MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

ToonTown

2025-08-30T01:02:50Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Clarified info on Oversized Bruticus figures.

[[File:ToonTown-LALAPrime.jpg|270px|thumb|right|Too cool to be fake.]]
'''ToonTown''' is a [[South Korea|South Korean]] company that apparently licensed out the ''Transformers'' brand to multiple manufacturers across South Korea and [[Taiwan]] during the second half of the 1990s. Working in concert with another company, '''3D Licensing International''', ToonTown's sub-licensees would eventually go on to produce their own ''Transformers''-branded toys and merchandise, releasing them under the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' banner.

We say ''apparently'' because the story of ToonTown is shrouded in mystery and very little firm info is known about them. They're so obscure that we don't even have a logo that we can stamp on this opening paragraph! In the early days of the online [[fandom]], people who lived or traveled in east Asia would exchange reports on mailing lists or [[alt.toys.transformers|Usenet groups]] of having seen these official-looking, [[Hasbro]]-branded toys in strange colors or sizes, and the community would then scrutinize the evidence <ref>
[http://fredsworkshop.com/vkorea.html Early analysis of ToonTown legitimacy]</ref> for these being legitimate ''Transformers'' products or high quality, very bold [[knockoff]]s. Decades later, no decisive answers have surfaced.

==Overview==
[[File:AlphaBaseRobot.jpg|right|270px|thumb|If you thought a boxed Overlord was expensive, just wait to see how much I cost! ''(Pictured: Academy's Overlord KO, the textbook example of a high-quality 80s Korean bootleg)'']]
===Background===
The South Korean toy market during the 1980s and 1990s, especially within the niche of robot action figures like the ''Transformers'', was distinctively unique from its Asian counterparts: like China and Taiwan, it was dominated by knockoffs of Japanese-derived toys... But in a very different way. While knockoffs in the Sinophone world were usually manufactured with the intent of being cheap exports for foreign markets (hence the usual garish packaging void of any company logos and adorned with broken English), most South Korean knockoffs were instead conceived to be sold in their own domestic market, with manufacturers proudly stamping their own brand names and logos on the packaging, the graphic design of said packaging being noticeably more "upmarket" with product stills and unique illustrations, and the toys themselves often boasting an unconventionally high quality compared to their equivalents in the Sinophone world. These peculiarities of Korean bootlegs were likely a matter of protectionism: out of the Four Asian Tigers economies, South Korea was easily the most interventionist in terms of its import economy, leaving many South Korean fans in the dust as the Japanese giant transforming robot craze broke out in the 1980s. As a result, national toy manufacturers were left to fill in the gaps, usually aiming for a more affluent middle-class audience who could afford more ellaborate toys.

Another common trait of the South Korean toy scene was how murky the distinction between "knockoff producers" and "legitimate toy companies" was. For instance; national company [[wikipedia:Academy Plastic Model|Academy Plastic Model Co., Ltd.]] (아카데미과학주식회사) would release several toys bootlegging franchises like ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' and ''Transformers'', including a famous full-sized knockoff of [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] with his head swapped for [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]. Academy would then go on to become a major reputable company, at various points even collaborating with former bootlegging target [[Bandai]] to release official ''Gundam''-based model kits! In another oddball case, a clone of ''[[Diaclone]]'' No.10 Fire Engine – later [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] in the ''Transformers'' franchise – would be sold under the name ''Phoenix King''... And get [[wikipedia:Phoenix-bot Phoenix King|an entire animated TV show]] to go along with it, even later localized in the U.S. as ''Defenders of Space''.

All of this is to highlight how the distinction between reputable companies and bootleg manufacturers was surprisingly blurry in South Korea during this time. And, insofar as the ''Transformers'' are concerned, nothing is a better example of this than ToonTown's line-up of toys and merchandise.
{{-}}
[[File:ToonTown-KabayaKits.jpg|left|190px|thumb|"Hope you like key art of these four characters, because they're the only ones we were able to get."]]

===The ToonTown mystery===
As ToonTown's name suggests, the company was not a manufacturer of toys specifically: instead, their specialty appears to have been in licensing out western cartoons and their associated merchandise to the domestic South Korean market. Some of their known localizations include ''[[wikipedia:Dragon Tales|Dragon Tales]]'' in 1999 and ''[[wikipedia:Tiny Toon Adventures|Tiny Toon Adventures]]'' in 2002 <ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_i3XgCbSPA "Beyond Transformers: The True Story of The "Official" Oversized G2 Korean Optimus Prime!"] from The Classic Comics Forum</ref>. A handful of ToonTown-branded ''Transformers'' releases feature a blurb on the packaging saying something akin to "Scheduled to broadcast on TV", which might suggest that these were meant to be tie-in products to a local airing of [[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|the ''Generation 2'' cartoon]]... Except that there's no known Korean localization of said cartoon released during this time.

If the copyright information on the packaging is correct, ToonTown would put out their ''Generation 2'' assortment in 1997. The boxes for the bigger toys prominently display "Hasbro International", "Permission of 3D Licensing International", and the official [[Franchise|logo styles]] and faction [[insignia]] routinely seen on legitimate Transformers product (and routinely ''not'' seen on knockoffs, especially [[Knockoff#High-fidelity counterfeits|not in the 1990s]]). Smaller toys would sometimes omit these, with the licensing label being shortened to "3-D Licensed by ToonTown". Apparently, they even had enough budget to air their own animated commercials, as [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYJ8Nev7DGo seen here]. As an alternative interpretation of the aforementioned "Scheduled to broadcast on TV" seen in ToonTown packaging, it is also possible that it could be referencing these commercials instead of a cartoon airing, like the traditional "Seen on TV" in American goods.

One commonality across multiple ToonTown products is the constant reusing of the packaging art for Optimus Prime, Megatron, Sideswipe, and Ramjet across their various products. An internal ''Generation 2'' licensing guideline book featuring boxart of the toyline's characters was produced by Hasbro with the specific intent of being shared only with select companies for reproduction in their own merchandise toylines, suggesting that ToonTown ''might'' have had access to it <ref>[https://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/Employee/Gen2LicensingBook1.html Generation 2 Licensing Book] on toyarchive.com</ref>. Noticeably, the Optimus Prime in the cover for this book features a weird shiny gold color scheme in its chrome bits... And so do a lot of ToonTown Prime figures.

So, are ToonTown's offerings legitimate ''Transformers'' products or are they knockoffs instead? If we are to take ToonTown's word and record at face value, there appears to be a very strong case for their legitimacy: they seem to have interacted with other mass-media franchises, their packaging does feature the presumably official Hasbro International copyright, and their products are of a substantive enough quality compared to what you'd traditionally expect from knockoffs. But then again, considering South Korea's previously-mentioned history of high-quality ''Transformers'' bootlegs, the blurry lines between legitimate companies and bootleg manufacturers, and the fact that one very specific ToonTown-licensed toy has ''very'' shady origins (more on this [[ToonTown#Releases without a known manufacturer|down below]]), some skepticism certainly seems warranted. In the end, until Hasbro provides some official statement on this obscure piece of ''Transformers'' franchise lore, we might never truly know.
{{-}}

==Toys and merchandise released under license from ToonTown / 3D Licensing International==
===Items released by LALA===
[[File:Lala-Logo.png|center]]
A good portion of ToonTown-branded releases were manufactured by a company called '''LALA Industry Co., Ltd.''' ((주)라라산업), which seems to, in fact, be a legally registered entity in South Korea <ref>[https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.lala_industry_co_ltd.632a79ba62fbff729f4b8e280993477c.html A Dun & Bradstreet page for Lala Industry & Co.]</ref>. These include a large oversized version of the 1992 ''Generation 2'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]], decoed in white and black with red accents (looking strikingly similar to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#CollabGB|a later Optimus Prime redeco]]), and a handful of merchandise like pencil cases, erasers, and a watch — all of them fully-transforming! Interestingly, beyond ''Transformers'' merchandise, the only other products that we can find as having been made by LALA are generic robot toys that transform into pencil cases <ref>[https://blog.naver.com/khwds/220445445851 A generic "Transformation Pencil Case" from Lala.]</ref>: apparently they had one ''very'' specific niche!

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Toys'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a2|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#LALA|Optimus Prime]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Erasers'''
{{Bp-a2|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#ToonTown|Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a2|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#LALA|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-d2|[[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#LALA|Megatron]]}}
{{Bp-d2|[[Ramjet (G1)/toys#LALA|Ramjet]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Watches'''
{{Bp-a2|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#ToonTown|Optimus Prime]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Pencil Cases'''
{{Bp-a2|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#ToonTown|Optimus Prime]]}}
|
[[File:LALA-PrimePencilCase.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Too cute to be fake.]]
|}
{{-}}

===Items released by Midam Industry===
[[File:Midam-Logo.png|100px|center]]

In contrast with LALA having little market presence beyond their ''Transformers'' tie-ins, '''Midam Industry''' (미담산업) seems to have actually been a fairly accredited South Korean toy manufacturer, with their catalogue consisting of mostly child-oriented (but, compared to the likes of [[Kabaya]], otherwise relatively complex) model kits. Their only ToonTown-branded release seems to be a replica of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy. Three color combos have been discovered for that specific kit: his original red arms and torso with blue head and legs, an inverted version with a red head and legs and a blue torso and arms, and one all-blue <ref>Reviews for a [https://m.blog.naver.com/eoiipp/130144214329 "standard"-colored Midam Optimus kit], an [https://blog.naver.com/parang16/20041871808 "inverted"-colored Midam Optimus kit], and an [https://blog.naver.com/nckim/70101680088 all-blue-colored Midam Optimus kit] on blog.naver.com</ref> — thus; it seems that the colors of the two batch of parts might be randomized between blue and red, suggesting that an all-red version might also possibly exist.

Prime's box features packaging art of ''Generation 2'' Megatron, Sideswipe, and Ramjet on its sides, giving the suggestion that they too had received Midam model kits - however; given that only copies of Optimus Prime have been found on the secondary market and that the aforementioned pictures aren't accompanied by any "Also available" / "Collect them all" / etc. type of marketing call-to-actions, it seems more likely that these were only added for illustrative purposes (art of these four characters was also a recurring sight across other ''ToonTown'' products).

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Model kits'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a2|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#MidamIndustry|Optimus Prime]] (released in several color variants)}}
|
[[File:Midam-Prime.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Too interesting to be fake.]]
|}
{{-}}

===Releases without a known manufacturer===
A handful of extra ToonTown-licensed, Hasbro-labeled toys seemingly do not have any physical manufacturing company labeled on their packaging. These include a handful of reissues of [[Kabaya]] ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' kits <ref>[https://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=nckim&logNo=70101874251&photoView=0 A review of the Kabaya-derived Soundwave kit], from blog.naver.com</ref> and — oddly — a rebranding of an old ''[[Diaclone]]'' Optimus Prime knockoff with a number of extensive molding modifications (which, surprisingly, would not make this the first time that [[Comando Toys|an official Hasbro licensee]] would release [[Best Join|a bootleg]] as [[Radio AM Robot|a ''Transformers''-branded toy]]). The kits are marked as being made in Taiwan, and the Optimus Prime toy shares its overall packaging design with a handful of other Taiwanese-made bootlegs of its time. It seems that ToonTown used LALA and Midam Industry as the flagships of their South Korean branch and passed on the license to a handful of other unnamed non-Korean companies in Taiwan — which, in turn, might have simply reused whatever existing molds or batch of toys they had access to — to supplement their line-up.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''"Truck Becomes Robot"'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a2|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#ToonTown|"Battle Supplier"]] (Optimus Prime)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''"Easy-to-Assemble Plastic Model"''' <ref>[http://fuwakudou.web.fc2.com/prisoners06.html One source] mentions obtaining two boxes of these releases with each containing two kits - the one numbered #1 featuring Optimus Prime and Soundwave and the one numbered #2 featuring Sideswipe and Starscream - but considering that none of the other (albeit admittedly very few) sources that discuss these kits mention a similar arrangement, it is possible that this was either a packing mistake or simply already-opened boxes being sold on the secondary market with two loose kits stuffed into them (the article does not specify whether or not the boxes they obtained were sealed, although they do look new-ish in the provided pictures). Still, considering how very little information exists regarding these releases in general, it will nonetheless be noted here that these kits ''might'' have been released as 2-packs at some point.</ref>
{{Bp-a2|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Transformers Gum|Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a2|[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Transformers Gum|Sideswipe]]}}
{{Bp-d2|[[Starscream (G1)/merchandise#Transformers Gum|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d2|[[Soundwave (G1)/merchandise#Transformers Gum|Soundwave]]}}
|
[[File:ToonTown-DiaclonePrime.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Too... Wait, no, this one ''is'' actually fake. But at the same time, also maybe real. Help, he's having an identity crisis.]]
|}

==Notes==
*Two other South Korean companies, [[Sonokong]] and [[Young Toys]], would also have the ''Transformers'' license during this period, although said license was provided by [[Takara]] instead of Hasbro.
*There is also a pair of sets of famous Korean might-or-might-not-be ''Transformers'' bootlegs with a similar story: a high quality and ''massively'' oversized [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] in the original colors, featuring improvements such as more details on the fists and gun, and an even larger (but slightly lower quality) set of Combaticons in their ''Generation 2'' color schemes, both of which proudly boast the official ''Transformers'' name and logo on their boxes. It's long-debated that these might also be legitimate licensed products — with a common rumor being that [[Takara]] themselves sold their mold to the manufacturer of these figures <ref>[https://toy-wizards.com/2019/03/16/super-rare-korean-transformers-toys-at-tf-con-and-the-conspiracy-theory-behind-them/ "Super-Rare Korean Transformers Toys at TF-Con (And The Conspiracy Theory Behind Them)"] on Toy-wizards.com</ref> — however, given the lack of any Hasbro or Takara (or even ToonTown!) labeling on their packaging, the broader consensus seems to be that these are, most likely, bootlegs.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Companies]]

Knockoff

2025-08-29T18:40:17Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* 2010s–Present day */ Corrected info on Taikongzhans.

[[File:DSC00021_Skylynx_Soundwave_Perceptor.jpg|right|320px|thumb|Although Christians and atheists largely differ in their theological stances, both seem to find common ground on at least one thesis: if there really is a hell then this is probably what a copyright lawyer will see at its gates.]]

A '''knockoff''' is a product similar or identical to a product of one company, but made by another without the authorization of the original maker. In the ''Transformers'' fandom, the term is commonly abbreviated '''KO'''. The term '''bootleg''' is also sometimes used as a synonym.

{{bigquote|I hate cheap knockoffs.|[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Transformers: Age of Extinction]]''}}

==Introduction to knockoffs==
===What's a knockoff?===
Not all transforming robots from makers other than [[Hasbro]], [[TakaraTomy]], [[Bandai]], or other major toy makers are knockoffs, but those toys which wholly or partly duplicate pre-existing designs are well-qualified for the term. The term is also applied by fans, however, to some robots whose design was entirely original with the manufacturer, if said manufacturer is commonly associated with knockoffs, or if this maker's products are often sold in company with knockoffs. Original designs based on Hasbro characters, commonly referred to as "third party toys", have their own page under "[[IP theft]]".

Whether an original design, modified, or slavishly copied, knockoffs are often cheaper than the products of major toymakers. However, the quality of knockoffs is often poorer than that of the originals, including bad plastic quality, bad sticker application, and bad paint applications. Odd colors, excess chrome, resizings, and modifications are common. The world of knockoffs is a strange land of gigantic chromed swords, Gundam/[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]] card art, and wacky packaging translations.

===A typology of knockoffs===
Although there are way, ''way'' too many instances of Transformers bootlegs in existence to ever be comprehensively listed, we can broadly identify most of them as belonging to '''three distinct categories'''.

====Dollar store variety====
[[File:Transformation-Deformation-Robot-Yellow-Car-Compatible-Model-Building-Kid-s-Block-Hobbies-Car-Model-early-education.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Join the rainbow club!]]
By far and away the most common type of bootlegs, the "dollar store variety" — or the ''Poundland'' variety if you're [[United Kingdom|British]], or the ''camelô'' variety if you're [[Brazil|Brazilian]], or the ''bazar Chino'' variety if you're [[Spain|Spanish]], or whatever other regional name applies to where you live — comprises the knockoffs you will usually find in the toy aisles of stores primarily oriented towards the sale of cheap goods. For the most part, these are first and foremost targeted at kids and parents alike who are either on a budget or simply don't know or care about a transforming toy robot having an official [[Hasbro]] / [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] logo on the box.

Since pedantic adult collectors with high standards aren't the target demographic of these releases, fidelity to the original figures is not as much of a priority as simply producing something vaguely identical on as little of a budget as it can possibly be churned out, often resulting in limited or non-existent paint applications, garish plastic colors, and, of course, mediocre to terrible quality control. This is not necessarily always the case and some instances of regular retail bootlegs with surprisingly decent quality exist (for instance, the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]''-derived combiners of Taikongzhan are popular amongst collectors as respectable budget alternatives to their pricey originals), but these are the rare exceptions rather than the rule: most modern dollar store-type knockoffs are usually instead inspired by simpler toys like the [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] / [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Legion Class]] figures of the 2000s and 2010s — often upscaled so that they ''look'' more substantive than they actually are — given that these are usually the cheapest and least elaborate figures that a manufacturer could imitate. Older retail knockoffs from the 2000s and before usually tended to have a little more variety in regards to their source figures, with everything from [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] to the "[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]" getting its fair share of dollar store bootlegs with varying degrees of quality and accuracy, but alas, these times are now long gone.

Although there's usually very little collector appeal towards these toys given their poor quality, we can still identify a small niche of fans with an interest towards dollar store bootlegs, especially older and rarer ones inspired by earlier toylines like Generation 1. It is not uncommon to see something like old cardbacked multicolored knockoffs made in the 90s and 2000s going for over three digits on Ebay... Regardless of whether or not someone is actually paying that much for them. Yeah, a problem with so many bootlegs being churned out by unknown companies with their distribution practices and total volume of produced units being a mystery is that some collectors of these things usually believe that they're in possession of scarce relics that might go for just about any price, even though, of course, the secondary market for these toys is actually extremely small. Sorry to break the news to any prospective KO resellers reading this page, but no, you're probably not gonna sell a shoddy lime green G1 [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] called "PLANE DEFORMATION ROBOT" with off-color Gundam art on the blister card for 200 bucks.

====High-fidelity counterfeits====
[[File:Shockwave-MP-vs-KO.jpg|right|upright=1|thumb|230px|The same toy for a fraction of the MSRP? Illogical! ''(Knockoff on the left, official on the right)'']]
In contrast, there's another category of knockoffs that are less interested in cutting as many corners as possible to only vaguely resemble their original molds and more with, simply, providing direct 1-to-1 copies of the figures they're bootlegging, with the prices often being less on the "extremely cheap" side and more on the "relatively cheap compared to the official thing". There might be some Sorites-type vagueness between these two categories — how much fidelity does a knockoff need to have to count as a high-fidelity counterfeit, after all? — but for the purposes of this wiki, we are counting specifically the ones that can easily pass for official products at most glances, with even the packaging of these bootlegs often being identical to their original versions.

Bootlegs of this caliber were often unseen in the early history of ''Transformers'' (some early ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''The Transformers'' figures did get high-quality bootlegs but these were often sold in pretty unmistakably bootleg boxes), but starting around [[2005]], a series of ''Generation 1'' knockoffs with packaging, molding, and deco work that's pretty much virtually identical to the originals cropped up in high volumes on Ebay. These are still being manufactured and sold up until today, and unlike most knockoffs, they're distributed under some relatively high prices (the [[Diaclone#1982 - Car Robots|''Car Robots''-derived characters]], for instance, usually go for 40-50 bucks) that are often on par with or even higher than what concurrently available Generation 1 reissue toylines price these molds at — although, of course, these values are still nonetheless well below what you'd normally expect an original sealed 1980s ''Transformers'' toy to cost, hence why it seems that they've been consistently selling well for the past two decades. The fact that these are near-perfect replicas of expensive vintage toys was inevitably the product of high controversy during their release, since it quickly raised concerns about unscrupulous dealers selling bootlegs as genuine articles and scrupulous ones unknowingly doing the same. These are also often confused with the legitimate [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)|Hasbro-made re-releases for the Chinese market produced from 1989 through 1995]].

Starting in [[2012]], the ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line has also generated large numbers of high-quality, nearly indiscernible knockoffs (the [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-12 Lambor]] sculpt being the first and therefore one of the more notorious examples). Many such knockoffs look identical to their original counterparts at first sight and can only be distinguished by the quality of the box graphics -especially the gradient in the background and the lighter black color — as well as some slight sculpting differences, rare differently colored [[paint operation]]s, as well as, of course, the inconsistent but occasionally high amount of quality control issues (it's completely stochastic: some of these will be as solid as an original copy, and others will have a laundry list of issues). Many theories have been proposed as to where they came from, from being cleverly reverse-engineered to factory rejects being found and resold through unofficial means — this latter theory being popular when these knockoffs first started popping up, but eventually now being recognized as [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers#highqualityknockoffs|a pretty implausible myth]] as new copies of these bootlegs are still being churned out of Chinese factories all the way into the 2020s, long after Takara has stopped manufacturing their equivalent original molds. Fortunately, for those concerned with getting duped by fake figures, there are numerous reviewers and websites dedicated to pointing out all the known differences between these knockoffs and the originals.

Other toys that were the victims of high-quality bootlegs include some [[Henkei]] figures from Chinese company CHMS, a handful of [[Human Alliance]] figures, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Devastator (ROTF)#Legends Class toys|Constructicon Devastator]] (coming in a replica of the Hasbro packaging but sporting the additional red paint operations for the head of TakaraTomy's release, and later reissued in a replica of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)#Movie Advanced Series|Movie Advanced Series]]'' packaging) and a multitude of [[Prime Wars Trilogy]] Legends class figures. And who knows, there might be even more of such good quality that we just never found them out!

====Variant-based / collector-oriented / "Fourth Party" counterfeits====
[[File:Baiwei-Bumblebee.jpg|left|200px|thumb|We know Bumblebee hates cheap knockoffs, but what about ''expensive'' knockoffs?]]
Finally, there's a more recent genre of knockoffs that has an interesting shift in focus. Often, these are also of high-quality, but they distinguish themselves from the previous category by being less concerned with providing high-fidelity copies of a given toy and more by providing a deliberately different variant of said toy, usually with either improvements in engineering or new deco work or new accessories or upscaling or downscaling to be more compatible with other toylines or sometimes even featuring extensive [[Retool|retooling]] with the aim of increasing accuracy — thus, these are primarily aimed at the collector market and have less of an interest in deceiving customers by trying to pass off as original products and more in explicitly providing them with alternatives to said official products. Although these are also usually cheaper than their original counterparts, they're nonetheless on the more expensive side of what we would understand as bootlegs, and almost always, they cannot be found on retail, instead being relegated to online stores.

The first instances of collector-oriented bootlegs started showing up in the late 2000s and early 2010s, pioneered by online companies like iGear with their downscaled ''Masterpiece'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-1 Optimus Prime]] and a set of [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-3]]-based [[Coneheads]] and the aforementioned CHMS with a multitude of ''Henkei'' [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] repaints based on minor characters like the [[Rainmaker|Rainmakers]], but this practice only became increasingly common in the late 2010s, with Chinese manufacturer Weijiang having pioneered the concept of "upgraded" bootlegs (predominantly based on movieverse toylines, particularly ''[[Studio Series]]'') and later companies like BaiWei and MHZ Toys following in its footsteps (more about all of these can be read on the [[#2010s–Present day|section about bootleg companies]] below). A lot of the newer high-quality ''Masterpiece'' knockoffs — especially those of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' variety — have also tried to expand beyond the reach of toy-replication, to adding additional changes to the molding and/or finding ways to streamline the original toy's look by adding hinges, panels and other bits and pieces that couldn't be added to the official version due to budget constraints or safety standards, to further appeal to collectors searching for the "perfect" representation of a character on their shelf. In another collector grab attempt, some companies have even gone so far as to take iconic audio clips from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]] and ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoons to replace the Japanese voice actor recordings given to the toys with sound boxes, in order to appeal more to the Western fans who have more of a connection to actors like [[David Kaye]] over [[Shigeru Chiba]].

When it comes to [[fandom]] classification of these retooled knockoffs, a common term thrown around aside from "KO" is "'''fourth party'''", which is usually to differentiate it from the standard bootleg and counterfeit knockoffs, as well as keeping it separate from the original-mold "[[IP infringement|third party]]" toys made by companies outside of Hasbro and TakaraTomy.
{{-}}

==History of knockoffs==
===Early era (1980s–1990s)===
[[File:JBootleg.jpg|thumb|On your knees, Jumpstarters! Kneel before your living GOD!]]
While less prevalent than today, knockoffs were already a real problem for Hasbro in the mid-1980s. As the majority of the line came from ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' toys that had been released in Japan a year or two earlier, Taiwan and Hong Kong bootleggers had plenty of time to copy the molds. Because of this, there were bootlegs on the shelf at the same time as their legitimate Hasbro counterparts... And some even preceding said counterparts, like a release of the ''Micro Change'' Camera Robo — the [[pre-Transformers]] version of [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] — popping up in the U.S. and the ''Diaclone'' Construction Team — the pre-Transformers version of [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] — in both individual member boxes and a later ''Build Combination 6 Figure Set'' popping up across Italy via several companies, both of these in in 1983: a whole year before the actual launch of the ''Transformers'' franchise!

Another ubiquitously popular series of pre-Transformers bootleg were those based on the small wrist electronics from Micro Change, better known for their North American releases as [[Kronoform]]: chief amongst these was a copy of Watch Robo (later becoming the very generically-named "[[Autobot (G2)|Autobot]]" in the [[1993]] ''Generation 2'' toyline) which would be commonly cloned with the name "Quartz" replacing the Takara logo found on top of the original's display and sold by an astonishing amount of different companies all over the world: in fact; at one point this bootleg [[:File:BonkersRobotWatch.jpg|was even advertised on an official Transformers comic]]!

Eventually, as the ''Transformers'' franchise rolled around and proved itself to be a major force in the toy market, so did bootlegs become increasingly common: The [[Jumpstarters]] in particular became some of the most common targets for bootleggers, with various wild and extravagant variants being made by multiple companies. To combat this, the [[rubsign]] was developed, made with a patented technology that was difficult (at that time) to forge. There was also an accompanying TV ad campaign in which Optimus Prime and Megatron stress brand loyalty by stating, "We are the only ones that have the right to wear [ [[Autobot]] & [[Decepticon]] [[Insignia|symbols]]]". Other Transformers competitors, like the ''[[GoBots]]'', also experienced their fair share of bootlegs.

Through most of the [[1990]]s, knockoffs were actually relatively difficult to find in the West. Many fans had luck finding them at flea markets, hole-in-the-wall non-chain toy stores, or discount stores like {{w|Big! Lots|Big Lots}}. Some knockoff transforming robot toys did show up in chain toy stores, such as the Convert-A-Bots [[Sky Garry (G1)|Sky Garry]] and the Transformers-related Tek Toys ''Voltron'' I—both widely available at Toys"R"Us—but they were few and far between.

===Rise in popularity (2000s–Early 2010s)===
[[File:TFA Prime KO.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|left|Hey, I'm not the knockoff, [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys|he]] is!]]
The reemerging popularity of the Transformers franchise during the 2000s, together with the increased prevalence of Chinese products in global supply chains, led to a massive hike in the amount and variety of Transformers knockoffs. This was the peak era for dollar-store bootlegs: Gestalt knockoffs from Chinese company Polyfect were widely available at Family Dollar and [[KB Toys|Kay Bee]] Toy Liquidator stores and saturated [[eBay]]. Happy Well knockoffs took up shelf space next to ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toys at [[Walmart]]. And of course, the realistic counterfeit G1 toys were also widely available on eBay from any number of different sellers. Add to this the fact that older targets of bootlegging like the Jumpstarters and Sky Garry were still being pumped out by multiple different companies, and this made for a market practically flooded by fake toys: if there was a store near you during this time that sold budget goods and had a toy aisle then it was almost a given that you'd find some sort of Transformers KO within it, whether that'd be an undersized G1 gestalt, [[Cyberjet|Cyberjets]] in all possible colors, a ''[[Titanium_Series|Titanium Series]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] with holographic stickers, or a flimsy ''[[Binaltech]]'' [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators|Grimlock]] / [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Alternators|Wheeljack]] that disintegrates in your hands the minute you try to transform it. Truly, Transformers bootlegs were ''everywhere''.

This was only exacerbated by the release of the [[Transformers (film)|2007 ''Transformers'' movie]] where an even greater amount of bootlegged figures entered the market, with some movie line figure knockoffs appearing within a month of the official product's debut. The figures ranged from high-quality clones to ''very'' low-quality copies and strange variations, such as random Generation 1 figures being redone in movie paint decos (usually [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]]'s flame scheme or [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]]'s yellow with black stripes).

One notable release was a knockoff of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys|Optimus Prime]] (pictured on the left), which came out in China several weeks ''before'' the release of the original in the United States! The reason this occurred is that Hasbro shelved their already-manufactured ''Animated'' toys for several months in order to extend selling their popular movie line. Thus, finished ''Animated'' toys were able to leak out of factories and into the hands of bootleggers long before they were to finally be released.

With the release of the [[2009]] ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toyline various knockoff toys also emerged. These included oversized versions of the new Scout Class sculpts, redecoes of new Deluxe sculpts and sculpts from other lines redecoed to more closely resemble new characters (for instance the ''Animated'' Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] sculpt recolored to look like [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], complete with door detailing).

Another popular set of toys to be targeted by knockoffs were the ''[[Transformers Device Label|Device Label]]'' computer accessories, in particular the [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Device Label|Ravage flash drive]] and its redecos, which started cropping up online during the early 2010s, often featuring significantly more storage capacity than the measely 2 GBs of its original version. These fake drives are still sold and vastly outnumber the real ones on the secondary market, and in a frightening example of how bad knockoffs can be, many have been reported as containing malware in addition to an equally bootlegged copy of the "desktop pet" software from the real versions. Who actually manufactures them can be difficult to discern, since they tend to come loose-packed without any manufacturing marks.

[[File:KO AOE Optimus Prime.jpg|Now this would be hard to tell without scale references wouldn't it?|upright=1.25|thumb]]
It was also during the late 2000s when knockoff companies with high-quality knockoffs aimed specifically at collectors — the previously mentioned "fourth party" types — started popping up online. These include the "KOLD" ("Knock Off Lucky Draw") bootlegs from company CHMS sold through kotoys.com, which attempt to imitate [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] and other rare ''Transformers'' toys. There have also been high-quality knockoffs of ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Starscream]] and the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] in their ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei]]'' decos (plus other redecos such as [[Sunstorm (G1)#Machine Wars|Sunstorm]] and the generic "[[Air Warrior]]s", who didn't get an official release from this sculpt until [[BotCon 2013|much later]]), as well as ''Classics''/''Henkei'' [[Mirage (G1)#Classics 2|Mirage]] in several of his rarer color schemes. However, the "high-quality" part often turned out to be in concept only, with the execution failing to live up to the promise.

Following the launch of the ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' line in 2011, reports of knockoff [[Dino|Mirage]] seen in alleged ''Dark of the Moon'' packaging with [[MechTech]] weapons appeared many, many months before [[Dino#Cyberverse|any ''actual'' Mirage]] ever hit the shelves. It was, however, a cleverly retooled and enlarged knockoff of Legends Class [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Barricade]] released alongside equally upsized versions of ''Movie'' Legends Class Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and a mostly unaltered version of Barricade himself. The packaging design was styled after the ''Dark of the Moon'' look down to use of the "MechTech" logo, but changing the name of the "line" from ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' to "''Distortion Android: The New Deformation Robot Movie 3''", with the figures themselves sporting "creative" names such as "Super Racing", "Justice Leader", "Justice Warrior" and "Evil Demons". Nearly two years later, knockoffs of Voyager Class Optimus Prime and Deluxe Class Bumblebee began to show up in China as well.

Knockoffs of 2014's ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' figures included [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#First Edition toys|"First Edition" Optimus Prime]] downscaled to Voyager size, with an additional "variant" that swapped out the red and blue colors... And they were copied and remade by many, ''many'' other companies. Yet another Bumblebee knockoff, as well as several other unidentifiable "Transformers", showed up as well. As is often the case, the packaging imitated the font used for the real thing, only having the words altered.

===A changing market (Late 2010s–present)===
[[File:WeiJiang-Hound.jpg|left|220px|upright=1.25|thumb]]
The middle to late 2010s brought about a number of different distribution and manufacturing practices for knockoffs, with the primarily retail-based arm of the knockoff scene becoming significantly less prevalent. Meanwhile, a parallel market of online direct-to-consumer bootlegs started cropping up thanks to the emergence of Chinese e-commerce websites like AliExpress and Temu.

From 2017's ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (toyline)|The Last Knight]]'' and beyond, bootlegs based on current movie toylines became less present on retail as modern bootleg manufacturers shifted to focusing more on re-releasing copies of old Legends Class / Legion Class type figures rather than going for imitations of more modern and elaborate toys. Part of this might be attributed to the waning popularity and thus decreasing commercial appeal of the Transformers franchise — it was still a broadly successful mass-media property during the mid 2010s, but the novelty and hype generated by the [[Michael Bay]] era movies just wasn't as strong as it had been in the previous decade — but, for the most part, this change seems more easily attributed to the inherent appeal of the cheaper production costs associated with simpler figures.

An instance of a toy to be aggressively targeted by bootleggers during the second half of the 2010s and beyond would be — perhaps oddly enough — the 2014 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Optimus Prime Pen|Optimus Prime transforming pen]]. Several versions of this mold have been made by bootleggers since, ranging from high-quality reproductions to middling-to-terrible quality ones and even some that outright remove most Optimus Prime elements from the figure and just make them into more generic robots instead. The latter types tend to be ''extremely'' cheap — in terms of both value and build quality — and it's not too uncommon to find them on kiosks being sold in a wide variety of colors. Another oddball toy to suddenly experience a wave of knockoff popularity from the second half of the 2010s and beyond would be enlarged and extensively remolded versions of 2007 movieverse ''[[Real Gear]]'' [[Meantime (Movie)|Meantime]], often featuring an actual fully functional digital watch on his chest.

The high-quality G1 counterfeits that were born out of the 2000s have continued being made and are still around all the way into the 2020s, with many more figures joining the catalogue of available "reissues" (a term that started being used by online retailers to distinguish them from the originals, so as to subtly declare their non-original nature without ''actually'' admitting they're bootlegs). Meanwhile, a novelty in the high-fidelity counterfeit market were the Masterpiece knockoffs, also again pioneered by the emergence of AliExpress and other e-commerce Chinese importers allowing manufacturers to easily distribute these counterfeits to all over the world.

While not official ''Transformers'' toys, the story of Transformers knockoffs after the second half of the 2010s would not be complete without mentioning how the emergence of collector-oriented "third party" toys during this time also generated numerous knockoffs, with some of the most commonly bootlegged figures being the not-Devastators produced by various companies like TFC Toys' ''Hercules'', Generation Toys' ''Gravity Builder'', and DX9's ''Hulkie'' — indeed, bootlegs for all of these have become far more prevalent than copies of their original versions, so much so that even a handful have shown up in general retail.

Paralleling the emergence of "third party" companies and their respective bootlegs, it was also during the late 2010s when "fourth party" bootlegs like WeiJiang with an interest in providing modified and improved figures to collectors started showing up. These now make up a large portion of the current bootleg landscape in the 2020s, with most offerings on Chinese e-commerce websites being either of this sort, or high-quality counterfeits, or the aforementioned basic dollar-store variety Legends / Legion / etc. inspired toys.

==Manufacturing and distribution==
===Countries and regions that produce or once produced knockoffs===
[[File:SENDTHEBOOKS.jpg|thumb|SEND THE BOOKS!]]
Most knockoffs originate outside of North America and Europe. Although most knockoff-producing countries have joined the Berne Convention and have thus obligated themselves to protect the copyrights of other countries, lax enforcement has allowed manufacturers in many foreign countries, such as China, to continue to produce knockoffs. However, manufacturers in other countries like South Korea, which was once a huge source of knockoff ''Transformers'', have in the last decade made efforts to legitimize themselves by buying the rights to produce official Korean versions of the toys they had long been copying.

* [[China]] — The main source of the world's Transformers knockoffs and notorious for their use of gigantic blister cards. Although they are typically low quality, such as the combiner gift sets produced by Kidi Toys, it is also the home of Playcenter, the high quality counterfeit Generation 1 toy manufacturer. China has signed the Berne Convention obligating them to protect foreign copyrights, and has enacted legislation to do so, but their enforcement remains at a pitifully weak level.

* [[South Korea]] — Was once a hotbed of Transformers knockoff activity. It was not uncommon in South Korea for there to even be animated series, like ''[[Inferno (G1)|Phoenix King]]'', that incorporated multiple knocked-off properties, such as [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] fighting a Gundam or any other number of famous characters. Hilariously, "Gundam" was so embedded in the South Korean public psyche as a synonym for "giant robot" via these different bootleg outlets that the ''Gundam'' property owner Sunrise's attempts to [[trademark]] the word were entirely rejected by the courts.<ref>[http://www.comipress.com/article/2006/10/28/938 "Gundam and Giant Robots in South Korea"]</ref> Some Korean knockoff manufacturers took great liberties with Transformers molds, such as significantly increasing their size,<ref>[http://www.pleasesavemerobots.com/scrambledcity/skorbia/skorbydestrong.html South Korean Combatron / Combaticon bootlegs] at Skorbia</ref> and/or retooling their [[alternate mode]]s to resemble completely different vehicles.<ref>[http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=17850203&uid=5138952] ''(dead link)''</ref> South Korea is known for such knockoffs as oversized Combaticons, Overlord with Starsaber's face, multiple Power Master Optimus cab knockoffs, and the white Oversized ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime (the legitimacy of which has been debated). Since the mid-/late-1990s, South Korea has begun enforcing foreign copyrights and is no longer a major source of knockoff Transformers toys.

* [[Taiwan]] — Known for knockoffs with a lot of English text on them and higher quality than other knockoffs. Many Taiwanese knockoffs found their way into [[Italy]] in the 1980s and 1990s and can often be spotted on Italian eBay. [[GiG]], the official ''Transformers'' licensee in Italy, even imported a Taiwanese knockoff [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockwave]]. One of GiG's competitors in Italy, Globo Giocattoli, imported for distribution a knockoff of the six individually boxed (No. 1 through 6) Diaclone Construction Team & No. 600 Team Set from Taiwan. They also had a repackaged Transformers Knockoff line, titled Meta Morphs, that covered several G1 toys including the six individually boxed Takara Constructicons complete with UPCs to scan from Taiwan. Like South Korea, Taiwan is no longer a major source of knockoffs.

===Knockoff companies===
While it is borderline impossible to make a comprehensive list of every Transformers bootlegger, at least more than a handful of knockoff companies — both as manufacturers and distributors — have become notable over the years for one reason or another:

====1980s–1990s====
[[File:Bootleg.jpg|right|250px|thumb|One sold for $350 on eBay. Feel free to throw up in your mouth a little.]]
* '''Four Star'''
: One of the earliest progenitors of the Transformers knockoff scene, Four Star were known during the 1980s for taking any number of ''[[Diaclone]]''-descendant [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1 molds]] and making massive [[retool]]s of them, usually changing 75% of the mold or more. They are especially known for "Mr. Hardhat", a [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] imitation that is made up of six entirely changed [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] that combine in an entirely different way.<ref>[http://toys.tfw2005.com/mr-hard-hat-four-star-combiner-4967 Mr Hard Hat gallery] on TFW2005</ref> The fully combined form uses [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s head, and weapons for the smaller robots included unchromed grey versions of Starscream's launchers (non-firing), Mirage missiles, retooled Soundwave missiles, and the three Omnibot guns. Despite only being known to exist during the '80s, previously unknown Four Star bootlegs seem to appear every few years, bringing into question exactly how many figures they retooled and how these figures were distributed to stay hidden for so long.

*''' Hsiang Shan Electron'''
: Otherwise best known for their car models with battery-operated functions, this Chinese company dipped into the knockoff market in the mid 80s with the utterly bizarre toy that is "Super Combination Robot B/O 17-in-1.", pictured on the right: a mishmash of ''Voltron'' components, [[Yonezawa Toys|Yonezawa]]'s Eagle & Robo (originally sold in the UK as the ''[[Pre-Transformers#Licensed international releases of pre-Transformers|Convertors]]'' Deltatron from Grandstand), and the head, back, and rear portion of the legs of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] — even retaining his famous walking feature! Despite its relative obscurity to most regular Transformers collectors, this toy is surprisingly sought-after on the knockoff aftermarket, with asking prices on websites like Ebay frequently being in the hundreds.

* '''Gisima'''
: A [[Spain|Spanish]] company that released multiple cheap bootlegs of Generation 1 [[Beachcomber (G1)#Toys|Beachcomber]], [[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]], and [[Seaspray (G1)#Toys|Seaspray]] throughout the 80s and up until the early 90s, decoed in a variety of odd color schemes. These were mostly available in small stores and kiosks and, surprisingly, sometime in the 2000s, they would also show up on gumball machines.<ref>[https://tfsource.com/blog/2014/04/16/the-lost-tribe/ The Lost Tribe] on TFSource.com</ref> While these figures were sold individually inside a small bubble-like plastic container without any attached blister cards, they were distributed to stores in styrofoams bearing a label shamelessly calling them "''Transformers''" (albeit with a unique made-up logo), something unusual for knockoffs at the time.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/783383762837500/posts/1348217749687429 Listing for a styrofoam featuring sealed Gisima figures] on Facebook Marketplace</ref> Interestingly, [[Milton Bradley]] would only have the license to release Transformers toys in Spain starting in 1986 whereas some of these bootlegs are dated to 1985, thus; it is likely that they actually predate the introduction of Transformers toys to mass retail in their home country! Eventually, Gisima's Mini-Vehicles have since become quite pricey on the secondary market over time, owing to their status as a neat historical curiosity.

* '''Galgo'''
: One of many [[Argentina|Argentinian]] companies that turned to bootleg manufacturing during the 1980s, Galgo's best known for their ''Galgo Robots Transformables'' series, which primarily consisted of Machine Robo / GoBots bootlegs but also had a ''Generation 1'' [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] and [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] thrown into the mix. What makes these bootlegs remarkable is the surprisingly high production value of the toyline, with the cardbacks featuring high-quality graphic design, well-made key art of their Bombshell bootleg (in contrast to the usual stolen off-color art of most bootlegs) and professional-looking product shots of their line-up. Notably, their Bombshell is a copy of another Bombshell bootleg from the aforementioned Four Star — so, a bootleg of a bootleg! They would also release other transforming robot toys outside of the ''Galgo Robots Transformables brand'', like a bootleg of [[Eletrix]] [[Jipe (Eletrix)|Jipe]] (under the ''Jeep Transformable'' name) and — albeit not originally an official ''Transformers'' toy to begin with — a funky little transforming pen that had also been distributed by a few other companies at the time. And on an odd note, there would be another Argentinian transforming robots toyline also called ''Robots Transformables'' (this time manufactured by '''Rondi''', a company with no known relation to Galgo) which would feature a number of [[Zetar]] bootlegs. Yes, the [[Generation 1 toylines in Latin America#Overview|protectionist tariff regime of Argentina]] and its consequent lack of foreign intervention within their economy means that they could get away with ''a lot''.

[[File:ABCTimelyEnt-MicroMetamorphs.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Yes, that is an actual promotional Micromasters tagline rather than an unintentionally phallic mistranslation.]]
* '''ABC Timely Ent Inc.'''
: A Taiwanese company which produced a handful of relatively high-quality Generation 1 knockoffs throughout the 80s and 90s, usually retaining their original color schemes and often releasing in packaging identical to their Hasbro originals (featuring the same character art and graphic design layouts) but with the Transformers name switched up to ''Metamorphs'' in an identical font instead. Most notably, they released a ''staggering'' volume of [[Micromasters]] bootlegs under the ''Micro Metamorphs'' name (and, at a later point, under ''Combinable Microbot'' instead) which would be distributed across Europe by many, many different companies, a handful of which will occupy the next entries in this list. The ''Metamorphs'' would also sometimes get their manufacturing stamp attributed to other companies like '''Wise Trading Company''' and '''Leajena Industrial Corp''', but with all of these being Taiwanese and all of them featuring identical packaging and no known differences in terms of the manufactured figures, it is very likely that they were simply either rebrandings of and/or different entities owned by ABC Timely Ent Inc.

* '''Globo'''
: An Italian company which distributed — and might or might not have also manufactured — a large amount of Transformers knockoffs throughout the span of the Generation 1 toyline, most of them being Taiwanese imports bearing the aforementioned ''Metamorphs'' name. Among these were the Constructicons <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/247808869499189/?multi_permalinks=753056008974470 A Facebook listing for various Transformers knockoffs which includes all six Globo Constructicons]</ref>, [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], the [[Breastforce]], ''[[Transform Jr]]'' [[Grand Maximus]] (bearing a hilarious tagline on the packaging that exclaims "ATTACK THE DEVIL WITH A POSITIVE RIFLE!" <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250629221905/https://www.ebay.it/p/12024455223?iid=115136994881 An Ebay listing for Globo's Grand Maximus]</ref>), and of course, the ABC Timely Ent Inc. Micromasters. One of their most notable releases was an odd Taiwanese-made version of Generation 1 Optimus Prime — bearing a packaging loosely inspired by his ''Diaclone'' version and shamelessly featuring the "Diaclone" name written on the top right <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/247808869499189/?multi_permalinks=374158430197565 A listing for the Globo-branded Generation 1 Optimus Prime knockoff, with the (Italy-based) seller explicitly referring to it as an "import"]</ref> — which, unlike most other Globo bootlegs; actually featured quite a few alterations from its original Takara tooling, and would somehow be released about a decade later under what [[ToonTown|might or might not have been the official ''Transformers'' license]] as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#ToonTown|"Battle Supplier"]] in South Korea. More about this case will be discussed on [[Knockoff#Transitional toys|a further section of this article]], but in short; insofar as Globo is concerned, they had a quite extensive bootleg catalogue: again, it is difficult to tell whether their whole stock was either entirely imported from foreign manufacturers or instead perhaps produced through a hybrid of foreign imports and local manufacturing, but just given the sheer volume of Transformers clones they put out, the latter option does not seem entirely unlikely.

* '''Ceppi Ratti''', '''Fantastiko''', and '''ADG'''
: These were other Italian companies which also distributed the aforementioned the ABC Timely Ent Inc. ''Micro Metamorphs''-named Micromasters bootlegs. Ceppi Ratti is famous for manufacturing and distributing regional versions of imported Japanese robot toylines, some bearing legitimate licensing — notably, they released various variants of the infamous Clover ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' RX-78-2 with the packaging featuring [[Bandai|Nippon Sunrise]] branding — but with others just being straight-up knockoffs, as with the Micromasters and a handful of other releases like a Generation 1 [[Frenzy (G1)/toys|Frenzy]] under the "Hi Fi Robot" name and a [[Galaxy Shuttle]] under the "Changing Robot" name. Noticeably, Fantastiko's Micromasters didn't use the ''Micro Metamorphs'' name in their packaging, with the title simply being replaced by "''Micro''" + "(The name of the specific Micromaster team/base set)" instead. ADG also released a Korean [[Galaxy Shuttle]] KO at one point <ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/the-vintage-bootleg-ko-fake-and-weird-stuff-thread.1192933/page-10#post-19579047 A TFW2005 post featuring a handful of KOs, including the ADG-branded Korean Galaxy Shuttle]</ref>, and it is, of course, not out of the questions that others also released different KOs beyond the ABC Timely Ent ones that are simply undocumented to this day.

[[File:LeaderShine-GrimlockKO.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Arguably had more effort put into it compared to [[Godzilla#Toys|the actual Transformers x Godzilla crossover]].]]
* '''Leader Shine''' (AKA '''Champion Crown''')
: Known during the 1990s for bootlegging the living hell out of the [[Jumpstarter]] molds, producing clones, minor retools, major retools, and almost unrecognizable retools. They also produce "original" toys whose transformation schemes are derived from either ''Transformers'', the ''Brave'' series, or ''Power Rangers''. Leader Shine is also responsible for Dalung Master, the very [[Godzilla]]-themed knockoff of Grimlock that reappears every few years, and has since been homaged with a canonization of sorts [[Dalung Master|in official Transformers media!]] They also have an amusing habit of putting "Pat. P." (Patent Pending) on almost all of their packages in spite of whether their product is a direct copy or completely changed. However, under the trade names "Leader Shine" and "Champion Crown", there are no patents held.

* '''ES Toys'''
: A less overtly "bootleg-y" but still very famous example, ES Toys was a Hong Kong-based company with facilities in mainland China that often produced some more legitimate toys for general retail, including a handful of licensed vehicles. Sometime during the early 1990s, they started a toyline of transforming robots called ''The Formulator Force'', a series of otherwise ''mostly'' original toys — with a good portion of their overall engineering being swiped from the ''Brave Exkaiser''s Max Team <ref>[https://x.com/VF5SS/status/1810641576110014847 A post comparing the three main Formulator Force with their Brave Exkaiser equivalents]</ref> — that also feature a few design traits taken from Generation 1 Transformers, like the "F-Force Transforming Tank" and the "F-Force Transforming Ground Vehicle" both featuring heads noticeably inspired by [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Sunstreaker]] and the latter also having a transformation scheme partly inspired by [[Punch (G1)#Toys|Punch / Counterpunch]]. Most notably on the explicitly bootleg side, ES Toys produced a ''Formulator Force'' sub-series called the ''Mighty Mini Force'', featuring multiple small ''[[Micro Machines]]''-style transforming toy vehicles with very similar engineering to the Micromasters and a handful of chest designs that were very much just blatantly copied off the aforementioned toyline <ref>https://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/mmkos/formulator.html</ref>. All of these were re-released under various different names like ''Super Galaxy Space Former'' and ''Super Transformable Expanders'', and their availability in mass retail means that they're also some of the most commonly misidentified figures that people might find amongst flea markets and old junk lots of otherwise legitimate Transformers toys (now you know what that one odd light blue and gold tank with a Sunstreaker head is! <ref>https://toysfromthepast.blogspot.com/2014/05/412-formulator-force-f-force.html</ref>).

* '''B & J Toys''' — [http://www.bjtoys.co.uk/index.html]
: Based in Ireland, B & J Toys are a still-active company that prides themselves on providing pocket money toys. Their products are traditionally manufactured in China & imported for resale as stand displays. Most recognizable product sold for 99p are the carded, oversize G1 Cassettes of the 5 in 1 line named "Robotic Transform Cassette", represented by knockoff's of Micross (Rumble/Frenzy), Jaguar (Ravage), Ramhorn, Steeljaw & Squawktalk in multiple colors.

* '''Citi Toys'''
: Based in Thailand, the same company that was producing toys for McDonald's Happy Meals was also producing knockoffs of transforming robots in the late 1990s, albeit mostly ''Brave'' and ''Power Rangers''. After news leaked out that they used child labor, new knockoffs with their "CT" logo stopped appearing, which suggests that the child labor scandal caused them to shut down.

====2000s====
[[File:Agglo-BeastWars.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Hey, what was your favorite Transformers series growing up? Mine was ''Armada''!" "Ooh, you see, I was more of a ''Space Warriors Transformable Beast Tech Fighter'' type of kid."]]
* '''Agglo'''
: Beginning their bootleg streak sometime in the early 2000s, Agglo was a Hong Kong-based company that has produced numerous Transformers knockoffs over the years. Their products have ranged from knockoffs of Generation 1 figures, to ''Beast Wars'' and Japanese Beast Wars characters and even ''Robot Masters'' and ''Generation 2'' Cyberjets. They are notable for giving their lines rather long names, one of their Beast Wars KO lines being ''Space Warriors Transformable Beast Tech Fighter''. They were one of the primary suppliers to the American ''Big Lots!'' stores and generally use their toy molds until they are virtually destroyed, as evidenced by their bootlegs of a number of Leader Shine products which have been retooled to have fewer and fewer parts as time goes by. At one point, they even made [[Smallest Transforming Transformers]] bootlegs in a variety of odd decos and released them on cardbacks under the ''Space Warriors Transformable Auto-Bots'' label! <ref>https://news.tfw2005.com/2007/08/04/new-generation-1-knock-offs-found-at-big-lots-145806</ref>

* '''Happy Well'''
: One of the most prominent knockoff companies from the mid-2000s, Happy Well was bold enough to strike a contract with [[Walmart]], CVS Pharmacies, and Walgreens, making them possibly the first company to have a knockoff "name brand", namely the ''Galaxy Defender'' series. Though most of their knockoffs were based on ''Brave'', this did not stop Happy Well from occasionally bootlegging Transformers, with their line-up including a beige Generation 1 [[Quake (G1)|Quake]], a combiner made out of extensively retooled versions of ''Armada'' [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]], [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]], [[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] and [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]], and an upscaled version of ''Armada'' [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Megatron]] in tan and grey camouflage. Happy Well uses relatively high-quality materials, and most of their products are boxed rather than being sold on blister cards: some even come with sticker sheets and [[die-cast]] parts! They have since created their own properties, most notably the ''Roadbot'' line — a series of licensed scale transforming cars that was once the only direct competitor to the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line — and now mostly shy away from bootlegs... Mostly. In the turn of the 2020s, they started repackaging some of their older toys under the ''X-Bot'' label, including the aforementioned Brave and Armada Megatron bootlegs. Included in this toyline is also a "Transform Jetbot" — which is, very clearly, a blatant copy of a ''Macross'' VF-1S Super Valkyrie like the one that later became [[Jetfire (G1)/toys|Jetfire]]. <ref>https://www.happywell.com.hk/x-bot</ref>

* '''Hayakawa Toys'''
[[File:HayakawaToys-Ryujin.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The seminal "We have Transformers at home" of many households in the 2000s.]]
: Hayakawa Toys (早川玩具) is, perhaps surprisingly, a Japanese company, best known for its catalogue of budget toys. Similar to ES Toys, they're another one of those manufacturers that straddles the line between knockoffs and original products, with most of their releases looking ''generally'' original but, upon closer inspection, it's not hard to see how a few of their toys are clearly built on the basis of Transformers molds — most famously amongst these; they produced a lot of transforming dinosaurs under the ''Change Dino Robo'' name that share the overall engineering of [[Dinobot (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|the original ''Beast Wars'' Dinobot toy]], albeit aggressively simplified to the point of featuring little to no articulation beyond the arms. These same molds would be re-released by many, many different companies throughout the 2000s and 2010s all across the world, one of which we'll look at right down below. Other transforming robot toys from Hayakawa include extensively remolded bootlegs of the 2007 Legends Class [[Blackout (Movie)#Legends Class toys|Blackout]] and [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Starscream]] toys under the ''Change Senki Robo Toushin Jr.'' series. <ref>[https://tagoal.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-1069.html A review of Hayakawa Toys' movieverse Legends Blackout and Starscream bootlegs] at tagoal.blog.fc2.com</ref>

* '''Flying Dragon Toys'''
: A Hong Kong manufacturer that had been making bootlegs since the 90s but only really took off as a leading name in the "off-brand transforming robot toy" market segment during the 2000s, Flying Dragon is most famous for having released multiple versions of the aforementioned Hayakawa Toys ''Change Dino Robo'' figures — as well as many other toys from the Hayakawa Toys catalogue — to worldwide retail. It is unknown whether they obtained the licensing to do so from Hayakawa Toys or if they're themselves bootleggers... Or, maybe; if it wasn't Flying Dragon Toys itself that made these molds first, while Hayakawa was only a Japanese distributor, so there's that (the fact that mentions of Hayakawa's versions seem to show up on the Japanese internet earlier than their Flying Dragon equivalents, as well as the overall fancier packaging of Hayakawa's versions, suggests otherwise, but alas, it's near impossible to have certainties when it comes to bootlegs). Beyond Hayakawa releases, other Flying Dragon releases that are Transformers bootlegs include a similarly-simplified ''Beast Wars'' [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor]], a ''Generation 2'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]] and, perhaps unsurprisingly, quite a few Jumpstarters... And beyond this, they also made a Titanic transforming robot toy. It's not actually based on any Transformers figure and is thus not a bootleg, but it's too funny not to mention here. <ref>[https://actionfigurechecklist.com/images/album/index.php?v=list&i=0&p=Transformers_KnockOff_KO/Other/Flying_Dragon A Flying Dragon Toys catalogue] in actionfigurechecklist.com</ref>

* '''Zhong Jin, aka Playcenter'''
: Zhong Jin/Playcenter was the original company behind the massive wave of ''Generation 1'' knockoffs that cropped up online in the mid 2000s. Since then, many counterfeit Generation 1 products have surfaced from Zhong Jin, including Optimus Prime, Minibots, Cassettes, Autobot cars, Devastator, Dinobots, and Gnaw. Zhong Jin also has produced many color and plastic variants of their knockoffs, such as translucent versions, which were never previously released (and some of which that were, like Jafcon Black Optimus Prime). Counterfeit Generation 1 parts, stickers, and boxes have appeared from Zhong Jin as well, including many that have not had a corresponding whole knockoff released, like repro [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] sticker sheets. The company was first identified as the manufacturer of the knockoffs in September 2007, when fans noticed pictures of most of the current counterfeit G1 knockoffs on their <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080329180144/http://china.alibaba.com/company/detail/playcenter.html Alibaba supplier website], including then-upcoming counterfeits like Warpath. Apparently aware of this, Zhong Jin took down images of all their counterfeit Transformers from the website in October or November.</ref> — The first and primary manufacturer of the high-quality counterfeit Generation 1 knockoffs. Zhong Jin has been making their counterfeit Transformers since 2005, starting with [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], but in 2007 began greatly increasing their range of counterfeit Generation 1 knockoffs, which now includes at least 47 different G1 Transformers, filling in many of the gaps left by the official reissues. They have also done many plastic/paint variants of their knockoffs, including many clear plastic versions. It's also sometimes claimed (though never sufficiently proven) that at least some of these counterfeits are actually being manufactured by the same Chinese factories that had produced those originals for Hasbro, using the original toolings, which would explain why some of these toolings are "lost" as far as Hasbro is concerned.

* '''Kidi Toys'''<ref>[http://www.toysghost.cn Kidi Toys' web site]</ref>
: Another Chinese company which, following Zhong Jin's lead, briefly produced a couple realistic counterfeit Generation 1 knockoffs ([[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]). Among their other notable knockoffs are [[Transformers: Alternators|Alternator]] figures with new or copied paint schemes of reasonable quality. They are the knockoff company responsible for the infamous fake Metroplex Encore Reissues, which deceived major online Transformers stores.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/199973-what-heck-encore-12-metroplex-i-got-tfsource-fake.html</ref>

[[File:PolyfectCombiners.jpg|right|thumb|265px|POV: You are a {{w|Zillennials|zillennial}} and this is your first contact with G1 Transformers toys.]]
* '''Polyfect Toys'''
: A company based in Quangdong, China, which has produced a staggering amount of Transformers knockoffs during the 2000s that were commonly found in Family Dollar, Tuesday Morning, and Big Lots among other stores — the most notorious of these easily being their extensive series of downscaled G1 combiner teams (as well as Fortress Maximus and a few other ''Brave'' figures), although they'd also make full-scaled combiners and bootlegs of newer toylines like ''Beast Wars'', ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' under the "Quick Change Transforming System" brand. They had two different sizes of downscaled combiners: a medium-sized scale close to 7 inches (which'd technically be full-scale for the Micromaster Combiners included in this assortment) and most famously, at a "[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]"-type scale at only around 5 inches. Although these toys often had good quality sculpting and deco work, their plastic was very, ''very'' brittle, and the engineering was often simplified to keep manufacturing costs down, something not as noticeable in the downscaled sets but very much visible in the full-scaled ones which seemed to have kept most of the engineering simplifications of their smaller counterparts. The packaging for these figures was adorned with plagiarized artwork and random nonsensical English phrases, such as "FREIGHTERPAN" to refer to their KO Menasor (which, by the way, includes Nosecone and Afterburner instead of Dead End and Wildrider) and featuring the brand's own custom insignia: a red vaguely Decepticon-shaped symbol that is applied to all toys in the place of usual Autobot / Deception markings. Oh, and sometimes they'd also get packed with ''Machine Robo'' / ''GoBots'' bootlegs, so... There's that. <ref>[https://www.the-liberator.net/site-files/robot-toys/gobots-pages/water-walk-gobots.htm|Water Walk - Gobots] on the-liberator.net</ref> The medium-scale combiners are still being made and it's not uncommon to find them on Chinese e-commerce sites, however; they have been aggressively remolded over the years: sometime in the 2010s, Polyfect decided to cut down on the moving parts each mold had, which resulted in the the medium-scale teams being left with only the engineering necessary for the combined and vehicle modes, therefore leaving the teams without the ability to actually transform into individual robots! Sometime in 2025, a new batch of medium-scale Polyfect figures would drop that once again brought back the individual robots for each character, albeit still with some heavy simplifications compared to their first run in the 2000s. Meanwhile, the generally more esteemed 5 inch figures do not seem to have been remade at all since the 2000s, leaving these to sometimes fetch surprising prices on the aftermarket.

* '''iGear'''
: Despite being mostly known as one of the earliest progenitors of the [[IP infringing item]] scene, iGear had its roots as a producer of high-quality downsized and retooled knockoffs of Masterpiece Transformers toys, particularly the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] molds, usually costing as much as the original full sized toys themselves. Eventually, they slowly transitioned into creating original molds, resulting in fully-original designs such as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Weapons Specialist]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Rager]]. Unlike the others listed here, iGear products can't be found on western store shelves and were instead known for their online presence, thus marking the first instance of what would become a trend of more "premium" bootleggers oriented towards the collector market.

* '''CHMS'''
: Already mentioned in this article multiple times, CHMS is a company mostly specializing in knocking off [[Classics]] and [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]] molds, making them, alongside iGear, some of the first progenitors of the variant-based / collector-oriented / "Fourth Party" scene, with ther most famous output being the numerous variants of the ''Classics'' [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] mold in just about any color of the rainbow. CHMS appeared roughly around 2008 and tended to copy not only the toy but the entire style of packaging as well, usually of the Henkei exclusive variety. Like iGear, they are known to western consumers mainly through the internet and, like iGear, their output seemed primarily aimed towards collectors: their bootlegs were relatively high-quality and usually attempted to copy either rare figures like [[Breakdown (G1)#Timelines|Timelines Breakdown]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Henkei|Lucky Draw Henkei Optimus Prime]] or, alternatively, tried to provide variants of said molds that didn't yet exist in their respective toylines like the aforementioned Seekers. It appears that they've ceased activity sometime during the early 2010s, with no newer bootlegs based on the succeeding [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] figures being known to exist.

====2010s–Present day ====
[[File:WeiJiang-VS-StudioSeries-Blackout.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Imagine stepping out of a time machine in 2003 and telling someone that the bigger, more detailed, and more expensive toy in this image is actually the bootleg.]]
* '''Weijiang'''
: Cropping up during the second half of the 2010s, Shanghai-based company Weijiang has become one of the most notorious names in the Transformers bootleg scene, producing an extensive roster of figures mostly taken from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film series]] toylines that were often cheaper than their official Hasbro / Takara counterparts while also featuring extensive improvements, such as extra paint applications, new molded details, and even occasional full engineering overhauls that'd fix the rougher aspects of the original molds. Their products were heavily proliferated on websites like AliExpress and became highly regarded amongst collectors — something previously unseen coming from a bootleg manufacturer — and the company even ventured into making their own original "IP infringing items" with toys like Ultima Guard, an Omega Supreme lookalike aimed towards compatibility with the ''Masterpiece'' line. Ultimately, Weijiang's career came to an abrupt end in 2020 when the Shanghai police arrested its owners for copyright infringement <ref>https://natlawreview.com/article/shanghai-police-announce-arrests-hasbro-transformers-criminal-copyright-case</ref>, though ultimately, it seems that the Pandora's box was now open: as seen below, it was only a matter of time until more companies started cropping up with the same model.

* '''BaiWei''', '''MHZ Toys''', and '''APC Toys'''
: Other manufacturers that are now entering the "fourth party" market, all of which produce high-quality copies with the occasional deco upgrades and new screen-accurate accessories. BaiWei generally covers ''Studio Series'' releases (they originally just produced plain bootlegs with little to no modifications but eventually moved to the collector-oriented upgrade model) while MHZ focuses more on ''[[Rise of the Beasts]]'' figures and APC goes for a more specific fan niche by building its catalogue around high-quality ''Transformers Prime'' knockoffs.

* '''KuBianBao / KBB'''
: A company that tends to focus more on simple plain copies of Transformers figures, with their catalogue spanning everything from standard bootlegs of Deluxes and Voyagers from the live-action film series (with the occasional odd variant thrown in, like a police car version of [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Studio Series|Studio Series 16 Bumblebee]]) to different versions of Masterpiece toys, usually either arbitrarily upscaled or downscaled. Despite not having the same fancy engineering overhauls of Weijiang, KBB's figures are usually nonetheless considered to be of a passable quality given their very cheap value, with their [[Transformers Expo]]-exclusive ''Age of Extinction'' [[Nemesis Prime (AOE)|Nemesis Prime]] in particular having attained some popularity amongst collectors given the rarity of its original version. KBB figures are still consistently found in stock on the likes of AliExpress, suggesting that they're still being manufactured — however, no newer models appear to have been made by the company after the 2010s.

[[File:Taikongzhans-SuperionKO.jpg|right|thumb|250px]]
* '''Taikongzhans'''
: A more recent company that started making bootlegs of 2010s-era Transformers and continued manufacturing them into the 2020s, Taikongzhans first came into the market with several knockoffs based on the live-action films, including massively oversized versions of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Leader Class Optimus Prime and ''[[Dark of the Moon]]'' Voyager Class Megatron. Their main claim to fame, however, comes from their later "CoolBecomeBrave" series of knockoffs based on ''[[Combiner Wars (franchise)|Combiner Wars]]'' figures, including full-sized versions of the regular Scramble City-style combiners and an undersized version of Titan Class Devastator to be on the same scale as the other ''Combiner Wars'' gestalts. The Scramble-City type teams were released both as individual figures and 5-packs, with these 5-packs in particular being notoriously cheap compared to their original figures. The 5-pack version of Superion even includes copies of Combiner Wars Computron's feet instead of the gun/fist/foot accessories included with the original release. Interestingly, they use the same custom insignia featured in the aforementioned Polyfect combiners — which begs the question; is Taikongzhans a rebranding of Polyfect or is it a separate company paying homage to their combiner bootlegging ancestors? [[You]] decide!

* '''JuJiang'''
: On the opposite end of Taikongzhans with their downscaled Devastator, JuJiang was a short-lived (but, within "third" / "fourth party" collector circles, still well-known) company that instead ''upscaled'' [[CHUG]] toys and upgraded them to be compatible with the ''Masterpiece'' toyline. These include a ''Classics'' Voyager Optimus Prime and a ''Combiner Wars'' Superion, the latter in particular being extensively remolded compared to its original version with the addition of highly-accurate robots and vehicle modes.

* '''MINISO'''
: A major Chinese retail franchise with multiple stores worldwide that really, ''really'' wanted customers to believe it was somehow connected to Japanese culture for a while (more about this kerfuffle can be read [[wikipedia:MINISO#History|on their Wikipedia page]]). They've released a large volume of Transformers bootlegs over the years, including the usual slightly upscaled Legends Class knockoffs and, perhaps somewhat surprisingly amongst these, also a copy of ''Cybertron'' Scout Class [[Hardtop (Cybertron)|Hardtop]]. Their catalogue also featured a knockoff of ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)#90pc|Optimus Prime]] at one point, and — albeit not necessarily bootlegs —- a number of [https://www.reddit.com/r/transformers/comments/1lh9qgj/found_a_buildable_liokaiser_ad_at_a_mall/ very obviously Transformers-inspired construction block sets], as well as a plethora of other generic transforming robot toys to boot.

* '''Tengyang'''
: Tired of all these fancy fourth party companies with their high-quality toys and all the other not-so-fancy companies with their low-effort Legends Class upscales alike? Why, take a trip down the memory lane of how bootlegging used to be with the catalogue of Tengyang! Although their most well-known product is an undersized version of the "third party" toy 'MMC Feral Rex' (a famous not-[[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]), Tengyang has also produced several standard Transformers knockoffs, the most common amongst these being extremely cheap versions of Generation 1 Predaking and [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] in weird extravagant colors. Also amongst their releases (albeit probably not originally designed by them, as similar bootlegs have been floating around for a while now <ref>https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/asura-dinosaur-scramble-city-combiner-review.970686/</ref>) is a Scramble City-style combiner formed from lookalikes of the five Generation 1 [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], with the individual members being extensively retooled versions of the Seacons. Now ''that's'' the kind of bootlegging weirdness you'd see in the old days!

===Transitional companies===
====From bootlegger to reputable company====
[[File:Trendmasters BeetVadam.jpg|left|thumb|AND I'LL FORM THE HE—oh, wait.]]
Although rare, some knockoff companies eventually venture into legitimate toy design territory. One such example is Trendmasters, which started out as a budget manufacturer and at one point produced an extensively retooled version of Takatoku's 'Beet-Vadam' figure from the ''Beetras'' toyline (which would later become [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]] in the Transformers ''Generation 1'' toyline), before eventually legally securing the ''{{w|Voltron}}'' and ''[[Godzilla]]'' licenses and becoming an established company in the 90s toy market. Another such company was Korean knockoff manufacturer Academy, best known for releasing the Overlord knockoff with Star Saber's head as well as the huge, up-sized ''Gundam'' Cloth MK-II. In the world of plastic scale models, they were also known for producing low-quality knockoffs of Japanese manufacturer Tamiya's kits with copied box art. Academy has since gone legit, legally acquiring such licenses as ''Gundam'', ''Naruto'', ''Tom and Jerry'', and ''[[Zoids]]''.<ref>[http://www.academy.co.kr/5c/5c_main.asp Character products page] at academy.co.kr</ref> And as previously mentioned, Happy Well has also shifted its focus from producing knockoffs to becoming a more reputable company, with their original ''Roadbots'' and ''V-Create'' Transforming robot toys seeing worldwide retail distribution.

So, we have seen that companies which formerly produced and/or distributed fake Transformers toys can end up becoming legitimate enough to get licensing deals with other more well-established franchises, but what about producers and/or distributors of Transformers knockoffs later getting licensing deals to make toys... For the ''Transformers'' brand itself? Could such a thing ever happen? Well, guess what, it did!

Former U.S. electronic retail giant [[RadioShack]] is often accused of being a bootlegger for their release of the pre-Transformers [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] mold under the name of "Galactic Man" (nicknamed "Shackwave" by Transformers fans), but this release was actually fully licensed by the original toy's manufacturer [[ToyCo]]. Except, the accusations of bootlegging aren't completely wrong either: at one point, they sold a toy under their in-house Tandy brand called "AM Robot Radio" — which, as its named indicates, was an AM radio shaped like a robot — with its design being very obviously a crude retooling of the official ''Transformers'' [[Nasta]] Optimus Prime-shaped radio that was sold under the name of "Robot AM Radio" during the 1980s. About two decades later, RadioShack would partner up with Hasbro and Paramount to produce a multitude of official merchandise for the [[Transformers (film)|2007 ''Transformers'' movie]], including radio-controlled cars, radio-controlled aircraft, and — ironically — a set of clip-on radios with designs based on Autobot and Decepticon insignias.

====From reputable company to bootlegger====
The opposite direction is also possible: [[GiG]] acquired a license from [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] for distributing ''[[Diaclone]]'' toys in Italy before Hasbro even launched their ''Transformers'' line. Subsequently, they obtained a second license from Hasbro to distribute ''Transformers'' toys proper, which they did all the way up until 1997. By 1998, Hasbro abandoned GiG as their Italian license in favor of their own, newly formed Italian Hasbro branch. Subsequently, GiG imported several knockoffs, such as off-color versions of the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s.

Something similar, abeit at a smaller scale, happened with [[Estrela]] in Brazil when they released the aforementioned ''Beast Wars'' Dinobot bootlegs from Hayakawa Toys under their ''Mutantes Dinossauros'' toyline in 2014, a whole eight years after losing the license to distribute official Hasbro figures. It is questionable whether Estrela even knew these were bootlegs since, as with many Transformers-like budget toys in the 2000s, they were originally produced by a different unknown company and then sold to various toy manufacturers around the world (it is very likely that you might have seen these same dinosaur molds on retail elsewhere at the time), but alas, it is nonetheless an interesting peculiarity that the "official distributor to bootlegger" pipeline happened twice.

====Existing as both reputable company and bootlegger====
[[File:Simba_Jumpstarters.jpg|right|thumb|225px|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GPEzKp8Tns&ab_channel=nisus8 "No one who speaks German could be an evil bootlegger!"]]]
But can a company be simultaneously connected to 'proper' international big-name brands and yet somehow have one of its hands deep in the knockoff jar? Why, yes, this has been known to happen!

Peru's [[Lynsa]] was [[Generation 1 toylines in Latin America|one of the many official ''Transformers'' licensees across South America]] during the Generation 1 toyline, having earned the right to both make and market their own regional variants of Transformers toys — but at the same time, they would also release a set of basic cardbacked combining robots under the name of "Ensembler", which were, very clearly, low-quality bootlegs of LJN ''Voltron'' toys. Also in Peru, national company HUDE would act as both an official ''Transformers'' distributor and yet, at around the same time, make their own bizarre Jumpstarter bootlegs under the names of "Robot X 4" and "Drago" (they even ran TV commercials advertising their knockoffs! <ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm9CqyCrRhU Advert for HUDE's ''Robot X 4'' and ''Drago''.]</ref>).

A much more baffling example is the [[Simba Dickie Group]], a popular German toy company (perhaps best known for being the parent company of notorious railway model manufacturer Märklin) that once released multiple generic transformable robots under their ''Space Transformer'' and ''Planet Fighter'' series of assorted sci-fi budget toys — amongst these being numerous variants of the Flying Dragon Jumpstarter knockoffs, oversized Mini-Cons, the Hayakawa Toys Dinobot clones, a plethora of [[Brave]] bootlegs, and even a regional European release of the aforementioned Happy Well G1 Quake, Mini-Con combiner, and ''Armada'' Megatron clones <ref>[https://transformersnotejo.blogspot.com/2025/06/cataloging-simbas-transformers-bootlegs.html An attempt at documenting every Transformers knockoff made by Simba] on transformersnotejo.blogspot.com</ref>. Bizarrely enough, not even a decade later, they would go on to actually produce an extensive suite of official Transformers merchandise for Hasbro, starting with die-cast figures, vehicles, and all sorts of gimmicky toys made for ''Robots in Disguise'' and later continuing their collaboration with a similar range of toys for ''The Last Knight'' and ''Bumblebee''. [[Jada Toys]], which would go on to produce more Transformers merchandise, is also part of the Simba Dickie Group, meaning that their relationship with the Transformers brand continues to last until today — and yet, despite this, their Jumpstarter knockoffs are still being sold on the company's official web store! <ref>https://www.simbatoys.com/simba_en/brands/planet-fighter/pf-space-bot-pro-6-ass-103572535-en.html</ref> It appears that Simba has redesigned their version of the Jumpstarter mold multiple times over the years to the point where their resemblance with the original toys has diminished slightly, but alas, the core design of the old G1 / ''Diaclone'' figures is still very much unmistakably there.

===Transitional toys===
[[File:RadioAMRobot02.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Not a proponent of [[wikipedia:Dialetheism|dialetheism]]? Well then, explain how I'm both a bootleg and also not a bootleg!]]
But what's even crazier than a knockoff company also producing official toys? Why, an unofficial toy becoming an official toy!

Perhaps the wildest curiosity in this entire article might be [[Best Join]]'s 1985 toy "Radio Robot" , a robot that transformed into a fully-functional AM radio with a design blending various elements of the Generation 1 [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] toys (the original source for most or all of these most likely being their [[Micro Change]] and [[Toybox]] versions, as Hasbro had not yet released Blaster and Omega Supreme at the time and the other two toys were relatively new to the market). Surprisingly, ''Robotic Radio'' was later released by Argentinian toy company [[Comando Toys]] in 1987 under the name of [[Radio AM Robot]], now featuring official ''Transformers'' branding with Hasbro copyright on the packaging! He would be later mentioned in the ''[[Transformers Timelines (fiction)|Transformers Timelines]]'' story [[A Team Effort]] as an in-universe musician, thus leading to the first and only confirmed case of a toy that ascended from bootleg to official branded release and finally to the status of canonized ''Transformers'' character in official media.

Another Transformers-branded Comando Toys offering that also borders on bootlegging was [[Walkie Talkie Robot]], a pair of — as the name suggests — robot walkie talkies originally made by Hong Kong company Arlight, featuring a design that's clearly ripped off the titular mecha from ''[[wikipedia:God Mars|Rokushin Gattai Godmars]]''. Still, this only copies the overall design of the character, not a specific Godmars toy, thus; unlike Radio AM Robot, it technically avoids the knockoff classification. ''Technically''.

Finally, it's impossible to not mention the odd Korean releases presumably done under the official Transformers brand, with their packaging attributing licensing permissions to both Hasbro and Korean company [[ToonTown]] (as well as another broadly unknown company called "3D Licensing International"). Their most overtly bootleg product was the aforementioned formerly Globo-distributed version of Generation 1 Optimus Prime, being distinguishable by quite a few alterations from its original tooling like the truck windshield not being split in half, the left smokestack being replaced by a ladder, his truck mode stickers being an odd mess, and his rifle being based on that of ''Dorvack'' Jeeps (AKA the later Generation 1 [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]): being that this toy began life as a bootleg ''and'' that it's based on a well-known character rather a new made-up one like Radio AM Robot, this is a particularly unusual release to have popped up as part of an official ''Transformers'' line-up. Beyond this Prime retool, there's also [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#LALA|an oversized, off-color ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime]] <ref>https://x.com/tfwiki/status/1036114311142363136/</ref>, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MidamIndustry|a model kit based on G1 Prime]], multiple re-releases of [[Kabaya]] ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' kits, and a wide variety of ''Generation 2''-branded merchandise, all of these arriving to Korean stores at around 1997–1998 with the same "1997 Hasbro International, Inc | With Permission of 3D Licensing International Represented by ToonTown" identifiers on their packaging. There still isn't a consensus as to whether these are legitimate Hasbro-branded products or not — the regular-sized Optimus Prime clearly has bootleg origins, but a bootleg match to their other products hasn't been found as of yet, even though oversizing toys seems like a very distinctively bootleg thing to do — but as a matter of public interest, we have nonetheless chosen to cover them on this wiki.
{{-}}

==Law and copyright infringement==
===Legal analysis of knockoffs===
[[File:DOTM.MIRAGEKO.jpg|upright=1.4|right|thumb|Were you fooled by this in 2011? Don't be shy, we were [[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers|fooled too]].]]
Despite myths to the contrary, most ''Transformers'' knockoffs are illegal. In ''HASBRO BRADLEY, INC. v. SPARKLE TOYS, INC.'', 780 F.2d 189 (2nd Cir. 1985), the Second Circuit granted an injunction on Sparkle Toys' [[Jumpstarter]] knockoffs, where Hasbro showed a likelihood of success for infringement of their copyright in the Jumpstarters toys.<ref name="sparkle">[http://www.law.cornell.edu/copyright/cases/780_F2d_189.htm HASBRO BRADLEY, INC. v. SPARKLE TOYS, INC.] at the Legal Information Institute</ref> For those not law literate, this basically means that (A) Hasbro held a valid [[copyright]] in the Jumpstarters, and (B) Hasbro had a strong enough case that this would have gone to a jury, which would ultimately decide whether there was infringement.

Although Hasbro and Takara's design patents on ''Transformers'' toys expire after 14 years from issuance, their copyright in ''Transformers'' toys lasts for 95 years from publication, i.e., sale to the public. Thus, while the design patents on some ''Transformers'' toys have expired, the copyright protection on all ''Transformers'' toys is still in effect. For useful articles, such as a reconfigurable toy, copyright protects only those expressive elements that are separable from the function. While a transformation is probably not protectable because it is functional, the overall look of the robot or alternate mode is protectable. Thus, while a heavily retooled knockoff that only retains the [[transformation]] of the original toy may avoid infringement, a toy that is only resized or is only painted in different colors would infringe on Hasbro and Takara's copyright regardless of the slight modification.

In a second case, ''WALES INDUS. INC. v. HASBRO BRADLEY, INC.'', 612 F.Supp. 510 (1985), Wales Industrial attempted legal steps ''against Hasbro'' to ''stop them from taking legal steps against Wales'' for selling knockoffs of Hasbro's ''Transformers'' toys, arguing that Hasbro was not the copyright holder, but merely a licensee, and the original Takara versions of the toys were lacking copyright stamps, thus making the toys fall into public domain. The court shot down the case by declaring that through their contract with [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], Hasbro was legally authorized to represent them as copyright holder; the lack of copyright stamps on Japanese releases of the toys was irrelevant due to different domestic laws, as what mattered was that the toys had copyright stamps when they were released to the United States market; and Wales Industrial had even acted in full knowledge of a potential copyright conflict by having their knockoff toys slightly modified as to not be exact carbon copies of Hasbro's versions.<ref name="wales1">[https://casetext.com/case/wales-indus-inc-v-hasbro-bradley-inc-2 WALES INDUS. INC. v. HASBRO BRADLEY, INC.] and [https://casetext.com/case/wales-indus-inc-v-hasbro-bradley-inc supplementary item] at Case Text.com.</ref>
{{-}}

====Hasbro's intervention (or lack thereof)====
[[File:Knockoff advertisement.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.7]]
To date, Hasbro apparently has taken few actions against knockoff manufacturers. Only the above cases of Hasbro shutting down a ''Transformers'' knockoff operation in the 1980s exist, and no such cases exist from the 1990s onward. Hasbro's ''Transformers'' design director [[Aaron Archer]] was once quoted as making a comment at [[BotCon]] implying that Hasbro was unconcerned with knockoffs.{{fact}} Strangely, Hasbro recently contacted small online toy store AgesThreeAndUp and told them to take down their knockoff listings. At [[BotCon 2008]], [[Greg Lombardo]] read an official Hasbro policy discouraging fans from purchasing knockoffs—even in the main dealer room just a few yards away—and vaguely threatening future legal action against their producers. In May 2008, eBay began taking down auctions for knockoff Transformers (the high end counterfeits in particular), but it's unclear whether this was Hasbro's doing or not.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/other-news-20/knockoff-transformers-auctions-being-pulled-from-ebay-165004/</ref> Eventually, whatever action Ebay took would not last long since, as of the 2020s, Ebay is still packed with bootlegs, both new and old alike.

===Myths about knockoffs===
Over the years, there have been a lot of widespread myths about knockoffs. Perhaps the most preposterous myth is that knockoffs are legal. See the Legal Analysis section above for why this theory is incorrect. Although few proponents of this theory exist, those that do claim vigorously that the presence of knockoffs on Family Dollar or Wal-Mart's shelves means that those products must be legitimate. The flaw in the reasoning here is that it assumes big chain stores would never do anything ignorantly or illegally, which is certainly [http://www.google.com/search?q=walmart+lawsuit not the case].

As previously mentioned, one long-held myth among fans (due to a general lack of information), is that the Generation 1 ''Transformers'' with Chinese stickers in the corner are high-quality counterfeits. After all, they look just like the original Generation 1 releases, but with some very small differences and oftentimes slightly inferior plastic quality. But again, it's come out that these were, in fact, [[The Transformers (Chinese toyline)|re-releases for the Chinese market produced from 1989 through 1995]], not unlike their Chinese ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' counterparts from around the same period. The modern high-quality Chinese Generation 1 counterfeits wouldn't be until 2005, a decade later.

Numerous international releases based on licenses [[pre-Transformer#Licensed international releases of pre-Transformers|predating the success of the ''Transformers'' brand]] (some of them available concurrently with their ''Transformers'' counterparts) have also been mistaken for knockoffs. The fact that ''actual'' knockoffs of these figures (and even knockoffs of ''these very licensed versions'') exist doesn't exactly help matters.

==So, are knockoffs worth buying?==
As a final consideration, you might be wondering if purchasing a knockoff figure is actually worth your money or not. Here are some factors you might want to consider:

===Pros===
[[File:AlphaBaseRobot.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Oh, hi. I cost more than a [[Mint in sealed box|MISB]] ''G1'' Overlord. Want to touch me?]]
* Unsurprisingly, knockoffs are generally far cheaper than their official counterparts. This is obviously balanced by the generally lower quality, but there are still some pretty intuitive advantages in getting a copy of a figure for a fraction of its original price, especially in cases where a buyer might not have the money to purchase an official version. This is further substantiated by the few knockoffs that actually do have surprisingly good quality and can easily pass for original collector-grade items, like the aforementioned Generation 1 and Masterpiece counterfeits. In the end, when a rare figure like the 2014 gold version of Masterpiece Megatron can often cost past the $600 mark on eBay, getting the mass manufactured reproduction that looks virtually indistinguishable from the original for $60 might not sound completely unreasonable. Most recently, there has even been an onslaught of fan-oriented KOs designed to not just copy the originals but also to surpass them with improved sculpts and paintjobs, like the repainted and slightly remolded movie figures of WeiJiang.

* Surprisingly enough, some older knockoffs do have collectible value, especially those produced in Taiwan and South Korea during the 1980s. As an example, the pre-transformer version of Shockwave (originally manufactured in grey by Toy Co as a figure called "Astro-Magnum") was the victim of multiple knockoff copies which are now actually more valuable than an original Generation 1 Shockwave. The bizarre Academy version of Overlord is another example in the same vein.

* Sometimes they're just funny and weird and interesting. Yes, even the cheap dodgy cheese-plastic ones. Sometimes ''especially'' the cheap dodgy cheese-plastic ones.

===Cons===

*As a rule, knockoffs are generally inferior to their original versions. Keep in mind that the previously mentioned WeiJiangs and Masterpieces are only rare exceptions amongst the usual pile of counterfeit junk, the vast majority of KOs you'll find in dollar stores are nowhere near the level of an official Hasbro or Takara product. These are often conceived with the most rudimentary plastic that can be shunted out at the most affordable rate, with little to no [[quality control]] behind their manufacturing, and in numerous occasions without even featuring any paint operations besides the actual color of the plastic they're molded in.

*As already previously explained, knockoffs are illegally produced copies of Transformers designs. This might not be too much of a detractor for collectors, especially considering how little Hasbro and Takara themselves seem to care about modern knockoffs, but it does imply that, by purchasing a fake figure over a genuine one, you are not monetarily contributing to the team that actually designed and engineered that original figure.

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] referred to the [[Starscream clone (Animated)|Starscream clones]] as "an army of cheap knockoffs". {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
"Knockoff" was considered an offensive epithet against Transformers who were [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|"constructed cold."]] {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}}

===''Age of Extinction'' film===
After defeating [[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] smugly referred to his defeated doppelganger as a "cheap knockoff." {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

==External links==
*[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/17 HighEndTFs' ID Guide for high quality counterfeit Generation 1 Transformers]
*[http://www.actionfigurechecklist.com/Images/Album/index.php?v=list&i=0&p=Transformers_KnockOff_KO Action Figure Checklist's Transformer Knock-Off Photo Album]
*[http://www.reocities.com/TelevisionCity/3230/tfother.html All Things Transformers — Other Transforming Toys]
*[http://www22.pos.to/~butto/ttot.html Butto's Other Transforming Toys (Japanese)]
*[http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~m-akao/GALLERY/fakehp.html Fake Toy Gallery (Japanese)]
*[http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/listing/user/bootlegs Hatch's Bootleg Transformers]
*[http://www.geocities.ws/kidk0rrupt/ Kid K0rrupt's Bootleg Gallery]
*[http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/mmkos/index.html Rob's Pile of Transformers: Micromaster Knockoffs]
*[http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/gallery.php?g2_itemId=7302 TFArchive.com's Bootleg Gallery]
*[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-3rd-party-discussion/191817-knock-off-transformers-thread.html TFW2005 Ongoing Knock-Off Transformers Thread]
*[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/Genertaion1KnockOffs.html Toyarchive.com's Gallery of Generation 1 Knockoffs]
*[http://zobovor.20megsfree.com/knockoffs_archive.html Zobovor's Knockoff Toys Archive (text)]
*[http://pleasesavemerobots.com/scrambledcity/skorbia/index.html SKORBIA-Crazysteve's South Korean Bootleg Information Archive]
*[https://www.instagram.com/tf_kollector/ TF_KOllector Vintage Transformer Bootleg Instagram Gallery]

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

[[Category:Toys]]

Sonic (G1)

2024-01-26T12:56:47Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Added info about Brave appearance.

{{Factions|autobot}}
{{Disambig3|Sonic}}
:''Sonic is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Transformers: Zone (franchise)|Zone]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:SonicVisualworks.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Not [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|too fast for the naked eye]], apparently.]]
'''Sonic''' (ソニック ''Sonikku'') is the Micromaster daughter of the Autobot [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] and helps him fend off [[Decepticon]]s who would dare attack the [[Micro|Z Planet]].

==Fiction==
===''Zone''===
Sonic rode the middle portion of [[Big Powered]] (the portion composed of [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] parts, naturally). {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 10}}

===''Legends'' comic===
When Sonic Bomber charged the massive entity known as [[Dark Nova|Star Giant]], he did so to protect his daughter Sonic on planet Zone below, who appeared with [[Speeder]] and [[Drillbuster]] looking on as her father persevered. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX 1 Sonic Bomber Chapter|Sonic Bomber Chapter}} They looked on as the power of many Zodiac fragments was used to restore the damage done to Zone by the single fragment wielded by Star Giant. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX 2 Roadfire Chapter|Roadfire Chapter}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Zone}}
[[File:Zone-toy Sonic.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"You gotta draw the line somewhere! You gotta draw the slaggin' line in the sand, I mean, scrap, man! You gotta make a statement! You gotta look inside yourself and say, 'what am I willing to put up with today?' NOT SLAGGIN' THIS!!"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Sonic Bomber''' (Pwoered Master, [[1990]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''C-347'''

: ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Zone|Zone]]'' Sonic transforms into a Porsche 928S sports car.

: She was only available with her larger partner, [[Sonic Bomber (G1)#Toys|Sonic Bomber]], whose "base" mode has a ramp mechanism to launch the tiny Transformer.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Cybertron/Sonic/sonic.htm More information on Sonic at TFU.info]''

<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Big Powered''' (Multi-pack, 1990)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''C-353'''

: All three [[Powered Master]]s (Sonic Bomber, [[Dai Atlas (G1)#Toys|Dai Atlas]], and [[Roadfire#Toys|Roadfire]]) and their Micromaster partners were also available in a great big gift set.

: This set is particularly expensive on the secondary market today, being pretty late-run (thanks to Roadfire's late release) at a time when ''Transformers'' had already seriously started to wane in sales and popularity.

==Notes==
* When Sonic Bomber was [[redeco]]ed as the "Hiryū" mechanoid in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[1993]] ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave Express Might Gaine]]'' toyline, Sonic was included as well. However, Sonic only appeared in the anime as a non-transforming car, which the pilot used to control Hiryū.
*Sonic would not be established as female till 2019 in the [[Transformers Legends (comic)|''Legends'' comic]], likely taking advantage of the lack of an established gender in ''Zone'' media.

[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]

Speeder

2024-01-26T12:46:55Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Added info about Brave usage

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Speeder is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Zone|Zone]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:ZoneSpeeder.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|]]
'''Speeder''' (スピーダー ''Supīdā'') is the Micromaster partner and [[Relatives|son]] to the Autobot [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]], and helps him fend off the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]].

==Fiction==
===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Zone'' story pages====
During a crash course on all the things that made [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] awesome, Speeder was introduced as his son. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 8}}

Later, when the specifications of [[Big Powered]] were on display, Speeder was shown as getting to sit in the pilot's seat. Nepotism at work, kids. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 10}}

====''Robotmasters''====
When [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] learned of [[Lio Convoy]]'s son [[Lio Junior]], he remarked that his good friend Dai Atlas had a son as well, referring to Speeder. {{storylink|Robotmasters Story chapter 7|Robotmasters Story #7}}

====''Legends'' comic====
When the Powered Masters' bodies possessed by [[Violengiguar]] attacked [[Micro|Zone]], Speeder was seen operating a [[Micro Trailer]] in defense of his world. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}} He was later seen with [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]] and [[Drillbuster]] as their fathers defended Zone against the arrival of [[Dark Nova|Star Giant]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX 1 Sonic Bomber Chapter|Sonic Bomber Chapter}} They looked on as the power of many Zodiac fragments was used to restore the damage done to Zone by the single fragment wielded by Star Giant. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX 2 Roadfire Chapter|Roadfire Chapter}}

====''Generations Selects Special Comic''====
Speeder was present on Planet Z when it was invaded by the [[Golden Age (GS)|Golden Age]] of the [[Precursor World]]. {{storylink|Abominus comic 2}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
Speeder was an old associate of Dai Atlas, fighting by his side in the battle that felled [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]]. {{storylink|Escape Part Three}} When Atlas later went [[immersant]], Speeder took custody of his friend's sword.

Following the [[Decepticon]] takeover of the [[Senate]], Speeder heard that Atlas had emerged and brought his old friend his sword back. Though Atlas initially refused the blade, he changed his mind when the [[Insecticon clone]]s advanced on them. {{storylink|Escape Part Four}} Speeder fought alongside the [[Great General]] once again until the Insecticons destroyed most of their forces by eating through an [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'']]. With [[Straxus (G1)|Straxxus]] having taken another ''Ark'', Speeder questioned what was to be done with the only operational ship that remained in [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]]. {{storylink|Escape Part Five}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|Zone}}
[[Image:ZoneG1Speeder_Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|So white, it can't be right. (''Slightly [[photodegradation|yellowed]] sample shown.'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Dai Atlas''' (Powered Master, [[1990]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''C-348'''

: ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Zone|Zone]]'' Speeder transforms into a Corvette Indy (or CERV III?) concept car.

: He was only available with his larger partner [[Dai Atlas (G1)#Toys|Dai Atlas]], who has numerous gimmicks intended for Speeder and other Micromasters.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Cybertron/Speeder/speeder.htm More information on Speeder by TFU.info]''

<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Big Powered''' (Multi-pack, 1990)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''C-353'''

: All three [[Powered Master]]s (Dai Atlas, [[Sonic Bomber (G1)#Toys|Sonic Bomber]], and [[Roadfire#Toys|Road Fire]]) as well as their Micromaster partners (Speeder, [[Sonic (G1)#Toys|Sonic]], and [[Drillbuster#Toys|Drillbuster]]) were also available in a great big gift set. All of the toys in this set are identical to their individual releases.

: This set is particularly expensive on the secondary market today, being pretty late-run (thanks to Roadfire's late release) at a time when ''Transformers'' had already seriously started to wane in sales and popularity.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Roadfire''' (2012)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Cannon, Z Powered Cutter, Speeder

: Released as part of the sixth wave of [[Kabaya]]'s 2009 series of ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' standard model kits, Speeder is a ''very'' tiny non-transforming car molded in a single piece and is included with the larger [[Roadfire#Transformers Gum|Roadfire]] kit. He can interact with the base modes of the concurrently-released Big Powered Kabaya kits.

==Notes==
*Speeder has basically no deco whatsoever. While all three Powered Master partners have no [[Paint operation|paint applications]], Speeder is the only one to not even get a crummy windshield decal.
* When Dai Atlas was [[redeco]]ed as the "Gōryū" mechanoid in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[1993]] ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave Express Might Gaine]]'' toyline, Speeder was included as well. However, Speeder only appeared in the anime as a non-transforming car, which the pilot used to control Gōryū.

[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]

Star Saber (G1)

2024-01-26T12:37:48Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Added info about concept art for a Brave Series release of Star Saber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{--}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

:An undocumented feature with the Victory Leo kit, the above Star Saber kit can combine to form Victory Saber. Unusually, the Victory Leo kit was released two years later!

{{-}}
[[File:Kabaya-Victory-Saber.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.67|Discount with a bonus.]]
*'''Victory Saber''' (DX, [[2012]])

:The ''Transformers Gum'' Star Saber and Victory Leo were re-released together as a DX set in 2012, one year after the Victory Leo kit. Unlike the previous release, at least one molded part is revised.
{{--}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brave (franchise)

2024-01-26T12:33:49Z

VictoryStarSaber:

{{disambig2|the franchise that uses designs from ''Transformers''|the ''Car Robots'' character|Emissary (RID)}}
[[Image:Braveseries.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Like Transformers, except every robot has a face plate, something long sticking out of its head, and a gold chest.]]

'''''Brave''''' (勇者 ''Yūsha'') is a non-''Transformers'' [[Franchises|franchise]] that [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] and {{w|Sunrise (company)|Sunrise}} created after the [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] cartoon ran its course in Japan. The ''Brave'' Series consists of eight individual series that were released one after the other from [[1990]] to [[1998]] with corresponding TV shows in Japan. The last show in the series received a follow-up OVA beginning in [[2000]]. Although none of the series storylines are connected to one another,<ref>There are some small connections between the series. For example, the reason Fighbird joined the Space Guards is that he admires Exkaiser. (This connection is stated in the ''Encyclopedia of Fighbird'', published by Keibunsha.) Also, there are some small cameos of human characters between shows, and some [[character model]]s, such as Draias and Guard Diver, are reused in subsequent series. Lastly, the ''Brave Saga'' video games [[retcon]] the storylines of the shows so that they link up.</ref> the basic format of each series is similar. Usually a kid befriends/creates/becomes a sentient robot, and together they fight a great evil threatening the Earth. The main robots combine with other vehicles and robots to become larger robots, and additional teams of sentient robots combine amongst themselves to form larger robots as well. This structure had been established in ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory|Victory]]'' and would be reproduced almost beat-for-beat in every ''Brave'' series. The ''Brave'' franchise has been described as a cross between ''Transformers'' and the {{w|Super Robot}} genre of the late '70s and early '80s.

The Brave series consisted of:

* [[1990]]: ''{{w|Brave Exkaiser|The Brave Fighter Exkiser}}''
* [[1991]]: ''{{w|The Brave of Sun Fighbird|The Brave of the Sun Fighbird}}''
* [[1992]]: ''{{w|The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn|The Brave of the Legend Da-Garn}}''
* [[1993]]: ''{{w|The Brave Express Might Gaine|The Brave Express Might Gaine}}''
* [[1994]]: ''{{w|The Brave Police J-Decker|The Brave Police J-Decker}}''
* [[1995]]: ''{{w|The Brave of Gold Goldran}}''
* [[1996]]: ''{{w|Brave Command Dagwon|The Brave Command Dagwon}}''
** [[1997]]: ''{{w|lang=ja|勇者指令ダグオン水晶の瞳の少年|The Brave Command Dagwon - Boy with Crystal Eyes}}''
* [[1997]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar}}''
** [[1999]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar FINAL}}''
** [[2016]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar FINAL #Light novel|The Conqueror-Emperor: GaoGaiGar VS Betterman}}'' (a crossover between ''GaoGaiGar'' and ''{{w|Betterman (TV series)|Betterman}}'')
* [[1998]]: ''Saint of Braves Baan Gaan'' ({{w|Brave series#Brave Saga and Brave Saga 2|video game}} original)
* [[2023]]: ''Brave Universe Sworgrader''
* ''Photogrizer'' (cancelled, later appeared in ''Brave Universe Sworgrader'')

Toys for these robots were created in two sizes: DX ("deluxe") versions that contained more gimmicks and more complicated transformations, and STD ("standard") versions that contained fewer [[gimmick]]s and more limited transformations (often resorting to [[Partformer|partsforming]]), but often also higher [[Show-accuracy|accuracy]] in reproducing the look of the robot from the anime series. Generally, the toys were created by Takara's [[Takashi Kunihiro]] and Sunrise's [[Kunio Okawara]], doing engineering and design work respectively. The duo had already collaborated in the creation of [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] from the aforementioned ''Transformers: Victory''. The toys not engineered by Kunihiro are believed to be engineered by [[Hisashi Yuki]].

==Relationship to ''Transformers''==
The initial concept designs for ''The Brave Exkaiser'', the first ''Brave'' series, were intended to be Transformers designs. While the ''Brave'' robot Ultra Raker was very far along at this stage, the Max team and King Exkaiser bore little resemblance to their final designs.

The ''Brave'' toys also have design elements similar to ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' Transformers, which were released around the same time as the ''Brave'' toys. For example, many of the ''Brave of Legend'' toys have [[Light-piping|light-piped]] eyes thanks to transparent pieces of plastic in their heads, a design element which many ''Generation 2'' Transformers share. The ''Goldran'' DX toyline contains many projectile launchers, something ''Generation 2'' shared as well. In particular, the ''Goldran'' toy "Advenger" contains a rotor-launching gimmick identical to that of the [[Rotor Force]] from ''Generation 2'', and the "Captain Shark" figure has a Gatling-gun style launcher, the same as ''Generation 2'' [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]]. The elbows of Leon from DX Leonkyzer contain ball joints, a design element that gained much broader use during ''Generation 2'' and even more so during the ''Beast Wars'' toyline. In addition, Might Gunner's shoulders have twin barreled cannons on them, in the same manner that [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] does, due to [[Kunio Okawara]] co-designing both characters.

[[Image:DeathsaurusAndRedGeist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|And to think, Red Geist's toy doesn't even have any remolding.]]The Brave Series also reused character designs and toys from previous ''Transformers'' series. It was not uncommon for the recycled designs to appear in a ''Brave'' TV show, but not in toy form. These designs were often significantly augmented to distinguish them from their ''Transformers'' counterparts. For example, the four Geister henchmen in ''Exkaiser'' use character models of four of the five [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] (minus Grimlock), but with all-new faces, body detail and color schemes. Of the designs that did appear in toy form, some of them were retooled to reflect these changes, whereas others were simple recolors. (A complete listing of the reuses follows in the section below.)

One striking difference between the ''Brave'' and ''Transformers'' toy lines is that very few villain robots were released in the ''Brave'' series. This is in sharp contrast to most of the ''Transformers'' series, in which heroes and villains are released in relatively equal numbers (with the exception of ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|Zone]]'' and ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1991 (Return of Convoy)|Return of Convoy]]''). Generally speaking, the lack of villain toys is more the norm for such toylines in Japan, with the various ''Transformers'' lines (save for the aforementioned two) being the exception.

Despite the ''Brave'' series's reuse of many ''Transformers'' molds and character designs, ''Brave'' toys have never been reused in a ''Transformers'' toyline. This is likely because the characters that the toys represent are owned by Sunrise, which itself is owned by Takara's rival toy company {{w|Bandai Namco Holdings|Bandai}}. That said, a ''Brave'' mold was finally reused in [[2008]], when Might Kaiser's trailer was modified and included in TakaraTomy's ''{{w|Tomica Hero: Rescue Force}}'' as part of the toy Zero Fire. Although Hasbro never released ''Brave'' toys in the West, they apparently did receive samples from Takara on [[Media:Dxgoldran.jpg|at least one occasion]]. Similarly, in the 1990s, Hasbro UK were sent samples by Takara from their non-''Transformers'' toylines including product literature featuring figures from ''Exkaiser'' and ''Fighbird'' that were considered a possible fit into the European Transformers line, although none of Takara's suggestions were ultimately taken up.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=In the '90s Takara would send Hasbro UK/Europe product from Japan they they felt could be a potential fit into the #Transformers line. This was a mix of actual toys, XCell (Cross Sell) leaflets, sticker sheets and instructions.|link=https://twitter.com/transformertoys/status/1529469314314686465|site=Twitter|name=Andy Couzens collection from Transformers Toys|year=2022|month=5|day=25}}</ref>

In addition, the anime would also utilize some of the animation staff who worked on the franchise prior to this, including animators Nobuyoshi Sasakado, [[Hidetoshi Ōmori]] and [[Masami Ōbari]], and animation studio [[Nakamura Production]]. [[Munetaka Abe]], [[Masahiro Yamane]] and Toru Yoshida, staples of the ''Brave'' anime, would eventually leak into the ''Transformers'' franchise itself in future instalments.

==Influence on ''Transformers''==
[[Image:Cybprime exkaiser.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
Similar to ''Brave'' being influenced by ''Transformers'', subsequent ''Transformers'' lines have also been influenced by the ''Brave'' series. The Japanese [[Mini-Con]] [[Kingbolt (Armada)|Kingbolt]]'s coloration and characterization are [[homage]]s to the Brave series ''Exkaiser''. The [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] featured many homages to the ''Brave'' series, most notably the way [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] combines with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] and [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]], which is similar to the way GaoGaiGar combines with Goldymarg and Stealth Gao respectively. As well, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]'s transformation scheme is almost identical to various car robots from the ''Brave'' series, those being Dran, Dag Fire, and Volfogg. [[Unfinished#Real-world references|The battle between Optimus Prime and Galvatron]] contains several visual references to the final showdown between Great Exkaiser and Dinogeist from the anime series ''The Brave Exkaiser''. The ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' characters [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] are similar to Enryū and Hyōryū from ''GaoGaiGar'', both with respect to their elemental motifs and method of combination. ''Animated'' also has a brief cameo appearance by ''Dagwon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Dug Base|Dag Base]]. ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Esmeral (SG)|Esmeral]]'s color scheme is based on Red Geist, a redeco of [[Esmeral (G1)|her ''Victory'' counterpart]]'s [[Deathsaurus (G1)|husband]]. ''The Brave Police J-Decker'' mecha Duke Fire and Shadowmaru inspired the Autobot drone [[Duke Fire]] and Decepticon [[Greatsix]]. Meanwhile, the human police superintendent Juzo Saejima also inspired the Generation 1 human [[Saejima]].

==Toys and character designs recycled from ''Transformers''==
(''Italicized names'' are non-toy characters.)

===1990 - ''Exkaiser''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCoGs3mQcl4 Green Raker and Blue Raker] — Originally designed with Transformers in mind<ref>"The Ultra Raker was designed with the Transformers series in mind. There wasn’t much
change in how the transformation worked between this and the finalized version, but the
handheld weapons and how other supplementary items would be shared was still being
thought out." - Designer commentary, ''Sunrise Robot Toy Collection'' by [[TARKUS]], p.11 [https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/brave.98174/page-386#post-5402112 translated at TFW2005]</ref> but released under the ''Brave'' banner.
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Onss3GyaY Armor Geist]'' — [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmPP2kRP5DM Horn Geist]'' — [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRY8gky0PQE Ptera Geist]'' — [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuJTrWuy68Y Thunder Geist]'' — [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]

===1992 - ''Da Garn''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_37zYGQow00 Red Geist] with Red Breaster — [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Tigerbreast]] (no [[Eaglebreast]])

===1993 - ''Might Gaine''===
* ''Atlas Epsilon'' — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* ''Atlas Mk.II'' — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E89XiJOWzIo Gōryū] with Ōwashi — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] and [[Speeder]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBkMnRnv3pw Hiryū] with Hayabusa — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] and [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]]
* ''Mega Sonic 8823'' — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]]

[[Image:BraveShadowmaruKagerouModels.jpg|thumb|250px|One ninja is deadly. A bunch of ninjas are cannonfodder. Two ninjas are... um...]]

===1994 - ''J-Decker''===
* ''Kagerō'' — [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLYgYX7IxLA Shadowmaru] — [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (featured a new head, chest, chest fins, beast head, and entirely new set of weaponry to incorporate a ninja motif; also has slightly more articulation since the bar connecting the lower legs to each other was removed)
* MiniCole Secret Transforming Bases — The [[Micromaster#Generation 1|Micromaster Stations]] (sans Micromasters and including non-transformable ''Brave Police'' figures; never appeared in the show)<ref>[https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/butto/diary/201501310000/ Secret Transforming Base line overview at butto00's blog]</ref>
**Police Station — [[Gasoline Base]]
**Construction Site — [[Ironworks (facility)|Build Base]]
**Airfield — [[Overair (facility)|Airport Base]]
**Fire Station — [[Hot House (facility)|Hot House]]

===1995 - ''Goldran''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMZgEc78A6Y Death Garry Gun] with Missile Gear — [[Sky Garry (G1)|Sky Garry]] and [[Shotbomber]] (lacking trailer launchers)
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0ObWFgDfls Revibaron]'' — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] with parts from [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7caCCFWKc Zazorigun]'' — [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] with new head design

===1996 - ''Dagwon''===
* [[Dagbase]] — [[Grandus (G1)|Grandus]] (significant retooling, cannot combine with Star Convoy)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei2MgBwc8Iw Thunder Dagwon] — [[Galaxy Shuttle]] (significant retooling, including an additional motorcycle/robot that combines for the shuttle's robot mode)

==Fiction==
===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] was asked whether or not ''Brave'' was a part of the ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]]. Unfortunately, the Prime seemed to have misinterpreted the question. He did, however, express a fondness for the {{w|Brave (2012 film)|adventures of Princess Merida and Queen Elinor}}.

The events of the ''Brave'' anime were later established to take place in the [[Cymond]] Cluster, which bordered the [[Megaverse]] and only possessed a tangential connection to the goings-on elsewhere in the ''Transformers'' multiverse. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}

==Notes==
* It was originally assumed that [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGFHTcC5tlo Duke Fire] from ''The Brave Police J-Decker'' was an homage to [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Notes|New Rodimus]]. However, following a discussion with Duke Fire's designer, this proved to be a coincidence.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Also talked w/TakaraTomy team. Brave's Duke Fire NOT based on "New Rodimus," per designer of Duke Fire. He was not aware of that Rod design.|link=https://twitter.com/tfwiki/status/907253686023458817|site=Twitter|name=TFWiki interview with the TakaraTomy design team|year=2017|month=9|day=11}}</ref>
* ''[[Transformers: Bravemasters]]'' was an unrealized proposal by [[Hayato Sakamoto]]. [[:File:Hayato Bravemasters concept 1.jpg|Art of it]] shown at [[BotCon 2015]] revealed that it would have utilized several offscreen toys from the Movie-related toyline (such as [[Breacher (TF 2010)|Breacher]], whose toy would have been used for the main character) and would have been strongly influenced by the ''Brave'' franchise.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160421114525/http://www.allspark.com/2015/06/best-of-botcon-the-japanese-perspective/ Best Of Botcon: The Japanese Perspective @ The Allspark (via the Internet Archive)]</ref>
* Concept art exists of a soccer-themed retool of [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], presumably meant to be a character in ''The Brave Police J-Decker''. This concept may have evolved into the soccer-themed character Drill Boy in that series. <ref>Brave Series 30th Anniversary Memorial Archive Art Book</ref>
* [[Bandai]] acquired Sunrise in [[1993]], but seemingly didn't hold the rights to produce figures for the franchise until roughly the 2010s. As such, all ''Brave'' figures and model kits are currently produced by Bandai and their licensees, rather than TakaraTomy—who seemingly no longer holds any rights to the franchise.

==See also==
*''[[Transforming Bullet Train Robot Shinkalion]]''
*''[[Tomica#Tomica Bond Combination Earth Granner|Tomica Bond Combination Earth Granner]]''

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

==External links==
*{{w|Brave series|''Brave'' series}} at Wikipedia
*[http://www.yusha.net/ Official Sunrise ''Brave'' Series website]
*[http://bravewiki.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page ''Brave'' Wiki]
*[[wikia:gaogaigar:GaoGaiGar-Betterman Wiki|''The GaoGaiGar''-''Betterman'' Wiki]].
*[http://mamao2.cside.com/ MAOMAO2's Room (Japanese)]
*[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=98174 The TFW2005 forum ''Brave'' thread]

[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]

Brave (franchise)

2024-01-26T12:32:43Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */

{{disambig2|the franchise that uses designs from ''Transformers''|the ''Car Robots'' character|Emissary (RID)}}
[[Image:Braveseries.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Like Transformers, except every robot has a face plate, something long sticking out of its head, and a gold chest.]]

'''''Brave''''' (勇者 ''Yūsha'') is a non-''Transformers'' [[Franchises|franchise]] that [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] and {{w|Sunrise (company)|Sunrise}} created after the [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] cartoon ran its course in Japan. The ''Brave'' Series consists of eight individual series that were released one after the other from [[1990]] to [[1998]] with corresponding TV shows in Japan. The last show in the series received a follow-up OVA beginning in [[2000]]. Although none of the series storylines are connected to one another,<ref>There are some small connections between the series. For example, the reason Fighbird joined the Space Guards is that he admires Exkaiser. (This connection is stated in the ''Encyclopedia of Fighbird'', published by Keibunsha.) Also, there are some small cameos of human characters between shows, and some [[character model]]s, such as Draias and Guard Diver, are reused in subsequent series. Lastly, the ''Brave Saga'' video games [[retcon]] the storylines of the shows so that they link up.</ref> the basic format of each series is similar. Usually a kid befriends/creates/becomes a sentient robot, and together they fight a great evil threatening the Earth. The main robots combine with other vehicles and robots to become larger robots, and additional teams of sentient robots combine amongst themselves to form larger robots as well. This structure had been established in ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory|Victory]]'' and would be reproduced almost beat-for-beat in every ''Brave'' series. The ''Brave'' franchise has been described as a cross between ''Transformers'' and the {{w|Super Robot}} genre of the late '70s and early '80s.

The Brave series consisted of:

* [[1990]]: ''{{w|Brave Exkaiser|The Brave Fighter Exkiser}}''
* [[1991]]: ''{{w|The Brave of Sun Fighbird|The Brave of the Sun Fighbird}}''
* [[1992]]: ''{{w|The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn|The Brave of the Legend Da-Garn}}''
* [[1993]]: ''{{w|The Brave Express Might Gaine|The Brave Express Might Gaine}}''
* [[1994]]: ''{{w|The Brave Police J-Decker|The Brave Police J-Decker}}''
* [[1995]]: ''{{w|The Brave of Gold Goldran}}''
* [[1996]]: ''{{w|Brave Command Dagwon|The Brave Command Dagwon}}''
** [[1997]]: ''{{w|lang=ja|勇者指令ダグオン水晶の瞳の少年|The Brave Command Dagwon - Boy with Crystal Eyes}}''
* [[1997]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar}}''
** [[1999]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar FINAL}}''
** [[2016]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar FINAL #Light novel|The Conqueror-Emperor: GaoGaiGar VS Betterman}}'' (a crossover between ''GaoGaiGar'' and ''{{w|Betterman (TV series)|Betterman}}'')
* [[1998]]: ''Saint of Braves Baan Gaan'' ({{w|Brave series#Brave Saga and Brave Saga 2|video game}} original)
* [[2023]]: ''Brave Universe Sworgrader''
* ''Photogrizer'' (cancelled, later appeared in ''Brave Universe Sworgrader'')

Toys for these robots were created in two sizes: DX ("deluxe") versions that contained more gimmicks and more complicated transformations, and STD ("standard") versions that contained fewer [[gimmick]]s and more limited transformations (often resorting to [[Partformer|partsforming]]), but often also higher [[Show-accuracy|accuracy]] in reproducing the look of the robot from the anime series. Generally, the toys were created by Takara's [[Takashi Kunihiro]] and Sunrise's [[Kunio Okawara]], doing engineering and design work respectively. The duo had already collaborated in the creation of [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] from the aforementioned ''Transformers: Victory''. The toys not engineered by Kunihiro are believed to be engineered by [[Hisashi Yuki]].

==Relationship to ''Transformers''==
The initial concept designs for ''The Brave Exkaiser'', the first ''Brave'' series, were intended to be Transformers designs. While the ''Brave'' robot Ultra Raker was very far along at this stage, the Max team and King Exkaiser bore little resemblance to their final designs.

The ''Brave'' toys also have design elements similar to ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' Transformers, which were released around the same time as the ''Brave'' toys. For example, many of the ''Brave of Legend'' toys have [[Light-piping|light-piped]] eyes thanks to transparent pieces of plastic in their heads, a design element which many ''Generation 2'' Transformers share. The ''Goldran'' DX toyline contains many projectile launchers, something ''Generation 2'' shared as well. In particular, the ''Goldran'' toy "Advenger" contains a rotor-launching gimmick identical to that of the [[Rotor Force]] from ''Generation 2'', and the "Captain Shark" figure has a Gatling-gun style launcher, the same as ''Generation 2'' [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]]. The elbows of Leon from DX Leonkyzer contain ball joints, a design element that gained much broader use during ''Generation 2'' and even more so during the ''Beast Wars'' toyline. In addition, Might Gunner's shoulders have twin barreled cannons on them, in the same manner that [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] does, due to [[Kunio Okawara]] co-designing both characters.

[[Image:DeathsaurusAndRedGeist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|And to think, Red Geist's toy doesn't even have any remolding.]]The Brave Series also reused character designs and toys from previous ''Transformers'' series. It was not uncommon for the recycled designs to appear in a ''Brave'' TV show, but not in toy form. These designs were often significantly augmented to distinguish them from their ''Transformers'' counterparts. For example, the four Geister henchmen in ''Exkaiser'' use character models of four of the five [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] (minus Grimlock), but with all-new faces, body detail and color schemes. Of the designs that did appear in toy form, some of them were retooled to reflect these changes, whereas others were simple recolors. (A complete listing of the reuses follows in the section below.)

One striking difference between the ''Brave'' and ''Transformers'' toy lines is that very few villain robots were released in the ''Brave'' series. This is in sharp contrast to most of the ''Transformers'' series, in which heroes and villains are released in relatively equal numbers (with the exception of ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|Zone]]'' and ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1991 (Return of Convoy)|Return of Convoy]]''). Generally speaking, the lack of villain toys is more the norm for such toylines in Japan, with the various ''Transformers'' lines (save for the aforementioned two) being the exception.

Despite the ''Brave'' series's reuse of many ''Transformers'' molds and character designs, ''Brave'' toys have never been reused in a ''Transformers'' toyline. This is likely because the characters that the toys represent are owned by Sunrise, which itself is owned by Takara's rival toy company {{w|Bandai Namco Holdings|Bandai}}. That said, a ''Brave'' mold was finally reused in [[2008]], when Might Kaiser's trailer was modified and included in TakaraTomy's ''{{w|Tomica Hero: Rescue Force}}'' as part of the toy Zero Fire. Although Hasbro never released ''Brave'' toys in the West, they apparently did receive samples from Takara on [[Media:Dxgoldran.jpg|at least one occasion]]. Similarly, in the 1990s, Hasbro UK were sent samples by Takara from their non-''Transformers'' toylines including product literature featuring figures from ''Exkaiser'' and ''Fighbird'' that were considered a possible fit into the European Transformers line, although none of Takara's suggestions were ultimately taken up.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=In the '90s Takara would send Hasbro UK/Europe product from Japan they they felt could be a potential fit into the #Transformers line. This was a mix of actual toys, XCell (Cross Sell) leaflets, sticker sheets and instructions.|link=https://twitter.com/transformertoys/status/1529469314314686465|site=Twitter|name=Andy Couzens collection from Transformers Toys|year=2022|month=5|day=25}}</ref>

In addition, the anime would also utilize some of the animation staff who worked on the franchise prior to this, including animators Nobuyoshi Sasakado, [[Hidetoshi Ōmori]] and [[Masami Ōbari]], and animation studio [[Nakamura Production]]. [[Munetaka Abe]], [[Masahiro Yamane]] and Toru Yoshida, staples of the ''Brave'' anime, would eventually leak into the ''Transformers'' franchise itself in future instalments.

==Influence on ''Transformers''==
[[Image:Cybprime exkaiser.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
Similar to ''Brave'' being influenced by ''Transformers'', subsequent ''Transformers'' lines have also been influenced by the ''Brave'' series. The Japanese [[Mini-Con]] [[Kingbolt (Armada)|Kingbolt]]'s coloration and characterization are [[homage]]s to the Brave series ''Exkaiser''. The [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] featured many homages to the ''Brave'' series, most notably the way [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] combines with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] and [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]], which is similar to the way GaoGaiGar combines with Goldymarg and Stealth Gao respectively. As well, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]'s transformation scheme is almost identical to various car robots from the ''Brave'' series, those being Dran, Dag Fire, and Volfogg. [[Unfinished#Real-world references|The battle between Optimus Prime and Galvatron]] contains several visual references to the final showdown between Great Exkaiser and Dinogeist from the anime series ''The Brave Exkaiser''. The ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' characters [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] are similar to Enryū and Hyōryū from ''GaoGaiGar'', both with respect to their elemental motifs and method of combination. ''Animated'' also has a brief cameo appearance by ''Dagwon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Dug Base|Dag Base]]. ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Esmeral (SG)|Esmeral]]'s color scheme is based on Red Geist, a redeco of [[Esmeral (G1)|her ''Victory'' counterpart]]'s [[Deathsaurus (G1)|husband]]. ''The Brave Police J-Decker'' mecha Duke Fire and Shadowmaru inspired the Autobot drone [[Duke Fire]] and Decepticon [[Greatsix]]. Meanwhile, the human police superintendent Juzo Saejima also inspired the Generation 1 human [[Saejima]].

==Toys and character designs recycled from ''Transformers''==
(''Italicized names'' are non-toy characters.)

===1990 - ''Exkaiser''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCoGs3mQcl4 Green Raker and Blue Raker] — Originally designed with Transformers in mind<ref>"The Ultra Raker was designed with the Transformers series in mind. There wasn’t much
change in how the transformation worked between this and the finalized version, but the
handheld weapons and how other supplementary items would be shared was still being
thought out." - Designer commentary, ''Sunrise Robot Toy Collection'' by [[TARKUS]], p.11 [https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/brave.98174/page-386#post-5402112 translated at TFW2005]</ref> but released under the ''Brave'' banner.
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Onss3GyaY Armor Geist]'' — [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmPP2kRP5DM Horn Geist]'' — [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRY8gky0PQE Ptera Geist]'' — [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuJTrWuy68Y Thunder Geist]'' — [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]

===1992 - ''Da Garn''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_37zYGQow00 Red Geist] with Red Breaster — [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Tigerbreast]] (no [[Eaglebreast]])

===1993 - ''Might Gaine''===
* ''Atlas Epsilon'' — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* ''Atlas Mk.II'' — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E89XiJOWzIo Gōryū] with Ōwashi — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] and [[Speeder]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBkMnRnv3pw Hiryū] with Hayabusa — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] and [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]]
* ''Mega Sonic 8823'' — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]]

[[Image:BraveShadowmaruKagerouModels.jpg|thumb|250px|One ninja is deadly. A bunch of ninjas are cannonfodder. Two ninjas are... um...]]

===1994 - ''J-Decker''===
* ''Kagerō'' — [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLYgYX7IxLA Shadowmaru] — [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (featured a new head, chest, chest fins, beast head, and entirely new set of weaponry to incorporate a ninja motif; also has slightly more articulation since the bar connecting the lower legs to each other was removed)
* MiniCole Secret Transforming Bases — The [[Micromaster#Generation 1|Micromaster Stations]] (sans Micromasters and including non-transformable ''Brave Police'' figures; never appeared in the show)<ref>[https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/butto/diary/201501310000/ Secret Transforming Base line overview at butto00's blog]</ref>
**Police Station — [[Gasoline Base]]
**Construction Site — [[Ironworks (facility)|Build Base]]
**Airfield — [[Overair (facility)|Airport Base]]
**Fire Station — [[Hot House (facility)|Hot House]]

===1995 - ''Goldran''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMZgEc78A6Y Death Garry Gun] with Missile Gear — [[Sky Garry (G1)|Sky Garry]] and [[Shotbomber]] (lacking trailer launchers)
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0ObWFgDfls Revibaron]'' — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] with parts from [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7caCCFWKc Zazorigun]'' — [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] with new head design

===1996 - ''Dagwon''===
* [[Dagbase]] — [[Grandus (G1)|Grandus]] (significant retooling, cannot combine with Star Convoy)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei2MgBwc8Iw Thunder Dagwon] — [[Galaxy Shuttle]] (significant retooling, including an additional motorcycle/robot that combines for the shuttle's robot mode)

==Fiction==
===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] was asked whether or not ''Brave'' was a part of the ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]]. Unfortunately, the Prime seemed to have misinterpreted the question. He did, however, express a fondness for the {{w|Brave (2012 film)|adventures of Princess Merida and Queen Elinor}}.

The events of the ''Brave'' anime were later established to take place in the [[Cymond]] Cluster, which bordered the [[Megaverse]] and only possessed a tangential connection to the goings-on elsewhere in the ''Transformers'' multiverse. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}

==Notes==
* It was originally assumed that [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGFHTcC5tlo Duke Fire] from ''The Brave Police J-Decker'' was an homage to [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Notes|New Rodimus]]. However, following a discussion with Duke Fire's designer, this proved to be a coincidence.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Also talked w/TakaraTomy team. Brave's Duke Fire NOT based on "New Rodimus," per designer of Duke Fire. He was not aware of that Rod design.|link=https://twitter.com/tfwiki/status/907253686023458817|site=Twitter|name=TFWiki interview with the TakaraTomy design team|year=2017|month=9|day=11}}</ref>
* ''[[Transformers: Bravemasters]]'' was an unrealized proposal by [[Hayato Sakamoto]]. [[:File:Hayato Bravemasters concept 1.jpg|Art of it]] shown at [[BotCon 2015]] revealed that it would have utilized several offscreen toys from the Movie-related toyline (such as [[Breacher (TF 2010)|Breacher]], whose toy would have been used for the main character) and would have been strongly influenced by the ''Brave'' franchise.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160421114525/http://www.allspark.com/2015/06/best-of-botcon-the-japanese-perspective/ Best Of Botcon: The Japanese Perspective @ The Allspark (via the Internet Archive)]</ref>
* Concept art exists of a soccer-themed retool of [[Star Saber (G1)]], presumably meant to be a character in ''The Brave Police J-Decker''. This concept may have evolved into the soccer-themed character Drill Boy in that series. <ref>Brave Series 30th Anniversary Memorial Archive Art Book</ref>
* [[Bandai]] acquired Sunrise in [[1993]], but seemingly didn't hold the rights to produce figures for the franchise until roughly the 2010s. As such, all ''Brave'' figures and model kits are currently produced by Bandai and their licensees, rather than TakaraTomy—who seemingly no longer holds any rights to the franchise.

==See also==
*''[[Transforming Bullet Train Robot Shinkalion]]''
*''[[Tomica#Tomica Bond Combination Earth Granner|Tomica Bond Combination Earth Granner]]''

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

==External links==
*{{w|Brave series|''Brave'' series}} at Wikipedia
*[http://www.yusha.net/ Official Sunrise ''Brave'' Series website]
*[http://bravewiki.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page ''Brave'' Wiki]
*[[wikia:gaogaigar:GaoGaiGar-Betterman Wiki|''The GaoGaiGar''-''Betterman'' Wiki]].
*[http://mamao2.cside.com/ MAOMAO2's Room (Japanese)]
*[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=98174 The TFW2005 forum ''Brave'' thread]

[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]

Brave (franchise)

2024-01-26T12:32:08Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Added info about Star Saber Retool.

{{disambig2|the franchise that uses designs from ''Transformers''|the ''Car Robots'' character|Emissary (RID)}}
[[Image:Braveseries.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Like Transformers, except every robot has a face plate, something long sticking out of its head, and a gold chest.]]

'''''Brave''''' (勇者 ''Yūsha'') is a non-''Transformers'' [[Franchises|franchise]] that [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] and {{w|Sunrise (company)|Sunrise}} created after the [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] cartoon ran its course in Japan. The ''Brave'' Series consists of eight individual series that were released one after the other from [[1990]] to [[1998]] with corresponding TV shows in Japan. The last show in the series received a follow-up OVA beginning in [[2000]]. Although none of the series storylines are connected to one another,<ref>There are some small connections between the series. For example, the reason Fighbird joined the Space Guards is that he admires Exkaiser. (This connection is stated in the ''Encyclopedia of Fighbird'', published by Keibunsha.) Also, there are some small cameos of human characters between shows, and some [[character model]]s, such as Draias and Guard Diver, are reused in subsequent series. Lastly, the ''Brave Saga'' video games [[retcon]] the storylines of the shows so that they link up.</ref> the basic format of each series is similar. Usually a kid befriends/creates/becomes a sentient robot, and together they fight a great evil threatening the Earth. The main robots combine with other vehicles and robots to become larger robots, and additional teams of sentient robots combine amongst themselves to form larger robots as well. This structure had been established in ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory|Victory]]'' and would be reproduced almost beat-for-beat in every ''Brave'' series. The ''Brave'' franchise has been described as a cross between ''Transformers'' and the {{w|Super Robot}} genre of the late '70s and early '80s.

The Brave series consisted of:

* [[1990]]: ''{{w|Brave Exkaiser|The Brave Fighter Exkiser}}''
* [[1991]]: ''{{w|The Brave of Sun Fighbird|The Brave of the Sun Fighbird}}''
* [[1992]]: ''{{w|The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn|The Brave of the Legend Da-Garn}}''
* [[1993]]: ''{{w|The Brave Express Might Gaine|The Brave Express Might Gaine}}''
* [[1994]]: ''{{w|The Brave Police J-Decker|The Brave Police J-Decker}}''
* [[1995]]: ''{{w|The Brave of Gold Goldran}}''
* [[1996]]: ''{{w|Brave Command Dagwon|The Brave Command Dagwon}}''
** [[1997]]: ''{{w|lang=ja|勇者指令ダグオン水晶の瞳の少年|The Brave Command Dagwon - Boy with Crystal Eyes}}''
* [[1997]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar}}''
** [[1999]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar FINAL}}''
** [[2016]]: ''{{w|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar FINAL #Light novel|The Conqueror-Emperor: GaoGaiGar VS Betterman}}'' (a crossover between ''GaoGaiGar'' and ''{{w|Betterman (TV series)|Betterman}}'')
* [[1998]]: ''Saint of Braves Baan Gaan'' ({{w|Brave series#Brave Saga and Brave Saga 2|video game}} original)
* [[2023]]: ''Brave Universe Sworgrader''
* ''Photogrizer'' (cancelled, later appeared in ''Brave Universe Sworgrader'')

Toys for these robots were created in two sizes: DX ("deluxe") versions that contained more gimmicks and more complicated transformations, and STD ("standard") versions that contained fewer [[gimmick]]s and more limited transformations (often resorting to [[Partformer|partsforming]]), but often also higher [[Show-accuracy|accuracy]] in reproducing the look of the robot from the anime series. Generally, the toys were created by Takara's [[Takashi Kunihiro]] and Sunrise's [[Kunio Okawara]], doing engineering and design work respectively. The duo had already collaborated in the creation of [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] from the aforementioned ''Transformers: Victory''. The toys not engineered by Kunihiro are believed to be engineered by [[Hisashi Yuki]].

==Relationship to ''Transformers''==
The initial concept designs for ''The Brave Exkaiser'', the first ''Brave'' series, were intended to be Transformers designs. While the ''Brave'' robot Ultra Raker was very far along at this stage, the Max team and King Exkaiser bore little resemblance to their final designs.

The ''Brave'' toys also have design elements similar to ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' Transformers, which were released around the same time as the ''Brave'' toys. For example, many of the ''Brave of Legend'' toys have [[Light-piping|light-piped]] eyes thanks to transparent pieces of plastic in their heads, a design element which many ''Generation 2'' Transformers share. The ''Goldran'' DX toyline contains many projectile launchers, something ''Generation 2'' shared as well. In particular, the ''Goldran'' toy "Advenger" contains a rotor-launching gimmick identical to that of the [[Rotor Force]] from ''Generation 2'', and the "Captain Shark" figure has a Gatling-gun style launcher, the same as ''Generation 2'' [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]]. The elbows of Leon from DX Leonkyzer contain ball joints, a design element that gained much broader use during ''Generation 2'' and even more so during the ''Beast Wars'' toyline. In addition, Might Gunner's shoulders have twin barreled cannons on them, in the same manner that [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] does, due to [[Kunio Okawara]] co-designing both characters.

[[Image:DeathsaurusAndRedGeist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|And to think, Red Geist's toy doesn't even have any remolding.]]The Brave Series also reused character designs and toys from previous ''Transformers'' series. It was not uncommon for the recycled designs to appear in a ''Brave'' TV show, but not in toy form. These designs were often significantly augmented to distinguish them from their ''Transformers'' counterparts. For example, the four Geister henchmen in ''Exkaiser'' use character models of four of the five [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] (minus Grimlock), but with all-new faces, body detail and color schemes. Of the designs that did appear in toy form, some of them were retooled to reflect these changes, whereas others were simple recolors. (A complete listing of the reuses follows in the section below.)

One striking difference between the ''Brave'' and ''Transformers'' toy lines is that very few villain robots were released in the ''Brave'' series. This is in sharp contrast to most of the ''Transformers'' series, in which heroes and villains are released in relatively equal numbers (with the exception of ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|Zone]]'' and ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1991 (Return of Convoy)|Return of Convoy]]''). Generally speaking, the lack of villain toys is more the norm for such toylines in Japan, with the various ''Transformers'' lines (save for the aforementioned two) being the exception.

Despite the ''Brave'' series's reuse of many ''Transformers'' molds and character designs, ''Brave'' toys have never been reused in a ''Transformers'' toyline. This is likely because the characters that the toys represent are owned by Sunrise, which itself is owned by Takara's rival toy company {{w|Bandai Namco Holdings|Bandai}}. That said, a ''Brave'' mold was finally reused in [[2008]], when Might Kaiser's trailer was modified and included in TakaraTomy's ''{{w|Tomica Hero: Rescue Force}}'' as part of the toy Zero Fire. Although Hasbro never released ''Brave'' toys in the West, they apparently did receive samples from Takara on [[Media:Dxgoldran.jpg|at least one occasion]]. Similarly, in the 1990s, Hasbro UK were sent samples by Takara from their non-''Transformers'' toylines including product literature featuring figures from ''Exkaiser'' and ''Fighbird'' that were considered a possible fit into the European Transformers line, although none of Takara's suggestions were ultimately taken up.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=In the '90s Takara would send Hasbro UK/Europe product from Japan they they felt could be a potential fit into the #Transformers line. This was a mix of actual toys, XCell (Cross Sell) leaflets, sticker sheets and instructions.|link=https://twitter.com/transformertoys/status/1529469314314686465|site=Twitter|name=Andy Couzens collection from Transformers Toys|year=2022|month=5|day=25}}</ref>

In addition, the anime would also utilize some of the animation staff who worked on the franchise prior to this, including animators Nobuyoshi Sasakado, [[Hidetoshi Ōmori]] and [[Masami Ōbari]], and animation studio [[Nakamura Production]]. [[Munetaka Abe]], [[Masahiro Yamane]] and Toru Yoshida, staples of the ''Brave'' anime, would eventually leak into the ''Transformers'' franchise itself in future instalments.

==Influence on ''Transformers''==
[[Image:Cybprime exkaiser.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
Similar to ''Brave'' being influenced by ''Transformers'', subsequent ''Transformers'' lines have also been influenced by the ''Brave'' series. The Japanese [[Mini-Con]] [[Kingbolt (Armada)|Kingbolt]]'s coloration and characterization are [[homage]]s to the Brave series ''Exkaiser''. The [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] featured many homages to the ''Brave'' series, most notably the way [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] combines with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] and [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]], which is similar to the way GaoGaiGar combines with Goldymarg and Stealth Gao respectively. As well, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]'s transformation scheme is almost identical to various car robots from the ''Brave'' series, those being Dran, Dag Fire, and Volfogg. [[Unfinished#Real-world references|The battle between Optimus Prime and Galvatron]] contains several visual references to the final showdown between Great Exkaiser and Dinogeist from the anime series ''The Brave Exkaiser''. The ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' characters [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] are similar to Enryū and Hyōryū from ''GaoGaiGar'', both with respect to their elemental motifs and method of combination. ''Animated'' also has a brief cameo appearance by ''Dagwon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Dug Base|Dag Base]]. ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Esmeral (SG)|Esmeral]]'s color scheme is based on Red Geist, a redeco of [[Esmeral (G1)|her ''Victory'' counterpart]]'s [[Deathsaurus (G1)|husband]]. ''The Brave Police J-Decker'' mecha Duke Fire and Shadowmaru inspired the Autobot drone [[Duke Fire]] and Decepticon [[Greatsix]]. Meanwhile, the human police superintendent Juzo Saejima also inspired the Generation 1 human [[Saejima]].

==Toys and character designs recycled from ''Transformers''==
(''Italicized names'' are non-toy characters.)

===1990 - ''Exkaiser''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCoGs3mQcl4 Green Raker and Blue Raker] — Originally designed with Transformers in mind<ref>"The Ultra Raker was designed with the Transformers series in mind. There wasn’t much
change in how the transformation worked between this and the finalized version, but the
handheld weapons and how other supplementary items would be shared was still being
thought out." - Designer commentary, ''Sunrise Robot Toy Collection'' by [[TARKUS]], p.11 [https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/brave.98174/page-386#post-5402112 translated at TFW2005]</ref> but released under the ''Brave'' banner.
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Onss3GyaY Armor Geist]'' — [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmPP2kRP5DM Horn Geist]'' — [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRY8gky0PQE Ptera Geist]'' — [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuJTrWuy68Y Thunder Geist]'' — [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]

===1992 - ''Da Garn''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_37zYGQow00 Red Geist] with Red Breaster — [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Tigerbreast]] (no [[Eaglebreast]])

===1993 - ''Might Gaine''===
* ''Atlas Epsilon'' — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* ''Atlas Mk.II'' — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E89XiJOWzIo Gōryū] with Ōwashi — [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] and [[Speeder]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBkMnRnv3pw Hiryū] with Hayabusa — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] and [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]]
* ''Mega Sonic 8823'' — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]]

[[Image:BraveShadowmaruKagerouModels.jpg|thumb|250px|One ninja is deadly. A bunch of ninjas are cannonfodder. Two ninjas are... um...]]

===1994 - ''J-Decker''===
* ''Kagerō'' — [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLYgYX7IxLA Shadowmaru] — [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] (featured a new head, chest, chest fins, beast head, and entirely new set of weaponry to incorporate a ninja motif; also has slightly more articulation since the bar connecting the lower legs to each other was removed)
* MiniCole Secret Transforming Bases — The [[Micromaster#Generation 1|Micromaster Stations]] (sans Micromasters and including non-transformable ''Brave Police'' figures; never appeared in the show)<ref>[https://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/butto/diary/201501310000/ Secret Transforming Base line overview at butto00's blog]</ref>
**Police Station — [[Gasoline Base]]
**Construction Site — [[Ironworks (facility)|Build Base]]
**Airfield — [[Overair (facility)|Airport Base]]
**Fire Station — [[Hot House (facility)|Hot House]]

===1995 - ''Goldran''===
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMZgEc78A6Y Death Garry Gun] with Missile Gear — [[Sky Garry (G1)|Sky Garry]] and [[Shotbomber]] (lacking trailer launchers)
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0ObWFgDfls Revibaron]'' — [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] with parts from [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]
* ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7caCCFWKc Zazorigun]'' — [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] with new head design

===1996 - ''Dagwon''===
* [[Dagbase]] — [[Grandus (G1)|Grandus]] (significant retooling, cannot combine with Star Convoy)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei2MgBwc8Iw Thunder Dagwon] — [[Galaxy Shuttle]] (significant retooling, including an additional motorcycle/robot that combines for the shuttle's robot mode)

==Fiction==
===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] was asked whether or not ''Brave'' was a part of the ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]]. Unfortunately, the Prime seemed to have misinterpreted the question. He did, however, express a fondness for the {{w|Brave (2012 film)|adventures of Princess Merida and Queen Elinor}}.

The events of the ''Brave'' anime were later established to take place in the [[Cymond]] Cluster, which bordered the [[Megaverse]] and only possessed a tangential connection to the goings-on elsewhere in the ''Transformers'' multiverse. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}}

==Notes==
* It was originally assumed that [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGFHTcC5tlo Duke Fire] from ''The Brave Police J-Decker'' was an homage to [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Notes|New Rodimus]]. However, following a discussion with Duke Fire's designer, this proved to be a coincidence.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Also talked w/TakaraTomy team. Brave's Duke Fire NOT based on "New Rodimus," per designer of Duke Fire. He was not aware of that Rod design.|link=https://twitter.com/tfwiki/status/907253686023458817|site=Twitter|name=TFWiki interview with the TakaraTomy design team|year=2017|month=9|day=11}}</ref>
* ''[[Transformers: Bravemasters]]'' was an unrealized proposal by [[Hayato Sakamoto]]. [[:File:Hayato Bravemasters concept 1.jpg|Art of it]] shown at [[BotCon 2015]] revealed that it would have utilized several offscreen toys from the Movie-related toyline (such as [[Breacher (TF 2010)|Breacher]], whose toy would have been used for the main character) and would have been strongly influenced by the ''Brave'' franchise.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160421114525/http://www.allspark.com/2015/06/best-of-botcon-the-japanese-perspective/ Best Of Botcon: The Japanese Perspective @ The Allspark (via the Internet Archive)]</ref>
* Concept art exists of a soccer-themed retool of [[Star Saber (G1)]], presumably meant to be a character in ''The Brave Police J-Decker''. This concept may have evolved into the soccer-themed character Drill Boy in that series. <ref>[Brave Series 30th Anniversary Memorial Archive Art Book]</ref>
* [[Bandai]] acquired Sunrise in [[1993]], but seemingly didn't hold the rights to produce figures for the franchise until roughly the 2010s. As such, all ''Brave'' figures and model kits are currently produced by Bandai and their licensees, rather than TakaraTomy—who seemingly no longer holds any rights to the franchise.

==See also==
*''[[Transforming Bullet Train Robot Shinkalion]]''
*''[[Tomica#Tomica Bond Combination Earth Granner|Tomica Bond Combination Earth Granner]]''

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

==External links==
*{{w|Brave series|''Brave'' series}} at Wikipedia
*[http://www.yusha.net/ Official Sunrise ''Brave'' Series website]
*[http://bravewiki.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page ''Brave'' Wiki]
*[[wikia:gaogaigar:GaoGaiGar-Betterman Wiki|''The GaoGaiGar''-''Betterman'' Wiki]].
*[http://mamao2.cside.com/ MAOMAO2's Room (Japanese)]
*[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=98174 The TFW2005 forum ''Brave'' thread]

[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]

Acroyear (motel)

2023-05-25T06:11:20Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Noted that the Acroyear were also in Microman.

{{disambig2|the temporary human living space|the Micronaut warrior|Acroyear (Micronaut)}}

[[File:Acroyear motel.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
:''Acroyear is a cheap place to stay in the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
'''Acroyear''' is a motel, across the road from [[Microman Inn]].

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] sped past Acroyear on their way to rescue [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] from the compactor in [[Warsaw]], [[Indiana]]. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}}

==Notes==
*Acroyear is named after either the [[Acroyear (Micronaut)|''Micronauts'' character]] or the villains from [[Microman]]. It's across from the Microman Inn because of the links between the ''Micronauts'' and ''Microman'' franchises.

[[Category:IDW (2005) businesses]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) locations]]

Microman Inn

2023-05-25T06:10:08Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Noted that the Acroyear were also in Microman

{{disambig2|the temporary human living space|the [[pre-Transformer]] toyline|Microman}}
:''The Microman Inn is a hostelry from the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Microman Inn.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
'''Microman Inn''' is an inn, across the road from the [[Acroyear (motel)|Acroyear]] motel.

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Wheeljack]] sped past Microman Inn on their way to rescue [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] from the compactor in [[Warsaw]], [[Indiana]]. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}}

==Notes==
*Microman is named after the [[Microman|Takara toyline]] from which [[Pre-Transformer|several Transformers toys were sourced]]. It's across from the Acroyear motel, named after the Acroyear, the first villains of the [[Microman]] franchise.

[[Category:IDW (2005) businesses]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) locations]]

Jolt (Cybertron)

2022-11-14T22:26:29Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Cybertron */

{{picsneeded|Shadow toy, fiction, show model's green}}
{{disambig3|Jolt}}
{{factions|gigantion|minicon|autobot}}
:''Jolt is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Gigantion]] [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[Image:Cybertron Jolt1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hero, avatar of Primus, key to the Giant Planet. Also a YouTube addict.]]
'''Jolt''' is the biggest geek you'll ever find. He spends hours surfing the Intarwebs soaking in [[Earth]] culture and catching up on all his favorite webcomics, making him a perfect companion to cinephile [[Bud Hansen]], whom he calls "Bud-Dude." (He doesn't realize how extremely dorky that sounds.) Despite how awkwardly he sometimes applies this knowledge, Jolt does know amazing amounts of trivia about [[Earth]]. Before the [[Unicron Singularity]]'s threat, however, Jolt claims to never have heard of the place, so how he arrived on the planet an expert is something to ponder.

Jolt possesses the ability to warp himself (and potentially beings very near him) from place to place by clasping his fingers together and spinning his rotors just so. He can't warp if his rotors are jammed or if he's in too small a space for them to have room to spin. This power comes in handy as he travels with [[Vector Prime]], [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]], and the other two members of the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]].
{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Brian Drummond]] (English), [[Hōko Kuwashima]] (Japanese)|[[Fabrizio Mazzotta]] (Italian), [[Janne Porkka]] (Finnish), [[Juan Navarro Torelló]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Christian Jernbro]] (Swedish), [[Péter Szokol]] (Hungarian, 2nd dub)}}

After arriving on Earth and meeting the humans [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]], [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], and [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], [[Vector Prime]] summoned forth Jolt, [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]], and [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]]. The three Mini-Cons' sudden appearance startled Coby, causing him to drop his satchel containing several mechanics magazines. From these magazines, Jolt scanned a helicopter alternate mode. Jolt then recognized a logo on Lori's shirt as being the symbol for the [[Omega Lock]]. Vector Prime extrapolated that this signified that the Omega Lock was likely hidden on Earth. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}} {{storylink|Inferno (episode)|Inferno}}

Jolt subsequently aided his Autobot allies in constructing a secret base on Earth. After Lori criticized [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]]'s initial design for the base, Jolt proposed an alternate design, more to her specifications. When [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] were detected heading towards Earth once more, Jolt helped finish the base's stealth coating while [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], and Vector Prime kept the villains at bay. The base was successfully shielded from enemy sensors, ensuring its continued concealment. {{storylink|Haven}}

Keeping a low profile proved to be difficult for many Autobot refugees on Earth, and so Jolt assisted Coby, Lori, and Bud in acclimating them to their new situation. Jolt contributed to the refugees' disguises by providing them with holographic drivers. {{storylink|Hidden}}

The Autobots, having secured their secret presence on Earth, next moved on to tracking down the Omega Lock, hidden away somewhere on the planet. Seeing as Jolt could only cover so much ground with his limited air-speed, he and Bud instead turned to the internet for leads. They found one pointing towards a museum in [[Mexico]]. Arriving there in the dead of night, Jolt was sent clambering for cover when Starscream and Thundercracker attacked. The Mini-Cons and the children were shielded from a stray shot by Landmine, who then helped his fellow Autobots in beating back the villains. Though the lead turned out to be a false start, Vector Prime was able to uncover the coordinates of the Speed Planet from the museum's imitation Omega Lock. {{storylink|Landmine (episode)|Landmine}}

Vector Prime began teaching Jolt, Six-Speed, and Reverb to open dimensional gates as he did with his temporal powers, though the Mini-Cons were much more limited in using these portals: they could only create "mini-dimension gates." The elder Cybertronian otherwise continued to scour the globe for the Omega Lock, leaving Jolt behind to analyze data on the "[[Atlantis Pattern]]" depicting it on many historical relics. Bud approached Jolt while he was attending to these duties, and begged the Mini-Con to take him up into space. Incapable of fulfilling the boy's wish himself, Jolt turned to Scattorshot and convinced him to take Bud up into orbit via the Autobots' space bridge. Though Jolt tried to keep a lid on Bud's venture, eventually Coby and Lori got him to spill the beans... and found that Scattorshot had run into trouble. A stray Decepticon shot had stranded Scattorshot and Bud in zero-gravity, with a limited supply of oxygen in their protective force-field. The Autobots out in the field were alerted to the situation, which only grew more dire as it unfolded. Thanks to a man-made satellite crashing into Jetfire as he tried to attend to them, Bud and Scattorshot were sent plummeting down at a dangerous speed. Before the duo impacted the ground, Jolt was able to fly up to them and opened one of his mini-dimensional gates. Through it, Bud and Scattorshot were safely teleported back to Autobot headquarters. {{storylink|Space (episode)|Space}} Later, the Mini-Cons were called to a meeting, where Optimus discussed his next plan: putting an end to the Decepticons' continued attempts at tracking down their base. From the safety of the real base, Jolt and the others watched as Thundercracker was lured to a decoy base, which he was allowed to destroy. {{storylink|Rush (episode)|Rush}}

After hearing the kids talk of their day out at the movies, Jolt asked if he could join them on their next outing. They approved, suggesting he pass himself off as a cosplaying fanboy to blend in with the other moviegoers. Later that evening, Lori alerted the Autobots to a beacon depicting the Atlantis Pattern, emanating from some nearby woods. Jolt was the first on-scene, and discovered that the whole set-up was a Decepticon trick. He then pulled back to a safer distance, and warned his team when he noticed some humans inbound. As neither side wanted to be discovered by more of the locals, the battle was brought to an abrupt halt, and all combatants withdrew. {{storylink|Speed}}

[[File:Cyb ep8 hiding in closet.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
During some downtime, Jolt was happy to learn more about Earth by channel surfing, but the other Mini-Cons and the children soon grew bored. On Bud's suggestion, they all headed into town for "play-dates" at the children's houses. Jolt gave Lori a lift in his helicopter mode, but on their way Six-Speed and Reverb, then carrying Bud and Coby, were pulled over by the police. Jolt was unsure on how to deal with the situation, as interfering with the local authority was against his Prime Directive, but his passenger convinced him to bend the rules for the boys' sake. Jolt had Reverb and Six-Speed use their holographic displays to trick the officers into thinking the vehicles they had pulled over were being driven by the [[Gabriella Constanza (Cybertron)|President of the United States]] and her [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]]. With the officers sufficiently baffled by this turn of events, the group made good on their escape. Jolt joined Reverb, Coby and Bud at the Hansen household, where a collection of family photos grabbed his attention. The photos prompted a discussion on "family," and Coby explained the concept to the alien robot best he could. Then the boys' parents returned home unexpectedly. Coby scrambled to hide his guests from being discovered, narrowly succeeding in his task. Having once more avoided being discovered by adults, Coby and Jolt enjoyed watching a sunset together, only for the moment to be spoiled by a tremor. After meeting back up with Lori and Six-Speed, Jolt contacted Optimus for help, and analyzed the source of the geological disturbance. His scans showed that the nearby [[Mount McDermott]] was about to collapse into an underground reservoir, which would flood [[Rockville]], to disastrous results. The Autobots were unable to come up with a solution to save the town, but Coby was struck with inspiration. By pumping out the water before the mountain collapsed, the Autobots allowed the terrain shift without endangering anyone. {{storylink|Collapse}}

Returning to the search for the Omega Lock once again, Jolt accompanied Vector Prime and the children to a tropical island, only to meet yet another dead end. The children had a brief discussion with Vector Prime on the subject of his temporal powers, during which Jolt joked that he had the ability to halt time. Vector Prime hushed him, saying that such abilities shouldn't be talked about in such levity, and the group moved on to their next destination: the [[Sahara|Sahara Desert]]. Finding the ruins they sought buried under the dunes, Jolt called headquarters for assistance, receiving it in the form of Optimus Prime and Jetfire. Once the ancient city was excavated, the Autobots found what appeared to be the Omega Lock on open display within it! But before they could get to it, the Decepticons appeared and pummeled down Optimus, Vector Prime, and Jetfire. Jolt instructed the children to run while he defended the Lock with Reverb and Six-Speed, but all three Mini-Cons were utterly destroyed by Megatron's "Meteor Attack." Distraught over their untimely end, Vector Prime made use of his temporal abilities to undo the Mini-Cons' death. As events played out again, Jolt, Six-Speed, and Reverb opted to run for cover alongside the children, allowing Megatron free access to the artifact. This Omega Lock turned out to be yet another duplicate, and the Decepticons left as soon as they uncovered as much. {{storylink|Time (episode)|Time}}

After setting up a network of civilian Autobots to help in their search, the Autobots received word that [[Joyride (Cybertron)|one of them]] was under attack from Thundercracker. Jolt was dispatched to come to her aid. The Autobot civilian then led the team to a stone with the Atlantis pattern inscribed on it. Though it wasn't the Omega Lock itself, the inscription did detail the coordinates of the next Cyber Planet Key: the [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]]. {{storylink|Search (episode)|Search}}

[[File:Jolt-avatar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
The next iteration of the Atlantis pattern was spotted near the ocean floor, and Jolt traveled alongside the rest of the Autobots to the bottom of the [[Bermuda Triangle]] to reach the seal. Tasked with exploring the nearby area while the rest of the team cleared rubble from it, Jolt, Six-Speed, Reverb, Vector Prime, and the children found their way into a cavern, which ultimately led to a control room. They discovered that Atlantis wasn't a city, but an ancient Cybertronian ship that had crashed during Earth's prehistory! In order to keep it out of the Decepticons' reach, Vector Prime activated the craft and teleported it away with only himself, the kids and Mini-Cons aboard. {{storylink|Deep}} With the Atlantis safely hidden in the shadow of the moon, Jolt joined the others in searching through its labyrinthine corridors, and eventually discovered the Omega Lock in the bowels of the ship. Though Megatron appeared to claim the artifact, triggering the ship's self-destruct mechanism in the process, Optimus caught up to the Decepticon and fought him for it. Each taking one of the humans within themselves for protection, the Mini-Cons escaped the ''Atlantis'' with Vector Prime's help. Optimus emerged victorious, and then left for the Speed Planet with Vector Prime and Landmine while the children and the Mini-Cons were returned to Earth by the other Autobots. {{storylink|Ship}}

[[File:Jolt gets freaked.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2]]
With most of the team off-planet, the Mini-Cons and the kids were tasked with tracking down a few artifacts of interest. Jolt, Reverb, and Six-Speed brought the kids to a nearby university campus, where they managed to locate the first item in their scavenger hunt: an ancient Cybertronian gear, held in the office of Professor [[Lucy Suzuki]]. After confirming the artifact's location, the team drove on to South America to track down the next artifact on their list. {{storylink|Race}} Jolt managed to make it back to Autobot headquarters in time to catch the start of the second heat for Velocitron's Planet Cup race, cheering Hot Shot on as he secured his qualification for the next race. {{storylink|Detour (episode)|Detour}} Coby eventually grew tired of watching Hot Shot race via a monitor screen, and convinced the Mini-Cons to escort him to the Speed Planet so they could watch the competition in-person. {{storylink|Savage}} Jolt gave Coby a bird's-eye view of the whole event by flying him over the race track. When Hot Shot got caught in a sand vortex, Jolt and Coby revealed their presence in order to help him out... only to find that Jolt couldn't fly low enough to offer assistance; the sand threatened to clog up his rotors. Thankfully [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]], one of the Autobots' local allies, came to Hot Shot's aid. Unfortunately, [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]], a local thug aligned with the Decepticons, also caught sight of the situation. Jolt stepped in once more, this time preventing any enemy fire from reaching Hot Shot, allowing the Autobot to finish the race. Having been found out by the rest of the Autobot team, Jolt was about to be sent back to Earth, only for Hot Shot to request he, Coby, and the other Mini-Cons be allowed to stay and help him in the final leg of the race. Optimus Prime allowed it. {{storylink|Sand}}

Unfortunately, it seemed at first that the Autobots wouldn't be able to participate in the final heat anyways; Hot Shot had sustained too much damage from the races leading up to it. Though Jetfire suggested that Jolt ride inside of Hot Shot's cockpit to make the constant adjustments necessary for maintaining him, Jolt was simply too bulky to fit within Hot Shot's vehicle mode. Coby volunteered for the task instead, and the rest of the team reluctantly allowed him to put himself at risk to achieve victory. But though Hot Shot did indeed win with Coby's help, Megatron appeared immediately afterwards to steal his trophy. While the Autobots fought off the Decepticons, Jolt took Coby to safety. They then returned to Earth with Override, now a part of the team proper, and inserted the first key in the Omega Lock. {{storylink|Champion}} This caused the Omega Lock to emit energy waves, pointing the Autobots towards coordinates near the Earth's north pole. The team split into groups to cover more ground in investigating the area, one of which was composed of the Mini-Cons and the kids. Partway to their destination, Lori realized that they would need winter clothes, and had the Mini-Cons pull over into the town of [[Fairbanks]], Alaska to purchase some. While in a store, Coby, Bud, and Lori bumped into Professor Suzuki, and wound up riding in her jeep the rest of the way; she was investigating strange weather phenomenon in the same area. Jolt, Six-Speed, and Reverb followed the humans from a safe distance, until they came under attack from Starscream and [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]]. With the Cybertronians' existence already revealed to Professor Suzuki, the Mini-Cons went to the children's side while Scattorshot battled the Decepticons. Using Mudflap's gun, previously knocked to the ground during the battle, the Mini-Cons sent out a distress signal for the other Autobots to converge upon. The Decepticons were sent into a retreat, and the Autobots decided to return to base despite their search not having yielded any results. {{storylink|Ice}}

[[File:RansackCrumpleKidnap.jpg|left|215px|thumb|My sensors indicate that [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] looks like a [[wikia:animalcrossing:Gyroid (furniture)|gyroid]] in vehicle mode.]]
[[File:Cyb ep51 peace conference.jpg|right|215px|thumb]]
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Trust (Cybertron)|Trust}} {{storylink|Trap}} {{storylink|Invasion (episode)|Invasion}} {{storylink|Retreat}} {{storylink|Revelation (episode)|Revelation}} {{storylink|Critical}} {{storylink|Assault}} {{storylink|Starscream (episode)|Starscream}} {{storylink|United}} {{storylink|Cybertron (episode)|Cybertron}} {{storylink|Balance}} {{storylink|Darkness (episode)|Darkness}} {{storylink|Memory (Cybertron)|Memory}} {{storylink|Escape (episode)|Escape}} {{storylink|Titans}} {{storylink|Warp}} {{storylink|City}} {{storylink|Ambush (episode)|Ambush}} {{storylink|Challenge}} {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}} {{storylink|Optimus (episode)|Optimus}} {{storylink|Showdown (Cybertron)|Showdown}} {{storylink|Guardian (episode)|Guardian}} {{storylink|Homecoming (episode)|Homecoming}} {{storylink|End}} {{storylink|Unfinished}} {{storylink|Beginning}}}}
{{-}}

===''Galaxy Force'' manga===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Deep Sea Discovery! Vector Prime}} {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.9}}}}
{{-}}

===Legends World===
Jolt was among the Mini-Con toys stolen by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] in the [[Legends World]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Armada Megatron)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Cybertron''===
[[Image:Cybertron Jolt toy.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|The miracle acrylic bubble makes it possible. (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
*'''Recon Mini-Con Team''' (Scout Class, 2004/2005)
**''Takara ID number'': '''GC-07'''
**''Takara release date'': [[December 28]], [[2004]]

: Sold only in a three-pack with his teammates [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)#Toys|Six-Speed]] and [[Reverb (Cybertron)#Toys|Reverb]], Jolt transforms into a bubble-domed helicopter of made-up model. As a Mini-Con, he can attach to larger bots that have compatible [[Powerlinx]] plugs. His entire torso is actually cast in green plastic but painted red. In an incredibly minor bit of potential mis-assembly, Jolt's rotor blades are assembled backwards from his show model.

: The [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] versions (both sold in the first wave of their respective lines) are slightly different, the primary change being differing [[Paint operation|paint application]]s. ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)#Takara Galaxy Force toyline|Galaxy Force]]'' "Hop" has red-painted feet where ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' "Jolt" has unpainted plastic, plus Jolt has a small unpainted "window" on the back/underside of his bubble-dome.

: This mold was also used to make [[Bit]], [[Solar Flare|Platinum Factor]], [[Guardian Sky]], and [[Swashplate]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Mini-Con/Jolt/jolt.htm More information on Jolt at TFU.info]''{{CybertronJoltMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MicronGalaxy}}
[[File:Cyb-toy Jolt Kabaya.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
*'''Hop''' (Micron Galaxy, 2005)
**''Micron Galaxy ID number'': '''1'''

: Part of [[Kabaya]]'s "[[Micron Galaxy]]" assortment of [[candy toy]]s for ''Galaxy Force'', this version of Jolt comes in an individual box with a small plank of chewing gum. His propeller blade comes unassembled in-box, and the peg is held in place by simple friction (thus allowing you to put it on in the show-accurate position if you care).

: Though the mold is largely identical to the normal retail version, it is in fact an entirely new tooling not [[Gang-molding|gang-molded]] with his teammates like the original. As such, his body and feet are actually cast in red plastic rather than green plastic painted red, though he inexplicably has a green patch of paint on his... well, groin. A side-by-side comparison reveals a ''ton'' of little differences in proportions and fine detail throughout, too many to really get into.

{{-}}{{anchor|Shadow}}
[[Image:Cybertron ShadowRecon MiniCon team toys.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|Jolt is the stealthy-looking one.]]
*'''Shadow Recon Mini-Con Team''' (Scout Class, 2006)

: Part of the tenth and final wave of ''Cybertron'' Scouts, the Recon Team was entirely [[redeco]]ed in clear-blue, clear-colorless, clear-black, and opaque-black plastics, a "stealth" coloration. This time, Jolt's rotor blade is assembled in the show-style position.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Mini-Con/Jolt/jolt.htm More information on Shadow Recon Jolt at TFU.info]''{{CybertronJoltMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Jolt's show model uses the Hasbro ''Cybertron'' version's coloration, with the dark gray feet, rather than the ''Galaxy Force'' red... slightly odd, since the show was made in Japan.
* Speaking of odd and show models, the model replicates Jolt's [[Paint operation|paint application]]s ''precisely''... down to the unpainted green plastic on the thin edges of his predominantly-red torso.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Hop''' (ホップ ''Hoppu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Forgó''' ("Spinner", 1st ''Cybertron'' dub), '''Jolt''' (''[[Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle]]'' DVD), '''Sokk''' ("Shock", 2nd ''Cybertron'' dub)
*''Korean:'' '''Hop''' (홉 ''Hob'')

[[Category:Candy toys]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Gigantion]]
[[Category:Legends Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Primus]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]

Smokejumper

2022-03-05T11:13:36Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */

{{Factions|decepticon|unicron}}
:''Smokejumper is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Smokejumpertfu.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|"Efficient victories rely on effective information."]]
An intelligence analyst, '''Smokejumper''' has a meticulous eye for detail. He is so single-minded, he's unable to think outside of his current mission objective. His partner Dreadwind calls him a geek. Even his fellow Decepticons find him frustrating to relate to. Relatively unarmed and unpopular, he relies on Dreadwind to watch his back when he's wrapped up in his work.

Smokejumper and [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] can combine in the form of [[Dreadwing (RID)|Dreadwing]], where Smokejumper's eye for detail and Dreadwind's lust for destruction join to create a dangerous force to reckon with.

==Fiction==
===''Universe'' comic===
Smokejumper and Dreadwind were the subordinates of [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]] {{storylink|OTFCC: Official Convention Souvenir Guide|Megazarak's profile}} in Viron 403.0 Beta. Members of the [[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicons]], they battled against the [[Dinobot (Dinobots)|Dinobots]], the sole remaining Autobot resistance in their reality. Having conquered their reality, Megazarak decided to explore interdimenional conquest. He sent {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} Dreadwind and Smokejumper to [[Primax 1087.09 Alpha]], where they trapped the [[Lunar Battle of 2011]] in a time loop, prompting the [[Autobot Science Harmonium]] to develop the [[Challenge Blaster]] to combat them. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} The duo brought [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] back with them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}}

They subsequently accompanied their leader to [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon]], where they allied with the local Decepticons. As part of this alliance, {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} Dreadwind and Smokejumper gained the ability to combine with [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] during the [[Unicron Battles]], using the [[Spark of Combination]] to form the mighty MegaWing Galvatron. In this form, they were powerful enough to challenge [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jet]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Convoy]]. They were further able to combine with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] to form Dark MegaWing Galvatron. {{storylink|The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|MegaWing Galvatron instructions}} However, once the Decepticons proved their use, the Destructicons wiped them out.

Following this, [[Unicron]] abducted the surviving Destructicons to [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|fight for him]] in the [[Universe War]]. Sunstorm joined the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] and Smokejumper and Dreadwind, a mercurial duo, used this to make contacts on the other side. Once it was clear Unicron was losing, they ''just happened'' to defect {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} to the Children of Primus. {{storylink|The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|Smokejumper's profile}}

==Toys==
===''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)===
[[File:RID-toy Smokejumper.jpg|thumb|300px|To combine, I cram my nose up my partner's butt!]]
*'''Dreadwind & Smokejumper''' ([[2004]])
**''Accessories'': 2 launchers, 2 missiles

: Part of a [[Target]]-[[exclusive]] Ultra-sized two-pack in the United States (released well after ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' had been replaced by ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' at retail), Smokejumper is a [[redeco]] and minor retool of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Smokescreen (G2)#Toys|Smokescreen]] toy, transforming into a jet fighter of undetermined model that vaguely kinda-sorta resembles an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptor]]. His jet mode fits in the back end of his partner [[Dreadwind (RID)#Toys|Dreadwind]]'s jet mode as well, forming a complete "flying wing" stealth bomber jet called [[Dreadwing (RID)#Toys|Dreadwing]]. His twin spring-loaded missile launchers fit into slots on his legs, putting them under his wings in jet mode. His missiles have been slightly [[retool]]ed, adding a groove running down their length, corresponding with a guide-rail added to the bottoms of the launching tubes of his cannons, as well as a nub at the very back end that helps lock them into both his and Dreadwind's launchers.

:Packaging photography shows a very different deco for the pair, with numerous metallic silver paint applications, dark green launchers, bright red missiles and no Decepticon insignias.

: Dreadwind and Smokejumper are notable for including a sheet of customer-applied [[sticker|decal]]s, the first U.S. main-line toys to do so since the end of ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' in 1997. While the instructions erroneously point to the stickers' placement on Smokejumper's wings, they are intended to adorn his tail fins which end up on his robot forearms. Trouble is, not only are the instructions telling you to put them in the ''wrong place'', they also do not specify which of the two patterns (numbered 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 respectively on the sheet) go on which side of the fins. Box photography would have you apply them in contradiction to the image at the right. Which arrangement is actually correct is impossible to say as no official photography clearly shows the reverse of the fins and thus which way round the other pair of stickers would go...

:Thanks to a screwhole which was new to this version of Dreadwind's mold, Dreadwind and Smokejumper can combine with Armada [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Toys|Galvatron]] (or any redeco of that mold) to form "MegaWing Galvatron". Instructions for this bizarre, but official mode appeared in [[The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|the only issue]] of [[3H Productions|3H]]'s Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine. The instructions also included a note to check online for "Dark MegaWing Galvatron" directions, combining the whole shebang with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Toys|Tidal Wave]]. Due to the disintegration of 3H, this never materialized.

: This set was released in Japan as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] "[[USA Edition]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Smokejumper/smokejumper.htm More information on Smokejumper at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/RCChambers78/dreadwing1.jpg Instructions for MegaWing Galvatron Page 1]''
::*''[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/RCChambers78/dreadwing2.jpg Instructions for MegaWing Galvatron Page 2]''
{{G2SmokescreenMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The Dreadwind & Smokejumper set is unusual for having included a peel-and-apply [[sticker|decal]] sheet: at the time, apart from [[Generation 1 reissues]], this was the only use of this feature since the end of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.
* Smokejumper and Dreadwind had apparently been slated to make a cameo in an [[Fire & Ice|issue of the Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic]], but were replaced at Hasbro's insistence by [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].<ref>Guido Guidi, in an [http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_guido.php interview] with Transfans.co.uk</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Smokejumper''' (スモークジャンパー ''Sumōkujanpā'')

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Destructicons]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Minions of Unicron]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) combiners]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]

Smokejumper

2022-03-05T11:13:19Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */

{{Factions|decepticon|unicron}}
:''Smokejumper is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Smokejumpertfu.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|"Efficient victories rely on effective information."]]
An intelligence analyst, '''Smokejumper''' has a meticulous eye for detail. He is so single-minded, he's unable to think outside of his current mission objective. His partner Dreadwind calls him a geek. Even his fellow Decepticons find him frustrating to relate to. Relatively unarmed and unpopular, he relies on Dreadwind to watch his back when he's wrapped up in his work.

Smokejumper and [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] can combine in the form of [[Dreadwing (RID)|Dreadwing]], where Smokejumper's eye for detail and Dreadwind's lust for destruction join to create a dangerous force to reckon with.

==Fiction==
===''Universe'' comic===
Smokejumper and Dreadwind were the subordinates of [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]] {{storylink|OTFCC: Official Convention Souvenir Guide|Megazarak's profile}} in Viron 403.0 Beta. Members of the [[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicons]], they battled against the [[Dinobot (Dinobots)|Dinobots]], the sole remaining Autobot resistance in their reality. Having conquered their reality, Megazarak decided to explore interdimenional conquest. He sent {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} Dreadwind and Smokejumper to [[Primax 1087.09 Alpha]], where they trapped the [[Lunar Battle of 2011]] in a time loop, prompting the [[Autobot Science Harmonium]] to develop the [[Challenge Blaster]] to combat them. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} The duo brought [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] back with them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}}

They subsequently accompanied their leader to [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon]], where they allied with the local Decepticons. As part of this alliance, {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} Dreadwind and Smokejumper gained the ability to combine with [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] during the [[Unicron Battles]], using the [[Spark of Combination]] to form the mighty MegaWing Galvatron. In this form, they were powerful enough to challenge [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jet]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Convoy]]. They were further able to combine with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] to form Dark MegaWing Galvatron. {{storylink|The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|MegaWing Galvatron instructions}} However, once the Decepticons proved their use, the Destructicons wiped them out.

Following this, [[Unicron]] abducted the surviving Destructicons to [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|fight for him]] in the [[Universe War]]. Sunstorm joined the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] and Smokejumper and Dreadwind, a mercurial duo, used this to make contacts on the other side. Once it was clear Unicron was losing, they ''just happened'' to defect {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} to the Children of Primus. {{storylink|The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|Smokejumper's profile}}

==Toys==
===''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)===
[[File:RID-toy Smokejumper.jpg|thumb|300px|To combine, I cram my nose up my partner's butt!]]
*'''Dreadwind & Smokejumper''' ([[2004]])
**''Accessories'': 2 launchers, 2 missiles

: Part of a [[Target]]-[[exclusive]] Ultra-sized two-pack in the United States (released well after ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' had been replaced by ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' at retail), Smokejumper is a [[redeco]] and minor retool of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Smokescreen (G2)#Toys|Smokescreen]] toy, transforming into a jet fighter of undetermined model that vaguely kinda-sorta resembles an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptor]]. His jet mode fits in the back end of his partner [[Dreadwind (RID)#Toys|Dreadwind]]'s jet mode as well, forming a complete "flying wing" stealth bomber jet called [[Dreadwing (RID)#Toys|Dreadwing]]. His twin spring-loaded missile launchers fit into slots on his legs, putting them under his wings in jet mode. His missiles have been slightly [[retool]]ed, adding a groove running down their length, corresponding with a guide-rail added to the bottoms of the launching tubes of his cannons, as well as a nub at the very back end that helps lock them into both his and Dreadwind's launchers.

:Packaging photography shows a very different deco for the pair, with numerous metallic silver paint applications, dark green launchers, bright red missiles and no Decepticon insignias.

: Dreadwind and Smokejumper are notable for including a sheet of customer-applied [[sticker|decal]]s, the first U.S. main-line toys to do so since the end of ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' in 1997. While the instructions erroneously point to the stickers' placement on Smokejumper's wings, they are intended to adorn his tail fins which end up on his robot forearms. Trouble is, not only are the instructions telling you to put them in the ''wrong place'', they also do not specify which of the two patterns (numbered 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 respectively on the sheet) go on which side of the fins. Box photography would have you apply them in contradiction to the image at the right. Which arrangement is actually correct is impossible to say as no official photography clearly shows the reverse of the fins and thus which way round the other pair of stickers would go...

:Thanks to a screwhole which was new to this version of Dreadwind's mold, Dreadwind and Smokejumper can combine with Armada [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Toys|Galvatron]] (or any redeco of that mold) to form "MegaWing Galvatron". Instructions for this bizarre, but official mode appeared in [[The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|the only issue]] of [[3H Productions|3H]]'s Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine. The instructions also included a note to check online for "Dark MegaWing Galvatron" directions, combining the whole shebang with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Toys|Tidal Wave]]. Due to the disintegration of 3H, this never materialized.

: This set was released in Japan as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] "[[USA Edition]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Smokejumper/smokejumper.htm More information on Smokejumper at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/RCChambers78/dreadwing1.jpg Instructions for MegaWing Galvatron Page 1]''
::*''[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/RCChambers78/dreadwing2.jpg Instructions for MegaWing Galvatron Page 2]''
{{G2SmokescreenMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The Dreadwind & Smokejumper set is unusual for having included a peel-and-apply [[sticker|decal]] sheet: At the time, apart from [[Generation 1 reissues]], this was the only use of this feature since the end of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.
* Smokejumper and Dreadwind had apparently been slated to make a cameo in an [[Fire & Ice|issue of the Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic]], but were replaced at Hasbro's insistence by [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].<ref>Guido Guidi, in an [http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_guido.php interview] with Transfans.co.uk</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Smokejumper''' (スモークジャンパー ''Sumōkujanpā'')

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Destructicons]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Minions of Unicron]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) combiners]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]

Smokejumper

2022-03-05T11:13:07Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Clarified info about decals

{{Factions|decepticon|unicron}}
:''Smokejumper is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Smokejumpertfu.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|"Efficient victories rely on effective information."]]
An intelligence analyst, '''Smokejumper''' has a meticulous eye for detail. He is so single-minded, he's unable to think outside of his current mission objective. His partner Dreadwind calls him a geek. Even his fellow Decepticons find him frustrating to relate to. Relatively unarmed and unpopular, he relies on Dreadwind to watch his back when he's wrapped up in his work.

Smokejumper and [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] can combine in the form of [[Dreadwing (RID)|Dreadwing]], where Smokejumper's eye for detail and Dreadwind's lust for destruction join to create a dangerous force to reckon with.

==Fiction==
===''Universe'' comic===
Smokejumper and Dreadwind were the subordinates of [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]] {{storylink|OTFCC: Official Convention Souvenir Guide|Megazarak's profile}} in Viron 403.0 Beta. Members of the [[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicons]], they battled against the [[Dinobot (Dinobots)|Dinobots]], the sole remaining Autobot resistance in their reality. Having conquered their reality, Megazarak decided to explore interdimenional conquest. He sent {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} Dreadwind and Smokejumper to [[Primax 1087.09 Alpha]], where they trapped the [[Lunar Battle of 2011]] in a time loop, prompting the [[Autobot Science Harmonium]] to develop the [[Challenge Blaster]] to combat them. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} The duo brought [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] back with them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}}

They subsequently accompanied their leader to [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon]], where they allied with the local Decepticons. As part of this alliance, {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} Dreadwind and Smokejumper gained the ability to combine with [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] during the [[Unicron Battles]], using the [[Spark of Combination]] to form the mighty MegaWing Galvatron. In this form, they were powerful enough to challenge [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jet]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Convoy]]. They were further able to combine with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] to form Dark MegaWing Galvatron. {{storylink|The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|MegaWing Galvatron instructions}} However, once the Decepticons proved their use, the Destructicons wiped them out.

Following this, [[Unicron]] abducted the surviving Destructicons to [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|fight for him]] in the [[Universe War]]. Sunstorm joined the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] and Smokejumper and Dreadwind, a mercurial duo, used this to make contacts on the other side. Once it was clear Unicron was losing, they ''just happened'' to defect {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}} to the Children of Primus. {{storylink|The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|Smokejumper's profile}}

==Toys==
===''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)===
[[File:RID-toy Smokejumper.jpg|thumb|300px|To combine, I cram my nose up my partner's butt!]]
*'''Dreadwind & Smokejumper''' ([[2004]])
**''Accessories'': 2 launchers, 2 missiles

: Part of a [[Target]]-[[exclusive]] Ultra-sized two-pack in the United States (released well after ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' had been replaced by ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' at retail), Smokejumper is a [[redeco]] and minor retool of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Smokescreen (G2)#Toys|Smokescreen]] toy, transforming into a jet fighter of undetermined model that vaguely kinda-sorta resembles an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptor]]. His jet mode fits in the back end of his partner [[Dreadwind (RID)#Toys|Dreadwind]]'s jet mode as well, forming a complete "flying wing" stealth bomber jet called [[Dreadwing (RID)#Toys|Dreadwing]]. His twin spring-loaded missile launchers fit into slots on his legs, putting them under his wings in jet mode. His missiles have been slightly [[retool]]ed, adding a groove running down their length, corresponding with a guide-rail added to the bottoms of the launching tubes of his cannons, as well as a nub at the very back end that helps lock them into both his and Dreadwind's launchers.

:Packaging photography shows a very different deco for the pair, with numerous metallic silver paint applications, dark green launchers, bright red missiles and no Decepticon insignias.

: Dreadwind and Smokejumper are notable for including a sheet of customer-applied [[sticker|decal]]s, the first U.S. main-line toys to do so since the end of ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' in 1997. While the instructions erroneously point to the stickers' placement on Smokejumper's wings, they are intended to adorn his tail fins which end up on his robot forearms. Trouble is, not only are the instructions telling you to put them in the ''wrong place'', they also do not specify which of the two patterns (numbered 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 respectively on the sheet) go on which side of the fins. Box photography would have you apply them in contradiction to the image at the right. Which arrangement is actually correct is impossible to say as no official photography clearly shows the reverse of the fins and thus which way round the other pair of stickers would go...

:Thanks to a screwhole which was new to this version of Dreadwind's mold, Dreadwind and Smokejumper can combine with Armada [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Toys|Galvatron]] (or any redeco of that mold) to form "MegaWing Galvatron". Instructions for this bizarre, but official mode appeared in [[The Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine issue 1|the only issue]] of [[3H Productions|3H]]'s Official Transformers Collectors' Club Magazine. The instructions also included a note to check online for "Dark MegaWing Galvatron" directions, combining the whole shebang with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Toys|Tidal Wave]]. Due to the disintegration of 3H, this never materialized.

: This set was released in Japan as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] "[[USA Edition]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Smokejumper/smokejumper.htm More information on Smokejumper at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/RCChambers78/dreadwing1.jpg Instructions for MegaWing Galvatron Page 1]''
::*''[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/RCChambers78/dreadwing2.jpg Instructions for MegaWing Galvatron Page 2]''
{{G2SmokescreenMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The Dreadwind & Smokejumper set is unusual for having included a peel-and-apply [[sticker|decal]] sheet:At the time, apart from [[Generation 1 reissues]], this was the only use of this feature since the end of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.
* Smokejumper and Dreadwind had apparently been slated to make a cameo in an [[Fire & Ice|issue of the Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic]], but were replaced at Hasbro's insistence by [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].<ref>Guido Guidi, in an [http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_guido.php interview] with Transfans.co.uk</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Smokejumper''' (スモークジャンパー ''Sumōkujanpā'')

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Destructicons]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Minions of Unicron]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) combiners]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]

Safeguard (Cybertron)

2022-01-08T11:32:53Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Cybertron */ Replaced Change Micron with Micron Galaxy.

{{factions|{{factions/icons|custom=PotP-VectorPrime.png|cSize=30px|cLink=Vector Prime}}|gigantion|minicon|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Safeguard}}
{{picsneeded|Toys, cartoon}}
:''Safeguard is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[Gigantion]] [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[Image:Safeguard-CybArt.jpg|thumb|275px|Adorably deadly.]]
'''Safeguard''' is [[Vector Prime]]'s faithful Mini-Con partner. He travels with him through time and space, and aids him in his multiversal tasks. Not only is he an expert in data-gathering and translation, but he's also an utterly fearless warrior and will face down opponents many times his size without hesitation.

Sometimes he carries cute, tiny swords.
{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Cybertron'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|SFX}}
[[File:Cyb ep1 Safeguard Gun Mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]
[[File:GoodbyeScarecrow.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
Safeguard was originally from [[Gigantion]], the Giant Planet, but was trapped in a shuttle pod with the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] that blasted off and floated aimlessly through space. The lost Mini-Cons were accidentally discovered by Vector Prime, who took them with him on his travels.

He was fastened to Vector Prime's arm in his alternate mode when the ancient Cybertronian came to tell Optimus Prime of the Cyber Planet Keys, and subsequently traveled to Earth. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}} {{storylink|Inferno (episode)|Inferno}} He remained as such, occasionally acting as Vector Prime's blaster, for some time.

Safeguard was sent to investigate underwater ruins off of an island while the [[human]]s played in the surf and Vector Prime sunned himself. They turned out to be just another reproduction, not the actual [[Omega Lock]]. {{storylink|Time (episode)|Time}}

When Vector Prime found his way to The ''[[Atlantis]]'', really an ancient Cybertronian ship that had crashed during Earth's prehistory, he dispatched Safeguard to help him reboot the vessel's systems. {{storylink|Deep}}

When Vector Prime sacrificed himself to turn back time and enable the [[Autobot]]s to escape Gigantion, Safeguard remained with his fellow Mini-Cons. Following the Autobots' victory, Safeguard wistfully looked at the launch pad at the Autobot base and imagined he saw Vector Prime taking off. *Sniff.* {{storylink|Beginning}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Starscream (episode)|Starscream}} {{storylink|Balance}} {{storylink|Darkness (episode)|Darkness}} {{storylink|Escape (episode)|Escape}} {{storylink|Warp}} {{storylink|Giant}} {{storylink|Fury (Cybertron)|Fury}} {{storylink|City}} {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}} {{storylink|Optimus (episode)|Optimus}} {{storylink|Guardian (episode)|Guardian}} {{storylink|Homecoming (episode)|Homecoming}} {{storylink|Unfinished}}}}

====''Cybertron'' comic====
Safeguard accompanied Vector Prime on his trek throughout space and time, before eventually travelling with him to the [[Aurex|Aurex Cluster]] to confront the [[Unicron Singularity]]. {{storylink|Vector Prime: In the Beginning}}

They met with [[Alpha Trion (Energon)|Alpha Trion]] to discuss how [[Primus]] was dealing with the proximity of the black hole, and were introduced to the dimension-hopping [[Sentinel Maximus]]. {{storylink|Balancing Act}} {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} Shortly thereafter the group was confronted by Unicron's heralds, [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] and [[Nemesis Prime (Universe)|Nemesis Prime]]. {{storylink|Balancing Act}} As Vector Prime and Sentinel secured the [[Kalis Primary Energon Reserves Control]], Safeguard was surveying the perimeter when the heralds dispatched [[Scorponok (Energon)|Dark Scorponok]] to attack them. He evaded the cyber-vampire's grasp long enough for back-up to arrive. {{storylink|Balancing Act, Part 3}} After Dark Scorponok was defeated, Safeguard remarked to Vector Prime how they had seen this particular spark affliction before in their travels. {{storylink|Balancing Act, Part 4}}

Vector Prime armed himself with Safeguard as they combated Ramjet. {{storylink|Balancing Act, Pt 5}} The sudden arrival of [[Omega Prime]] helped turn the tide, giving Safeguard and Vector Prime the chance to survive their encounter. {{storylink|Revelations Part 1}} The struggle drained too much of Vector Prime's space-time powers, however, and he could no longer maintain his looped double existence; he and Safeguard vanished from Cybertron and became only present on Earth, in the company of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

====''Kiss Players''====
Safeguard came across the stranded [[Shaoshao Li]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and saved her from pursuing [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]]. Realizing her origins lied in [[G1 World|another universe]], Safeguard explained that the Transformers of this world were searching for [[Cyber Planet Key|components]] of [[Primus#Cybertron cartoon|Primus]]'s [[spark]] to save the universe from the [[Unicron Singularity|Grand Black Hole]] (and that she was standing on Primus himself), which Shaoshao thought coincided with her own journey to collect [[Angolmois Energy|fragments]] of what she thought was the [[Allspark]]. Safeguard warned her that she needed to return to her native world soon or else its future would be threatened without the Allspark fragments Shaoshao collected. Assistance came in the form of [[Vector Prime]], who opened a portal in spacetime that allowed [[Primus#Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|a hand]] to reach out and bring Shaoshao back to her proper universe. {{storylink|Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly Kiss Players Position shows|Kiss Players Position #50}}

===''Galaxy Force'' manga===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Deep Sea Discovery! Vector Prime}}}}

==Toys==
===''Cybertron''===
[[File:Cybertrontoy-Safeguard.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|(''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
*'''Vector Prime''' (Voyager, 2005)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''GC-03'''
**''Takara release date'': [[December 28]], 2004

: The pack-in [[Mini-Con]] partner to ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Vector Prime#Cybertron|Vector Prime]], Safeguard transforms into a Cybertronic starfighter with a gunbarrel nosecone. There is a dedicated indentation on top Vector Prime's vehicle mode designed specifically to fit Safeguard's vehicle mode, though he sits very shallowly in it.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Galaxy Force'' version of the set, released first, uses an off-white base plastic and paint for "Roots" (his nosecone piece is actually cast in brown/burgundy plastic and almost entirely painted over). The later [[Hasbro]] release changed this color to a brighter white.

: This mold was also used to make [[Beta Maxx (RID)#Toys|Beta Maxx]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Mini-Con/Safeguard/safeguard.htm More information on Safeguard at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Micron Galaxy}}
*'''Roots''' (Micron Galaxy, 2005)
**''Micron Galaxy ID number:'' '''4'''

:Part of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)#Takara Galaxy Force toyline|Galaxy Force]]'' "[[Micron Galaxy]]" [[candy toy]] assortment, this version of Safeguard is actually a new sculpt based on the pack-in version. The most notable difference in the Micron Galaxy version is that the nosecone is cast in the same off-white plastic as his body, rather than cast in burgundy/brown (due to being [[Gang-molding|gang-molded]] with Vector Prime) and painted to match the body as the original versions were. A side-by-side examination also reveals numerous small detailing/proportion differences a bit too insignificant to list.

{{-}}{{anchor|VsStarscream}}
*'''Starscream vs. Vector Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2005)

:Safeguard also came in a [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] set along with Vector Prime (duh) and a new-deco version of the Voyager-class [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#VsVector|Starscream]] mold. This version of Safeguard (and Vector) is identical to the normal Hasbro release.

{{-}}{{anchor|GalaxyForce}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy-Galaxy Force Safeguard.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Galaxy Force Vector Prime''' (Voyager, 2006)

: Not to be confused with the ''Galaxy Force'' release of Vector Prime, Hasbro's "Galaxy Force Vector Prime" is a matte gold & clear-orange redeco of Vector Prime and Safeguard, released in the eighth and final wave of Cybertron Voyagers, the only new toy in that assortment. The packaging photography shows the prototype as considerably more blinged out than the rather yellowish matte gold plastic actually used for the production run.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Mini-Con/Safeguard/safeguard.htm More information on Galaxy Force Safe Guard at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:Universe2008toy-Safeguard.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Vector Prime with Mini-Con Safeguard!''' (Voyager, 2009)
**''Series'': Cybertron Series

: Vector Prime and Safeguard were re-released in the fourth wave of the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'' series]] Voyagers, redecoed in black, brown, and blue.

: This version of Safeguard doubles as the [[Safeguard (TransTech)|''TransTech'' incarnation of Safeguard]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Mini-Con/Safeguard/safeguard.htm More information on ''Universe'' Safeguard at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Attacktix''===
*'''Vector Prime''' (Booster, 2006)
:A rather oddly proportioned version of Safeguard in starfighter mode makes an appearance as the missile launcher on the Vector Prime ''[[Attacktix]]'' piece.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AttacktixVectorPrime/vectorprime.htm More information on ''Attacktix'' Vector Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Roots''' (ルーツ ''Rūtsu'')
*''Korean:'' '''Roots''' (루츠 ''Rucheu'')
*''Russian:'' '''Guard''' (Гуард), '''Okhrannik''' (Охранник, "Security Guard"), '''Strazh''' (Страж, "Guardian")

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Cybertron Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Gigantion]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Hasbro Pulse

2021-12-27T09:21:05Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* HasLab */

[[File:Hasbro Pulse.jpg|thumb|300px]]
'''Hasbro Pulse''' is the current official [[Hasbro]] web store for the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada (excluding Quebec). Aimed specifically at adult fans, Pulse's product selection consists mostly of collector-focused toylines, such as ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Transformers: Generations]]''.

==History==
The Hasbro Pulse name was originally used for the company's collector-focused news website, which launched on [[June 25]], [[2015]].<ref>[https://www.allspark.com/2015/06/hasbro-pulse-goes-live-all-your-hasbro-inside-info/ Hasbro Pulse Goes Live – All Your Hasbro Inside Info]</ref> Visitors who signed up to receive updates from Pulse were sent a free welcome package featuring, among other items, an exclusive variant copy of [[IDW Publishing]]'s [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] [[You, Me, and the Universe|#41]].<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-pulse-welcome-packages-arriving-now/33465/ Hasbro Pulse Welcome Packages Arriving Now]</ref>

On [[February 15]], [[2019]], one day before the start of New York [[Toy Fair 2019]], Hasbro Pulse was relaunched as Hasbro's new web store, replacing the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] website that had closed down the previous month<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-pulse-is-the-new-hastrotoyshop-with-preorders-on-new-mps-siege-and-more/42932/ Hasbro Pulse is the New HastroToyShop with Preorders on New MPs, Siege and More]</ref> (Hasbro Toy Shop still remains as a store on [[eBay]]).

On [[August 31]], [[2020]], Hasbro announced [[Hasbro PulseCon 2020]], which happened on [[September 25]] and [[September 26|26]]<ref>[https://twitter.com/Hasbro/status/1300434043473977344]</ref> in lieu of any in-person convention during the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}.

On [[March 10]], [[2021]], Hasbro Pulse opened its doors to the United Kingdom.<ref>[https://fb.watch/4eaIAQgfi5/ Hasbro Pulse UK Creative Launch on Facebook]</ref>

On [[March 15]], [[2021]], Hasbro announced [[Hasbro Pulse Fan Fest 2021]], which happened on [[April 9]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/Hasbro/status/1371511107752460292]</ref>

On [[August 20]], [[2021]], Hasbro announced [[Hasbro PulseCon 2021]], which happen on [[October 22]] and [[October 23|23]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/Hasbro/status/1371511107752460292]</ref>

On [[August 28]], [[2021]], the Hasbro Pulse YouTube channel uploaded the entire first season of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' for free streaming. The remainder of the show was subsequently added to the channel at a rate of one season per week.

On [[October 10]], [[2021]], the Hasbro Pulse mobile app launched. <ref>https://www.facebook.com/hasbropulse/posts/4904847176214851</ref>

==Hasbro Pulse Unboxed==
{{stub}}

==Fan First Friday==
[[File:FanFirstFriday logo.jpeg|thumb|300px]]
Fan First Fridays are streaming events that originally started on Hasbro Pulse's Facebook and eventually, their Youtube channel, where Hasbro employees reveal new toy product and other merchandise for one of their various toy-lines—typically from franchises like ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]], [[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' and ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]''. ''Transformers'' streams are primarily for exclusive toys, though mass-retail products and other merchandise are occasionally revealed, such as [[2021]]'s ''[[Studio Series]]'' lineup. Fan First Fridays also rarely share in-universe insight, such as what went down between ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Runamuck (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy marketing material|Runamuck]] and [[Runabout (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy marketing material|Runabout]].

*[[June 26]], [[2020]]'s [https://fb.watch/48NkRQwkYv/ "Hasbro Pulse Fan First Friday: Transformers Livestream - June 26, 2020"] on Facebook, with [[Rachel Fleming]] and [[Lenny Panzica]].
*[[July 17]], 2020's [https://fb.watch/48Nhv29_z1/ livestream] on Facebook, with Rachel Fleming and [[Mark Maher]].
*[[October 16]], 2020's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkJOmYkcMtY "Hasbro Pulse | Fan First Friday: Transformers Livestream"] on YouTube, with Rachel Fleming, [[Evan Brooks]], and [[Amanda Granato]].
*[[November 13]], 2020's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZKZAAh79Ok "Hasbro Pulse | Fan First Fridays: Transformers & Ghostbusters | Event One"] on YouTube, with Rachel Fleming and [[Sam Smith]].
*[[May 21]], 2021's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txGS01bXx9U "Hasbro Pulse | Fan First Friday: Transformers Livestream"] on YouTube, with [[Ben MacCrae]] and Evan Brooks.
*[[August 13]], 2021's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-r_ueBc4R0 "Fan First Friday | Transformers Livestream"] on YouTube, with Evan Brooks, Ben MacCrae, and [[Isabella Weiss]].
*[[August 27]], 2021's [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_TWf9if4d8 "Hasbro Pulse | Fan First Friday | Transformers Livestream"] on YouTube, with Evan Brooks and Ben MacCrae.

==List of exclusive toys==
===HasLab===
[[File:TF-WFC-S-Unicron.jpg|thumb|400px]]
HasLab on Hasbro Pulse is a crowdfunding platform where fans can back ginormous collectors' products and other one-shot items that you wouldn't find at regular retail. HasLab is not exclusive to ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' and includes several other brands licensed by Hasbro and Hasbro Gaming. The ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' Unicron was the very first ''Transformers'' product available through HasLab and is so far the largest official ''Transformers'' toy ever made, even surpassing the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#The Transformers|other toys]] [[Metroplex (G1)#Generations|that once held]] [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Titans Return|that title]] by several inches.

Due to Hasbro Pulse only being available to those living in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, Hasbro opens up availablity to the wider world through online retailers, such as [[BigBadToyStore]], and includes those sales as contributions to the total crowdfund.

'''''Transformers'' HasLab products'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' [[Unicron/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Unicron]] (w/ [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Autobot Hot Rod]], [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#HasLab|Galvatron]])
{{bp-a1|''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Victory]]'' Victory Saber ([[Star Saber (G1)/toys#HasLab|Autobot Star Saber]] and [[Victory Leo#HasLab|Victory Leo]] with [[Holi#HasLab|Holi]] and [[Fire#HasLab|Fire]])}}
</ul>
{{comingsoontoy|Victory Saber}}
{{-}}

'''Non-''Transformers'' HasLab products'''
*''[[fandom:starwars:Star Wars: The Vintage Collection|Star Wars: The Vintage Collection]]'' [[fandom:starwars:Jabba Desilijic Tiure|Jabba]]'s Sail Barge (The ''[[fandom:starwars:Khetanna|Khetanna]]'')
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]] The Vintage Collection'' ''[[fandom:starwars:Razor Crest|Razor Crest]]''
*''[[fandom:starwars:Star Wars: The Black Series|Star Wars: The Black Series]]'' [[fandom:starwars:Rancor|Rancor]] (failed project)
*A life-sized ''[[fandom:muppet:Sesame Street|Sesame Street]]'' [[fandom:muppet:Cookie Monster|Cookie Monster]] (failed project)
*An updated version of the ''[[fandom:heroquest:HeroQuest|HeroQuest]]'' board game from 1989
*''[[fandom:marvel:Marvel Legends|Marvel Legends]]'' [[fandom:marvel:Galactus|Galactus]]
*''[[X-Men]] Legends'' [[fandom:marvel:Sentinels|Marvel's Sentinel]]
{{-}}

===Hasbro exclusives===
Originally planned to debut at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2020, the Quintesson Pit of Judgement was eventually made available on Hasbro Pulse for [[Hasbro PulseCon 2020]] after the San Diego convention was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{bp-a1d1|WFC-E33 [[Centurion droid#Toys|Deluxe Centurion Drone Weaponizer Pack]] (w/ [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Shockwave]], [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Soundwave]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generations_toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Megatron]], [[Reflector (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Refraktor]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Optimus Prime]])}}
{{bp-qu2|[[Quintesson#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Quintesson Pit of Judgement]] (w/ [[Quintesson Judge#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Quintesson Judge]], [[Quintesson Prosecutor#Toys|Quintesson Prosecutor]], [[Quintesson Bailiff#Toys|Quintesson Bailiff]], [[Sharkticon (species)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Sharkticon]], [[Kranix (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Kranix]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-m1|WFC-K39 [[Tricranius#Generations|Tricranius Beast Power Fire Blasts Collection pack]]}}
{{bp-d1|[[Galvatron (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Behold, Galvatron! Unicron Companion Pack]] (w/ [[Arcee (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Arcee]], [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Cyclonus]], [[Dirge (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Dirge]], [[Kup (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Kup]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generations_toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Megatron]], [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Perceptor]], [[Scourge (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Scourge]], [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Soundwave]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Starscream]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Ultra Magnus]], [[Swoop (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Dinobot Swoop]], [[Slag (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Dinobot Slug]], [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Grimlock]], [[Snarl (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Dinobot Snarl]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Prime 10 Year Anniversary|Prime 10 Year Anniversary]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (WFC)#10 Year Anniversary|War Breakdown]] and [[Vehicon (Prime)#10 Year Anniversary|Vehicon]] 2-Pack (w/ [[Igu#Prime 10 Year Anniversary|Igu]] and [[Zamu#Prime 10 Year Anniversary|Zamu]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (WFC)/toys#10 Year Anniversary|Hades Megatron]] (w/ [[Hades#Prime 10 Year Anniversary|Hades]], [[Gora#Prime 10 Year Anniversary|Gora II]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers Collaborative|Collaborative]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Maverick (Collaborative)#Toys|Maverick]]}}
</ul>
|[[File:QuintPitOfJudgment.jpeg|thumb|200px]]
|}
{{toystub|Robosen Optimus Prime, SG}}
{{--}}

===TakaraTomy exclusives===
Some TakaraTomy exclusives were later made available on Hasbro Pulse.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[The Transformers Golden Lagoon|Golden Lagoon]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|GL-01 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Golden Lagoon|Golden Lagoon Convoy]]}}
{{Bp-d1|GL-02 [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Golden Lagoon|Golden Lagoon Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-a1|GL-03 Golden Lagoon [[Beachcomber (G1)#Golden Lagoon|Beachcomber]], [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Golden Lagoon|Perceptor]] & [[Seaspray (G1)#Golden Lagoon|Seaspray]]}}
{{Bp-d1|GL-04 [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Golden Lagoon|Golden Lagoon Soundwave]]}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Generations Selects (toyline)#TakaraTomy|Generation Selects]]'''''<ref>Kraken and Abominus were given ID numbers blatantly out of order with their reveal date—why this happened is entirely unknown.</ref>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|TT-GS01 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Selects|Star Convoy]]}}
{{Bp-d1|TT-GS03 [[Turtler#Generations|Seacons Turtler]] (Snaptrap)}}
{{Bp-d1|TT-GS04 [[Gulf#Generations|Seacons Gulf]] (Skalor)}}
{{Bp-d1|TT-GS02 [[Kraken#Generations|Seacons Kraken]] (Seawing)}}
{{Bp-d1|TT-GS06 [[Lobclaw#Generations|Seacons Lobclow]] {{sic}} (Nautilator)}}
{{Bp-d1|TT-GS07 [[Overbite (Masterforce)#Generations|Seacons Overbite]]}}
{{Bp-d1|TT-GS08 [[Tentakil (Masterforce)#Generations|Seacons Tentakil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|TT-GS09 [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Selects|Super Megatron]]}}
{{Bp-p1|TT-GS10 [[God Neptune#Generations|God Neptune]] ([[Coelagon#Generations|Coelagon]], [[Halfshell#Generations|Halfshell]], [[Scylla#Generations|Scylla]], [[Sea Phantom#Generations|Sea Phantom]], [[Terrormander#Generations|Terrormander]])}}
{{Bp-a1|TT-GS11 [[Volcanicus (POTP)#Selects|Volcanicus]] ([[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Selects|Grimlock]], [[Sludge (G1)#Selects|Sludge]], [[Slag (G1)/toys#Selects|Slag]], [[Snarl (G1)#Selects|Snarl]], [[Swoop (G1)/toys#Selects|Swoop]])}}
{{Bp-d1|TT-GS05 [[Abominus (G1)#Selects|Abominus]] ([[Sinnertwin (G1)#Selects|Sinnertwin]], [[Blot (G1)#Selects|Blot]], [[Rippersnapper (G1)#Selects|Rippersnapper]], [[Cutthroat (G1)#Selects|Cutthroat]], [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)#Selects|Hun-Gurrr]])}}
{{Bp-merc|TT-GS12 [[Soundblaster (G1)#Generations|Soundblaster]]}}
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece Edition]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-18+ [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#MP18Plus|Bluestreak]]}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-32 [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Beast Convoy (Optimus Primal)]]}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-38+ [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#MP38Plus|Burning Convoy]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-39+ [[Spin-Out (G1)#Masterpiece|Spinout]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-45 [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#MP45|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#MP45|Spike]] 2.0}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-49 [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#MP49|Black Convoy (Nemesis Prime)]]}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-50 [[Tigatron#Masterpiece|Tigatron]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-51 [[Arcee (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Arcee]]}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-51+ [[Nightbird (G1)#Masterpiece|Nightbird Shadow]]<ref>The TakaraTomy ID number is MP-55 but for whatever reason, Hasbro Pulse went with MP-51+ for their listing.</ref>}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-52 [[Starscream (G1)/toys#MP52|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-52+ [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#MP52|Thundercracker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-52+SW [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#MP52|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-53 [[Skids (G1)#Masterpiece|Autobot Skids]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-53+ [[Crosscut (Autobot)#Masterpiece|Senator Crosscut]]}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-54 [[Reboost#Masterpiece|Reboost]]}}
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece#Masterpiece Movie Series|Masterpiece Movie Series]]'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPM-9 [[Jazz (Movie)#Masterpiece|Jazz]]}}
|}
{{toystub|''Masterpiece''}}

===Partner exclusives===
In March 2021, Hasbro launched the Partner Exclusives lineup, in which exclusive toys to other stores would be available on Pulse in limited quantities. For unknown reasons, ''Robot Enhanced Design'' Cheetor and Arcee were given a $3.12 USD upcharge to their original MSRP. Each entry in their respective toyline is ordered from oldest to most recently added.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Transformers R.E.D.|R.E.D. [Robot Enhanced Design]]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#R.E.D. .5BRobot Enhanced Design.5D|Megatron]] (''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|Transformers]]'')}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/merchandise#R.E.D. .5BRobot Enhanced Design.5D|Soundwave]] (''Transformers'')}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#R.E.D. .5BRobot Enhanced Design.5D|Optimus Prime]] (''Transformers'')}}
{{Bp-m1|[[Cheetor (BW)/toys#R.E.D. .5BRobot Enhanced Design.5D|Cheetor]] (''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'')}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Arcee (WFC)/toys#R.E.D. .5BRobot Enhanced Design.5D|Arcee]] (''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'')}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|Encounter 4: [[Master (planet)|Dominus]] Criminal Pursuit}}
:{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (IDW)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Barricade]]}}
:{{Bp-a1|[[Punch (G1)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Punch-Counterpunch]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Encounter 2: [[Micro]]n Micromasters}}
:{{Bp-a1|[[Fireguard#Toys|Fireguard]] & [[Roadburner#Generations|Roadburner]]}}
:{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (G1)#Generations|Decepticon Runner]] & [[Motorhead (G1)#Generations|Motorhead]]}}
:{{Bp-a1d1|[[Stingracer#Toys|Stingracer]] & [[Windstorm#Toys|Windstorm]]}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#2020Netflix|Optimus Prime]] (w/ [[Enerax#Toys|Enerax]] and [[Sheeldron#Toys|Sheeldron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#2020Netflix|Soundwave]] (w/ [[Ravage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Laserbeak]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sparkless#SparklessSeeker|Sparkless Seeker]] (w/ [[Caliburst (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Sparkless Caliburst]] and [[Singe#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Sparkless Singe]])}}
{{Bp-m1|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Optimus Primal]] (w/ [[Rattrap (BW)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Rattrap]])}}
{{Bp-d1p1|Spoiler Pack:}}
:{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Spoiler|Megatron]]}}
:{{Bp-p1|[[Skelivore#Toys|Fossilizer Skelivore]]}}
{{Bp-m1|[[Cheetor (BW)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Cheetor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Deep Cover#Netflix|Deep Cover]]}}
{{Bp-qu2|[[Deseeus Army Drone#Generations|Deseeus Army Drone]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sparkless#SparklessBot|Sparkless Bot]]}}

</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''[[Vintage Beast Wars]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-m1|[[Rattrap (BW)/toys#Vintage Beast Wars|Rattrap]]}}
{{Bp-m1|[[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Vintage Beast Wars|Cheetor]]}}
{{Bp-m1|[[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Vintage Beast Wars|Optimus Primal]]}}
{{Bp-p1|[[Megatron (BW)/toys#Vintage Beast Wars|Megatron]]}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://hasbropulse.com/ Hasbro Pulse website]
*[https://hasbropulse.com/blogs/unboxed/tagged/transformers Hasbro Pulse Unboxed]
*[https://www.facebook.com/hasbropulse/ Hasbro Pusle Facebook]
*[https://www.instagram.com/hasbropulse/ Hasbro Pulse Instagram]
*[https://www.youtube.com/c/hasbropulse/ Hasbro Pulse YouTube]

[[Category:Hasbro subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Retailers]]
[[Category:Websites]]

Trademark

2021-12-02T02:36:54Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Other trademark kerfuffles */ Added info about Outback.

{{suite}}
{{disambig2|the legal protection for an identifying name or mark|the legal protection of a piece of fiction or other expression of an idea|copyright}}
[[File:Aniarrival04 tifof trademark.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Silly [[Porter C. Powell]], you can't copyright a name! You're thinking of a Trademark!]]

A '''trademark''' is a name, phrase or symbol used by a company to distinguish their goods or services from those of other companies in a similar range, preventing "brand confusion". Trademarks are indicated by a ™ symbol, or in the case of '''registered trademarks''', a ® symbol. [[Hasbro]]'s ability to legally secure a trademark dictates what proper nouns they will use to describe a toy, gimmick, or line.

It is ''not'' the same thing as [[copyright]]. Trademarks are ''only'' relevant in commercial contexts. Private individuals who are not associated with a company that operates in the same field as the trademark holder cannot commit trademark infringement by simply using a trademarked name in a non-commercial context.

Hasbro does not strictly ''need'' to claim trademarks for the [[character]] names applied to individual toys. Some toy companies do not claim them, though this is most often in the case of short-lived licensed lines based on movies or video games. But, Hasbro values the advantages of maintaining established characters (or character types) in the long term, and they wish to be able to hold exclusive claim to those names and use them as long as possible without fear of litigation from or loss to another company.

Trademark law is full of gray areas and complexity; otherwise lawyers couldn't charge exorbitant sums for their services in that field. The whims of the judges who look at the cases also play into the end results. However, there are guidelines and general rules that can explain why items end up named like they do.

==Trademark basics==
Trademarks are categorized into groups of products/services, so when a company applies for a trademark, lawyers compare them to similar marks within the same category, not across all products ever. ''Transformers'' toys fall under '''International Class 28, "Toys and Sporting Goods."'''

The name "[[Bumblebee (disambiguation)|Bumblebee]]" provides a perfect illustration of how these categories work. During the time Hasbro was unable to mark a ''Transformers'' toy "Bumblebee" (see "notable cases", below), Hasbro licensee [[Fun4All]] was able to release a keychain named Bumblebee, because keychains are not categorized as "Toys and Sporting Goods". Similarly, the character of Bumblebee could be referred to by that name within a comic book, since the comic company was not actually claiming it as a trademark within that field. If they were to release [[The Transformers: Bumblebee|a comic ''series'' titled "Bumblebee"]], though, a trademark search (and possibly claim) for comics would be needed.

[[File:MegaTronBatteries.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Odds are, you won't let your kids play with these "Megatrons".]]
This is also why there can be car batteries with "[[Megatron (disambiguation)|Mega-Tron]]" as a brand name,<ref name="interstate">[http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_estore/content/product_info/auto.asp "Mega-Tron" and "Mega-Tron II" car batteries by Interstate Batteries]</ref> despite having no connection to Hasbro or ''Transformers''. Hasbro does not make car batteries or anything along the lines of automobile parts, so the odds of "brand confusion" are exceedingly remote, making the battery-maker safe from litigation.

For toys released as part of multi-packs, Hasbro traditionally claims each individual character's name in the pack as a separate trademark ever since the days of [[Action Master]]s. So when they release a [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|two-pack]] containing two toys named "[[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]]" and [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]]", they count as two individually trademarked names, rather than one compound trademark for "Grimlock & Swoop"; after all, they might try and produce separately-sold toys of those characters later on. The only exception was the ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' two-pack of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], which was officially called "Autobot Espionage Team" without claiming the individual characters' names as trademarks, since the name "Bumblebee" was unavailable to Hasbro at that time.

Often, companies that own character-based Intellectual Property (IP) will apply for trademarks across a vast swath of categories to maximize the range of product on which they can use that name. Around the time of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]], Konami brought the wildly successful Japanese collectible card game franchise ''Yu-Gi-Oh!'' to the US. Among the trademarks they applied for across multiple categories was "Space Megatron," the name of one of the game cards (called simply "Megatron" in Japan). Some [[Fandom|fans]], upon hearing this, believed that Hasbro was in danger of losing the "Megatron" trademark. However, since Hasbro had made steady and repeated use of the name over the course of the previous decade ([[Megatron (G1)/toys|over a dozen toys branded “Megatron”]] between 1990 and 2001, plus media association thanks to five years of the name belonging to a central villain of the associated TV shows), this seems unlikely. The card in question did end up being called "Space Megatron" in the English translations of its videogame and manga appearances, because at the time that Konami applied for that trademark, Hasbro did not have any ''Transformers'' trading or playing cards and thus could not contest the claim in that field. However, no "Megatron" toys were produced in association with the ''Yu-Gi-Oh'' brand, nor even an appearance as an actual physical card. Still, Hasbro ultimately didn't manage to successfully register the name "Megatron" until 2005.

{{quote|How foolish is it that some other beings in the multiverse have stolen my name?|[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]|[[What Lies Beneath, Part Three|Energon #22]] (letters page)}}

==Relevance==
===Brand recognition===
[[File:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm the beginning of a new trend!]]
Originally, Hasbro didn't put as much emphasis on outstanding [[character]]s for the ''Transformers'' toy line from a marketing standpoint as they do today. Toys were supposed to have a shelf life of two years at maximum, to be replaced by new toys, which would be entirely new characters. With the exception of [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (only in the cartoon and comic fiction) and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]], all the new-toy line-ups from 1985 through 1987 were entirely new characters (not counting variants or reuses of existing sculpts, such as the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] versions of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] etc.), as were most of the [[Pretender]]s and all of the [[Micromaster]]s released by Hasbro. As a consequence, Hasbro only bothered to register a small number of trademarks in the 1980s, such as "[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]"<ref name="opuspto">[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=73496873 United States Patent and Trademark Office file for the trademark "Optimus Prime"], filed in 1984, registered in 1985.</ref> or "[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]".<ref name="swuspto">[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=73496875 United States Patent and Trademark Office file for the trademark "Soundwave"], filed in 1984, registered in 1985.</ref>

Hasbro didn't originally realize how much of a crucial part recognizable characters had played in the success of the original ''Transformers'' series until they were facing the massive viewer backlash following Optimus Prime's death in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. As a consequence, the first entirely new ''Transformers'' toy to be released under the name of an older toy intended to represent the same character was the [[Powermaster]] version of Optimus Prime in 1988, followed by the [[Classic Pretender]] versions of Bumblebee, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in 1989. Following that, about half of the [[Action Master]] line-up in 1990 consisted of "classic" characters from the 1984-85 toy line-up.

Since then, Hasbro have been putting more emphasis on recognizable characters in all their ''Transformers'' lines, and by extension, on recurring names in general—although ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' put it to a stretch with modified names such as "[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]", and numerous characters sporting the names of older ''Transformers'' toys, but not sharing any other similarities with those characters beyond the name.
{{-}}

===Market situation===
[[File:TrademarksG1FortMaxvsBackstreet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Guys, I think we forgot something.]]

Hasbro wasn't the only company slowly coming to realize the importance of recognizable, "iconic" characters, however. Since "characters" were no longer considered easily replaced throwaway elements of toy lines, companies began to put a stronger focus on developing, emphasizing and defending their intellectual properties—which included the characters' individual names. For comparison, back in the 1980s, it was possible for both [[Hasbro]] and [[Tonka]] to have toys named "[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]", "[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]" and "[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]" in their respective ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' and ''[[GoBots]]'' toy lines at the same time, without either company bothering to cause any legal problems with the other. This is particularly remarkable considering how competitive Hasbro and Tonka were at that time, and is only a fraction of the "shared names" between Hasbro and its contemporary competitors. Hasbro didn't even start slapping a ™ claim after individual toys' names on their packaging until 1988, suggesting that they weren't really bothered that another company might use those names for their own toys. And despite the slowly changing market situation, Hasbro still didn't start systematically trying to ''register'' as many trademarks as possible until the turn of the millennium. They didn't even bother to file for a registration of the name "[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]", a major character with multiple toys in both ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'', until 1999, three years after the first toy using that name had been released!

In contrast to that, toy companies enforce their trademarks a lot more rigidly these days. As a consequence, Hasbro's lawyers have become a lot more conservative, objecting the use of any names they fear ''might'' interfere with another company's trademark. This has resulted in quite a few names becoming "off limits" for any further use as part of a ''Transformers'' toy line, at least until the other company decides to abandon the name in question. Hasbro has also performed several not-so-nice maneuvers to seize a trademark in order to prevent their competitors from introducing certain toy lines in the US market under their original names, such as claiming "Machine Robo Rescue" and "Crush Gear", both names for [[Bandai]] toylines in Japan. Furthermore, Hasbro's legal department also prefers to modify certain names in order to make them easier to defend in court... since Hasbro wouldn't want one of their competitors to release a toy under a name so similar to a ''Transformers'' toy's that it could easily cause confusion on behalf of the customers.

==Protection and loss==
[[File:G2 Gobot Soundwave toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|At the time of his release, he really ''had'' to be a tape player for the purpose of this article.]]
Once a trademark is claimed, legal protection of that mark hinges primarily on usage. A company cannot defend a trademark that they never actually use. Protection of a trademark in the action figure world typically lasts roughly a year, though this (like most anything involving trademark law) is not ironclad. ([[#BumblebeeCase|See "notable cases" below.]]) The longer and more frequently a company uses a trademark ("consistent use"), the stronger their case becomes to retain ownership of it should it be contested by a competitor.

Registered trademarks are a stronger level of protection, thanks to a more involved process (and some more fees). With a standard trademark claim (™), a company that feels that another company is infringing on one of their trademarks needs to ''actively'' prove that they have used the trademark (preferably consistently) if they want to take legal action against their competitor. With a registered trademark (®), on the other hand, that process becomes somewhat automated: a company regularly needs to provide the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) with evidence of consistent use of the trademark in question anyway in order to guarantee continued registration. If the owner of the ® feels another company is infringing on one of their trademarks, the burden of proof of consistent use has become automated, and they have an 800–pound gorilla (i.e. the USPTO) backing them up on their case.

Note, however, that even registered trademarks are not by any means absolute protection. They can be lost due to lack of use (abandonment) or a successful challenge from another company.

In some cases, [[Transformers names in other Hasbro lines|Transformers toys also share their trademarked names with toys from other lines]] distributed by Hasbro or one of their subsidiaries. This also counts as a use of a trademark in commerce. All that matters is that the parent company, a subsidiary or even a licensee has used the trademark in the "toys" category. In order for this to work, however, the description of intended use needs to be sufficient yet not ''too'' specific. In 2000, Hasbro actually had to file for a ''second'' registration of the name "[[Soundwave (disambiguation)|Soundwave]]": the original 1984 registration (which is still active as of this writing) was specifically for a "toy robot convertible into a cassette recorder", making it insufficient for [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 2|any toys]] with other [[alternate mode]]s (or [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|no alternate mode at all]]). This [[Soundwave (BW)|doesn't mean]] Hasbro couldn't ''use'' the name "Soundwave" outside that narrow definition; all it means is that any other uses wouldn't have helped Hasbro to ''defend'' the registration had anyone tried to challenge it. The 2000 registration therefore uses a ''much'' broader definition of intended use, namely "toy action figures and accessories for use therewith".

By acting through a licensee, a company doesn't even need to release its own products in a specific category in order to defend a trademark. [[General Motors]] doesn't need to produce and/or distribute Chevrolet Camaro toys; all they need to do is grant Hasbro the license to release [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|toys]] [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Toys|based on]] the Camaro, Hasbro explicitly identifies the name "Chevrolet Camaro" as a General Motors trademark used under license on the toys' packaging, and GM can defend the name "Chevrolet Camaro" in the "toys" category.

===Descriptive trademarks===
[[File:BW-toy Waspinator.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|There's a reason we never got a "Bumblebee" redeco of Waspinator.]]
Defensibility is also determined by the name itself and its distinctive qualities regarding to what it's being applied. One could not reasonably expect to claim trademark of "Apple" as a product name for apples. But for, say, computers, which would not otherwise be referred to as an "apple", that works. In regards to toys and ''Transformers'', "Car" would be basically impossible to defend successfully as a distinct trademark. "Carblast", however, is fairly strong, being a made-up compound word highly unlikely to be used elsewhere. "Autobot Carblast" is even more defensible, thanks to the addition of a clearly nonsensical word, which is ''by itself'' very strong, like "[[Rodimus (disambiguation)|Rodimus]]" or "[[Cybertron (disambiguation)|Cybertron]]". This is also why there was no "[[Bumblebee (disambiguation)|Bumblebee]]" character during ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'': A toy that ''is'' a bumblebee and is ''named'' "Bumblebee" would make the name impossible to defend as a trademark, [[Bumblebee (G1)|unlike]] ''[[Bumblebee (Movie)|a car]]'' [[Bumblebee (Animated)|named]] "[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]".

Because Hasbro has been shoring up some of their infrequently-used "common word" names in recent years by adding prefixes (such as "Autobot [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]" or "Decepticon [[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]]"), fans sometimes mistake this to mean that reclaiming a trademark from another company is as simple as writing a faction name in front of it. This is ''not true''. If it were, then a competitor such as [[Bandai]] could release a line of robot toys called "Gundam Transformers" with an "Optimus Prime Gunpla" toy and get away with it. Hasbro's addition of extra words to these old names —notably all common real words— is primarily to strengthen the claim to a name that is currently (likely) uncontested as a single-word trademark, or is part of someone else's multi-word Trademark, which would prevent Hasbro from claiming the single-word use but allowing for a significantly different multi-word use. Real words are generally harder to defend as a trademark than [[Blastification|nonsense words]]. Adding nonsense to a real word makes it more defensible, but adding nonsense to somebody else's active trademark, ''especially'' their nonsense-word trademark, is only asking for trouble.

Another popular method Hasbro uses to modify real words to make them more distinctive (and thus easier to defend) is by using an alternate spelling (in other words, a deliberate "misspelling"), such as "Tank'''o'''r", "Demolish'''o'''r", "Spitt'''o'''r" or "Scatt'''o'''rshot" (and, possibly, also "Grapp'''el'''"; see below).

Based on some of Hasbro's naming choices, it could be argued that the strategy of Hasbro's IP lawyers is somewhat conservative or cautious. They may be able to defend more than they try to defend, but they choose not to take that (potentially expensive) risk.

:*''For a list of the various names that have had prefixes and suffixes attached to them, [[Trademark/Altered names|go here]].''

===Genericized trademarks===
Trademarks can also be lost by allowing a term to become a "{{w|genericized trademark}}" — effectively, letting their mark become a common term. Examples include "thermos" for {{w|Aladdin Industries|vacuum flasks}} (genericized in the US in 1963), "{{w|linoleum}}" for floor covering, and "{{w|zipper}}" for a method of fastening fabric. Brand names that are also in danger of becoming genericized (but are currently still protected as trademarks) include "{{w|Kleenex}}" for facial tissues, "{{w|Jell-O}}" for processed, gelatinized pig hooves, "{{w|Xerox}}" for photocopies, and "{{w|Google}}" for computer searches.

[[File:Productdoesnotconvert.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Product also does not xerox, kleenex, or jello.]]

Hasbro has realized that using the word "transform" as a verb to describe the [[Transformation|process of changing a ''Transformers'' toy from one mode into another one]] would make the brand name "Transformers" descriptive, making the mark indefensible. The end result would have been a loss of the mark ''Transformers'' as a registered trademark, allowing competitors to use it as a generic term for ''their'' shape-shifting robot toys and thus creating further confusion among parents when asked to buy a ''Transformer''.

As a consequence, the use of "transform" as a verb when being used to describe ''Transformers'' product is almost strictly forbidden in certain written materials:<ref>[[Greg Sepelak]], author of the ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' strategy guide from [[BradyGames]]</ref> If it's a toy that "converts", Hasbro can argue that ''Transformers'' is not merely a descriptive term, thus allowing for trademark protection to persist. Synonyms like "convert" (or simply "change") are used in Hasbro's own products (like [[packaging]] call-outs and [[instructions]]) and in licensees' products (such as game guides). This generally didn't apply to fiction for many years, but most comics and cartoons began to follow suit per Hasbro mandate starting in the 2010s, with exceptions only being made in very specific instances.

As a matter of fact, "Transformer" (specifically "with a capital initial") is listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as a description of "a type of children's toy, first manufactured in Japan, consisting of a model robot which can be transformed into another toy". However, since the term is identified as a "proprietary name" and Hasbro is specifically mentioned in the name etymology, the entry makes it pretty clear that the term is not a catch-all description of a general product type, but tied to a specific manufacturer, hence posing no threat to Hasbro's exclusive claim of the trademark.<ref name="oxford">[http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry_main/50256225?query_type=word&queryword=Transformer&first=1&max_to_show=10&sort_type=alpha&search_id=ump0-DmIxzp-1209&result_place=2&case_id=ump0-rzJWHE-1213&hilite=50256225 Oxford Englisch Dictionary entry for "Transformers"] (note: Only available for registered users)</ref> The fact that the entry has been in the dictionary since 1993 also implies that Hasbro has never seen any need for intervention. (The same dictionary also has an entry for Mattel's "Barbie", for that matter.)

Many Hasbro competitors have used "transform" as a verb on their toy packaging in the past. More recently, however, some such as Mattel and LEGO have changed (ha ha) to using terms like "convert" and "shift" instead. Whether this is due to Hasbro legal intervention is, at the moment, pure conjecture.
{{-}}

===Trademark dilution===
[[File:UniverseDarkwindToy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm not the terror that flaps in the night.]]
In cases where a trademark is very well known among the general populace due to the brand's popularity, and is commonly associated with the particular brand (instead of being merely associated with a general product type, hence being in danger of becoming genericized), it's possible for the brand owner to defend their "popular" trademarks even in categories they don't operate in. This is only possible for very well-known brands (or very big companies with a lot of money to throw at lawyers) where a company can reasonably argue that another company is trying to cash in on their "good name", and may create confusion among the target audience who may mistakenly associate the other company's product with its more well-known namesake by the original company. The argument is that the well-known trademark is considered "unique", and its intended use in other fields by other parties would lessen its uniqueness. Calling your car dealership simply "McDonald's" is probably not exactly a good idea.

This may be the reason why Hasbro renamed the [[redeco]] of [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], whose deco was based on ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]], into "Darkwind": At the time, there was no toy line based on {{w|The Walt Disney Company|Disney's}} ''{{w|Darkwing Duck}}'', but the brand was still very well-known and active in comic form, and Hasbro's legal department may have been simply cautious to avoid any potential problems with Disney in the first place. That Hasbro is a frequent licensee for Disney-owned properties adds an extra ten tons of caution on their part. (Since then, Darkwing Duck has returned to toy and merchandise shelves, and not through Hasbro.)

Conversely, in 2010, a company named Mavizon offered user interface technology for cars (a field Hasbro doesn't operate in) named "AutoBot". A few years earlier, Hasbro would have probably just let this pass; however, with the increased popularity of the [[Transformers brand]] thanks to the [[live-action film series]], they have a much better legal stand in this regard. By the end of 2010, Mavizon changed the name of their product to "Mavia".<ref name="mavizon">[http://www.mavizontech.com/MeetAutobot.htm Mavizon, the creators of Mavia, formerly "AutoBot"].</ref> In late 2011, Hasbro tried to preemptively stop Asus from releasing an Android tablet under the name "Transformer Prime",<ref name="asus">[http://mobile.theverge.com/2011/12/21/2653920/hasbro-sues-asus-over-transformer-prime-tablet Hasbro sues Asus over Transformer Prime tablet]</ref> but ultimately lost in the first instance.<ref name="asus2">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/hasbro-loses-bid-to-stop-asuss-transformer-prime/2012/03/28/gIQAze39gS_story.html/ "Hasbro Loses Bid to Stop Asus Transformer Prime"]</ref>
{{-}}

===The international market===
[[File:Brainstorm vs Charon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|From the "completely random substitute name" files.]]
Since Hasbro is a company rooted in the United States, the focus of trademarks is also naturally on the US market. Trademark law and the availability of terms can differ across countries. "Aspirin" is a genericized word in several countries, but there are many others where it is still a protected trademark, including Germany, Canada, and Mexico. In these countries, producers of acetylsalicylic acid must use a different term. Similarly there is less danger of the terms "Kleenex" or "Xerox" becoming genericised in the United Kingdom as these terms are rarely used to refer to anything other than the relevant company's products. The status of a trademarked word in one country often has little bearing on its use in other jurisdictions.

Unlike in the early 1990s, when name [[variant]]s were abundant across the various international (particularly European) markets, Hasbro now aims for a uniform brand representation. In other words, a Hasbro toy (ideally) has the same name in every country it's released in. (Thus making Japanese names an anomaly... and with [[TakaraTomy]] shifting over to Western names for their toys more and more, even moreso.) However, that could mean a toy that can't be released by Hasbro under its originally intended name in the US, but could easily be released under that name in the United Kingdom, will still be released under the substitute US market name everywhere in the world, because it's easier (and less expensive) to manage than individual names for individual markets.

In theory, this could backfire: A toy's name that has been cleared for use in the USA might conflict with another company's trademark in another country. In general, however, European trademark law is a lot less rigid than it is in the US, and Hasbro generally refrains from using any trademark claims after names on their international packaging in the first place, either because that would require them to actively try to defend those trademarks in ''every single country'' they release those toys in, or because the ™ symbol has no legal power in many countries outside the USA. Hasbro's never really bothered to register any individual trademarks besides "The Transformers" in the various European countries, at least.

The first notable trademark conflict ''outside'' the United States affected the 2016 ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Titans Return (2016–2017)|Generations]]: [[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Deluxe Class [[Brainstorm (G1)#TitanForce|Brainstorm]] figure from the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]]/[[San Diego Comic-Con]] exclusive "Titan Force" [[giftset]], which was officially redistributed in the United Kingdom by [[A1 Toys]] in American packaging, first at their booth at London Film & Comic-Con 2016 and later also via their website and at other UK conventions. Since there is an actual ''toy company'' named [http://www.brainstormltd.co.uk Brainstorm Limited] based out of the UK, the name couldn't be used for an official Hasbro-sanctioned UK release. As a consequence, the character was renamed "Charon" via stickers applied to the outside of the box. Additionally, there were at least two cases prior to that where the intention to release a toy in the United Kingdom ''did'' affect the ''United States'' name of those toys due to other concerns: see [[Snarl (Animated)#Notes|''Animated'' Snarl]] (as well as ''Universe'' ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' "[[Slag (G1)#Robot Heroes|Snarl]]") and ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Over-Run (PCC)#Notes|Over-Run]] for more juicy details.

==Notable/unusual cases==
{{note|This is not a list of every lost ''Transformers'' trademark ever, just some instances with unusual or interesting twists.}}
===Prominent names that are/were unavailable===
[[File:HotShotisBumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[David Willis]]'s head just exploded.]]
*As mentioned above, "Bumblebee" was unavailable to Hasbro for many years. The name was being used as a registered trademark by a company called Playcore for their "Buzz the Bumble Bee" swing as of 2003, and as Hasbro had not used the name for a toy since 1995, their case to contest was likely a weak one. The ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' PVC two-pack with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] was officially named "Autobot Espionage Team" for that reason, although the [[bio]] on the back of the packaging identified the two characters as "Bumblebee" and "Spike" (but without claiming them as trademarks). Furthermore, as can be seen on the right, one of the main characters of the [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|''Armada'' franchise]] was initially intended to be named "Bumblebee" before the unavailability of the trademark resulted in the character being renamed into "[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]". However, in March 2005, Hasbro tried to reclaim the trademark, due to its intended association with a principal character in the [[Transformers (film)|big-deal live-action movie]] and its associated merchandise planned across a great many categories. However, the registration attempt was contested in July 2005, both by a production company named "Bumble Bee Productions, Inc." and by an online toy retailer named "Bumblebee Toys", both of which argued that the mark, as it was filed under the "toys" field, was too close to their own registered marks. Ultimately, Hasbro abandoned the registration attempt for "Bumblebee" in 2006 and simply decided to use the name as a "normal", non-registered trademark instead. The movie's release date being pushed back a year meant that the first "Bumblebee"-branded ''Transformers'' toys in over a decade were a 3" ''[[Titanium Series]]'' figure and a toy from the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' line. (Playcore, or more accurately, its subsidiary Swing-N-Slide no longer manufactures the "Buzz the Bumble Bee" swingset.<ref>[http://www.drillspot.com/products/291165/Swing-N-Slide_NE_4541_Buzz_Bumble_Bee_Swing Retailer site] mentioning the discontinuation. Also, said swing is no longer visible/available on Swing-N-Slide's official site.</ref>)
[[File:Camshaftalternator.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Silly Hasbro, you won't be able to name your toys "Bluestreak" again until 2010!]]
*"[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]" is one of the most infamous cases of a name of a classic character being unavailable to Hasbro for a long time, since a company named Gendron, Inc. registered the name "Toledo 'Blue Streak'" in 2002. All toys based on the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' Bluestreak character released since then were officially named "Silverstreak" instead. (Note that this does only affect Hasbro; while the character is traditionally known as simply "Streak" in Japan, [[TakaraTomy]] once released a blue [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' Streak toy, named "Bluestreak".) Gendron finally abandoned their trademark in 2009, with Hasbro promptly using the name "Bluestreak" for a ''[[Speed Stars]]'' car (a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Robot Powered Machines|R.P.M.]] [[Sideswipe (Movie)#Speed Series|Sideswipe]]), and later for other toys as well.
*Next to Bluestreak, "[[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]" is the most well-known case of a name unavailable to Hasbro. Mattel has registered various "confusingly similar" trademarks over the years, among them "Ho! Ho! Hot Rod", "Hot Rods" and "Hott Rodd". Hasbro's original substitute name for the ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues was "Rodimus Major"; "[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]]" was used for [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]] and then later also for the ''Classics'' Deluxe toy and the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]] Legends toy; and the toy based on the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus Prime]] character was called "Rodimus Minor". Hasbro eventually regained the name "Hot Rod" in 2016.
[[File:AlternatorsShockblast toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Released just a teensy-weensy bit too early.]]
*"[[Shockwave (disambiguation)|Shockwave]]" was temporarily lost to a company named Lanard Toys, Ltd—who actually used it in their ''The Corps!'' military figure series, direct competitors to Hasbro's ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''. An ''Energon'' toy designed as an homage to Generation 1 Shockwave was named "[[Shockblast]]" instead, as was the [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Alternators|''Alternators'' toy]]. However, Lanard had abandoned the registration for the "Shockwave" trademark shortly prior to the release of the ''Alternators'' toy (too late to change the name on the packaging), so Hasbro seized the opportunity and slapped the name onto the next best [[Shockwave (Cybertron)|Mini-Con]] just to claim it back. They have since been able to use it for [[Shockwave (Animated)|other toys]] [[Shockwave (Movie)|more closely based]] [[Shockwave (WFC)|on the Generation 1 character]]. Ironically, a figure from Hasbro's ''G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary'' line based on an older figure from 1988 named [http://www.yojoe.com/action/88/shockwave.shtml "Shockwave"] was released under the name [http://www.yojoe.com/action/08/shockblast.shtml "Shockblast"] in 2008, presumably either in an attempt to avoid brand confusion or to maintain the "Shockblast" trademark. Either way, Hasbro apparently considers the name "Shockwave" more iconic for the ''Transformers'' character.
*"[[Ravage (disambiguation)|Ravage]]" became unavailable during ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'', so Hasbro used the alternative "Shadow Panther" instead, and when even ''that'' turned out to be off-limits, used the somewhat clunky name "Tripredacus Agent". The name "Ravage" eventually became available again in time for ''Energon'', but apparently Hasbro decided to play safe and added a prefix, thus releasing the ''Energon'' toy under the compound name "[[Battle Ravage]]" (and later, its redeco as "[[Command Ravage]]"). Hasbro also used "Battle Ravage" for the ''Alternators'' toy and ''also'' intended to use it for a [[Generation 1 reissues|reissue]] of the [[Ravage (G1)/toys|original Ravage cassette toy]] available with a [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] ''Classics''-affiliated "Commemorative Edition" reissue of [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]]... but then decided that the single name "Ravage" would work just as fine. Thus, the reissue is still named "Battle Ravage" on the packaging, but simply "Ravage" in the [[instructions]]. Following that, multiple subsequent toys have simply used the name "Ravage".
[[File:ArmadaSideswipeVSSideSwipe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Space required.]]
*A particularly odd case: During the 1990s, another company held the "[[Sideswipe (disambiguation)|Sideswipe]]" trademark in the "toys" field, even though Hasbro still released [[Sideswipe (G1)#Generation 2|two toys]] using that name as part of the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' line]] (it's unclear if this resulted in any legal repercussions for Hasbro). When Hasbro finally managed to reclaim the name for the ''Robots in Disguise'' line, the name was now written as "[[Side Swipe (RID)|Side Swipe]]", in two words, for whatever reason. Despite that, the [[OTFCC 2003]] [[exclusive]]<ref name="otfccsideswipe">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/exclusives/sideswipe/485/ OTFCC 2003 Sideswipe], named "Sideswipe" on his own packaging.</ref> and the ''Armada'' [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Super-Con]]<ref name="armadasideswipe1">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/toys/Armada/Autobots/Side+Swipe/side1.jpg.html ''Armada'' Side Swipe in original packaging], named "Sideswipe".</ref> both still spelled the name as one word on their own packaging; however, the [[cross-sell]] on the packaging for the OTFCC 2003 exclusive [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]]/[[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] two-pack referred to OTFCC Sideswipe as "Side Swipe",<ref name="otfccvipersisters">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/view/exclusives/shadow-striker/483/2/11/ Cross-sell on the OTFCC 2003 Shadow Striker/Roulette two-pack's packaging], identifying Sideswipe as "Side Swipe".</ref> and the "[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|the Unicron Battles]]"-style [[subline imprint|packaging redesign]] for the ''Armada'' figure saw the name changed to "Side Swipe" on the name insert as well as the packaging back.<ref name="armadasideswipe2">[http://www.shmax.com/product_details/835/sideswipe_with_nightbeat ''Armada'' Side Swipe in "Unicron Battles" packaging], named "Side Swipe".</ref> (See also the image to the left.) After many years' worth of "Side Swipe" toys, the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 Universe]]'' Deluxe toy finally hailed the return of "Sideswipe" (as one word). Presumably, the (then planned) use of the name on a [[Sideswipe (Movie)|character]] in the movie ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' was reason enough for Hasbro to apply for a second registration to get rid of that pesky extra space. Oddly enough, in 2012, Hasbro re-filed "Side Swipe", along with several other old trademarks,<ref name="swipe2012">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-toys-products-30/latest-hasbro-transformers-trademarks-tow-line-armorhide-rollbar-side-swipe-175521/ Hasbro re-files old trademarks]</ref> but hasn't done anything with it thus far,<ref name="side-swipetm12">[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85672497&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch 2012 "Side Swipe" trademark] at the United States Patent and Trademark Office website.</ref> although ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series VIII]]'' Side Swipe was re-released in Hasbro's Asian markets (where US trademarks do not apply) in minimally altered packaging in 2012, with the toy still being named "Side Swipe".
*According to Hasbro copy writer [[Forest Lee]] at [[BotCon 2006]], Hasbro's IP lawyers were initially skittish about using the name "[[Matrix of Leadership]]" on packaging for the 20th Anniversary version of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], as they were unaware of the history of the term "[[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]" within the brand, and feared confusion with the franchise surrounding the film, ''{{w|The Matrix (series)|The Matrix}}''. Although the lawyers were satisfied and allowed "Matrix" to be used in that instance, it appeared that some variation of the term "[[AllSpark]]" would supplant "Matrix" in future ''Transformers'' franchises, until ''Revenge of the Fallen'' used "Matrix of Leadership" as a name for a plot point (contradicting the writers' earlier statements that the Matrix would not appear in the live-action movies, and the AllSpark would be a replacement for it). "AllSpark" is, of course, an easier mark to defend because—unlike "matrix"—it is a contrived compound word that doesn't have any other meaning.
*In 2016, Hasbro could release an exclusive toy of the G1 character named "[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]" without any trademark issues. They apparently lost the trademark for the name sometime before 2019, however, forcing the ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege| Siege]]'' figure to be named "Refraktor" instead.
{{-}}

===Other trademark kerfuffles===
[[File:TFU03-toy IronhideWM.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Trail who?]]
[[File:GrappelGripMudflapEuro.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Hilarious error or intentional misspelling for better trademark protection? You decide!]]
[[File:Classics2006 Legends Fireflight.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Once used as a substitute name, later in need of a substitute name itself.]]
*"[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]" has been unavailable as a trademark for years, which has—at least indirectly—resulted in several "Trailbreaker" toys changing before release:
**[[3H Productions|3H]] had to cancel its plan of a new [[BotCon]] [[exclusive]] version of Trailbreaker as a [[redeco]] of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[X-Brawn]].
**A [[Generation 1 reissues|reissue]] of the original Trailbreaker toy was planned for the ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' before the line was canceled.
**A Trailbreaker-themed redeco of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Spy Changer]] [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] became another "Ironhide".
**A redeco/[[retool]] of ''Alternators'' [[Hound (G1)#Alternators|Autobot Hound]] with a new Trailbreaker-styled head instead became [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]].
**A ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[character]] intended as a Trailbreaker [[homage]] ultimately became an entirely new character named "[[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]]", losing pretty much all similarities with Trailbreaker in the process (yet his upgraded form remained "Leobreaker". Huh).
:Hasbro ''finally'' released a [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] version of Generation 1 Trailbreaker as part of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toy line]], under the substitute name "Trailcutter". That name has since been used for [[Trailbreaker (Prime)|all versions]] of the character in all media; in-fiction, the original character even makes the conscious decision to change his name in the [[2005 IDW continuity|then-ongoing IDW continuity]] - admittedly [[The Reluctant Specialist|in a comic]] intended to be [[pack-in material|included with]] a [[Trailbreaker (G1)#Generations|"Trailcutter" toy]]... and then the version of the comic included with the toy was edited to remove any reference to the name "Trailbreaker". Hasbro has since regained the name "Trailbreaker", however, and newer toys have been produced under that designation... ''after'' the character died in the IDW comics. Aheh.
*In 2001, Hasbro attempted to trademark "[[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]]" for use in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' toyline]]. However, at the same time, their competitor Mattel applied for a registered trademark on the name for a vehicle/accessory in their ''Max Steel'' toy line. Without any past usage to call on to contend Mattel's claim, Hasbro lost the trademark for "Skyfire" to the stronger registered claim within a very short time frame. This resulted in the name "[[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]", used first on an ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Mini-Con]], then for the ''Energon'' [[Omnicon]] [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]], who is a clear [[homage]] to the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] character, "[[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]".
*In 2004, the Commemorative Series VI [[Generation 1 reissues|reissue]] of [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] was simply prefixed "Autobot Grapple" (although the name was [[quality control#packaging and paperwork|misspelled]] "Au'''ot'''bot Grapple" in several instances on the packaging). The [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] [[retool]] of 2008 ''Universe'' Voyager Class [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] not only tried to be a little more creative with a new prefix, "Solar Storm"... but also spelled the name "Grapp'''el'''". While this could be attributed to a particularly glaring typo, it's not without precedent: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Fast Action Battlers]] [[Mudflap (ROTF)#Fast Action Battlers|Grapple Grip Mudflap]], who uses "Grapple" as part of a prefix, ''also'' had it spelled as "Grapp'''el'''" all over his [[multilingual packaging|European packaging]] and on Hasbro's public website,<ref name="fabhasbro">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/shop/details.cfm?guid=B237456C-7A23-1014-B596-FBA5EE4D560D&product_id=24286&src=endeca Hasbro website entry for FAB "Grappel Grip" Mudflap]</ref> whereas the North American version had it spelled as "Grapple". Chances are that Hasbro decided to misspell the name in order to make it more defensible as a trademark, similar to "[[Scattershot (disambiguation)|Scattorshot]]" and "[[Demolishor (disambiguation)|Demolishor]]". The US-released Solar Storm Grappel's on-packaging [[bio]] also refers to the character simply as "Grappel™", whereas ''Reveal the Shield'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Special Ops Jazz]] and [[Tracks (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Turbo Tracks]] are still referred to as "Autobot Jazz™" and "Autobot Tracks™" in their US bios, respectively (but not in their European packaging bios).
*In 2005, [[Fun Publications]] was forced to change the name of a [[BotCon 2005]] exclusive intended as an updated version of Generation 1 [[Outback (G1)|Outback]] to "Fallback". The Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain has successfully applied for "Outback" across a ''vast'' number of categories. Since Hasbro had not used the name for a product since 1993, there seems to be no way for them to wrest control of Outback Steakhouse's active claim to the mark without ''heavy'' modification. The "Outback" name was ultimately used for ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'', but the trademark claim was for "Stuart 'Outback' Selkirk." Since ''Transformers'' can't quite get away with that, they've stuck with the "fallback" name (ha ha) for subsequent iterations of the character since they already have it. However, in 2018, Hasbro released figures of Outback in ''Power of the Primes'' and ''Vintage G1'' lines under the proper name, implying that they were able to secure the trademark.
*Similar trademark problems affected other items in the BotCon 2005 set: notably, [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] began life as [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] until it was discovered Royal Treasury, LLC owned the "[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78095736 King Moonracer]" trademark for toys from the ''{{w|Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV special)#The Island of Misfit Toys|Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer}}'' TV special. Unfortunately, Moonracer was already well into production when Fun Publications learned the name was unavailable, and due to the time involved in trademark searches, a suitably appropriate alternative could not be found. This necessitated the use of Chromia — reportedly their "third or fourth choice", but a name which ''had'' cleared legal.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/e39fbfb4b4bd2b3a alt.toys.transformers post] by [[Lanny Lathem]] explaining the Moonracer/Chromia SNAFU.</ref> [[Brian Savage]] expressed particular vexation with this turn of events at the BotCon 2005 organizer's panel.
*Just to further illustrate how (relatively) quickly a trademark status can change: Back in 2006, Hasbro couldn't use "[[Powerglide (disambiguation)|Powerglide]]" for a ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' redeco of ''Legends of [[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#LOC|Jetfire]], so they called the toy "[[Fireflight (G1)#Classics|Fireflight]]" instead. By 2008, "[[Powerglide (G1)#Universe (2008)|Powerglide]]" was available again and reclaimed in [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|the 2008 ''Universe'' line]]. By 2013, "Fireflight" had become unavailable, even though it had been secured in 2009, in a [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] [[giftset]] released in both the ''Universe'' and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' lines. Thus, a [[Kre-O]] [[Micro-Changer]], a retool of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Shockwave (WFC)#Generations|Shockwave]], and a limb for ''Combiner Wars'' Superion, initially announced as being named "Fireflight", ended up named "[[Fireflight (G1)#Kre-O|Firestrike]]", "[[Fireflight (FOC)|Air Raid]]", and even [[Fireflight (G1)|''Firefly'']], respectively.

==Notes==
[[File:AMH16-Ratchet.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Lawyer-friendly medic.]]
*[[Bob Budiansky]]'s original name for [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] was "Jazz'''z'''", with ''three'' "z"s. Whether or not that would have made it easier for Hasbro to protect the name without a prefix in recent years or not is hard to tell. Though if "Grapp'''el'''" is any indication, we might actually see them use that spelling in the near future....

*The "red cross on white backdrop" symbol often associated with medical services, used on various representations of [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], is in fact a trademark owned by the [[Red Cross|International Committee of the Red Cross]], who ''vigorously'' protect their claim to it. They actually took Hasbro to court over the use of their symbol on ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and won, resulting in it not only being dropped from the toy's [[redeco]], but also having to be removed from the then-current [[Dreamwave Productions]] comics.<ref name="redcross">[http://www.lilformers.com/blog/2012/04/05/dreamslaves-4-red-crosses/ "DREAMSLAVES #4: Red Crosses"] by Matt Moylan.</ref> Hasbro typically uses [[:Ratchet (Animated)|"electrocardiogram" graphics]] as a substitute these days. [[:File:Ratchet-DiamondSelectstatue.jpg|The]] [[:File:Ratchet-AtFightsEnd.jpg|occasional]] [[:File:Ratchetg1.jpg|fl]][[:File:WinIfYouDare-Ratchet.jpg|ub]] still slips through, though.

*The [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] has shown an irritating tendency to slap a "registered trademark" ® after the names of various [[BotCon]] [[exclusive]] toys on their [[bio]] cards regardless of whether Hasbro actually had those names registered at that time or not.

*For the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 movie line]]'s [[Fast Action Battlers]], Hasbro added gimmick-specific prefixes to each toy's name. For names already having prefixes, this resulted in particularly clunky names such as "[[Jazz (Movie)#FastActionBattler|Ion Blast Autobot Jazz]]" and "[[Brawl (Movie)#FastActionBattler|Double Missile Decepticon Brawl]]". By the time the [[redeco]] [[wave]]s started, Hasbro realized that they could simply omit the extra "Autobot" and "Decepticon" prefixes, which gave us "Desert Blast Brawl" and "[[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Rescue Torch Ratchet]]". With ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', Hasbro suffered a temporary relapse with "[[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers 2|Beam Blast Autobot Ratchet]]", but then omitted the gratuitous prefixes again for pretty much everyone else.

*Most of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|2015-onwards ''Robots in Disguise'' line's]] ''[[Combiner Force]]''-branded One-Step Changers and Three-Step Changers featured trademarked names for the way they convert on their packaging, such as Snap-Back™, Kick-Pop™, Kick-Latch™ or Lift-Switch™ for the One-Step Changers, and Hyper-Twist™, Hyper-Swoop™ or Hyper-Vault™ for the Three-Step Changers. The only exception are the figures released in the first ''Combiner Force''-branded wave of the One-Step and Three-Step Changers assortments respectively, which still lacked the trademark claims following their conversion names.

*Though it ''might'' be a coincidence, Hasbro didn't use any names that required "Autobot" or similar prefixes for any toys from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. This ''might'' stem from a notion that such modified names are a less-than-ideal solution, and Hasbro wanted to avoid using them whenever possible (Aaron Archer's reasoning for the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' version of [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Jazz]] being named "Meister" was that "three 'Autobot someone' toys in a row" were "redundant", referring to "[[Hound (G1)#Alternators|Autobot Hound]]" and "[[Tracks (G1)#Alternators|Autobot Tracks]]"). This might explain why the Autobot medic from ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' is named "[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]" rather than "[[Ratchet (disambiguation)|(Autobot) Ratchet]]". During that time, prefixed names only appeared in "secondary" lines such as ''Alternators'', ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' and the ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' [[Generation 1 reissues|reissues]], where the toys typically represented existing characters whose names require prefixes these days. It wasn't until the [[Transformers (film)|2007 live-action movie]] prominently featured several characters whose names require prefixes when used as trademarks that "[[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]]", "[[Ratchet (Movie)|Autobot Ratchet]]", "[[Frenzy (Movie)|Decepticon Frenzy]]" and "[[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]]" started to appear in a [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|"mainstream" toy line]]. These days, prefixed names are a common staple in ''Transformers'' toy lines regardless of whether they're backed by "mainstream" media such as a movie or cartoon or not.

*Hasbro's desire to defend their exclusive claim on trademarks occasionally also leads to somewhat clunky on-[[packaging]] [[bio]]s that include prefixes (where required) every time a character's name is mentioned in a bio ("During the long process of being rebuilt by AUTOBOT RATCHET®, there was a long time to think. AUTOBOT JAZZ digs his Earth vehicle form..."<ref name="targetjazzbio">From the bio of the [[Target]] [[exclusive]] "[[The Transformers (franchise)|G1]]" [[homage]] redeco of ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]]'' Deluxe Class [[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]]</ref>). A particularly egregious example are the bios for [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Special Ops Jazz]] and [[Tracks (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Turbo Tracks]], whose names used different prefixes in order to support the "gimmick" of the ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#Hasbro Reveal the Shield subline|Reveal the Shield]]'' [[subline imprint]] (where a toy's faction was only supposed to be revealed via a [[rubsign]])... yet the on-packaging bios blatantly referred to them as "Autobot Jazz" and "Autobot Tracks". The heavily truncated multi-lingual bios on the [[multilingual packaging|''European'' packaging]] simply called them "Jazz" and "Tracks" (although the toys' names were still "Special Ops Jazz" and "Turbo Tracks"), possibly due to a different trademark situation in the European market, where Hasbro isn't trying to enforce an exclusive trademark claim on every single toy's name for every single national market.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==See also==
*[[Transformers names in other Hasbro lines]]
*[[Blastification]]

==External links==
*{{w|Trademark|Trademarks at Wikipedia}}
*[http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/tac/tmep/1400.htm#_Toc536248429 US Trademark & Patent Office]
*[http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/trademarks/g1_trademarks_intro.php Extensive article about Transformers-related trademarks at TFArchive.com] (outdated)

[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Spacewarp clone

2021-12-01T11:13:25Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Spacewarp's Log */

{{noname-nickname}}
:''Spacewarp's clone is a [[Transformer]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''
[[File:PL Jetfire toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Even Spacewarp's clone has to be a redeco of Jetfire.]]
When you're relentlessly being hunted by [[Spacewarp]] the bounty hunter, fight back by creating '''Spacewarp's clone'''.

==Fiction==
===Spacewarp's Log===
While Spacewarp was hunting fugitive [[A'ovan]] warlord [[Pya'dorus the Pitiless]] on [[Tharkoros II]], his allies the [[Clonemaster]]s created a clone of Spacewarp to fight her off. When Spacewarp arrived at the Clonemasters' high sanctum to apprehend Pya'dorus, he was ready with the remote-controlled clone of her. Spacewarp fought her double for a while until she maneuvered the clone into accidentally destroying the master cloning apparatus. This rendered Spacewarp's clone inert and Pya'dorus's own clones self-aware, and in the chaos, Spacewarp grabbed her quarry and escaped. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Spacewarp's Log (1), 2015/10/31}}

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
*'''Powerlinx Jetfire with Comettor''' (Giga-Con, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Comettor Mini-Con, electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles and a shield
{{note|The "Powerlinx" deco of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#Powerlinx|Jetfire]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as a clone of Spacewarp.}}

: Released in the fifth and final wave of ''Armada'' Giga-Cons, the "Powerlinx" redeco of Jetfire adds quite a lot more color to his deco, with large swathes of blue and bright highlights. This release uses the altered, countdown-less sound effects.

: Powerlinx Jetfire was not part of the regular Takara ''Legends of the Microns'' line, but was released in Japan as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] "[[USA Edition]]", in Hasbro packaging with stickers to relay important legal information in Japanese.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Powerlinx Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Category:Clones]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Fan Club-original characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Unicron Trilogy characters]]

Spacewarp clone

2021-12-01T11:13:00Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Spacewarp's Log */ Corrected the use of A'ovan and Pya'dorus; added link to A'ovan

{{noname-nickname}}
:''Spacewarp's clone is a [[Transformer]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''
[[File:PL Jetfire toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Even Spacewarp's clone has to be a redeco of Jetfire.]]
When you're relentlessly being hunted by [[Spacewarp]] the bounty hunter, fight back by creating '''Spacewarp's clone'''.

==Fiction==
===Spacewarp's Log===
While Spacewarp was hunting fugitive [[A'ovan]] warlord [[Pya'dorus the Pitiless]] on [[Tharkoros II]], his allies the [[Clonemaster]]s created a clone of Spacewarp to fight her off. When Spacewarp arrived at the Clonemasters' high sanctum to apprehend Pya'dorus, he was ready with the remote-controlled clone of her. Spacewarp fought her double for a while until she maneuvered the clone into accidentally destroying the master cloning apparatus. This rendered Spacewarp's clone inert and Pya'dorus's own clones self-aware, and in the chaos Spacewarp grabbed her quarry and escaped. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Spacewarp's Log (1), 2015/10/31}}

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
*'''Powerlinx Jetfire with Comettor''' (Giga-Con, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Comettor Mini-Con, electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles and a shield
{{note|The "Powerlinx" deco of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#Powerlinx|Jetfire]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as a clone of Spacewarp.}}

: Released in the fifth and final wave of ''Armada'' Giga-Cons, the "Powerlinx" redeco of Jetfire adds quite a lot more color to his deco, with large swathes of blue and bright highlights. This release uses the altered, countdown-less sound effects.

: Powerlinx Jetfire was not part of the regular Takara ''Legends of the Microns'' line, but was released in Japan as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] "[[USA Edition]]", in Hasbro packaging with stickers to relay important legal information in Japanese.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Powerlinx Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Category:Clones]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Fan Club-original characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Unicron Trilogy characters]]

Spacewarp clone

2021-12-01T11:09:30Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Armada */ Added info on Powerlinx Jetfire from Jetfire page.

{{noname-nickname}}
:''Spacewarp's clone is a [[Transformer]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''
[[File:PL Jetfire toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Even Spacewarp's clone has to be a redeco of Jetfire.]]
When you're relentlessly being hunted by [[Spacewarp]] the bounty hunter, fight back by creating '''Spacewarp's clone'''.

==Fiction==
===Spacewarp's Log===
While Spacewarp was hunting fugitive A'ovan warlord [[Pya'dorus the Pitiless]] on [[Tharkoros II]], his allies the [[Clonemaster]]s created a clone of Spacewarp to fight her off. When Spacewarp arrived at the Clonemasters' high sanctum to apprehend Pya'dorus, he was ready with the remote-controlled clone of her. Spacewarp fought her double for a while until she maneuvered the clone into accidentally destroying the master cloning apparatus. This rendered Spacewarp's clone inert and A'ovan's own clones self-aware, and in the chaos Spacewarp grabbed her quarry and escaped. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Spacewarp's Log (1), 2015/10/31}}

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
*'''Powerlinx Jetfire with Comettor''' (Giga-Con, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Comettor Mini-Con, electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles and a shield
{{note|The "Powerlinx" deco of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#Powerlinx|Jetfire]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as a clone of Spacewarp.}}

: Released in the fifth and final wave of ''Armada'' Giga-Cons, the "Powerlinx" redeco of Jetfire adds quite a lot more color to his deco, with large swathes of blue and bright highlights. This release uses the altered, countdown-less sound effects.

: Powerlinx Jetfire was not part of the regular Takara ''Legends of the Microns'' line, but was released in Japan as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] "[[USA Edition]]", in Hasbro packaging with stickers to relay important legal information in Japanese.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Powerlinx Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Category:Clones]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Fan Club-original characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Unicron Trilogy characters]]

Spacewarp clone

2021-12-01T11:08:41Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Armada */

{{noname-nickname}}
:''Spacewarp's clone is a [[Transformer]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''
[[File:PL Jetfire toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Even Spacewarp's clone has to be a redeco of Jetfire.]]
When you're relentlessly being hunted by [[Spacewarp]] the bounty hunter, fight back by creating '''Spacewarp's clone'''.

==Fiction==
===Spacewarp's Log===
While Spacewarp was hunting fugitive A'ovan warlord [[Pya'dorus the Pitiless]] on [[Tharkoros II]], his allies the [[Clonemaster]]s created a clone of Spacewarp to fight her off. When Spacewarp arrived at the Clonemasters' high sanctum to apprehend Pya'dorus, he was ready with the remote-controlled clone of her. Spacewarp fought her double for a while until she maneuvered the clone into accidentally destroying the master cloning apparatus. This rendered Spacewarp's clone inert and A'ovan's own clones self-aware, and in the chaos Spacewarp grabbed her quarry and escaped. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Spacewarp's Log (1), 2015/10/31}}

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
*'''Powerlinx Jetfire with Comettor''' (Giga-Con, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Comettor Mini-Con, electronic shuttle engine/gun, 2 missiles and a shield
{{note|The "Powerlinx" deco of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#Powerlinx|Jetfire]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as a clone of Spacewarp.}}

: Released in the fifth and final wave of ''Armada'' Giga-Cons, the "Powerlinx" redeco of Jetfire adds quite a lot more color to his deco, with large swathes of blue and bright highlights. This release uses the altered, countdown-less sound effects.

: Powerlinx Jetfire was not part of the regular Takara ''Legends of the Microns'' line, but was released in Japan as a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] "[[USA Edition]]", in Hasbro packaging with stickers to relay important legal information in Japanese.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Powerlinx Jetfire at TFU.info]''

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXJetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Powerlinx Jetfire at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Category:Clones]]
[[Category:Drones]]
[[Category:Fan Club-original characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Unicron Trilogy characters]]

Skyfall (Cybertron)

2021-06-01T08:44:21Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Added information about new name.

{{factions|nexusprime|velocitron|autobot|sgDecepticon}}
{{disambig3|Skyfall}}
{{featured}}
:''Skyfall is an [[Autobot]] first seen in the [[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Skyfallut.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|...I? OH! So ''that's'' where I left my binoculars!]]
'''Skyfall''' knows he's different from his fellow [[Velocitron]]ians. He's unengaged by their need for speed, and so he has taken up the role of a lone explorer, charting distant star systems in his ship, the ''[[Flash Frenzy (Cybertron)|Flash Frenzy]]''. He knows he must be far older than most, if not all, of his peers, though he shows no sign of age. But most of all, he has the inescapable feeling that he's missing a clue to [[Nexus Prime|some lost, legendary past]] to which he deeply believes he was linked, a mystery that haunts him more than any other.

Another of Skyfall's enigmas is his strange but helpful ability. When his life is threatened or when he's under stress, Skyfall involuntarily envelopes his body in an impenetrable force field. The universe must be looking out for him, or at least has mixed feelings about him, as it keeps drawing him into grand adventures for which he has no patience. Civil war? [[Unicron]]? [[Transcendent Technomorph|Alternate universes]]? Thanks, but no thanks! Skyfall feels like he can only escape from one cosmic, galaxy-threatening annoyance just to find himself facing another!

Later he becomes known as '''Skytop'''.

{{quote|This dimension ''sucks!''|Skyfall bemoans his latest adventure|"[[Transcendent: Part 2]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Fun Publications comics===
[[File:Skyfallineedhim.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Needy much?]]
Skyfall was once part of the multiversal singularity known as [[Nexus Prime]] of the [[Thirteen]]. In order to prevent the power of the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] from falling into the wrong hands, Nexus Prime split himself and the Saber into pieces, scattering them throughout the [[multiverse]]. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

Skyfall came to forget his origins, and settled on Speed Planet, though his interests were at complete odds with the rest of the populace. On one of his refueling trips back planet-side, Skyfall heard talk of mysterious visitors from the planet Cybertron. This triggered within him a brief flash of memory, which convinced him that he needed to travel to the distant world for answers on his past. He packed up the ''[[Flash Frenzy (Cybertron)|Flash Frenzy]]'' and left immediately. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 4|Skyfall's profile in Club magazine #4}} But upon arriving on Cybertron, he found no answers... instead, he crossed paths with [[Scorponok (Energon)|Dark Scorponok]]. {{storylink|Balancing Act, Part 2}} Though Skyfall's force fields protected him from this adversary, Dark Scorponok managed to bury him and his force field under rubble. After he escaped from the [[zombie]], he was taken in by [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]], who claimed to know him. {{storylink|Balancing Act, Part 3}} Ramjet promised to tell Skyfall about his past if Skyfall helped him achieve his objective. {{storylink|Balancing Act, Part 4}} {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 1}} While Skyfall came to the aid of [[Downshift (Energon)|another 'bot]] caught up in Ramjet's mad machinations, [[Vector Prime]] came to destroy the deranged servant of Unicron. {{storylink|Balancing Act, Pt 5}} Despite Skyfall protecting him with his force field powers, Ramjet was lost in a fold of the fabric of space. {{storylink|Revelations Part 1}} Before Vector Prime departed, he had [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] bring him to the Chamber of Alpha Trion for repairs, and instructed [[Sentinel Maximus]] to guard Skyfall with his life. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

Over the next several [[Units of time|gigacycles]], Skyfall helped Sentinel Maximus repair [[Vector Sigma]], Sentinel Maximus was impressed with Skyfall's ingenuity with energon circuits and quantum circuitry. As they worked, Over-Run discovered an engraving in an ancient energon pool, and it seemed to depict Skyfall with four other warriors... but the engraving was twenty-five million cycles old! After receiving a distress call from the [[Mini-Con Council of Sages]], Sentinel Maximus took Skyfall to help quell the [[Mini-Con]] civil war on one of Cybertron's moons. {{storylink|Revelations Part 4}} There, Skyfall met a kindred spirit in a Decepticon named [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], unwittingly working for [[Unicron]]. When the Chaos-Bringer himself joined the fray, Skyfall bemoaned the fact that he had once more gotten himself in a conflict beyond his scope. A stray shot hit a reserve of pure energon near both Skyfall and Landquake, and both 'bots agreed to put aside allegiances for the time being, and work in tandem to prevent the fuel from exploding. {{storylink|Revelations Part 5}} A blast managed to slip through Skyfall's defenses, and the resulting conflagration engulfed the pair... but they were left unharmed! However, they now found themselves in unfamiliar surroundings; the explosion had somehow transported Skyfall and Landquake to [[Primax 207.0 Epsilon|an alternate universe]], where they found themselves at the feet of [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Revelations Part 6}}

[[File:Clubcombinercarving.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Great, now he can stop singing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."]] Both Skyfall and Landquake attempted to protect some [[human]]s from the tyrant until the local Autobots arrived. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 1}} After the subsequent battle between Megatron and Optimus Prime's troops, Skyfall was carried off by the Autobots and Landquake by the Decepticons. The Autobots took Skyfall with them (babysat by [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]]) to [[South America]], where more fighting happened.

After the two fell into a cave, {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}} Skyfall was reunited with Landquake. Cliffjumper accused Skyfall of treason and fired at them both, but the blast inadvertently awoke the site's guardian, [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]]. Before a proper introduction could be given, they all came under attack from [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], but the attackers were defeated and fell into the site's mysterious energon pools. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 4}}

As Skyfall and Landquake marveled at the pool of [[Rarified Energon]], they heard a voice. The [[Caretaker]] began speaking of the destiny of Skyfall, Landquake, and Breakaway. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}} Skyfall and his new partners were told of how they were once part of [[Nexus Prime|a Prime]], one charged with protecting and maintaining the universe's supply of energon. But their group was not yet complete. The Caretaker urged them to proceed through a transwarp portal, on the other side of which they would meet the next member of their group. Reluctantly, Cliffjumper followed them. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

On the other side, they arrived in [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|yet another alternate universe]], yet mysteriously without Cliffjumper. They found themselves in [[Axiom Nexus]], a multiversal hub located on a particularly old Cybertron inhabited by [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s. At first they were greeted by [[Cheetor (TransTech)|Cheetor]] and [[Silverbolt (TransTech)|Silverbolt]], but they were quickly sorted through processing, and ultimately the three were handed over to [[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] to help them integrate into Axiom Nexus society until they were able to leave. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 1}}

[[File:Alphatrionceilingofcorpses.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|He's never seen so many dead hookers in all his life.]]
However, in the alleys of the city, Breakaway was snatched away from behind them. Skyfall and Landquake's first impulse was to hunt him down, but Alpha Trion convinced them not to do so. The TransTech must have taken him, he insisted, and the only way to get Breakaway back was to follow Alpha Trion back to his lab. Their guide explained that the TransTech were jealous and condescending creatures who feared superior technology, but he had devised a way to get the better of them, and it had to do with the hundreds of corpses hanging from his ceiling! {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 2}} Skyfall raged at this insanity and pulled his gun on their guide. His outburst was interrupted by [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]], Alpha Trion's aide, who explained that these were not corpses, but test subjects. Their [[spark]]s were safe elsewhere, as Topspin's special ability was moving sparks from body to body.

Skyfall was not entirely convinced, however. He demanded that Alpha Trion stop playing with sparks. It was just creepy, you know? Alpha Trion ignored him and talked of the coming battle. He said that if he should fall, then Skyfall should take up Alpha Trion's sword. This sword, which used to belong to a Decepticon named [[Slaughter]], influenced the bearer to do horrible, terrible things, and only a Transformer strong of spark could resist the temptation. Learning this did nothing to help Skyfall's unease. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 3}}

Skyfall and Landquake took a short walk through the markets of Axiom Nexus to discuss their situation. Skyfall was certain of Alpha Trion's insanity, but Landquake thought they should use him, at least in the short term, to get Breakaway back. Landquake also questioned whether Skyfall was ready to take this next step. If they were part of a long-lost combiner group, would they lose themselves into the whole once reunited as one? When they returned to Alpha Trion's lab, [[Nightscream (TransTech)|Nightscream]] arrived, having learned of Breakaway's location. Alpha Trion readied his acolytes for battle. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}}

[[File:Skyfallwontbethereforit.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Where's your invincible force field now, eh?]]
SHRAKADOOM! Alpha Trion, Skyfall, and the others blasted their way into the [[Transwarp Complex]] where [[Shockwave (TransTech)|Shockwave]]'s lab was located. As casualties began to mount, Alpha Trion reminded Skyfall that this was what the sword's influence made one do. But Alpha Trion met [[Megatron (TransTech)|Megatron]] in battle, freeing Skyfall and Landquake to grab Breakaway from Shockwave's operating table. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 5}}

As Megatron turned his attention on [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]], Skyfall and the others met up with Alpha Trion and began to make their way towards their destination, a dimensional gate in the [[Transit Room]]. As they fled, Alpha Trion began to tell Skyfall that he knew more about him than he had originally let on. For the first time in his adventures, Skyfall wasn't very interested in his past; rather, he chose to focus on staying alive. But Alpha Trion's monologue couldn't be deterred. "Primus is calling his sons home," he explained. Skyfall's guidance would be pertinent in the challenges ahead. Unfortunately, that was Alpha Trion's problem. Running his sword through the Autobot's spark, Alpha Trion felled Skyfall and ordered Nightscream to carry the body through the portal. Skyfall's conscience would no longer be in the way of Alpha Trion's ultimate designs. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 6}}

As soon as Alpha Trion's group materialized through the portal in [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|Trion's home reality]], Landquake demanded to know what happened to Skyfall. Trion attempted to brush him off before claiming that Skyfall had been shot from behind during the escape from the lab. However, Breakaway discovered that Skyfall's wound was inflicted by an energy blade. Further questioning was halted when the three dimensional travelers and Topspin were taken captive as part of Alpha Trion's insane plans. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 1}} Now knowing Trion to be a madman, Landquake, Breakaway and Topspin managed to escape with Skyfall's body. Weeks later, the group was holed up in another abandoned facility, trying to use their respective powers to revive Skyfall, but failing to succeed. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 2}} As the group came under attack from [[Computron (SG)|Computron]], they made a run for it, carrying Skyfall's body along, and eventually making their way to the Decepticons' base of operations. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 4}}

[[File:Reunification5-arisenexusprime.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|"Oh, thank God it's not the dildo name!"]]
A breakthrough would not occur until after the assassination of the local [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]. Landquake and the others had been introduced to the fifth of their number, [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]], and Breakaway believed with their powers combined, they could resurrect the Decepticon leader. But amidst their combined energy, their lifeforces were transported to a dimension in which Skyfall appeared to them. A voice called out to (a reasonably indignant) Skyfall and the others, telling them that they had a choice. They could either die and live forever, or live and fade away into obscurity. "That's a sucky choice!" Skyfall countered, but ultimately the five made their decision. The voice boomed: "Arise, Nexus Prime." {{storylink|Reunification: Part 5}}

After being reborn, Nexus Prime found himself in a battle with the Autobot superweapon [[Omega Doom]]. When Omega shot a missile into Cybertron's sun, Nexus Prime had to follow to repair the sun before it went nova. The Decepticon parts of his mind wanted to stay on Cybertron to fight, but were overridden by the Skyfall and Breakaway parts of him who knew that all of Cybertron would burn unless the sun was healed.

After Nexus was successful in repairing the sun and defeating Omega Doom, Cliffjumper bid the Skyfall and Landquake parts of him goodbye, as he stepped through a [[stellar spanner]] to whatever his fate would be next... {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}

Skyfall returned as part of Nexus Prime's components to stop [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] from misusing the [[Terminus Blade]]. {{storylink|Restoration}} Nexus Prime brought together the Terminus Blade and the reunified Star Saber, using them rewrite the rules of the multiverse. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

After the [[Shrouding]], Skyfall was reincarnated as a natural resident of the negative polarity universe named Skytop, along with his teammates Heatwave, [[Spinaway]], [[Landfall]], and [[Quakebreak]]. Working as menial laborers, Skytop and the team seemed to have no first hand knowledge of their previous incarnation, although Aquarius apparently maintained the awareness to tell them the legend of the Prime of Combination they once were. Skytop and his comrades desperately wanted some quest to prove they were as worthy as the original Nexus Prime, and eventually stole the shuttle ''[[Buoyancy]]'' to make their own way in the universe. {{storylink|Coalescence}}

==Toys==
===''Cybertron''===
[[File:Skyfallcybertrontoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|A see-through Rattler.]]
*'''Skyfall''' (Basic, [[2005]])
**''Accessories'': Energon rifle, energon chip

:Skyfall is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Sky Shadow (Energon)|Sky Shadow]]/[[Terradive (Energon)|Terradive]] mold, transforming into an A-10 attack aircraft. (In fact, he was shipped with a copy of ''Terradive's'' instructions.) He is also capable of forming a limb to any combination of ''Energon''-style combiners, but he is specifically intended to combine with [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]], [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]], and [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] to form [[Nexus Prime|Nexus Maximus]].

:Skyfall was the first [[exclusive]] toy from the [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]], given away free as an "early bird" to people who registered before a certain date. He was later made available for sale on their web-store and at [[BotCon]].

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Fireflight (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)| Fireflight]] and [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)/toys#Universe (2008)|Skydive]], and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Fireflight (ROTF)|Fireflight]] and [[Skydive (Movie)#Toys|Skydive]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Skyfall/skyfall.htm More information on Skyfall at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
*The force field that protects Skyfall has withstood all but two things: [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|''Classics'' Megatron]]'s [[fusion cannon]] and nutty [[Alpha Trion (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Alpha Trion]]'s sword. It ''did'' save him from repeated blasts from [[Unicron]], though. Either Megatron and Alpha Trion are pretty impressive, or Unicron made a pretty embarrassing showing! Although Unicron wasn't aiming at him at the time, so he might not have stood a full on blast.
*Skyfall's toy [[instructions]] are identical to those of his mold-mate ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Terradive (Energon)|Terradive]], complete with the ''Energon'' logo, Terradive's name and his combiner team component number "A3".
* The names of the reincarnated members of Nexus Prime (sans Heatwave) are the combinations of the names of two of the original members. In Skytop's case, his name is a combination of '''Sky'''fall and '''Top'''spin.

[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Fan Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Fan Club-original characters]]
[[Category:Nexus Prime components]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:Velocitron]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Decepticons]]

Landquake (Timelines)

2021-06-01T08:42:53Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Added information about new name.

{{factions|nexusprime|decepticon|sgDecepticon}}
{{disambig2|the ''Cybertron'' Decepticon|the ''Energon'' Autobot|Landquake (Energon)}}
:''Landquake is a [[Decepticon]] first seen in the [[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Landquaketimelines.jpg|thumb|upright=2.1|I caught one this big.]]

'''Landquake''' has always been an unusual [[Decepticon]] at best. While he does possess a 'Con-like pragmatic craftiness, interest in battle, and instinctive distrust of anyone other than himself and his friends, he finds the constant in-fighting and bloodthirsty selfishness of the faction wearying. He also possesses a mastery of [[energon]] that some say goes past the capabilities of the [[Omnicon]]s and [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]], to almost supernatural levels of power. He can shape it in any number of ways, ranging from forging weapons and shielding (even against explosions) to powering his own systems, all with a touch of his hands, or sometimes with telekinetic force alone.

He had joined the Decepticons mainly because he had become bored with his job as an energon refinement specialist in [[Kalis]], after he caught wind of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s raids of [[Mini-Con]] villages. He had hoped it would give him the military discipline he craved, and his short attention span—combined with his daydreams for glory and adventure—further made him susceptible to the lure of Megatron's campaign. However, he soon found that Megatron was actually only interested in his own solipsistic plans, and Landquake once again became bored and disillusioned.

Then a chance meeting with the [[Autobot]] [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]] finally showed him that his restlessness, unusual powers, and strange yearnings might mean he had a great purpose after all. He now finds himself with a new direction in life—to find out more about this [[Nexus Prime|ancient combiner]] he apparently is a part of, seek out the [[Breakaway (Classics)|rest of]] [[Topspin (Classics)|his gestalt]] [[Heatwave (Timelines)|brethren]], and claim his destiny.

Later he becomes known as '''Landfall'''.

{{quote|"Whatever it is, it is what we were created for. It is our duty, and if duty calls for our deaths, then they will be deaths worth dying." "Guy, that is the least encouraging pep talk I've ever been given."|Landquake's 'Con motivational methods and Skyfall's 'Bot sensibilities don't mix well|"[[Transcendent: Part 4]]"|noquote=true}}
{{--}}

==Fiction==
===Fun Publications comics===
[[File:Landquakeskyfall.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0|Where do I remember you from? Oh, right, you were the other leg.]]
Landquake was once part of the multiversal singularity known as [[Nexus Prime]] of the [[Thirteen]]. In order to prevent the power of the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] from falling into the wrong hands, Nexus Prime split himself and the Saber into pieces, scattering them throughout the [[multiverse]]. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

Landquake started out as an Energon flow analyst at the Kalis refineries, but joined Megatron's army at the beginning of the Cybertronian Civil War in the hope that they would help him achieve the greater destiny he envisioned for himself. After centuries of service, he started to become disillusioned with the cause, seeing it as little more than a vehicle for his leader's ego. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 11|Landquake's profile in Club magazine #11}}

During the [[Mini-Con civil war]], Landquake was enlisted by the [[Decepticon]]-aligned [[Mini-Con]]s to build a cannon designed to destroy the [[Autobot]]-aligned headquarters of the [[Mini-Con Council of Sages]] from afar. The Council of Sages drafted a handful of Autobots to their cause, among them the recent Velocitronian transplant [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], who recognized Landquake immediately. Skyfall, who was desperate to discover his forgotten past, had been shown ancient markings on the walls of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s energon pools that resembled the forms of him and Landquake. Despite instantly attacking the Autobot, Landquake sensed a kinship as well. {{storylink|Revelations Part 4}}

Any conversation worth having was suddenly delayed by the arrival of [[Unicron]], the Chaos-Bringer himself. Raw [[energon]] from Landquake's constructed cannon spilled free in the firefight, threatening to annihilate them all if a stray spark from all the laser fire caught it. Skyfall used his impenetrable force field to shield Landquake while the latter used his energon manipulating abilities to safely gather up the energon and dispose of it. {{storylink|Revelations Part 5}} {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 1}}

Despite having only just met, the duo began to bicker like an old married couple as Skyfall desperately attempted to shield Landquake while he performed his energy-to-matter state changes. A stray shot finally slipped through, however, and a massive explosion rocked the debris field, leaving no trace of Landquake and Skyfall. The energon explosion somehow rocketed them through space-time, causing the pair to crash-materialize on Earth in [[Primax 207.0 Epsilon|another dimension]]...right at the feet of [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Revelations Part 6}}

Landquake was shaky from the explosion that triggered his dimensional hop, and couldn't understand why Skyfall kept calling the unfamiliar robot before him "Megatron". It was surely no Megatron Landquake had ever served under before. The Autobot symbol on Skyfall's body drew Megatron's ire, and it only got worse when Skyfall began firing on the Decepticon leader to protect the human [[Armored Robot Hunters|RUNT]] soldiers. Landquake barely had enough time to begin processing his current situation when Megatron hauled him off after [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots arrived to tilt the odds. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 1}}

Back at the crashed ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', Megatron held Landquake prisoner until his claims could be properly verified. Neural and bio-mechanical analysis by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] confirmed Landquake's story to Megatron's satisfaction. Furthermore, Scrapper detected a massive source of energon that just turned up on their sensors at the same time Landquake arrived in their dimension. The energon also produced a radiation wavelength identical to the internal energon bleed off from Landquake's own systems. Intrigued, Megatron assembled the Decepticons to investigate. He imposed his will upon Landquake, declaring that the traveling Decepticon would serve him here as he had in his own universe, or perish. Landquake instantly agreed.

Internally, however, Landquake was conflicted by his actions. Although he was well aware that to defy Megatron, ''any'' Megatron, was to court death, Landquake began to recognize that he had a greater destiny at hand than merely being another Decepticon stooge. On the flight to [[South America]] aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Landquake resolved that he had other concerns than power and conquest, and his future rested on finding Skyfall again and, with him, answers to the questions nagging at his very being. {{storylink|Crossing Over, Part 2}}

As the Autobots and Decepticons crossed paths in South America, Landquake remained in the shadows, avoiding any direct combat for Megatron's cause. He sensed Skyfall's presence, but was unable to personally locate him until [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'s massive feet accidentally caused a cave-in, dropping Landquake into the caverns below with Skyfall and his Autobot escort, [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]]. Eager to slag some 'Cons, Cliffjumper drew his pistol and leveled his aim to blast Landquake before he could recover. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 3}}

Skyfall lept to defend the helpless Landquake and, as Cliffjumper prepared to fire on the supposed traitor, a second cave-in carried the trio even deeper underground. Landquake found himself in the presence of a pool of [[Rarified Energon]], and several ancient carvings which appeared to depict him, Skyfall, and a third Transformer. Faced with their first brief moment of peace together, Landquake and Skyfall finally exchanged names, and agreed to work together to uncover the secrets of their shared past. Cliffjumper had landed with a huge rock atop his leg, but even damaged his single-minded nature caused him to draw and fire upon the pair from his position on the ground. Skyfall's force field protected them, but the ricochet triggered a reaction in the pool of Rarified Energon. At the end of his patience with the Autobot, Landquake suggested they eliminate Cliffjumper for practical reasons before proceeding further. Skyfall voiced his disapproval of the idea...as did another robot who appeared from thin air to tap them from behind.

Landquake whirled and drew upon the sudden intruder, only to see a robot much like himself and Skyfall having emerged from the third carving. Calling himself [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]], this Autobot preached the doctrine of peace, and demonstrated energon manipulating powers of his own as he healed Cliffjumper's leg with only a touch. The [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette]]s arrived at that moment, forcing the growing group to retreat further into the sanctuary. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 4}}

As the others looked around for a way out, Landquake eyed the Rarified Energon with a hunger only a Decepticon could understand. He once again contemplated his new role in existence, and acknowledged that his place in these Decepticons would be assured if he turned this energon over to Megatron. Any thoughts of betrayal faded after Skyfall accidentally triggered a secret passageway in the wall. The pull of something greater than himself or the Decepticon cause led Landquake to abandon the energon and press forward. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}}

Beyond the passageway, Landquake, Skyfall and Breakaway were met by the [[Caretaker]] super-computer. Its chaos-entangled supersymmetric twelve-dimensional processing power impressed even the scientifically inclined Landquake. The Caretaker explained itself to be an autonomous terminal for the [[Vector Sigma]] network gestalt, extending across countless universal nodes. According to the Caretaker, Landquake, Skyfall and Breakaway were three parts of a Prime, one of the [[Thirteen|thirteen original Transformers]] created by [[Primus]], each dedicated to a specific task. The Prime they were components of was the Guardian of Rarified Energon, energon in its purest form which served as an essential building block of Transformer life and conduit for Primus's spiritual energy. Landquake and his comrades were then charged with fulfilling their destiny of reunification, and the Caretaker sent them on their way to a new dimension to find the fourth component of their greater self. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

[[File:Landquake&ArmedStatue Transcendent1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Gives new meaning to the term "crotch rocket", doesn't it?]]
Landquake, Skyfall, and [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]] emerged from the [[Caretaker]]'s [[space bridge]] in [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|a strange and unfamiliar place]] (with Cliffjumper now nowhere to be found). Landquake told Skyfall that he would guess they were on Cybertron, except that he had never before seen such a city there. One of the city's inhabitants, [[Silverbolt (TransTech)|Silverbolt]], greeted them with an explanation that they were in [[Axiom Nexus]], and that they needed to go with him to "Processing". Landquake disliked the idea of being "processed" greatly, but the statues surrounding them bearing armed weapons convinced him to go along regardless.

As they were led along, Silverbolt explained further about Axiom Nexus and how the three travelers had arrived there. Landquake asked if the city had a Caretaker they could consult with, but Silverbolt was unfamiliar with the term. He told them that, once they were processed, their assigned guide [[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] could possibly help instead.

After they had finished with Processing, Landquake complained that he was even less comfortable with the [[identification bolt]]s they all had been forced to wear. Alpha Trion arrived in time to overhear the comment, and told them they would get used to the bolts. Landquake and the others followed Trion as their new guide explained Axiom Nexus and the [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s further, and led them off to go the "[[Lowtech|outworlder]]" sections of the city. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 1}}

As they stepped onto a lift to the lower parts of the city, Landquake and Skyfall were alarmed to find that Breakaway had gone missing at some point. Landquake threatened Trion with his guns when Trion tried to restrain them from taking off to look for him, but relented when Trion explained that Breakaway had been taken by the TransTech, and he would help them with their rescue.

Trion explained as he led the two along that the TransTech were dangerous oppressors who were hijacking outworlders, and Trion and his followers were freedom fighters from peaceful dimensions. As Trion went on ahead, Landquake noted to Skyfall that he didn't trust Trion, and Trion's story had too many holes for the Decepticon's liking, although he didn't trust the TransTech either.

...then, when they finally caught up to Trion, he showed them his lovely collection of corpses. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 2}}

As Skyfall reacted in horror to the corpses, he and Landquake were introduced to [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]], and Topspin and Trion explained that the Transformers' [[spark]]s had actually been transferred "safely" out of their bodies and into either containment or other bodies. Landquake pressed for more details, skeptical that sparks could really be transferred between bodies. When Topspin demonstrated his abilities, Landquake was fascinated by the lethal possibilities. However, he was less-than-impressed by Topspin's expressions of fanatic loyalty to Trion, and glossed over it by asking more details about the transfer process instead. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 3}}

Later on, Landquake and Skyfall discussed their situation while walking around Axiom Nexus. They both thought Trion was crazy, especially since Landquake knew Trion's claim they were hijacked was untrue, since he was sure that Topspin was the one the Caretaker had sent them to find. He proposed they pretend to go along with Trion's plans for their own reasons, to rescue Breakaway and prove Trion's beliefs wrong, so they could shatter Topspin's loyalty and steal him away. Skyfall seemed to find the plan quintessentially Decepticon.

They then discussed the underlying purpose of their quest, about their apparently being part of a combiner. Landquake was disturbed by the implication from the Caretaker that finding their purpose might somehow end their individual lives, yet he felt that it would be worth it regardless, if it meant fulfilling the cosmic duty he had been searching for all along. Skyfall found the thought of dying a bit... less than reassuring himself, and suggested they head back to Trion's headquarters. There they bided their time until word came that Breakaway had been found in [[Shockwave (TransTech)|Shockwave]]'s laboratory, near a dimensional gate to Trion's [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|home universe]], and Trion made plans for everyone to attack. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}}

They were successful in their initial entry to the [[Transwarp Complex]], and Trion had Landquake, Skyfall, and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]] follow him to where Breakaway was being held. As they pressed forward, Skyfall was disturbed by the violence of Trion's attack, and Landquake lectured him that he should have known it would happen. Nevertheless, he still gave Skyfall a comforting gesture as they kept moving.

Once they reached the laboratory proper, Landquake and Skyfall moved to help Breakaway while the others battled [[Megatron (TransTech)|Megatron]] and Shockwave. Landquake sensed that Breakaway would survive the injuries Shockwave had inflicted on him, but needed to be taken to safety to heal properly. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 5}} He carried Breakaway along as they all made their escape from the laboratory to the dimensional transit room, and he and Breakaway were then ushered through the gate by [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]... {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 6}}

...as he came out of the other side of the gate in [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|Trion's home reality]], Landquake found himself and most of the others in a disused laboratory. When Trion came through the gate soon after with Skyfall's newly-dead body, Landquake demanded that Trion tell him what had happened. Trion ignored the repeated inquiries in favor of issuing orders, until Landquake physically forced the Autobot to acknowledge him. Trion paused, then relented and claimed that Skyfall had been shot from behind as they went through the gate.

Landquake then briefly hid along with the others when Topspin noticed that an [[Downshift (SG)|Autobot scout]] was approaching. After surprising the scout and striking him down with his sword, Trion ordered Landquake to clean up the body. Landquake refused, however, saying he refused to take Trion's orders, that the killing contradicted Trion's claim that his world was at peace, and that he wanted some answers. Trion condescendingly dismissed Landquake's demands and reiterated his orders. Breakaway then interrupted, reporting that Skyfall's wound had been caused by a blade rather than gunfire. Trion decided to change tactics upon hearing that, and Landquake soon found himself, Breakaway, and Topspin held captive by [[:Category:Alpha Trion's acolytes|Trion's acolytes]]. Trion then revealed his true plans for Landquake's group—to use them as tools for his plans for personal conquest, then kill them. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 1}}

Landquake asked why Trion didn't just kill them now, and Trion explained that "reunification" wouldn't work with all of them dead. Landquake then quietly plotted with Breakaway and Topspin to make an escape. When [[Dirge (SG)|his captor]] asked what he was whispering about, Landquake explained about his energon-shaping powers, and how he could use them in limited ways from a distance... such as telekinetically creating an energon spear to impale [[Perceptor (SG)|Breakaway's captor]] through the spark. Landquake then shot his own captor in the legs and threw out smoke bombs to cover their escape with Skyfall's body.

[[File:LandquakeTopspinBreakawayRollOut Reunification2.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Apparently being part of a Prime grants Decepticons "[[roll out]]" privileges.]]
He yelled to Topspin that he had been betrayed, and should follow them in escaping, but Topspin was nowhere to be seen as they reached the outside. Landquake told Breakaway they should keep moving, but Topspin eventually emerged, asking if they would help him get revenge on Alpha Trion. Landquake pointed out that survival was more important, but he would help if the opportunity ever presented itself, if only to avenge Skyfall. He then ordered the three to [[Roll out|transform and roll out]].

[[Units of time|Millicycles]] later, the three were holed up in a derelict building with some [[Empty|empties]], with Breakaway and Topspin looking to Landquake for guidance. Landquake was adamantly against the suggestions of going to either [[Megatron (SG)|this universe's Megatron]] or back to Alpha Trion. He also protested against them acting like he was their leader, since his first idea—to use their powers to resurrect Skyfall—had thus far failed. Also, unlike Skyfall, he had no clear idea of what to do next. Breakaway tried to give Landquake a pep talk, until Topspin reported that something strange had just happened. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 2}}

The "something strange" turned out to be their latest visitor, [[Aquarius (SG)|Aquarius]], having encased them all in a [[slow time]] bubble. The strange alien explained that ''he'' was actually the one who had brought them to their current universe, and he was there to help them. Landquake pulled the others aside and complained that Aquarius seemed crazy and disquieting, but they convinced Landquake to listen to him regardless, so he returned and asked Aquarius to explain further.

After Aquarius explained that the Autobots were creating a dangerous superweapon called [[Omega Doom]], Landquake asked what that had to do with them, as surely the three of them wouldn't be successful if even Megatron couldn't stop the superweapon. He was just confused further by Aquarius telling him that with Skyfall's body and their [[Heatwave (Timelines)|fifth member]]—who was with Megatron—they ''would'' stand a chance. He was also even less happy about learning that [[Computron (SG)|Computron]] was about to rip the roof off their hideout. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 3}}

[[File:LandquakeBlindsSGComputron Reunification4.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The reason he is remolding Computron's head is [[Landquake (Timelines)#Notes|because of financial spill-over.]]]]
Landquake ordered the others to make a run for it, then fired at Computron's optics to blind him temporarily, before catching up. As the others asked where they should go, Landquake reluctantly proposed they talk to the resident Megatron after all.

As they made a run for the Decepticon base, Aquarius continued his explanation to Landquake. He had activated a [[Vector Sigma]] recall program for a warrior to defeat Omega Doom, which had delivered Landquake and his friends as the response. Landquake then was surprised by almost running headlong into [[Abominus (SG)|Abominus]]'s foot, and briefly panicked, until the combiner waved them all on while he dealt with Computron.

Once they reached the base's entrance, Landquake was greeted by Megatron and finally reunited with the wayward Cliffjumper. Landquake explained the situation to the Decepticons once they were all seated inside the base, and Megatron brought out [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] and introduced him to Landquake's group. Then everything went south as [[Cyclonus (SG)|Cyclonus]] assassinated Megatron on Alpha Trion's orders. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 4}}

Landquake had no idea what to do, until Breakaway suggested they try to revive Megatron. Landquake didn't think it would be any more successful than their attempt to revive Skyfall was, but Breakaway pointed out that Skyfall had been dead a while before they tried, and this time they had Heatwave to help. Landquake relented at this, and agreed to the experiment. As they started applying their energies to the body, Landquake felt uncomfortable and had a strange flashback to when he and Skyfall first met. He also heard Skyfall calling his name somehow...

Then he and the others were transported to a strange, white, featureless place, where Landquake was surprised to find that Skyfall was indeed alive. They were also greeted by Primus, who welcomed them home and gave the now-reunited gestalt a choice: to die, live as they currently were and eventually fade away, or be reborn as what they were meant to be. Landquake presumably chose along with the others to be "reborn", as Primus then commanded, "Arise, Nexus Prime." {{storylink|Reunification: Part 5}}

After being reborn, Nexus Prime finally entered the battle with Omega Doom he had been summoned for, as the Autobot superweapon had recently arrived. When Omega shot a missile into Cybertron's sun, Nexus Prime had to follow to repair the sun before it went nova. The part of his mind that was still Landquake wanted to stay on Cybertron to fight, but was overridden by the Skyfall and Breakaway parts of him who knew that all of Cybertron would burn unless the sun was healed.

After Nexus was successful in repairing the sun and defeating Omega Doom, Cliffjumper bid the Landquake and Skyfall parts of him goodbye, as he stepped through a [[stellar spanner]] to continue his search for the broken Star Saber. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}

Landquake returned as part of Nexus Prime's components to stop [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] from misusing the [[Terminus Blade]]. {{storylink|Restoration}} Nexus Prime brought together the Terminus Blade and the united Star Saber, using them rewrite the rules of the multiverse. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

After the [[Shrouding]], Landquake was reincarnated as a natural resident of the negative polarity universe named Landfall, along with his teammates Heatwave, [[Spinaway]], [[Quakebreak]], and [[Skytop]]. Working as menial laborers, Landfall and the team seemed to have no first hand knowledge of their previous incarnation, although Aquarius apparently maintained the awareness to tell them the legend of the Prime of Combination they once were. Landfall and his comrades desperately wanted some quest to prove they were as worthy as the original Nexus Prime, and eventually stole the shuttle ''[[Buoyancy]]'' to make their own way in the universe. {{storylink|Coalescence}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Timelines===
[[File:Landquake-FCtoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Candy tank!]]
*'''Landquake''' (Basic, [[2006]])
**''Accessories:'' Dual cannon/radar (combiner foot/hand), Decepticon-style [[energon star]]

:A [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Blight (Energon)|Blight]]/[[Kickback (Energon)|Kickback]] mold, Landquake transforms into an anti-aircraft tank similar to a {{w|Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard|Gepard}}. He has a clear-red [[energon star]] that can attach to most ''Energon''-series toy molds. He is also capable of forming a limb to any combination of ''Energon''-style combiners, but he is specifically intended to combine with [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]], [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]], and [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] to form [[Nexus Prime|Nexus Maximus]].

:Landquake was an [[exclusive]] to the [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]], given as an "incentive" freebie to members who had purchased a club membership between April 2005 and April 2006. He is also available for normal sale through Fun Publications' web store.

:This mold was also used to make [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'']] [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus Maximus]] team members [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] and [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and their ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' counterparts, [[Blast Off (ROTF)|Blast Off]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]. Another planned redeco, [[Movie (franchise)|movie]] [[Gunbarrel (Movie)|Gunbarrel]], was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/Landquake/landquake.htm More information on Landquake at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Landquake was originally intended to have a [[retool]]ed robot head. However, the Chinese factories that manufactured the new parts for the [[BotCon 2005]]'s "[[Descent into Evil]]" set had insisted on using a grade of steel for the molds that was prohibitively expensive; so while they went ahead with the convention toys' new molds to get them done for the show, for a toy that would largely be given away free, it was deemed unworkable. [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] was the only figure that ended up with a retooled part—the combiner head.
*Although Landquake does not appear in any ''[[Transformers Timelines (franchise)|Timelines]]''-designated stories, his instruction sheet was printed with the ''Timelines'' logo. [[Pete Sinclair]] has claimed this was probably a mistake, and the instructions should have had the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' logo.
* The names of the reincarnated members of Nexus Prime (sans Heatwave) are the combinations of the names of two of the original members. In Landfall's case, his name is a combination of '''Land'''quake and Sky'''fall'''.

[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Fan Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Fan Club-original characters]]
[[Category:Nexus Prime components]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Decepticons]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:TransTech Decepticons]]

Breakaway (Classics)

2021-06-01T08:41:44Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Added information about new name.

{{factions|nexusprime|autobot|sgDecepticon}}
{{disambig3|Breakaway}}
: ''Breakaway is an [[Autobot]] first seen in the [[Transformers: Classics|Classics]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Breakawaycrossingover.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly I'll do what it takes 'til I touch the sky]]
'''Breakaway''' doesn't remember much about his past, other than the hazy light and warmth of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] he left a long time ago. His present, in turn, only contains two certain bits of knowledge: that the pool of [[Rarified Energon]] he's slumbered by these millions of years on [[Earth]] is of the utmost importance and must be guarded closely, and that he can trust in the help of his [[Caretaker]] supercomputer. Ability-wise he is a gifted healer, able to use his almost supernatural powers of [[energon]] manipulation to repair even the most grievous of wounds. There are also the wounds of the spirit to deal with, which the good-natured [[Autobot]] tries to soothe with kind words and a (sometimes ''too'') trusting nature.

The full truth, however, is that Breakaway is part of [[Nexus Prime|an ancient combiner]], split apart long ago and its components scattered to the cosmos. Breakaway himself was sent to his current place and time by [[Primus]], and [[Vector Sigma]] created his supercomputer assistant.

And now that he has been awakened by [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|two of]] his [[Landquake (Timelines)|gestalt brethren]], Breakaway must leave the safety of his Caretaker and travel to find [[Topspin (Classics)|their group's]] [[Heatwave (Timelines)|remaining members]] and fulfill his true mission.

Later he becomes known as '''Quakebreak'''.

==Fiction==
===Fun Publications comics===
Breakaway was once part of the multiversal singularity known as [[Nexus Prime]] of the [[Thirteen]]. In order to prevent the power of the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] from falling into the wrong hands, Nexus Prime split himself and the Saber into pieces, scattering them throughout the multiverse. Heatwave ended up in the negative polarity universe. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

Eventually, Breakaway ended up on [[Earth]]. At the time, it was still a barren planet. His task was to defend the rarefied energon there, until Primus called him once more. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 16|Breakaway's profile in Club magazine #15}}

While in the midst of a battle in [[South America]], the Autobot [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and dimension-travelers [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]] and [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]] fell into an underground cavern containing a pool of [[Rarified Energon]]. The pool was overlooked by a mysterious stone slab, depicting images of Skyfall and Landquake alongside a third Transformer. When the triggerhappy Cliffjumper accidentally set off an explosion in the energon pool, the stone opened up to reveal a hidden [[CR chamber]] containing the third Transformer, Breakaway. Breakaway demonstrated his unique energon-manipulating abilities by healing Cliffjumper's injuries with a mere touch, and pleaded for peace inside the shrine. Non-violence is rarely an Autobot's lot, however, as the arrival of [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] forced the Transformers to flee deeper into the caverns. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 4}} {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 1}}

At Skyfall's approach, a portion of the wall opened up, and they were beckoned inside by a voice Breakaway identified as the [[Caretaker]]. Breakaway complied instinctively with the voice, and the suspicious Skyfall and Landquake soon followed. {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 5}}

The Caretaker had information about the trio's ultimate purpose, which even Breakway lacked. Like the other two, he had no memories about his early life, which the Caretaker attributed to a failure in his memory buffers to back-up after so many millions of years of experience. Indeed, Breakaway had not even left his CR Chamber to communicate with the Caretaker in some time. Regardless, there was no more time for talking about the past. Reunification was at hand, and the entire multiverse was at stake. The Caretaker informed Breakaway and his colleagues that they were three parts of one of the [[Thirteen|original Transformers]] created by [[Primus]], and it was necessary for them to reform for the sake of all Cybertronians. The Caretaker opened a portal to the next hop of their multi-dimensional journey to find another member of their group. The Autobots entered into the portal... {{storylink|Crossing Over: Part 6}}

...and arrived in a city the likes of which none of them had ever seen before. They were soon greeted by one of the city's residents, [[Silverbolt (TransTech)|Silverbolt]], who welcomed them to [[Axiom Nexus]]. He also asked them to come with him to Processing, and Breakaway followed unquestioningly. As they all walked along, Silverbolt explained how they had intercepted the travelers' dimensional transit, and routed them to their primary bleed facility.

Skyfall then suddenly noticed that Cliffjumper was no longer with them, and started to panic, accusing Silverbolt's people of having done something with him. Silverbolt told him that there had been an anomaly that wasn't their fault, and Cliffjumper had ended up somewhere else that they had no way of finding out about. Breakaway tried to calm Skyfall down as well, by saying that he "just knew" the [[Transcendent Technomorph]] official was telling the truth. Skyfall relented a little at that, and they kept going.

After Processing was finished, though, Breakaway agreed aloud with Landquake's comment that he found their new [[identification bolt]]s uncomfortable. They were overheard by their newly arrived assigned guide, [[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]], who assured that they would get used to the bolts eventually.

As they headed towards the "[[lowtech|outworlder]]" sections, Trion explained further about the city and its inhabitants. Breakaway only heard part of the commentary, however, as one of the "inhabitants" grabbed him quietly from behind, then shocked him offline. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 1}}

[[File:BreakawayShockwavesTable Transcendent2.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8|Shockwave really ''is'' only morally ambiguous, we swear. Just also slightly kinky.]]
When he came to, Breakaway found himself gagged and strapped down to an operating table in a laboratory in the [[Transwarp Complex]]. The laboratory's owner, [[Shockwave (TransTech)|Shockwave]], apologized for Breakaway's uncomfortable status. He explained that their studies showed that Breakaway was a highly advanced being who was both a potential threat to be defended from, and in possession of potentially useful abilities to copy. Shockwave then began at [[Megatron (TransTech)|Megatron]]'s orders what appeared to be a decidedly painful experimentation, assuring Breakaway that his suffering would be for a greater good... {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 2}}

As the unfortunate Autobot suffered in the laboratory, two separate plots revolved around his predicament. On the TransTechs' side, Megatron and Shockwave attempted to make a case to [[Ratbat (TransTech)|Ratbat]], [[Optimus Prime (TransTech)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Prowl (TransTech)|Prowl]]. They pointed out that Breakaway had numerous unique and advanced abilities they had never seen before, and that they should be allowed to experiment fully for the secrets it would teach them, even though the process would kill their subject. Meanwhile, Landquake, Skyfall, and [[:Category:Alpha Trion's acolytes|Alpha Trion's group]] learned where Breakaway was being held and made plans for a rescue. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 3}} {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}}

Alpha Trion's group was eventually successful in entering the Transwarp Complex, and Breakaway soon found himself looking up at the concerned faces of Skyfall and Landquake, as a battle between the rest of Trion's group and the TransTechs went on around them. Landquake sensed that Breakaway's wounds weren't fatal, but he would need to be taken to safety in order to heal properly. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 5}} Landquake carried Breakaway along as they made good their escape from the laboratory, to head to a nearby dimensional transit room. Once there, Breakaway and Landquake were ushered through the gate by [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]... {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 6}}

...and came out of the other side in a disused laboratory. Trion came through the gate soon after with Skyfall's newly-dead body, much to the dismay of both Breakaway and Landquake. The two moved Skyfall's body to a nearby table, and Breakaway examined it as Landquake pestered Trion for answers. Trion claimed that Skyfall had supposedly been shot while entering the gate.

Breakaway then briefly hid along with the others when Trion's technician and the fourth of Breakaway's "kin", [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]], noticed that an [[Downshift (SG)|Autobot scout]] was approaching. Trion surprised the scout and struck him down with his sword, then ordered Landquake to clean up the body. Landquake protested that Trion's act contradicted his claim that his world was at peace, and that he refused to take Trion's orders. As Trion started to counter, Breakaway interrupted with a report that Skyfall's wound had been caused by a blade rather than gunfire.

This caused Trion to change tactics, and Breakaway soon found himself, Landquake, and Topspin held captive by Trion's acolytes. Trion then revealed his true plans for Breakaway's group—to use them as tools for his plans for personal conquest, then kill them. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 1}}
[[File:LandquakeTopspinBreakawayRollOut Reunification2.jpg|thumb|right|225px|He's not heavy, he's my brother.]]
After finding out that Trion at least wasn't willing to kill them right away, Landquake started whispering plans for an escape, and Breakaway agreed to carry Skyfall's body. Landquake then shot [[Dirge (SG)|his own captor]] and impaled [[Perceptor (SG)|Breakaway's captor]] with a telekinetically-created energon spike, and the two escaped.

Once the two reached the outside, Breakaway hesitated and called out for Topspin, but Landquake told him that they should keep moving. However, Topspin soon emerged after all, and the three made a run for it, with Breakaway carrying Skyfall.

[[Units of time|Millicycles]] later, the three were holed up in a derelict building with some [[empty|empties]] that seemed to respect Breakaway as a healer. Breakaway and Topspin in turn looked to Landquake for guidance, but Landquake grew increasingly frustrated with their suggestions, and being treated as a leader when he had no idea what to do. Breakaway tried to give him a pep talk, saying he could feel important things were happening, and they all had a great destiny, but it would pass them by unless Landquake gave them a way to grasp it. Then Topspin interrupted by saying that something strange had just happened... {{storylink|Reunification: Part 2}}

The "something strange" turned out to be their latest visitor, [[Aquarius (SG)|Aquarius]], having encased them all in a [[slow time]] bubble. Aquarius explained that he was actually the one who had brought them to their current universe, and he was there to help them. Breakaway and Topspin were then pulled aside by Landquake, who complained that he didn't like Aquarius. Breakaway countered that Landquake didn't seem to like ''anybody'', and that he thought Aquarius seemed "fine".

Landquake countered that Aquarius seemed less "fine" and more "crazy and disquieting", but Topspin noted they didn't exactly have any other options at the moment. Landquake finally relented and asked Aquarius to explain further.

Aquarius started to explain that the Autobots were creating a dangerous superweapon called [[Omega Doom]], and that Breakaway's group and Skyfall's body would somehow be able to help, once they went to this universe's [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] and asked after [[Heatwave (Timelines)|their last member]]. However, the rest of the explanation was postponed by [[Computron (SG)|Computron]] suddenly ripping the roof off their hideout. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 3}}
[[File:BreakawayAltmode Reunification4.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
They all made a run for it once again. Breakaway asked where they should go, and Landquake reluctantly said they needed to go to Megatron. As they made their way to the [[Decepticon]] base, Aquarius continued his explanation: He had activated a [[Vector Sigma]] recall program for a warrior to defeat Omega Doom, which had delivered Breakaway's group as the response. They then almost ran into [[Abominus (SG)|Abominus]], who waved them on to continue to the base, promising to deal with Computron for them.

Once they reached the base's entrance, they were greeted and taken inside by Megatron. Landquake explained their situation, and Megatron brought out and introduced their last member, [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]], to them. The reunion was cut short, however, by [[Cyclonus (SG)|Cyclonus]] assassinating Megatron on Alpha Trion's orders. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 4}}

Landquake had no idea what to do, until Breakaway suggested they try to revive Megatron. Landquake didn't think it would be any more successful than their attempt to revive Skyfall, but Breakaway pointed out that Skyfall had been dead a while before they tried, and this time they had Heatwave to help. Breakaway then asked Heatwave if he happened to have any special abilities, and if he'd be willing to help with an experiment. Heatwave said he did indeed have a special power—the ability to communicate with non-sentient machines—and asked what Breakaway had in mind. Breakaway confidently said they were going to resurrect Megatron.

[[File:Reunification5-arisenexusprime.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|I'm the one without a personality to lose.]]

As Breakaway's group started applying their energies to the body, strange things started happening, leaving them all confused and disoriented. Breakaway had a flashback to when he had first awakened from his [[CR chamber]], then he and the others were transported to a strange, white, featureless place. There they were greeted by Primus, who welcomed them home, and gave the now-reunited gestalt a choice: to die, live as they currently were and eventually fade away, or be reborn as what they were meant to be. Breakaway presumably chose along with the others to be "reborn", as Primus then commanded, "Arise, [[Nexus Prime|Nexus Prime]]". {{storylink|Reunification: Part 5}}

After being reborn, Nexus Prime finally entered the battle with [[Omega Doom]] he had been summoned for, as the Autobot superweapon had recently arrived. When Omega shot a missile into Cybertron's sun, Nexus Prime had to follow to repair the sun before it went nova. The Decepticon parts of his mind wanted to stay on Cybertron to fight, but were overridden by the Breakaway and Skyfall parts of him who knew that all of Cybertron would burn unless the sun was healed. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}

Breakaway returned as part of Nexus Prime's components to stop [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] from misusing the [[Terminus Blade]]. {{storylink|Restoration}} Nexus Prime brought together the Terminus Blade and the united Star Saber, using them rewrite the rules of the multiverse. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

After the [[Shrouding]], Breakaway was reincarnated as a natural resident of the negative polarity universe named Quakebreak, along with his teammates Heatwave, [[Spinaway]], [[Landfall]], and [[Skytop]]. Working as menial laborers, Quakebreak and the team seemed to have no first hand knowledge of their previous incarnation, although Aquarius apparently maintained the awareness to tell them the legend of the Prime of Combination they once were. Quakebreak and his comrades desperately wanted some quest to prove they were as worthy as the original Nexus Prime, and eventually stole the shuttle ''[[Buoyancy]]'' to make their own way in the universe. {{storylink|Coalescence}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Classics''===
[[File:Breakaway 2007 timelines.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Like a reversed-out [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snowcat]].]]
*'''Breakaway''' (Basic, 2007)
**''Accessories'': 2 "energon" blasters, brace, Autobot energon chip

: Breakaway is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Energon Class [[Treadshot (Energon)|Treadshot]]/[[Windrazor (Energon)|Windrazor]], transforming into a fighter jet kinda sorta like an {{w|F-22 Raptor}}. He comes with two double-barreled guns and a connector piece, which can form hand-held weapons as well as become a footplate or "hand" for his combined mode, plus an Autobot-style [[energon star]]. He can also form a leg or arm to any ''Energon''-series "[[Powerlinx]] Combiner" super robot, but he is specifically intended to combine with [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], [[Topspin (Classics)|Topspin]], and [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] to form [[Nexus Prime|Nexus Maximus]].

: He was the [[2007]] "early bird freebie" toy [[exclusive]] to the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]], sent to members who signed up before the deadline (and also at [[BotCon 2007]], apparently). Like his fellow freebies, he is also available for sale on the Club store for those who didn't make the deadline, or future members.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Air Raid (G1)#Universe (2008)|Air Raid]] and [[Airazor (Universe)#Toys|Airazor]] along with ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Air Raid (Movie)#Revenge of the Fallen|Air Raid]] and [[Airazor (ROTF)#Toys|Airazor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/Breakaway/breakaway.htm More information on Breakaway at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* The names of the reincarnated members of Nexus Prime (sans Heatwave) are the combinations of the names of two of the original members. In Quakebreak's case, his name is a combination of Land'''quake''' and '''Break'''away.
*The name "Quakebreak" was an unused alternative in the [[Fan polls#2015 (1)|Fan-Built Bot]] poll that produced [[Victorion]] for ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]''.

[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Fan Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Fan Club-original characters]]
[[Category:Nexus Prime components]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Decepticons]]

Topspin (Classics)

2021-06-01T08:40:25Z

VictoryStarSaber: /* Notes */ Added information about new name

{{factions|nexusprime|decepticon|cybEmpireG2|sgDecepticon}}
{{disambig3|Topspin}}
:''Topspin is a [[Decepticon]] and [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Topspintrancendent3.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Mr. Personality's bio quote is "By your will, Alpha Trion." Good work.]]
Long ago, '''Topspin''' felt the sensation of pain and terror, culminating in smoke and twisted metal, and finally darkness. Whatever traumatic experience happened to him during that time, it left him drained of will, emotion, and the memories of his past. He does, however, still remember his supernatural ability to manipulate the very [[spark]] within each Cybertronian. He can safely transfer a spark between bodies, or split one into multiple pieces without damage. But if he's angered, he can also use his ability as a terrible weapon to violently rip out a spark with a mere thought.

He also is certain that some great reward awaits him, if he can just find the right person to lead him to it. To reach this reward, he will habitually find a charismatic, powerful leader in whom to invest all his faith. He will commit unwavering loyalty to this leader, but if he does not receive the same loyalty in return, the recommended action is to seek serious cover. Topspin does ''not'' take rejection well.

His current leader is [[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]], whom Topspin found when he awoke on the transit pads in [[Axiom Nexus]], after long years of drifting through space due to a battle. He could sense that this was a powerful personality who would finally lead him to his reward. And it's true, Trion knows Topspin's true identity—that he's part of an [[Nexus Prime|ancient, powerful combiner]] along with [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|his]] [[Landquake (Timelines)|four]] [[Breakaway (Classics)|gestalt]] [[Heatwave (Timelines)|brothers]]—and he promises Topspin will get his long-sought-after reward. Trion has his own plans for Topspin and his brothers once "[[reunification]]" is complete, however...

Later he becomes known as '''Spinaway'''.

==Fiction==
===Fun Publications comics===
Topspin left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to serve under [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and follow his army to other worlds. Topspin was less interested in Jhiaxus's specific plans of conquest, however, and more simply convinced that Jhiaxus's sense of purpose and strong personality would lead him on the path to the great destiny he sensed was out there. Something that was his alone, outside of what the [[Liege Centuro]] could promise.

But after a long time of quietly following orders, tragedy seemed to strike during a terrible space battle over an alien planet. Topspin was separated from Jhiaxus's army and flung at near-light speeds into space, helpless to stop his trajectory.

Years later, after his energy-drained body passed through a wormhole, he landed in the [[multiverse|multiversal]] hub city of [[Axiom Nexus]]. The [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s who inhabited that universe put Topspin in the care of a sage named Alpha Trion. It seemed that perhaps Topspin's fate had not been tragic after all, as Topspin sensed immediately that Trion was a great, charismatic leader who could lead him to his destiny. In turn, the sage saw the beginnings of his own grand goals in Topspin, and promised his new follower that he could lead the [[Decepticon]] to the greatness he sought. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|Topspin's profile in Club magazine #25}}

[[Image:Topspin&BulletbikesSpark TheComingStorm1.jpg|thumb|left|275px|]]
Alpha Trion quickly plotted ways to put the powers of his new "technician" to use in a plan to escape back to his [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|home universe]]. He set Topspin to work transferring sparks from the bodies of his "[[lowtech]]" [[:Category:Alpha Trion's acolytes|followers]] into the bodies of their TransTech counterparts, and the TransTech sparks into storage, both as a means of infiltration and to evade detection. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|Blackarachnia's profile in Club magazine #25}} Topspin could not bring himself to destroy the helpless TransTechs' sparks, though, and hid them away inside life-sustaining containment capsules. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/12/02}}

At some point, the [[Depth Charge (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Depth Charge]] from Alpha Trion's followers' [[Primax 209.0 Gamma|home universe]] came about, on the hunt for the Maximals and Predacons the old sage had taken under his wing. By showing him the sparkless bodies of the four fugitives, Alpha Trion and Topspin were able to convince Depth Charge that his quarries had already met their demise. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 49|Depth Charge's profile in Club magazine #49}}

Eventually Trion met three more of Topspin's "kin", recently arrived in Axiom Nexus from their own travels, and brought them to his base of operations, though [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]] was kidnapped along the way. [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]] and [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]] were deeply disturbed upon being shown the spark-less bodies hanging from the base's ceiling, and confronted Trion, but Topspin interjected that the [[Transformer]]s the bodies belonged to weren't ''really'' dead. Trion introduced Topspin to the others, and explained the spark-swapping plan that had been taking place.

Landquake was skeptical that sparks could really be transferred between bodies, so Topspin gladly showed off his power by transferring a spark from storage to his hand merely by touching it. Landquake was fascinated by the display, and noted that it could be potentially lethal. Topspin agreed, and enthusiastically said it would be if Trion so desired. He also gushed that Trion would be their savior that would grant them all true peace and freedom on Cybertron. Landquake... decided to change the subject at that, and asked Topspin to explain more details on how the spark storage and swapping worked. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 3}}

As Skyfall and Landquake walked through Axiom Nexus afterwards, they made their own plans regards Topspin. Landquake was sure Topspin's "impossible" ability meant he was the one the [[Caretaker]] had sent them to find. Landquake proposed they pretend to go along with Trion's plans, so they could both rescue Breakaway and find a way to shatter Topspin's loyalty to Trion and steal him away.

Later at Trion's headquarters, word came that Breakaway had been found in [[Shockwave (TransTech)|Shockwave]]'s laboratory in the [[Transwarp Complex]], near a dimensional gate to Trion's home universe, and Trion made plans for everyone to attack. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}}

Part of those plans involved the former [[RoboCo]] CEO, [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]]. He was one of the spark transfers Topspin had made, placing the spark of one of Trion's followers into Bulletbike's TransTech body, and Bulletbike's spark into the body of one of his [[Bulletbike (G2)|multiversal counterparts]]. Bulletbike himself was not aware this was exactly what had happened, though, nor was anyone else. No one outside of Trion's group knew of Topspin's ability, and it left no traceable marks.

Bulletbike only knew his real body had been stolen somehow, and when he was pushed along to finally confront the impostor, the fake Bulletbike pulled all available security forces in to protect himself. Just at the right time to leave the Transwarp Complex unguarded... {{storylink|I, Lowtech}} {{storylink|The Coming Storm: Part 1}}

As Trion and his group crashed their way into the Complex, Trion had himself, Landquake, Skyfall, and [[Immorticon (BW)|Immorticon]] head off to rescue Breakaway from Shockwave's laboratory. Topspin, meanwhile, went with the others to secure the Transit Room with the gate to Trion's dimension for their eventual escape. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 5}} Once the rescue was successful and the others joined them, Topspin passed through the gate... {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 6}}

[[Image:LandquakeTopspinBreakawayRollOut Reunification2.jpg|thumb|right|225px|We'll just pretend the helicopter is "rolling".]]
...and came out in Alpha Trion's disused laboratory. As the others followed (along with Skyfall's mysteriously now-dead body), he moved to watch the door at Trion's orders, and called out a warning when an [[Downshift (SG)|Autobot scout]] showed up on his monitor. He then briefly hid with the others as Trion dealt with the scout lethally.

Unfortunately, this incident, along with Breakaway discovering that Trion lied about how Skyfall had been killed, caused Landquake and Breakaway to rebel against Trion. The sage decided to have his followers take them all captive as a result... including Topspin!

The distraught Topspin asked why he had been taken prisoner when he had been a loyal follower. Trion told him that he was no longer needed as a loyal soldier, but as a tool to be used as Trion wished, then killed. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 1}}

As Topspin tried to wrap his mind around what his leader had done, Landquake and Breakaway whispered plans of escape, though Topspin was initially bewildered at Landquake's request that he help. As Landquake dealt with his and Breakaway's captors and the two made an escape with Skyfall's body, Landquake shouted to Topspin that he had been betrayed and should follow them.
[[Image:TopspinRipsOutaSpark Reunification2.jpg|thumb|left|225px|This is how Mega Man uses the Top Spin to kill Shadow Man]]
Topspin mulled this over and realized that Landquake was right, dealt violently with [[Kickback (SG)|his own captor]] by telekinetically ripping out his ember, then followed. Once outside, Topspin asked Landquake if he would help with getting revenge on Trion and his followers for betraying his loyalty. Landquake pointed out that survival was more important, but he would help if the opportunity ever presented itself, if only to avenge Skyfall. The three then [[Roll out|transformed and rolled out]].

[[Units of time|Millicycles]] later, the three were holed up in a derelict building, with Topspin and Breakaway looking to Landquake for guidance on what to do. Topspin suggested that what had happened with Alpha Trion must be a mistake and they should go back, but Landquake emphatically disagreed. Topspin protested that Trion had never led him wrong before, but Breakaway pointed out that Trion had killed Skyfall.

Topspin then said they had to do ''something'', leading Landquake to get frustrated about being treated as a leader. Breakaway tried to give him a pep talk, but soon Topspin noticed that something strange had just happened... {{storylink|Reunification: Part 2}}

The "something strange" turned out to be their latest visitor, [[Aquarius (SG)|Aquarius]], having encased them all in a [[slow time]] bubble. Aquarius explained that he was actually the one who had brought them to their current universe. Topspin pointed out that ''Alpha Trion'' had brought them there. Aquarius tried to explain that things weren't always what they seemed, but Topspin didn't understand.

Topspin and Breakaway were then pulled aside by Landquake, who complained that he didn't like Aquarius, as the alien seemed crazy and disquieting. Topspin noted they didn't exactly have any other options but to listen at the moment, though, so Landquake finally relented and asked Aquarius to explain further.

Aquarius started to explain that the [[Autobot]]s were creating a dangerous superweapon called [[Omega Doom]], and that Topspin's group and Skyfall's body would somehow be able to help, once they went to this universe's [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] and asked after [[Heatwave (Timelines)|their last member]]. However, the rest of the explanation was postponed by [[Computron (SG)|Computron]] suddenly ripping the roof off their hideout. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 3}}

They all made a run for it once again, with Topspin carrying Skyfall's body, and Landquake reluctantly decided they needed to go to Megatron. As they made their way to the Decepticon base, Aquarius continued his explanation: He had activated a [[Vector Sigma]] recall program for a warrior to defeat Omega Doom, which had delivered Topspin's group as the response. They then almost ran into [[Abominus (SG)|Abominus]], who waved them on to continue to the base, promising to deal with Computron for them.

Once they reached the base's entrance, they were greeted and taken inside by Megatron. Landquake explained their situation, and Megatron brought out and introduced their last member, [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]], to them. The reunion was cut short, however, by [[Cyclonus (SG)|Cyclonus]] assassinating Megatron on Alpha Trion's orders. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 4}}

[[Image:Reunification5-arisenexusprime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Get that camera out of my nose!]]

Landquake had no idea what to do, until Breakaway suggested the three of them try to revive Megatron with Heatwave's help. As Topspin applied his powers to the body with the others, strange things started happening, leaving them all confused and disoriented. Topspin had a strange flashback, and then he and the others were transported to a strange, white, featureless place. There they were greeted by [[Primus]], who welcomed them home, and gave the now-reunited gestalt a choice: to die, live as they currently were and eventually fade away, or be reborn as what they were meant to be. Topspin presumably chose along with the others to be "reborn", as Primus then commanded, "Arise, [[Nexus Prime]]". {{storylink|Reunification: Part 5}}

After being reborn, Nexus Prime finally entered the battle with Omega Doom he had been summoned for, as the Autobot superweapon had recently arrived. When Omega shot a missile into Cybertron's sun, Nexus Prime had to follow to repair the sun before it went nova. The part of his mind that was still Topspin wanted to stay on Cybertron to fight, but was overridden by the Skyfall and Breakaway parts of him who knew that all of Cybertron would burn unless the sun was healed. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}

Topspin returned as part of Nexus Prime's components to stop [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] from misusing the [[Terminus Blade]]. {{storylink|Restoration}} Nexus Prime brought together the Terminus Blade and the united Star Saber, using them rewrite the rules of the multiverse. {{storylink|Out of the One, Many}}

After the [[Shrouding]], Topspin was reincarnated as a natural resident of the negative polarity universe named Spinaway, along with his teammates Heatwave, [[Quakebreak]], [[Landfall]], and [[Skytop]]. Working as menial laborers, Spinaway and the team seemed to have no first hand knowledge of their previous incarnation, although Aquarius apparently maintained the awareness to tell them the legend of the Prime of Combination they once were. Spinaway and his comrades desperately wanted some quest to prove they were as worthy as the original Nexus Prime, and eventually stole the shuttle ''[[Buoyancy]]'' to make their own way in the universe. {{storylink|Coalescence}}

==Toys==
===''Classics''===
[[File:Classics_Topspin.jpg|thumb|300px|A more literal name than it is for other Topspins.]]
*'''Topspin''' (Basic, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Quintuple-barreled "energon" cannon, energon chip

: Topspin is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Stormcloud (Energon)|Stormcloud]]/[[Blackout (combiner)|Blackout]], transforming into an assault helicopter similar to an AH-1 Cobra. He comes with a quintuple-barreled "[[Super Energon]]" cannon that forms a hand or footplate for his limb-modes, plus a Decepticon-style [[energon star]]. He can also form a leg or arm to any ''Energon''-series "[[Powerlinx]] Combiner" super robot, but he is specifically intended to combine with [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], [[Breakaway (Classics)|Breakaway]], [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], and [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] to form [[Nexus Prime|Nexus Maximus]].

: He was the [[2008]] "early bird freebie" toy [[exclusive]] to the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]], sent to members who signed up before the deadline. Like his fellow freebies, he is also available for sale on the Club store for those who didn't make the deadline, or future members.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus Maximus]] team members [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] and [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]] team members [[Vortex (Movie)|Vortex]] and [[Swindle (ROTF)|Swindle]]. Another planned redeco, [[Movie (franchise)|movie]] [[Reverb (Movie)|Reverb]], was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/TFCCTopspin/topspin.htm More information on Topspin at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
*Although the details are somewhat vague, Topspin's TFCC indicates that he was among Jhiaxus's Cybertronians in the Marvel ''Generation 2'' comics, and that he was lost during one of their attacks on planets they planned to terraform; [[Pete Sinclair]], however, [http://www.transformersclub.com/members/transforum/msgs.cfm?msg=126284&forum=16 stated on the TFCC forums] that it was "...safe to assume that he is from a G2 type Universe. Not the Marvel G2", so make of it all what you will.
*Although Topspin only features in ''[[Transformers: TransTech|TransTech]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' stories, his toy is technically ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'', judging by his instructions.
* The names of the reincarnated members of Nexus Prime (sans Heatwave) are the combinations of the names of two of the original members. In Spinaway's case, his name is a combination of Top'''spin''' and Break'''away'''.

[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertronians]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Fan Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Fan Club-original characters]]
[[Category:Nexus Prime components]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Decepticons]]
[[Category:TransTech Decepticons]]