [[Transformation#The noise|transformation sound effect]] is rendered in onomatopoeia.

===Other notes===
* Originally scheduled for release April 16, this issue was pushed back a week.

===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Duke and Cobra Commander clash as everything burns around them, by Tom Reilly.
* '''Cover B:''' Baroness and Destro, by [[Derrick Chew]].
* '''Cover C:''' Cobra Commander is full of snakes, by [[Lorenzo de Felici]].
* '''Cover D (1:10 Copy Incentive):''' Connecting cover, by [[Karl Kerschl]].
* '''Cover E (1:25 Copy Incentive):''' Destro on an explosion background, by [[Travis Moore]] and [[Adriano Lucas]].
* '''Cover F (1:50 Copy Incentive):''' Hound looms over Clutch, by [[Daniel Warren Johnson]] and [[Mike Spicer]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover:''' by [[Iván Talavera]].
* '''ClaytonCrain.com Cover:''' by [[Clayton Crain]].
* '''Sybound Shop Cover A:''' by [[Davi Go]].
* '''Sybound Shop Cover B:''' by Davi Go.

<gallery>
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover A.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover B.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover C.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover D.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover E.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover F.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 The 616 Comics Cover.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Clayton Crain Cover.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Sybound Shop Cover A.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Sybound Shop Cover B.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 18|#18]], the [[Energon Universe 2025 Special]], ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 20|#20]], and ''G.I. Joe'' #7.
* ''Invincible Universe: Battle Beast''
* ''Blood and Thunder''
* ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero: Silent Missions''

===Reprints===
* '''''G.I. Joe Volume 1: The Cobra Strikes!''''' ([[June 4]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534328076 / ISBN 978-1534328075 
** Collects issues #1–6.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:G.I. Joe 2024 V1.jpg|'''''Volume 1: The Cobra Strikes!''''' – cover art by Tom Reilly
</gallery>

[[Category:G.I. Joe (2024) issues]]

G.I. Joe (2024) issue 6

2025-04-24T20:38:12Z

SteelSkull:

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' #6
|prev=G.I. Joe (2024) issue 5
|next=G.I. Joe Energon Universe 2025 Special story
|image=G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[April 23]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=April 2025
|written by=[[Joshua Williamson]]
|art by=[[Tom Reilly]]
|colors by=[[Jordie Bellaire]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editors=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|production design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''The opening salvo of G.I. Joe's fight against Cobra climaxes as Duke and Cobra Commander face off for the first time. But this is just the beginning of the war to come…'''

==Synopsis==
With [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] holding him at gunpoint, [[Cobra Commander]] decides to introduce himself to the [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] leader. Knowing Duke's history, the Commander says they're not so different: both men loyal to systems greater than them that found themselves betrayed. However, while Duke went back to the military, the Commander built something new. Duke rejects this notion, at which point the Commander fully activates the [[Brainwave Scanner|Brainwave Bomb]]. After explaining its effects, Duke orders Cobra Commander to shut it down, but the Commander tells him the only way to do so is to kill [[Doctor Venom|Doctor Monev]]. As the Commander turns to leave, Duke fires on him, but he blocks the bullets with his metal gauntlet and fires back with [[Energon]] blasts.

Meanwhile, [[Destro]] pursues the escaping Joes in a [[F.A.N.G.]] As [[Baroness]] tries to evade his fire, [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] insists that they go back to rescue Duke. Despite her objections, Clutch is able to goad her into turning around, much to Destro's shock. [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz|Chameleon]] reports to him that Cobra Commander has activated the Brain Bomb. With the likelihood of the Joes being caught in its blast, Destro orders the rest of Cobra to return to [[Springfield (G.I. Joe)|Springfield]].

As Duke and Cobra Commander continue their fight, the Commander taunts Duke that he's already lost. However, Duke counters that he doesn't need to win; he just needs to keep the Commander within the Brainwave Bomb's blast radius so that he dies too. The Commander says he's not afraid to die, but Duke counters that if he does, then Cobra will rule the world without him. In response, Cobra Commander turns and fires an Energon blast through Doctor Monev's head, shutting down the Brain Bomb. He then retrieves a small orb from the Brainwave Scanner. As the other Joes arrive, Cobra Commander takes his leave, telling Duke that he looks forward to their future battles.

In Springfield, Cobra regroups. Destro is outraged that Cobra Commander's actions have compromised [[M.A.R.S.]] so completely, but the Commander remains unperturbed. He reveals that while the Brainwave Bomb was but one means to an end, his real goal with merging the Brainwave Scanner and the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] shard was to unlock a piece of technology hidden inside. He decides it's time for Destro to know the truth about the [[Transformer|robots in disguise]] on [[Earth]].

At [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|The Pit]], the Joes recover. Duke reports to [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Colonel Hawk]] that they lost, but Hawk simply commends him on surviving the incident. Duke reaffirms that while the Joes need more training and time in the field together, their unique abilities is what made sure they survived. However, they can't lose focus on why the Joes were formed in the first place: finding [[Starscream (G1)|the robot]] that killed [[Frosting]]. Meanwhile, Clutch decides to go for a drive to clear his head, hopping into a jeep outside the Pit. As he drives into the desert, he is suddenly thrown from the vehicle… as it transforms into [[Hound (G1)|a giant robot]]!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|h1=[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]|c1=
* [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] (2)
* ''[[Rock 'n Roll]]'' (5)
* [[Clutch (G.I. Joe)|Clutch]] (6)
* [[Stalker (G.I. Joe)|Stalker]] (7)
* [[Cover Girl]] (8)
* [[Risk (G.I. Joe)|Risk]] (9)
* [[Baroness]] (10)
* [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]] (21)

|h2=[[Cobra]]|c2=
* [[Cobra Commander]] (1)
* [[Astoria Carlton-Ritz|Chameleon]] (13)
* [[Destro]] (14)
* [[Tomax and Xamot]] (15 & 16)
* [[Scrap-Iron]] (17)
* [[Mercer]] (18)
* [[Ripper (G.I. Joe)|Ripper]] (19)

|h3=Others|c3=
* [[Doctor Venom|Archibald Monev]] (3)
* ''[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'' (4)
* ''[[Golobulus]]'' (11)
* ''[[Nemesis Enforcer]]'' (12)
* ''[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'' (20)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (22)
}}

==Quotes==
"You should have run. Like your team did.” 
"They only ran because I ordered them to. Luckily, they don't listen to me."
:—'''Cobra Commander''' and '''Duke'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* Cobra Commander first learned about Duke from Destro in [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 1|the first issue of this series]]. However, he appears to know far more about Duke's recent history - including his encounter with the Transformers - than was gleaned from that brief exchange. While it is possible Destro, who learned the full ordeal of Duke's encounter with Starscream from [[General Flagg]]'s files back in ''[[Destro (comic)|Destro]]'' [[Destro issue 4|#4]], told him about it off panel, that seems dubious given Destro's distrust of the Commander.
* During Cobra Commander's “we're not so different” speech, we see flashbacks to the events of both ''[[Duke (comic)|Duke]]'' and ''[[Cobra Commander (comic)|Cobra Commander]]''.
* Cobra Commander was seen upgrading his energon blasting gauntlet, first seen in [[Cobra Commander issue 4|''Cobra Commander'' #4]], in issue #1.
* Duke is still mad about the death of Frosting from back in ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 2|#2]].
* Hey kids, it's '''Hound'''! The Autobot tracker makes his Energon Universe debut in this issue, also marking the first proper appearance of a Transformer in the main ''G.I. Joe'' title. We had previously seen an arm that appeared to belong to Hound among the [[Autobot]] remains aboard the [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'']] in [[Transformers (2023) issue 1|''Transformers'' #1]]. What is he doing here? We'll find out in the ''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]''!

===''Transformers'' references===
* The piece of technology Cobra Commander was powering up looks eerily similar to a [[Transformation cog]], specifically the version seen in the ''[[Sunbow cartoon]]'' but colored as the version seen in ''[[Transformers One]]''.
* As Hound transforms, the [[Transformation#The noise|transformation sound effect]] is rendered in onomatopoeia.

===Other notes===
* Originally scheduled for release April 16, this issue was pushed back a week.

===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Duke and Cobra Commander clash as everything burns around them, by Tom Reilly.
* '''Cover B:''' Baroness and Destro, by [[Derrick Chew]].
* '''Cover C:''' Cobra Commander is full of snakes, by [[Lorenzo de Felici]].
* '''Cover D (1:10 Copy Incentive):''' Connecting cover, by [[Karl Kerschl]].
* '''Cover E (1:25 Copy Incentive):''' Destro on an explosion background, by [[Travis Moore]] and [[Adriano Lucas]].
* '''Cover F (1:50 Copy Incentive):''' Hound looms over Clutch, by [[Daniel Warren Johnson]] and [[Mike Spicer]].
* '''The 616 Comics Cover:''' by [[Iván Talavera]].
* '''ClaytonCrain.com Cover:''' by [[Clayton Crain]].
* '''Sybound Shop Cover A:''' by [[Davi Go]].
* '''Sybound Shop Cover B:''' by Davi Go.

<gallery>
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover A.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover B.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover C.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover D.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover E.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Cover F.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 The 616 Comics Cover.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Clayton Crain Cover.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Sybound Shop Cover A.jpg|
File:G.I. Joe 2024 6 Sybound Shop Cover B.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[Void Rivals]]'' [[Void Rivals issue 18|#18]], the [[Energon Universe 2025 Special]], ''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Transformers (2023) issue 20|#20]], and ''G.I. Joe'' #7.
* ''Invincible Universe: Battle Beast''
* ''Blood and Thunder''
* ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero: Silent Missions''

===Reprints===
* '''''G.I. Joe Volume 1: The Cobra Strikes!''''' ([[June 4]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534328076 / ISBN 978-1534328075 
** Collects issues #1–6.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:G.I. Joe 2024 V1.jpg|'''''Volume 1: The Cobra Strikes!''''' – cover art by Tom Reilly
</gallery>

[[Category:G.I. Joe (2024) issues]]

Transformers (2023) issue 19

2025-04-10T06:03:04Z

SteelSkull:

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]'' #19
|prev=Transformers (2023) issue 18
|next=Transformers (2023) issue 20
|image=Transformers 2023 19 Cover A.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[April 9]], [[2025]]
|coverdate=April 2025
|written by=[[Daniel Warren Johnson]]
|art by=[[Ludo Lullabi]]
|colors by=[[Adriano Lucas]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|editor=[[Ben Abernathy]]
|publication design=[[Andres Juarez]]
|production=[[Ashby Florence]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''A glimpse into the past shows how Megatron became the great conqueror that bent Cybertron to his will.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] awakens in a cell on the planet [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]]. Confused, he demands to know where he is, last remembering being on [[Moonbase One|Moonbase 1]] with the rest of his [[clan]]. He is then greeted by the [[Quintesson Prosecutor]] [[Dezimir]], who tells him that he has been brought to undergo a great trial. Megatron tries to defiantly fight back, but Dezimir uses a device to control and subdue him. He is then brought to an arena, where Dezimir unleashes a horde of [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s on the [[Transformer|Cybertronian]]. However, Megatron is unfazed, and quickly tears through the Sharkticons, even firing a stray shot from his [[fusion cannon]] at his captors, only to earn another shock from Dezimir. The [[Quintesson]] then activates the next part of the trial: the floor opens underneath Megatron to reveal an inferno. Unfazed, Megatron transforms into his tank mode and blasts at Dezimir's platform. Dezimir taunts Megatron, telling him that while he is powerful, he could be much more. He then summons the mechanical shell of the mighty [[Mechanokoar]] and crushes Megatron.

Once more, Megatron awakens in the same cell, confused. Dezimir tells him that failure is not an option, proceeding to drag him out of the cell and back to the Sharkticon pit. Megatron demands to be returned home, but Dezimir tells him to continue fighting. Once again, Megatron defeats the Sharkticons, but is destroyed by the Mechanokoar.

On and on the cycle repeats, hundreds and hundreds of times. Eventually, the strain becomes too much for Megatron, and he breaks down, begging for mercy. Dezimir reveals that this is not only a trial, but a lesson: for as mighty a warrior Megatron may be, compared to the vast universe, he is ''small''—insignificant. Nothing. Just as he is about to finish Megatron with the Mechanokoar once more, a voice from above orders him to stop; his master has declared the trial over. Dezimir reveals that what allowed them to control Megatron was the dark opposite of the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the legendary artifact wielded by the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. Through it, Dezimir and his master plan to make Megatron such an opposing force to the Prime. Energy from this dark Matrix surrounds Megatron, granting him a third mode that will allow him to channel its energy to assert his control over others: a gun. The master then orders Dezimir to pick up Megatron, much to the Quintesson's horror. Megatron revels in the power he now has over his captor, forcing him to aim his gun form at the Mechanokoar and destroy the beast.

In the future, Megatron has returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and uses his new power to lead the [[Decepticon]]s.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c2=
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (1)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (6)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (7)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (8)

||h3=[[Quintesson]]|c3=
* [[Dezimir]] (2)
* [[Quintesson Bailiff]]s (3)
* [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticon]]s (4)
* [[Mechanokoar]] (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"Do not look to the past, THE FUTURE IS WHAT MATTERS NOW!"
:—'''Dezmir'''

"If you won't come down to me-- I shall force you down to my level!"
:—'''Megatron''' to Dezimir

"This is not only a trial. It is a lesson. My master has asked me to show you how small you truly are." 
"'''''I AM NOT SMALL!!!!'''''"
:—'''Dezimir''' and '''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This issue flashes back to give us our earliest look at Megatron's history in the Energon Universe, while also serving to expand on ideas and plot points that have been drip-fed to readers over the course of the series.
** For the majority of this issue, Megatron is seen without the Decepticon insignia on his chest, indicating this is set before the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] broke out.
** This issue reveals the origin of Megatron's gun form and his ability to seemingly overpower the will of those who wield it, an ability first seen in flashbacks to Starscream's origin in [[Transformers (2023) issue 14|issue #14]].
* While the Quintessons have been a recurring presence in ''[[Void Rivals]]'', this issue marks their first appearance in the ''Transformers'' series. ''Void Rivals'' revealed that the Quintessons used to control Cybertron during the [[Age of Wrath]] until they were overthrown by the resistance led by [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha]] and [[Beta (G1)|Zerta Trion]]. However, what connection (if any) Dezimir and his mysterious master have to the rest of the Quints and their plans with [[Goliant]] and Zerta remains to be seen.
* The Matrix of Leadership was first glimpsed in [[Transformers (2023) issue 1|the very first issue of the series]], and became a major plot point towards the end of the first arc.

===''Transformers'' references===
*Megatron mentions he was previously on [[Moonbase One]], a Cybertronian moon outpost first introduced in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* Megatron's enslavement by the Quintessons echoes [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|other]] [[Megatron (WFC)|versions]] [[Megatron (One)|of Megatron]] who were similarly enslaved and forced to fight for a living.
* The idea of the Matrix of Leadership having a darker counterpart has recurred throughout ''Transformers'' media, including the [[Matrix of Conquest]], the [[Dark Matrix of Leadership]], and most notably the fictitious [[Decepticon Matrix]], the idea of which the Quintessons used to manipulate [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] episode “[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]”. It seems that in the Energon Universe, such a Matrix might exist after all.
* In another one of the deepest cuts in this series, the [[Mechanokoar]] Megatron faces during the trial has a design reminiscent of the "'''Mechano-Beast'''", which was the combined form of the [[Anibot|Anibots]], a cut [[Combiner|combiner team]] from the second draft of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. The creature takes design cues from [[Floro Dery|Floro Dery's]] original concept art, even supporting a similar name as well.
===Other trivia===
*Daniel Warren Johnson provides some more insight on what's to come on the letters page:
:*He and editor Ben Abernathy confirm that [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] has not been forgotten following his crash into the Pacific Ocean back in [[Transformers (2023) issue 9|issue 9]].
:*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] will not be included in his run.
:*Though he says he plans to stick to G1 during his run, Johnson states that Skybound plans to do ''Transformers'' for "a VERY long time", leaving plenty of room for future writers to branch out to explore ideas from other eras.

===Covers===
* '''Cover A:''' Megatron tears a Sharkticon in half, by Daniel Warren Johnson and [[Mike Spicer]].
* '''Cover B:''' Megatron overwhelmed by Sharkticons, by [[Jorge Corona]] and Mike Spicer.
* '''Cover C:''' Connecting cover by [[David Nakayama]].
* '''Cover D:''' Megatron walks through a scorched land, by [[Steve Beach]].
* '''Cover E:''' Megatron stands over the bodies of his victims, by [[Frédéric Pham Chuong]].
* '''Cover F:''' Megatron grimaces, by Ludo Lullabi.
* '''Cover G:''' Blank sketch cover.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 19 Cover A.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 19 Cover B.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 19 Cover C.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 19 Cover D.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 19 Cover E.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 19 Cover F.jpg|
File:Transformers 2023 19 Cover G.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* Energon Universe hardcovers
* Explore the Energon Universe in ''[[G.I. Joe (2024 comic)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[G.I. Joe (2024) issue 6|#6]], ''Void Rivals'' [[Void Rivals issue 18|#18]], and ''Transformers'' #20.
* ''[[G.I. Joe (comic)|G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero]] - Silent Missions''
* ''Blood & Thunder''

===Reprints===
* '''''Transformers Volume 4: Conquer and Control''''' ([[November 25]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534332588 / ISBN 978-1534332584 
** Collects ''Transformers'' issues #19–24 and the [[Transformers Energon Universe Special story (2025)|''Transformers'' story]] from ''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]''.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 V4.jpg|'''''Volume 4: Conquer and Control''''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer
</gallery>

==External links==

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]

Legacy (issue)

2025-03-27T06:22:57Z

SteelSkull: Added the missing comic page

{{disambig3|Legacy}}

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Transformers Timelines (fiction)|Transformers Timelines]]'' One Page Comic Art Print
|prev=Collections
|next=
|seriesissue2=''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]''
|prev2=Hoist the Flag
|next2=
|title="Legacy"
|image=Legacy_(Issue).jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Fun Publications]]
|packaged with=BotCon Legacy Collection
|date=[[October 8]], [[2015]]
|story by=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|writer=[[Jesse Wittenrich]] & [[Greg Black]]
|pencils=[[Dan Khanna]]
|inks=[[Jake Isenberg]]
|colors=Jesse Wittenrich
|letters=Jesse Wittenrich
|managing editor=[[Pete Sinclair]]
|continuity=''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]''
}}

'''Shokaract muses about the state of affairs in the universe he plans to conquer.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Shokaract]] muses on the nature of darkness, and the whispers that emerge from it; whispers that speak of a destiny of destruction, to which he has always listened to, even back as the mindless "Hunter". Now, having found the [[Dark Essence|dark void]] he was looking for, he has evolved into the immortal warlord he was always meant to be. Casting his glance towards Cybertron, he watches as the [[Cybertronian Knight]] try to keep the peace, unaware of the sleeping giant their "peace" stands upon. He casts his glance at his former [[Star Seeker]] comrades; their new captain, [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]], and her ally, the resurrected [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], have proven to be very valuable pawns. Shokaract declares that he has learned from the mistakes of the past, and that when he returns, Cybertron will not be prepared...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s
|c1=
*[[Shokaract]] (1)

|h2=[[Autobot]]s/[[Maximal]]s
|c2=
*[[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] (2)
*[[Flareup (G1)|Flareup]] (3)

|h3=[[Decepticon]]s/[[Star Seeker]]s
|c3=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Flamewar (G1)|Captain Flamewar]] (5)
*[[Navigator (Star Seeker)|Navigator]] (6)
*[[Tornado]] (7)
*[[Ferak]] (8)
*[[Squirm]] (9)

|h4=Others
|c4=
*[[Unicron]]'s head (10)
}}

==Notes==
* Characters mentioned include: Shokaract's [[Cannonball (G1)|former captain]].

===Continuity notes===
* This story follows on from the the end of "[[Hoist the Flag]]", where the Hunter found the [[Dark Essence]] and became Shokaract.
* Shokaract flashes back to his days chained up in the gladiatorial pits, as mentioned in his BotCon 2014 toy's tech specs.
* After Cannonball's failure in "Hoist the Flag", the Facebook page ''[[Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur]]'' showed his and the Star Seeker's attempts to find Starscream's indestructible spark, only for Flamewar to ally with the Seeker and betray Cannonball, becoming the new Star Seeker captain.

===Transformers references===
* The final panel of Shokaract looming over Cybertron pays homage to the [[cloaked mystery villain]] from Japan's version of the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' [[title sequence]].

===Errors===
* Squirm and the Navigator appear alongside Captain Flamewar, but the Tornado Facebook page had them both as loyalists to the disembodied Cannonball who chose to be marooned on [[Shut-Up-Tornado-I'm-Trying-To-Think|a planetoid]] with him.

===Other trivia===
*This comic was released as a [[Pack-in material|pack-in]] to the [[Transformers Collectors' Club|Collectors' Club]] "BotCon Legacy Collection" package of [[BotCon 2014]] toys [[Flareup (G1)|Flareup]], [[Apelinq (BM)|Ape-Linq]], [[Shokaract]], and [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]], showing off all four of those characters.
* Shokaract refers to himself as a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]. This was his faction in the "[[Reaching the Omega Point]]" storyline, but not in any of his previous appearances in this continuity.
*Starscream's [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Timelines|''Timelines'' G2 toy design]] makes an on-panel full-body appearance. It had previously only been described in text in the Facebook story page ''Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur''.

[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Timelines issues]]
[[Category:Wings Universe issues]]

==External Links==
*[https://x.com/PtSinclair2004/status/1811604275413369292 "Legacy" from Pete Sinclair's Twitter]

File:Legacy (Issue).jpg

2025-03-27T06:16:58Z

SteelSkull: The Legacy comic from Fun Publication's Wings Universe. Image from twitter archive: https://x.com/morgan_dfx/status/1811500161945809189

The Legacy comic from Fun Publication's Wings Universe.

Image from twitter archive: https://x.com/morgan_dfx/status/1811500161945809189

Mysterians

2025-03-27T06:10:04Z

SteelSkull: Added external link

[[File:Mysterians logo.jpg|right|500px]]
'''''Mysterians''''' was a cancelled toyline developed by Knickerbocker Toys in late [[1982]] for a planned release in [[1983]]. Inspired by a small keychain that transformed from train to robot discovered by some of the company's executives on a trip to Japan, the line would have been one of the earliest attempts to bring the transforming robot toy craze already gripping that country to America.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 29</ref>

==Development==
[[File:Mysterians guardians and warbots.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.25|The Hidden Force line-up.]]
Seeking to produce a monthly ''Mysterians'' comic book, pack-in comics for the toys, and an animated TV special, Knickerbocker approached [[DC Comics]] to help develop the property and produce the comic.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 30-31</ref> Unhappy with what DC produced, the company turned to [[Marvel Comics]] editor-in-chief [[Jim Shooter]] to ask if they could do better. Shooter put together a premise for the series, totally new and unrelated to what DC had done, but troubled relations with Marvel's media arm, [[Marvel Productions]], led to its head of development [[Dennis Marks]] ignoring Shooter's work and creating his own, distinct proposal for the series, involving heavy focus on kid supporting characters and a goofy dog. Knickerbocker insisted on going with Shooter's premise,<ref>[http://jimshooter.com/2011/06/secret-origin-of-transformers-part-1.html/ "The Secret Origin of the Transformers - Part 1"] - Jim Shooter recounts Marvel's role in the development of ''Mysterians'' which he mistakenly calls "Mysterions"</ref> and the ''Mysterians'' comic book was solicited in issue #1 of ''Marvel Age'' in December 1982, which stated that the book was about "a trio of otherwordly robots stranded on Earth." Notably, it's not clear if this "alien" origin was Shooter's creation, or had been previously decided upon by Knickerbocker before approaching either Marvel or DC.

But, the ''very day'' the comic solicitation came out, the news broke that Knickerbocker had been acquired by [[Hasbro]].<ref>[https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/12/22/Raggedy-Ann-and-Andy-will-still-be-around/5198409381200/ "Raggedy Ann and Andy will still be around"], UPI article from December 1982</ref><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/27/business/the-risky-business-of-toys.html "The Risky Business of Toys"], ''New York Times'' article from June 1984</ref> ''Mysterians'' promptly ceased to be, with a note in the following month's ''Marvel Age'' #2 mentioning the cancellation of the comic, and the next year, Hasbro approached Marvel to help develop ''their'' new transforming robot franchise, ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]''. Jim Shooter developed another brand-new premise, while Marvel Productions recycled the "kids and dog" concept to pitch Hasbro [[Car and Cable|their own vision for the ''Transformers'' cartoon]], but once again, Hasbro went with Shooter's—and the rest is history!
{{--}}
==Connection to Transformers==

The ''Mysterians'' toyline would have reportedly consisted of two sub-lines.

[[File:Mysterians mobile force.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5|Card art for Truckar, Jeepar, and Blazar.]]

First, there was "The Hidden Force," which would have featured the heroic "Golden Guardians"—Goldar, Seekar, and Tinkar—battling the "Evil Warbots"—Vengor, Blastor, and Destructor (above right). Drawing inspiration from the Japanese robot toy {{w|Golden Warrior Gold Lightan|Gold Lightan}}, who transformed into a rectangular, golden-chromed cigarette lighter, each of the Hidden Force transformed from a simple geometric shape like a cube or a sphere into a retro sci-fi robot, each featuring a hidden compartment containing removable weapons and accessories.

[[File:Mysterians speedar.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Concept art for Speedar.]]

Secondly, there was "The Mobile Force," who transformed into cars and trucks. These four "Mobile Force" figures—Jeepar, Blazar, Truckar, and Speedar—were the figures that would later become the ''Transformers'' toys, [[Brawn (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Brawn]], [[Gears (G1)#The Transformers|Gears]], [[Huffer (G1)#The Transformers|Huffer]], and [[Windcharger (G1)#The Transformers|Windcharger]], respectively. (While no good/evil affiliation is explicitly stated in any of the existing material, that their names end in "-ar" rather than "-or" would indicate they were going to be good guys.) Packaging mock-ups for the first three have been found (left), while concept art for "Speedar" by Knickerbocker artist Steven Hodges exists (right).<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 32-35</ref> All indications are that these four figures were designed by Knickerbocker, but with the cancellation of ''Mysterians'', the figures' first actual release would be in the Japanese ''[[Micro Change]]'' line, created by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], in 1983, which fans assumed for decades to be the toys' point of origin. It remains unclear precisely how Takara acquired the designs to include them in ''Micro Change''; the possibility exists that they may have been working on ''Mysterians'' with Knickerbocker.

The figures do have some notable differences from the other three molds that they were released alongside during ''Micro Change'' ([[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]) which suggest different origins; they all have unique transformation schemes, while the other three share identical engineering; their vehicle modes lack the extreme super-deformed proportions of the other three, not having been designed to represent ''[[Choro-Q]]'' toys, hence they also lack the fake "penny slot" on the backs of the other toys; they have hard plastic wheels, while the other three have rubber tires; and perhaps most notably, Gears, Brawn, and Huffer all have an "M" logo sculpted into their bodies, which fans had always assumed stood for ''Micro Change''... but the "M" is stylized in a way ''completely different'' from the way it is in the ''Micro Change'' brandings, so... could it be that "M" actually stood for ''Mysterians''?

==Marchon's ''Mysterians''==
[[File:Mysterians marchon major repair.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|Marchon's "Major Repair," based on Knickerbocker's "Tinkar."]]
The story of ''Mysterians'' did not end with Hasbro's acquisition of Knickerbocker. In 1984, a toy company named Marchon released a toyline named ''Mysterians: The Secret Force''... which consisted of geometric shapes that transformed into simple robots, all very clearly based on Knickerbocker's "Hidden Force" designs, and sporting an "M" logo very similar to the one sculpted into the three "Mobile Force" figures that became Transformers. It's possible Marchon may have cut a deal with Hasbro for the unused Knickerbocker designs, but there's no documented proof of it, and the full story of how this came to be remains unknown.<ref>''[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/712321210/toys-that-time-forgot-a-book-about-unproduced-toys The Toys That Time Forgot - Volume One], pg. 35</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Mysterians]]
[[Category: Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category: Things that don't exist]]

==External Links==
*[https://www.the-liberator.net/site-files/robot-toys/mysterians-index.htm "Mysterians Index on the Hidden Force"]

Talk:Beast (planet)

2025-03-15T04:08:22Z

SteelSkull: /* Battlefield Map */ new section

I had read from a Battle Beast fan site that, in the catalog that came with the first Battle Beast set (before the Laser Beasts), that it was only recently that the Beasts were at war, and that was only AFTER the Decepticons arrived and teamed up with Alligatron. So, it would be improper to say that they 'just don't get along'

==Rename==

Should the Planet Beest article be called "Beest" or "Beast"? The only time it's ever appeared in any official US fiction was in the Dreamwave Summer Special where it was referred to as "Beest". The pronounciation of the planet's name in Japanese is "bii-su-to" which can be spelled "Beest", and I don't recall ever seeing it written as "Beast" in any official Japanese media. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 22:54, 29 September 2006 (UTC)

:It was spelled Beest when it appeared in a Dreamwave issue, the summer special story, IIRC. It's where Megatron found the Predacons, who'd beem issing sicne forever had had gone feral. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 00:19, 30 September 2006 (UTC)

::How did Metronome spell it? I personally hate the 'Beest' spelling.--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 11:57, 5 July 2009 (EDT)
:::They used "Beast". - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 12:01, 5 July 2009 (EDT)
::::Maybe we should think about moving it then. The pro-world seems to be voting 2:1 ... how do we fans feel about it? --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 12:09, 5 July 2009 (EDT)
:::::I prefer "Beest", myself. And I think the Dreamwave comic should take precedence over the Metrodome subs. Not to be too harsh, but those subs for Headmasters were horribly inconsistent, that episode ESPECIALLY so (they couldn't decide whether to call him White Leo or Pirate Lion, Gruesome Gator or Alligatron, etc, fluctuating chaotically between names). I'd go with Beest, if I were me. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 12:15, 5 July 2009 (EDT)
:::::: I suppose that's fair. It's also in The Ark books though. Any other opinions on this? --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 11:25, 6 July 2009 (EDT)

It's amazing how much I care about things that apparently even my fellow editors are utterly indifferent to. With one vote for yes and one vote for no, and twice as many pro sources for Beast as Beest, I'm going to go ahead and move this page if there aren't any strenuous objections. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 10:00, 7 July 2009 (EDT)
:Be my guest. But if you're going to do it, please, go ALL THE WAY and update all the links to "Beest" with "Beast". If there's one thing I hate about moving pages over issues or personal preference like this, it's that the movers tend to just move the page and be done with it and let everybody else worry about fixing all the links. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 10:41, 7 July 2009 (EDT)

==Continents and countries==

We're ending up with a number of one line articles and such. Wouldn't it make more sense to just include a section on it here? I mean, there really isn't enough information on any of it for individual articles[[User:Eire]] 23.32 Aug 2 09 (UTC)

==Rename Part Deux==

Four years ago huh? Well, I thought I'd bring it up again after reading that long discussion about the "canonicity" of English language subtitles of Japanese media. We seemed to come to the consensus that we shouldn't take changes in the subs too "seriously" after what Shout Factory did, so I have to ask again: "Beest" or "Beast"? The decision to call the article "Beast" seemingly stemmed from the spelling used in the Metrodome subs, but "Beest" from the Dreamwave comic both predates the Metrodome subs and is, well, not a subtitle job for a DVD set (which we seem to dismiss after the whole Shout Factory thing). So should "Beest" be the proper title for this article? --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 10:14, 24 May 2013 (EDT)
:My irrational feeling is that "Beest" is a stupid name and Dreamwave sucks. [[User:Mimi|Mimi]] 10:29, 24 May 2013 (EDT)
:I think by all metrics except that "Beest" is incredibly stupid, the article should be at Beest. -[[User:LV|LV]] 10:32, 24 May 2013 (EDT)
::I think the best argument against Beest is that people are unlikely to use it over Beast in current and future stuff. Like using [[Eagle Eye (G2)|Eagle Eye over Hawk]]. (But then again, the last few mentions were by Jim Sorensen.) [[User:Mimi|Mimi]] 10:43, 24 May 2013 (EDT)
:::It's more a matter of the wiki being consistent with itself, I think. If we're going to avoid using DVD subtitles as any form of evidence for a name or title, then we really shouldn't cite it as reasoning for this article being under "Beast". We give priority to English language names over Japanese ones, and "Beest" was an official English language rendering from a (stupid) comic book. And "Beest", as an official English language moniker, predates any DVD subtitles, anyway. I know we do make exceptions from time to time and we're somewhat flexible on rules, but should we do so in this case just because the rendering "Beast" is more prevalent within the fandom? --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 11:40, 24 May 2013 (EDT)
Hate to play Devil's Advocate, but the Transformers I.Q. in issue #46 of the TCC Magazine spelled it as... "Beast". --[[User:Sabrblade|Sabrblade]] 22:17, 4 July 2013 (EDT)

== Battlefield Map ==

I found a Facebook post with a decent photo of the physical Battlefield Map that I wanted to share:
https://www.facebook.com/unicroncom/posts/pfbid02YvJzGYfgAcJ6RKWijnv8qB1ZoNY6o4VEd7YNBCMXaXfVfAxsteiDbf8cnLgoUSURl
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=953366019777628&set=pb.100053127171469.-2207520000
There's also this forum post from back in the day with it translated though watermarked. It's probably not right for this wiki to use, but I thought I should still link it for posterity:
http://www.littlerubberguys.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17407
--[[User:SteelSkull|SteelSkull]] ([[User talk:SteelSkull|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2025 (EDT)

Talk:Brave (franchise)

2025-03-15T03:50:38Z

SteelSkull: /* New Brave/Transformers Info */ new section

==Images==
Here are some pictures of the various TF model re-uses in Brave. A bunch of these came from a friend scanning from his Sunrise robot book, but I don't remember the name of the book now... will have to ask. Shadowmaru and Kagerou are my scans, though.

[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/yuusha/dagbase.jpg Dagbase]

[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/yuusha/dynoguystooooo01b.jpg Dino Geist and the Geisters]

[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/yuusha/atlasbomber01b.jpg Goryu and Hiryu]

[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/yuusha/J-Decker_Kagerou01b.jpg Kagerou]

[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/yuusha/redgeist.jpg Red Geist]

[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/yuusha/J-Decker_Shadowmaru01a.jpg Shadowmaru]

[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/yuusha/gsbuddies01b.jpg Thunder Dagwon and friends]

[http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/yuusha/scorp01b.jpg Zazorigan and Death Garrygun]

Not sure how many we should incorporate - open to suggestions. I don't think I ever asked him for Death Garrygun scans, but I own the toy anyway... oh, actually, I think Jhiaxus owns both Sky Garry and Death Garrygun now, so maybe a side-by-side toy pic would also be good. EDIT: Oh, wait, Death Garrygun is in the Zazorigan picture, oops. --[[User:Monzo|Monzo]] 00:09, 12 December 2007 (UTC)
:In my opinion, I think it is good to put some comparison pictures which have a TF and a Brave ([[:Image:Dvd broadcast.jpg|example]])in the article. :) BTW, I'm not a sharp person, so I didn't notice 'til saw the url of the link you provided. I found out that you are one of the owner of the "Obscure Transformers Website". In fact, I've be the fan and the visitor of your site since I was still a student! ;D --[[User:TX55|TX55]] 01:17, 12 December 2007 (UTC)

::I've got a good handful of Brave websites bookmarked if pics of those guys are needed. We'd just have to decide which characters to use, and to find a close-matching image of the TF to go along. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 02:08, 12 December 2007 (UTC)
::: In my opinion, I think those re-use design could be divided into 4 categories
:* Extremely obvious: Red Geist, Goryu and Hiryu, Dag Base, Zazorigan and Death Garrygun
:* Obvious: Armor Geist, Horn Geist
:* Okay: Ptera Geist, Shadowmaru
:* Not so obvious: Thunder Dagwon, Kagerou, Thunder Geist
::'''Note:''' Comparing standard is according to the design use in animation instead of toy, that's why Shadowmaru is in the "Okay Category" instead of "Extremely obvious" or "Obvious".
::--[[User:TX55|TX55]] 02:59, 12 December 2007 (UTC)

==Stuff==
Might be a good idea to list all the toys and designs that got used in various BRave series. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 21:05, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Isn't Sazori Gan/Zazorigun a non-toy character? --[[User:Monzo|Monzo]] 06:26, 19 September 2007 (UTC)
:Non-toy. Although I've seen a custom one on a Brave toy image site once so maybe the other editor wasn't aware. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 06:44, 19 September 2007 (UTC)

== Rewrite explained ==

I originally copied most of this article from Wikipedia; however Walky later explained to me that that isn't an acceptable practice here, and therefore I have since voluntarily rewritten it. --[[User:TVsGrady|TVsGrady]] 22:29, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

== Japanese websites ==

I've got a few Brave websites (focusing mainly on the toys) bookmarked, would it be worth it to add one or two to the external links? --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 06:18, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

== Micromaster Station from Brave Police ==
Does anyone known the names of those Micromaster Station called in Brave Police? Um, I only find one called "[http://tfbaka.de-blog.jp/1dai/2008/01/post_51d7.html Crime scene from the construction site]" (Repaint [[Ironworks (Micromaster)|Ironworks]]). It seems difficult to find but I'm still trying. :) --[[User:TX55|TX55]] 09:43, 28 February 2008 (UTC)
: I don't know ^^; Sorry! Also, do you know if they were ever in the anime? I haven't seen that much of Brave Police, so I dont know. If they were not in the anime, it would be good to put a note in about that. --[[User:Might Gaine|Might Gaine]] 15:58, 2008 February 28 (UTC)
:: As far as I know, the repaint Micromaster Stations are toy-only products, in other words, they didn't show up in anime. :)By the way, you really did good job in adding new information for this article. ;D --[[User:TX55|TX55]] 16:12, 28 February 2008 (UTC)
::: Thank you! :) --[[User:Might Gaine|Might Gaine]] 16:14, 28 February 2008 (UTC)

=="New Rodimus"?==
Sorry, but could someone please explain to me (or at least include an explanation) of what "New Rodimus" refers to? The link just redirects to Hot Rod Toys, but nothing specific. Do you mean the Battlestars micromaster version? Forgive my ignorance, but I imagine there will be plenty of other folks who won't know what this is referring to either.
Cheers, [[User:PacifistPrime|PacifistPrime]][[User:PacifistPrime|PP]] 00:08, 4 May 2008 (UTC).
:The link ''should'' be redirecting you to the Hot Rod toys page's Trivia section, which includes a good chunk of paragraph on what New Rodimus was going to be. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 00:15, 4 May 2008 (UTC)
::Oh, ''that'' new Rodimus. The Powermastery concept-only Rodimus. Gotcha.
::Thanks, Detour. Can someone please fix the link (I don't know how)?[[User:PacifistPrime|PacifistPrime]][[User:PacifistPrime|PP]] 12:20, 4 May 2008 (UTC).

== Recent edits ==

You know, considering this is a Transformers wiki and not a Brave wiki, should this article really be that expansive? Shouldn't it just stick to the relationship Brave has with Transformers, and basic overall information, and call it a day? --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 18:20, 16 May 2008 (UTC)
:It ''is'' also all copied directly from Wikipedia. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 20:22, 16 May 2008 (UTC)
::No surprise there. It's the same editor. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 20:25, 16 May 2008 (UTC)

== Unique situation ==

Please explain the "unique situation" thing with the ''Car Robots'' characters. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 18:08, 28 August 2010 (EDT)
{{quote
|If Japanese names affected article titles, then [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]] would be at Megazarak (Universe) and [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]] at Roadbuster (G1)
|My reason to propose moving this article back to [[Brave]]}}

{{quote
|Except that the Car Robot characters are an unique situation.
|Interrobang's reason for removing the move template from the article}}

Really though, what does the "unique situation" thing mean? [[User:Item42|Item42]] 12:22, 31 August 2010 (EDT)
:Okay, I'll try. I'm sure someone else will correct any misunderstandings I may have. Car Robots and Robots in Disguise are each based around the same animation, however CR is a G1 continuity family franchise and RID is an RID continuity family franchise. Thus, they actually feature separate characters that are nonetheless covered on the same pages as each other because it is silly to duplicate the pages entirely except for names and categories. Therefore, redirects for the RID names have been created and are taken into account when assigning names to other articles. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:31, 31 August 2010 (EDT)
::It's really a bit unusual in that we largely ignore the Japanese version. We document the English dub and then simply make notes about the differences in Japan.
::Partly this is because Japan's treatment of CR was so weird. It considers CR and RiD to be the same continuity. They '''retroactively''' shoved CR into occurring int he G1 timeline in the year 2000 because they heard that the american dub featured references to the G1 cartoon in its past. (Which is true, R.I.D. seems to have something very similar to the G1 cartoon in its backstory. But not identical.)
::This creates all sorts of maddening problems, not the least of which that Fire Convoy is a ''separate'' character from Optimus Prime in Japan -- they could have met face to face and shaken hands -- but he's Optimus Prime in America. Yet Japan still insists they are the same character.
::All we can do it throw up our hands, say "this doesn't make a lot of sense" and roll with it, while not bending over backwards to accomodate that stupidity any more than Hasbro's "Prime isn't part of the Multiverse" declaration.
::If the distinction ever come up in fiction we'll probably have to change everything, but the continuity is almost toxically complicated-- tied into the events of Kiss Players Positron and Takara's batshit attempts to shove everything into the G1 cartoon timeline before finally giving up and admitting there was more than one TF universe. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 17:36, 17 February 2012 (EST)

== What kind of game? ==

The article states that The Saint Of The Braves: Baan Gaan was cancelled and "later made into a game"; is that a board game, a card game, a video game or what? --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 09:02, 17 February 2012 (EST)
:According to the Brave page on Wikipedia (unsourced, of course) a video game. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:13, 17 February 2012 (EST)
::I'm positive that [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wluAT_xtR0A/ it is a videogame]. --[[User:Sharky857|Sharky857]] 11:02, 3 March 2012 (EST)

== Should we change "Obari pose" to "Brave perspective"? ==

This questions is for those far more familiar with the ''Brave'' franchise. The wiki uses the "angle of sword larger than the wielder" pose as the "Obari pose." BUT, [https://twitter.com/Des_Shinta/status/1834181155584700775 this person on Twitter] pointing out that the actual snap-down should be more credited to Mitsuo Fukuda, which had me rabbit-holing around [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/brave-perspective Know Your Meme], leading to this "[https://togetter.com/li/94518 interview]" citing the account [https://twitter.com/T_Katuragi T_Katuragi/すなつぶ] and [https://twitter.com/fukuda320 Fukuda] himself. The only Brave title I'm most familiar with was GaoGaiGar, so I'll let the Brave fans have the stage. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] ([[User talk:Lonegamer78|talk]]) 12:49, 14 September 2024 (EDT)

== whats with the brave wiki link ==

it leads to an empty page
--[[User:Welltowiki|Welltowiki]] ([[User talk:Welltowiki|talk]]) 11:41, 10 November 2024 (EST)
:It seems to be a dead wiki, so I am removing it. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] ([[User talk:Thylacine 2000|talk]]) 12:02, 10 November 2024 (EST)

== New Brave/Transformers Info ==

This was mentioned in Aaron Archer's latest livestream, but Hasbro/Kenner's Beast Wars' team was receiving product to use as reference of what Takara could do with them for toy development, and licensing the Brave series wasn't feasible for Hasbro during this time. https://youtu.be/bwY-flqNqpQ?t=3660
--[[User:SteelSkull|SteelSkull]] ([[User talk:SteelSkull|talk]]) 23:50, 14 March 2025 (EDT)