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User talk:Zzlom

2025-04-02T12:10:08Z

Zzlom: It has been years and I haven't added a caption in a very long time - like a decade so am I okay to remove the caption bastard flair from when I was 16 years old?

Victory (episode)

2017-04-23T21:58:23Z

Zzlom: /* Continuity notes */ Removed a semi-colon which was inserted instead of a space

{{disambig3|Victory}}
{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=12
|series2=BWJtoon
|ep2=15
|prev2=The Trigger, Part 2
|next2=Dark Designs
|image=Victory Dinobot.jpg
|caption="I never noticed what great legs Tarantulas had."
|title="Victory"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[November 1]], 1996
|written by=[[Wendy Reardon]]
|directed by=[[Steve Ball]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|packaged with=[[Optimus Primal/toys#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|DX Convoy]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}

'''A rebellion (and explosion) at the Predacon base seemingly leads to a Maximal victory.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Victory Predacon rebellion.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"The Predacons are revolting!" "We know!"]]
Through a secret spy cam installed in the [[Darksyde (BW)|Predacon base]], the [[Maximal]]s watch as the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] attempt to use a device to increase the size and power of [[energon crystal]]s. But when the experiment fails and [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] demands another crystal specimen for a retest, his troops refuse; apparently, the continuous testing has wasted most of their [[energon]] supplies, and this latest failure has convinced the other Predacons to turn on their leader. A firefight soon breaks out, which ends up detonating the remaining energon in a huge explosion that seems to destroy the Predacon base. As the video feed goes dead, the Maximals are shocked; they have just won the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]].

[[File:Victory Optimus rhinox.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Yep, it's Megatron's light bulb collection all right.]]
Heading to the Predacon base to investigate, the Maximals find it in ruins, with little more than charred debris and a few scant Predacon parts to confirm the group's demise. [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], sensitive guy that he is, is rather pleased at the development, while [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] is more somber, enough to completely ignore Rattrap's attempts to pick an argument with him; despite defecting, he still feels some kinship with the Predacons, and laments their destruction. However, Dinobot's loss is the other Maximals' gain, as they decide to ransack the Predacon base for its [[star drive]] components in order to repair the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' for the trip home.

[[File:Victory Predacons spot dinobot.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"And here you can see the once formidable pterosaur, about to be torn apart by other predators."]]
As the repairs are completed, Dinobot comes clean with [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] about his mood as of late; he's convinced that he'll be executed as a Predacon criminal if he returns to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and would rather try and tame the wild world they've found themselves on. Optimus Primal, being an Optimus, tries to convince him that they'll stand up for him, but his mind is set, and he is eventually let go to wander the wilderness. Just as the Maximals are ready to take off, though, the wandering Dinobot stumbles upon the very alive and functional Predacon crew hiding in a crevasse; they had found the spy camera before the incident, and used it to trick the Maximals into thinking them dead, planning on stealing the repaired ''Axalon'' and leaving the Maximals stranded. Dinobot makes a mad dash back to the Maximal ship to warn them of the Predacons' duplicity, but gives himself away to the Predacons, who give chase in an attempt to stop him.

[[File:Victory Optimus dinobot.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Quick, man! Cling tenaciously to my buttocks!]]
Fortunately, Dinobot is able to get within the Maximals' visual range before he's gunned down, and Optimus Primal and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] head down to help him; the launch cannot be aborted, though, so he insists they take off without him or Dinobot if they're not able to get back on in time. Cheetor is able to get Dinobot to safety in the ensuing firefight, but Optimus is tagged by an errant missile from [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]], sending him plummeting. Soon afterwards, Megatron himself manages to get on board, and briefly takes out most of the other Maximals, before being subdued and ejected from the ship by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]]. The scuffle, though, has the unforeseen consequence of jamming Megatron's tail weapon into the control console, cutting the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s engines and sending it on a one-way trip back to terra firma.

All seems lost, when Optimus—now fully recovered—comes in to save the day, pulling a [[Superman]] and exhausting his jetpack to slow the ship's descent enough to ease it back in its original place. Although no one is critically injured, the collateral damage has been done; the ''Axalon'' will never fly again. And just to ensure that everything is back to normal, Rattrap and Dinobot are right back to verbally tearing into each other, to the other Maximals' amusement.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (5)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (6)
*[[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (7)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (8)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (9)
*[[Tigatron]] (12)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (2)
*[[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (3)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (4)
*[[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (10)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"Cool. Now, aren't you glad we got cable?"
:—'''Cheetor''' upon seeing the fake uprising.

"Alas, poor Tarantulas. I knew him, Cheetor. This is the leg that stalked so many victims. That it should come to this..." 
"Aww, do you need a hug?"
:—'''Dinobot''' and '''Cheetor''', sharing a moment.

"I understand. Nonetheless, let the record show that I advise against this action. It will eventually lead to your destruction." 
"Eventually... Eventually can be a long time, Optimus Primal."
:—'''Optimus''' is about to leave '''Dinobot''' in charge of prehistoric Earth. Eesh.

"Give Waszzpinator more room! Tarantulas ''fat enough already!''" 
"If Waspinator does not stop cuddling me like a '''stuffed toy''' when he sleeps, I'll eat him as well!" 
"No, you won't!" 
"Yes, I will!"
:—'''Tarantulas,''' shedding light on '''Waspinator''' and his soft side before both devolve into petty arguing.

"You all make me sick! Ah, I can't stand this any longer, Megatron! I—''I've gotta get out!''" ''[laughs manically]''
:—'''Terrorsaur''' cracks under the pressure of close quarters with his teammates.

"This is strategically unsound."
:—'''Dinobot''' on his imminent rescue.

"You... <''coughs''>... should have left me behind." 
"Hey pal! Optimus got left behind just to save your scaly skin! So don't spoil the sacrifice, capiche?" 
"Oh, but it ''is'' already spoiled! Yeeees."
:—'''Dinobot''' and '''Rattrap''''s latest argument is interrupted by '''Megatron'''.

"WE'RE ALL GONNA DIIIIIIE!" 
"Wait! Look! Down in the sky! Is it a bird?" 
"Maybe a plane!" 
"Nah! IT'S OPTIMUS!" 
:—'''Rattrap''', '''Dinobot''', and '''Rhinox''' looking at "Super Primal" saving them.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Victory clipping problems.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Get your hand out of my nipple, Maximal!]]
*When the Maximals are watching the false rebellion, the markings on Dinobot's chest are out of alignment, leaving half of his chest light brown and the other half dark brown.
*The Energon-filled tube that Megatron hides behind during the false rebellion has a large scorch mark before the Predacons even start firing at their leader.
*When Dinobot walks down a corridor in the Preds' ship, the tips of his spinning shield pass under his feet, making it look like he's floating.
*In the following few shots, as Rattrap talks to Optimus, the former' lower arms slowly twist around, coming off their "hinges".
*When Dinobot swipes at Cheetor, his left arm and his shield clip completely into the wall.
*As Dinobot menaces Cheetor after the latter suggests he needs a hug, there are a multitude of clipping errors: Cheetor's hand slowly passes into Dinobot's chest, Dinobot's chin clips through the "collar" around his neck, Rattrap's left hand clips through Dinobot's arm, and finally, still in the same shot, Dinobot's sword clips completely through Rattrap's shoulder.
*As Rhinox repairs the transwarp drive, Optimus mentions alerting Tigatron—but he very clearly pronounces his name "Tigertron" with an audible "r," likely a typo in the script.
*When Rattrap fantasizes about the dames back at home, his fists clip into each other, and after that, the rod holding his left shoulder clips into his neck.
*When Tarantulas devours the rat, a large drop of drool slides down the outside of his fangs before dripping on Terrorsaur's head. Presumably, the drool should have come from the inside edge.
*As Tarantulas transforms to [[robot mode]] prior to chasing Dinobot, his chest is briefly light purple before visibly changing to a darker shade of purple.
*When Dinobot is shot by Megatron's forces, he falls. After the cutaway to Optimus Primal, it pans out to show Dinobot "floating" on the ground for a few seconds.
*The reflections disappear from Tigatron's arms and hands when he transforms inside the ''Axalon'', and as he sits down, his left fists sink into his chest. Then, as Rhinox orders him to activate the guns, his left lower arm clips through its outer plate.
*As Optimus covers Dinobot during the Predacon assault, the latter's helmet clips into Optimus' shield.
*Sounds of Waspinator's gun firing can be heard as the Predacons attack Optimus, despite Waspinator himself apparently being taken out before the Preds even arrived at the ''Axalon''.
*While Optimus begins flying away from the Predacons with Dinobot in tow, one of the shots that hits his shield clearly has the sound effect of Terrorsaur's cannons. However, Terrorsaur immediately appears to shoot Optimus from behind, so it couldn't be him.
*On the subject of Terrorsaur, his shoulder cannons are shown to be deployed ''and'' undeployed at the same time when he shoots Optimus; the deployed cannons are hovering over the raised "bumps" of their undeployed forms.
*When the Predacons charge the ''Axalon'' as it fires at them, the first few shots seem to pass right through Megatron, and Tarantulas is also missing the [[beast mode]] [[kibble]] on his back (the purple and yellow part that forms his spider mode abdomen). It's especially noticeable since Tarantulas is shown in the next shot with his kibble intact.
*As the ''Axalon'' is falling from the sky, the ship itself is flipped. The antennas and such are normally on the port side of the ship, however during the fall, they are on the starboard side.

===Continuity errors===
*The Predacon plan involves hiding until the Maximals repair the ''Axalon'', at which point they attack and steal the ship for themselves. However, there seems to be no way for them to tell that the ship is repaired; they only arrive at the ''Axalon'' while pursuing Dinobot. So how, exactly, was Megatron going to know ''when'' the ''Axalon'' was flight-capable, without giving away the plan?
*When Dinobot is shot, Optimus Primal is in his robot mode. However, when we come back from the break and Dinobot's retaliation against the Predacons, Optimus is in his beast mode, which he changes out of less than a minute later. Weird.
*Optimus and Cheetor are both in robot mode when they leave the Axalon to rescue Dinobot, who has been in robot mode for some time. And yet somehow Optimus is affected with an energon overload first, forcing him back to beast mode. Cheetor is fine as he lies on the Axalon's lift, and then we see beast mode Optimus carrying robot mode Dinobot, who is ''still'' not suffering from energon overload.
*Cheetor only drags himself halfway onto the Axalon's lift before collapsing, but a moment later he's fully on the lift.
[[File:AxalonComp.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|The back of the ship is mangled...]]
[[File:AxalonFalling.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|...and now it's fixed!]]
*It's pretty clear that the rear section of the Axalon was damaged in the original crash. Not only were the fins bent out of position, the rear is missing much of its armor, and is bent. This is quite clearly shown in the computer targeting system Tigatron uses to lock to the Predacons. From the moment the ship takes off to the end of the episode, the entire rear section, fins included, are "reconstructed" and in their proper places. However every episode that follows shows the ship as it was before. Screwy.
*Speaking of that, the Axalon takes off, flies in a horizontal direction for a bit, and then loses power and starts to crash. And yet it somehow ends up landing in exactly the same position it was before? Okay then.
*Everyone acts as if Optimus has been abandoned when he gets knocked down to the ground. There's no dialogue to indicate that the Maximals can't steer the ship. Is there some reason the ''Axalon'' can't loop back around and pick him up? Or even hover in place to allow him to fly up to it?

===Continuity notes===
* Dinobot's aversion to being rescued was explained in the [[The Probe|previous episode]].
* Though the two have been at odds since the beginning of the series, this is perhaps the first episode where Rattrap and Dinobot's constant feuding moves towards good-natured bickering. Rattrap is relieved when angsting Dinobot starts issuing comebacks to his insults again and offers constructive criticism on them at the end of the episode, Optimus and Cheetor watch them volley insults back and forth with fondness.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Rhinox carries around a tricorder-like device capable of detecting Predacon energy signatures.
** Megatron displays the ability to "charge" his laser weapon, opening the jaws of his beast mode head with a visible orb of energy within it. Why he never seems to use it beyond this one episode is unclear, but his [[Transmetal]] form would make extensive use of a similar mechanic.
** The ''Axalon'' is equipped with a complement of riot shield-like devices. It's anyone's guess as to why a peaceful exploration ship would carry such an armory (although later episodes show that there's more to the Axalon than is [[Rampage (BW)|initially apparent]]), but one does wonder why the Maximals don't use these more often.

===Real-world references===
*Dinobot paraphrases ''[[w:Hamlet|Hamlet]]'' for the first time upon finding several of Tarantulas's legs. More specifically, his little monologue is inspired by Hamlet's famous "Alas, poor Yorick!" scene.
*Rattrap refers to Tigatron as "Tigatron the Barbarian", a reference to pulp-magazime icon [[w:Conan the Barbarian|Conan the Barbarian]].
*The exchange between Dinobot, Rhinox, and Rattrap as Optimus saves the ''Axalon'' ("Look! Down in the sky! Is it a bird"? "Maybe a plane?" "No, it's Optimus!") riffs on a cliché line from [[Superman]], as does the John Williams-esque music that plays immediately afterwards.

===Trivia===
* While bickering with Tarantulas, Waspinator speaks in first-person.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Victoire'''" ("Victory")

:*''Title:'' "'''Victoire'''" ("Victory")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vittoria'''" ("Victory")

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Make Drama da Destron'''" (メーク・ドラマだデストロン, "The Destrons' Dramatic Finish")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 7|7 January]] [[1998]]
::*The Japanese release of ''Beast Wars'' significantly reordered the episodes. As a result, there's a noticeable continuity error in this episode: no [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. When viewed in this order, it ends up looking like the Maximals are leaving "him" behind on [[Energoa]].
::*As an example of this dub's tendency to add levity which completely alters the mood of a scene: After dramatically bidding farewell to the Maximals and storming off into the lightning-riddled wastelands, Dinobot sings a carefree melody to himself using his humorous verbal tic (''Daaa daaa danananananaaaa''). His singing continues after the commercial break, as he tramples over the white rat. As he steps over the crevasse where the Predacons are hiding, he mumbles inanely to himself about the weather.
::*The "It's a bird, it's a plane, etc" reference made it through to the Japanese dub intact.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vitória'''" ("Victory")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Victoria'''" ("Victory")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' — Beasties Escape ([[Alliance Atlantis|Alliance Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — L'Évasion (Alliance Video) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — The Destrons Make Drama ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' / ''Robots-Bêtes'' Three pack (Alliance Video) — Available in English or French audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 2 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 4 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]])
;[[Wikipedia:LaserDisc|LaserDisc]]
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Maximal Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season (Rhinomation) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes: Volume 2 — The Saga Continues! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Spychangers to the Rescue

2017-04-11T00:06:55Z

Zzlom:

{{episode|
|series=RiD
|ep=4
|title="Spychangers to the Rescue"
|japanese=忍者ロボ! スパイチェンジャー参上
|romaji=Ninja Robo! Spychanger Sanjō
|translation=Ninja Robo! Enter the Spychangers
|image=Spychangers_Rescue_Spychangers_Hit.jpg
|caption=OK, who had the chili?
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], NAS, Studio Gallop
|writer=[[Kazuhiko Gōdo]] (Japanese) [[Richard Epcar]] (English)
|director=[[Yoshiaki Tsutsui]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[April 26]], [[2000]] (Japanese) [[September 13]], [[2001]] (English)
|continuity=
}}

'''Hot Shot, Crosswise, W.A.R.S.,''' 
'''Race Exertion Vehicle''', 
'''Ironhide, Mirage'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Spychangers Rescue Koji and Karl morning.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Remember....You....are my number one....guy!]]
Under the cover of darkness, the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacon]] trio try to steal the [[Plutonium Energy Generator]], but [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot Brothers|Autobot brothers]] are there to stop them. During the battle, Optimus admonishes [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] for his reckless behaviour—if the generator is damaged, it may leak deadly [[zirconium gas]]. Fortunately at this point the Predacons retreat. (Don't worry, there's more to the episode than just that.)

[[Koji Onishi|Koji]] wakes up to the sound of a honking horn. He rushes outside and greets his friend [[Karl]] and Karl's father. The three leave for a biking trip.

[[File:Spychangers Rescue Generator.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|We'll try to kill him with a forklift...]]
The plutonium energy generator is loaded onto a truck and transported across the city. The Autobot brothers follow closely behind the generator. Side Burn develops a mild fear of the elements inside the generator that would be harmful to Transformers, but [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] keeps his brother in line. Traffic slows down due to [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]]'s hacking the systems used to control the highways. The [[Autobot]]s suspect something is afoot, but stay in position.

Koji and company are also stuck in traffic, as is [[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]].

The Predacons leap through traffic, approaching the truck carrying the precious generator and chasing off the driver. The Predacons steal the energy generator off of the truck while the present Autobots are busy transforming. Because the traffic prevents the Autobots from firing, [[T-AI]] deploys three of the [[Spy Changer|Spychangers]]. [[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]], [[R.E.V.]] and [[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] reveal themselves to the Predacons, who decide to retreat with the generator rather than to stay and fight. Naturally, the Spychangers give chase.

[[File:Spychangers Rescue Skybytegenerator.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|da dun da dun...]]
The Predacons leap off the highway and into the water, and the three Spychangers follow and transform on the beach. The Predacons knock the three down using their lasers, but help comes to the three Autobots in the form of [[W.A.R.S.]], [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]], and [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]]. The six soldiers dizzy the Predacons by literally running circles around them. But in the fight, the generator is dropped and rolls out of the sea into the grasp of [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]]. Slapper and [[Gas Skunk]] retreat with the generator, but the battle escalates further with the arrival of Prime and the Autobot brothers. However, Prime decides to let the Spychangers handle the Predacons on their own.

[[File:Spychangers Rescue Statue.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|Nyeh!]]
On the verge of being beaten, Sky-Byte decides that he can at least prevent the Autobots from getting the generator—by destroying it. The Spychangers leap to block his [[Tsunami Blaster]]. With all six Spychangers harmed by the blast, the Predacons grab the generator and get away. As the four regular Autobots regret the loss, the Spychangers laugh and reveal that in the confusion, they replaced the generator with a decoy, disguising the real one as a rock by draping a cloth over it.

In the Predacon base, [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] is pleased. But his pleasure turns sour when he tries to activate the decoy generator and it bursts open to reveal a mocking statue.

Koji and Karl, having finally gotten out of traffic, enjoy a bike race together. Optimus watches, glad that Koji is still able to enjoy himself despite the fact that the Predacons still hold his father, and promises again that they'll get [[Kenneth Onishi|Dr. Onishi]] back.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[X-Brawn]] (5)
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (6)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (7)
*[[T-AI]] (15)
*[[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]] (16)
*[[R.E.V.]] (17)
*[[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] (18)
*[[W.A.R.S.]] (19)
*[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] (20)
*[[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]] (21)

|h2=[[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] (1)
*[[Gas Skunk]] (2)
*[[Dark Scream]] (3)
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (13)

|c3=
*[[Koji Onishi]] (8)
*[[Karl]] (9)
*Karl's father (10)
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] (11)
*Truck driver (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"You know, sometimes that Autobot worries me."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' regarding Side Burn.

'''Side Burn''': Listen, bro, I'm not feeling very well. I have to go see my mechanic. 
''(Prowl rear-ends Side Burn)'' 
'''Prowl''': You'll feel a lot worse if you don't get back in line! 
'''Side Burn''': Hey, cut it out! Can I go return a video now? Otherwise they'll charge me a late fee. 
'''Prowl''' and '''X-Brawn''': The answer is no!!
:—Side Burn fails miserably at getting out of his assignment.

"They don't pay us enough for this!"
:—A '''truck driver''' reacts to his truck being attacked by giant robotic animals.

"You Autobots oughta be more careful. You just might hurt some innocent bystanders if you keep that up."
:—'''Slapper'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Car Robots''===
*In ''Robots in Disguise'', the factory that the Predacons target is constructing a plutonium energy generator. In ''Car Robots'', it is just a vaguely-defined "powerful energy". ''Car Robots'' mentions several times that the Predacons want it to power their base; ''Robots in Disguise'' doesn't say why they want it.
*When Side Burn nearly shoots the factory by accident and Optimus deflects his shot with a Blaze Blaster, ''Robots in Disguise'' adds a shot of Prime actually firing the attack, which in ''Car Robots'' came from off-screen. The shot is created by taking the piece of footage that follows this scene, Prime ''completing'' the attack and standing back upright, and playing it backwards.
*After Side Burn leaves to pursue a red sports car, ''Robots in Disguise'' has Prime and X-Brawn worry about him, while in ''Car Robots'', they are just thinking about assigning escorts for the transport of the generator.
*''Robots in Disguise'' slightly shortens the scene of Koji being woken by Karl and his dad; in ''Car Robots'', the first honk of the horn doesn't wake him, and they have to honk again.
*''Car Robots'' has Karl simply comment on the traffic, where ''Robots in Disguise'' has him request that his dad take them to a construction site to cycle.
[[File:Rid ep4 comparisons.jpg|right|thumb|225px|"Hmm, why ''did'' they add that CGI POV shot...?"]]
*In ''Robots in Disguise'', Koji's flashback to his father's abduction is prompted by Karl's dad specifically inquiring after Doctor Onishi, but in ''Car Robots'', it's merely the kindly actions of Karl's father that cause Koji to remember his own parent. ''Robots in Disguise'' also adds some ripple effects to the beginning and end of the flashback.
*In ''Car Robots'', the Autobot Brothers are unable to pursue the Predacons because the streets are clogged by Slapper's traffic jam. In ''Robots in Disguise'', this specious reason is changed to their being unable to shoot because of the preponderance of innocent bystanders.
*T-AI's computer readouts on the Spy Changers are digitally altered in ''Robots in Disguise'' to replace the characters' Japanese toy ID numbers with their names (pictured). The entire sequence is further altered and reordered to add shots of the characters flashing on T-AI's screens before the scenes showing them rolling into action. In ''Car Robots'', the characters roll out in the order: Hot Shot, Crosswise, R.E.V.; but ''Robots in Disguise'' changes it to: Hot Shot, R.E.V, Crosswise, in accordance with the order they appear on T-AI's screen.
*Despite ''Robots in Disguise'' changing the series' primary location from Tokyo to Metro City, the dub makes up street names with very Japanese-sounding names like "Osaka Boulevard" and "Yutaka Freeway", the latter being the freeway on which most of the episode takes place. In ''Car Robots'', this freeway is the real world Tokyo Gaikan Expressway.
*In ''Car Robots'', the Predacons want to get away from the Spychangers to keep from leading the Spychangers back to the Predacons base. In ''Robots in Disguise'', they just want to get away from the Spychangers in general.
*''Robots in Disguise'' wildly reorders the frenetic scene of all the Spychangers shooting at the three Predacons. It also adds two CGI POV overlay to shots of Slapper (pictured) and Darkscream as the Autobots target them.
[[File:Rid ep4 questionmarks.jpg|right|thumb]]
*When Sky-Byte finds he can't transform with the generator in his mouth, ''Robots in Disguise'' cuts out a shot of three cartoonish question marks appearing above his head (pictured).
*In ''Car Robots'', Prime refers to the Spy Changers crafty slight of hand with the generator as the "Art of Replacement", as they're portrayed as ninjas in Japan.
*After the Spy Changers deception is revealed, ''Car Robots'' has Sky-Byte quietly respect the ninjas' skills, while ''Robots in Disguise'' has him blame Slapper and company for the goof.
*Scenes that ''Robots in Disguise'' extends with looped and repeated footage include:
**Optimus telling Side Burn not to pursue the fleeing Predacons
**Prime and the Autobot Brothers' conversation about the danger of the energy generator as they escort it
**X-Brawn warning his brothers to stay alert just before the Predacons attack the truck
**X-Brawn alerting Optimus Prime to the Predacons' theft of the generator
**R.E.V. going into stealth mode
**The Spy Changers getting back up after the Predacons blast them
**Prime telling the Autobot Brothers to leave the battle to the Spy Changers
**Sky-Byte reacting to the generator still being intact
**Prowl lamenting the Predacons' apparent theft of the generator

====Second English dub====
[[File:Rid ep4 deletedshots.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.85]]
Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, this was one of several ''Robots in Disguise'' episodes that were pulled from rotation in order to be redubbed to remove content that was deemed unsuitable at the time. In the case of this episode, all references to the plutonium energy generator exploding if hit were removed, and replaced instead with the generator threatening to crack open, releasing zirconium gas that will corrode the Autobots' circuitry. The redubbed version is the only one included on [[Maximum Entertainment]]'s R2 DVD release of the series, and the original version was lost until it was [https://youtube.com/watch?v=ivwA_lhWTs8 uploaded to YouTube on September 24, 2014.] A transcript of the original broadcast version of the episode is available at [http://www.ridforever.info/episode-transcripts/rid-episode-04-spychangers-to-the-rescue RID Forever]. Additional changes include:
*When Slapper transforms upon attacking the truck, the original broadcast version featured him uttering "Take off!" to the drivers of the truck, and then an incorrect transformation code phrase, "Robot Mode!" The redub erases the "Take off!" line and replaces the incorrect "Robot Mode!" with the correct "Slapper, Terrorize!" and furthermore, splices in his transformation stock footage sequence.
*Two shots of panicked commuters fleeing as the Predacons attack the truck (pictured) are removed, replaced with a close-up of Slapper delivering some new dialogue about Megatron being pleased with them.
*A scene in which Prowl launches one of his flamethrowers (here called a "Jet Claw") after the Predacons, only to have it blasted by Slapper, causing it to crash into a truck and explode, is deleted outright. Slapper's dialogue immediately following this is also changed to reflect the scene's removal.
{{--}}

===Animation or technical errors===
*When Karl's dad's car pulls up, it has a green bicycle on the roof. When Koji emerges from his house, he's pushing a green bicycle, and the bike on the car is now yellow (and they swap colours again for the next shot too).
*The member select for Crosswise erroneously reads "CROSSWIRE", and Hot Shot's name is displayed as one word.
*A shot at the beach has Sky-Byte being drawn with a different mouth [[Bullet Train to the Rescue#Animation or technical errors|again]].

===Trivia===
*The [[Spy Changer|Spychangers]], unlike the other Autobots, don't recognize [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]].
*Before the member select for Hot Shot, R.E.V. and Crosswise comes up, a bunch of strangely irrelevant English text about design management scrolls past. It seems to mention Ikea a lot.
*Among the abilities displayed by the Spychangers are: camouflage (referred to by the dub as "Stealth Mode"); driving on any flat surface, no matter the angle; driving on water; and somehow producing a statue disguised as a plutonium energy generator out of nowhere.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 1 ([[Pony Canyon]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One ([[Maximum Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Evil Intent (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation / Action Man'' (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (Maximum Entertainment)

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info/episode-transcripts/rid-episode-04-spychangers-to-the-rescue "Spychangers to the Rescue" transcript on RiDForever.info]

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

Bullet Train to the Rescue

2017-04-11T00:04:58Z

Zzlom: suggests -> suggest

{{episode|
|series=RiD
|ep=3
|title="Bullet Train to the Rescue"
|japanese=合体せよ! 新幹線ロボ
|romaji=Gattai seyo! Shinkansen Robo
|translation=Unite! Bullet Train Robo
|image=Bullet Train Rescue Bullettrains.jpg
|caption=It's pink, so it's a girl, right?
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]], [[Studio Gallop]]
|written by=[[Yukiyoshi Ōhashi]] (Japanese) [[Steve Kramer]] (English)
|director=[[Akira Katō]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[April 19]], [[2000]] (Japanese) [[September 11]], [[2001]] (English, limited markets) [[September 12]], 2001 (English)
|continuity=
}}

'''Railspike, (the gruff train)''' 
'''Midnight Express (fancy train)''' 
'''Rapid Run, (cool train)'''

==Synopsis==
[[Gas Skunk]] destroys an unmanned freight train and is promptly told by [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] that he's wasting his time and should be searching for energy. [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] also takes out an unmanned freight train and is given the same lecture by the shark.

[[File:Bullet Train Rescue Dutton Linear RFG.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Don't tell me the batteries died again!]]
The [[Autobot]]s watch a news report of the launch of the [[Linear RFG]], an automated train set to make its first run today. [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] is excited to be able to ride on the train, but [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Prime]], aware of the recent railroad incidents, keeps a watchful eye. He brings the three [[Autobot Brothers|Autobot brothers]], planning on following the train in case the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]] try some shenanigans.

As anticipated, the Predacons are up to their regular hijinks and plant a [[pulsar bomb]] to sabotage the train's track where the tracks cross over a bridge. [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] engage the Predacons, while Prime radios the train's command center in hopes of halting the train before it reaches the scene of the battle. But because of [[Dark Scream]]'s meddling, communication with the train is shut off. To save the day, the Autobots need to call on the help of [[Team Bullet Train]].

[[File:Bullet Train Rescue Bridgeexplode.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Improper usage of demolitions!]]
[[T-AI]] radios the three members of the team. Each of them abandons his human passengers (Much to [[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]]'s annoyance, as [[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]] disrupts her commute to work) and rushes across the space bridge to meet with Optimus and the Linear RFG. Prime leaves the three to their own affairs so he can assist in fighting off the Predacons planting a bomb on the track ahead. Team Bullet Train radios Koji and asks him to request that the driver use the manual override to slow down the train, but the brakes aren't working and the train is speeding up, scaring the passengers. With the easy solution unavailable, [[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] has the brilliant idea of coating the track with glue! [[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] has a better solution, however: slow the train down by linking up with it.

[[File:Bullet Train Rescue Optimusrailracer.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Their secret handshake took [[Units of time|vorns]] to perfect.]]
Ahead, the bomb explodes, taking out the bridge. The Predacons withdraw from the conflict, standing back to watch the anticipated carnage and leaving the Autobots to deal with the oncoming train. The Linear RFG rolls towards the gap, despite the additional weight of the three Bullet Trains trying to anchor it. So Optimus converts into his super mode and attempts literally to catch the trains to block them from derailing. Prime is successful, and the train comes to a stop before anything goes into the chasm. Sky-Byte tries one last chance to ruin the day, but Side Burn wrecks Sky-Byte's footing and aim.

Finally [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] arrives and begins battling the Autobots. Team Bullet Train returns, having moved the Linear RFG safely away from the destroyed bridge, and combine into [[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]]. Overpowered by the force of Rail Racer's attacks, Megatron flees with his troops in tow. The menace defeated, Team Bullet Train gets back to work, and the Linear RFG completes its inaugural run watched over by Optimus.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[T-AI]] (7)
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (8)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (9)
*[[X-Brawn]] (10)
*[[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] (12)
*[[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]] (13)
*[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (15)
*[[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]] (17)

|h2=[[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]]
|c2=
*[[Gas Skunk]] (1)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (2)
*[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] (3)
*[[Dark Scream]] (11)
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (16)

|c3=
*[[Dorie Dutton]] (4)
*[[Koji Onishi]] (5)
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"There's nothing going on here that would concern you."
:—'''Gas Skunk''' attempts the [[wikia:c:starwars:Mind trick|Jedi mind trick]] on [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]].

"How about coating the entire track with glue! That would slow it up." 
"Dude, I'm gonna pretend you didn't say that."
:—'''Midnight Express''' fails to impress '''Rapid Run''' with his problem-solving abilities.

"Don't you even bother to say hello anymore?"
:—'''Optimus''' is disappointed at Megatron's lack of social graces.

'''Side Burn:''' Wow, how come we can't do that? 
'''Prowl:''' I don't know, I think they're double-jointed. 
'''Side Burn:''' Maybe they can teach us how to do that. 
'''X-Brawn:''' I was never a good student. 
'''Side Burn:''' Come to think of it, I wouldn't want to fuse with you guys anyway.
:—The '''Autobot Brothers''', after watching Team Bullet Train combine into Rail Racer.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Car Robots''===
[[File:Rid ep3 deleted shots.jpg|right|thumb]]
*In ''Car Robots'', Sky-Byte berates Slapper for attacking an empty train because it does nothing to show humanity the Predacons' ruthlessness. In ''Robots in Disguise'', he considers it a waste of time that's keeping him from searching for [[energon]]. This change leads into a general alteration to the plot of the episode: in ''Robots in Disguise'', Sky-Byte wants to steal energy from the Linear RFG, while in ''Car Robots'', he simply wants to destroy the train to prove the Predacons' power to mankind.
*''Car Robots'' specifically notes that Koji was able to get on the Linear RFG thanks to the influence of one of his father's friends.
*''Car Robots'' has Optimus access the space bridge to keep up with the speed of the Linear RFG, whereas ''Robots in Disguise'' has him claiming that he needs to return to base to monitor the situation from there (which [[Bullet Train to the Rescue#Continuity errors|he ''doesn't'' seem to do since he's next seen still running alongside the train]]).
*''Robots in Disguise'' cuts out a shot of a distressed engineer (pictured) reacting to Railspike's decision to go off on his own.
*As they arrive to join Optimus Prime, ''Robots in Disguise'' has Railspike and Rapid Run discuss the urgency of the mission. ''Car Robots'', meanwhile, has Railspike criticize Rapid Run for disregarding the priority of their passengers' safety.
*Where ''Robots in Disguise'' has Midnight Express simply comment on the time-saving nature of the Global Space Bridge, ''Car Robots'' has him bring up one of the characteristics from his Japanese toy [[bio]], a preference for driving through cold areas. As Rapid Run points out, this fondness for the cold is the reason for his perspiration when he arrives late to join his team-mates in warmer climates; in ''Robots in Disguise'', it's just plain old exertion.
*In ''Car Robots'', Railspike wants to alert the passengers on board the Liner RFG to the situation, but in ''Robots in Disguise'', he ''doesn't'' want to let them know.
*On discussing how to stop the Linear RFG, ''Car Robots'' has Midnight Express suggest using a big cushion, where ''Robots in Disguise'' has him propose coating the track with glue.
*After Rapid Run gets in front of the Linear RFG, ''Robots in Disguise'' cuts out a shot of Railspike and Midnight Express moving behind it.
*A still reaction shot of Prowl (pictured) watching as the Linear RFG is about to slam into Prime is cut from ''Robots in Disguise''.
[[File:Rid ep3 blizzardstorm vs opticallaserstrike.jpg|right|thumb|275px]]
*In ''Car Robots'', Optimus Prime uses his Blizzard Storm attack to explode the cliff out from under the Predacons. As this is done only through a pretty bizarre-looking shot of something that is not readily apparent as a jet of water shooting across the screen (pictured; Prime is shown with his cannon deployed after the cliff has exploded to explain the visual), coupled with the general oddness of water exploding a cliff, ''Robots in Disguise'' does away with it, and inserts some footage of Side Burn performing an "Optical Laser Strike" attack instead. This "attack" is actually a clip taken from the end of his transformation [[stock footage]] (also pictured), which features a flare of red energy erupting from his eyes and running across his visor.
*Scenes extended in ''Robots in Disguise'' by looped and repeated footage include:
**Slapper's dialogue just before he attacks the train
**Various bits of conversation between Prime, Koji and the Autobot Brothers in the Autobots
**Prowl's argument with Slapper and Gas Skunk
**Prime's conversation with the train technicians
**T-AI's selection of Team Bullet Train
**Railspike and Rapid Run's discussion about the Linear RFG
**Koji's discussion with Railspike
**Prime announcing that he must do something, before transforming into Super Mode
**Rapid Run requesting that they be allowed to move the Linear RFG back to a safe distance
**Prime's threat to the Predacons, and Sky-Byte's response

===Animation or technical errors===
[[File:BulletTrainRescue Sky-Byte's mouth.jpg|thumb|right|The only time Sky-Byte has ever been this terrifying]]
*When Sky-Byte gloats that the train is doomed, his mouth is drawn with a mouth interior behind it rather than the usual all-white.

===Continuity errors===
*While following alongside the train, Optimus says he'd "better get back to headquarters", but the next time we cut to him, he's still with the train.

===Trivia===
*The combined form of [[Team Bullet Train]], [[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]], refers to himself in the plural.
*The humans seem to be quite familiar with Optimus Prime and who he is.
*It would appear that this episode was originally to be titled "Bullet Train Rescue", as this was the title offered by various sources before the episode aired. The error has not entirely gone away, as this title was used on the R2 DVD menus. That said, it might have been ''better'' if this title had been used, since the [[Spychangers to the Rescue|very next episode]] has a title that is almost exactly the same. This would not be the [[The Test (episode)|last time]] this [[The Fish Test|would happen]] in ''Robots in Disguise''.
*Rail Racer's "Super Turbo Punch!" consists of ''punching his opponent in the face''. Awesome!
*In some markets which aired cartoons in the morning rather than in the afternoon, this episode premiered on September 11, 2001. If that doesn't seem very significant, look at the date and the subject matter of the episode, and let it sink in...

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 1 ([[Pony Canyon]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One ([[Maximum Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battle Protocol (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / RoboCop: The Animated Series / M.A.S.K.'' (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (Maximum Entertainment)

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info/episode-transcripts/rid-episode-03-bullet-train-to-the-rescue "Bullet Train to the Rescue" transcript on RiDForever.info]

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

An Explosive Situation

2017-04-11T00:01:11Z

Zzlom: Edited a sentence which didn't make sense

{{episode|
|series=RiD
|ep=2
|title="An Explosive Situation"
|japanese=高速バトル! ゲルシャーク
|romaji=Kōsoku Battle! Gelshark
|translation=High Speed Battle! Gelshark
|image=Explosive Situation Skybyte bomb.jpg
|caption=Nom nom nom
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]], [[Studio Gallop]]
|written by=[[Junki Takegami]] (Japanese) [[Tom Wyner]] (English)
|director=[[Yoshiaki Tsutsui]], [[Akira Katō]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[April 12]], [[2000]] (Japanese) [[September 10]], [[2001]] (English)
|continuity=
}}
'''Predacons need fuel.''' 
'''So they steal it from a car.''' 
'''[[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom|Sound familiar?]]'''

==Synopsis==
A nighttime delivery of a power cell is ruined by [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], who devours the truck and steals away the cargo. But the energy he consumes doesn't satiate the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacon]]'s hunger.

[[File:Explosive Situation Kojitai.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|No Koji, this doesn't count as sex.]]
[[Koji Onishi]] receives a message from [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and rushes outside to be retrieved by the [[Autobot]] leader, who brings Koji to the Autobots' secret underground headquarters. Prime introduces Koji to the "proactive cybernetic interface program" called [[T-AI]], the Tactical Artificial Intelligence. The two become quick friends, despite T-AI's lack of a solid body. Optimus explains that the Predacons have been responsible for various battery thefts. The three [[Autobot Brothers|Autobot brothers]], [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]], [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]], and [[X-Brawn]], patrol around in hopes of discovering a crime in progress (although Side Burn is easily distracted by his need to "rev up his engine").

[[File:Explosive Situation Predaconbatteries.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|They had to visit five Wal-Marts to collect this many.]]
Underwater, in his own hidden base, [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] mulls over his energy concerns. The Predacon trio arrives with a proposed solution: flashlight batteries. Megatron is unimpressed at how small his henchmen have been thinking. Sky-Byte uncloaks and presents his own, much better idea for powering the Predacons' base: They simply need to recover an energy bomb that some terrorists have hidden in a red sports car in [[Metro City]].

[[File:Explosive Situation Kellyprowl.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Have you considered buying a hybrid?]]
At the docks, [[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] is taking delivery of the last red sports car, which naturally contains the bomb. She takes it for a test drive, and before long is located by Sky-Byte. Unsurprisingly, Side Burn quickly arrives to hit on the car, prompting Sky-Byte to begin his attack. Prowl and Side Burn block the fish, but he swims/flies away and meets with the Predacon trio, who are trying to take the credit for recovering the bomb for themselves. Sky-Byte bites into the car to take it from [[Dark Scream]], shattering the car's structure. Trying to save the automobile, Side Burn unintentionally saves Kelly from certain death. Prowl apologizes to Kelly for letting the Predacons ruin her day.

With the explosive device in his teeth, Sky-Byte gradually floats back towards the Predacon command center, but X-Brawn steals the bomb right out of Sky-Byte's mouth. The rough handling causes the device to arm, and Sky-Byte warns X-Brawn of the impending explosion. Koji suggests taking the bomb somewhere high up, and X-Brawn uses his grappling hook to swing from building to building to the radio tower where he begins his ascent.

[[File:Explosive Situation Skybyteinspace.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|His bosses didn't like him so they shot him into space!]]
Realizing that the blast radius would be larger than the tower is tall, Optimus Prime rushes out of the base. In the city, X-Brawn tosses the bomb from the top of the tower as far upwards as he can. Using his "Power Stream" attack, Prime fires a blast of water at the bomb, carrying the explosive (and Sky-Byte) out of the Earth's atmosphere. Miles above the Earth, Sky-Byte triggers the explosive. The explosion fills the city's sky with a yellow glow, but no buildings are destroyed.

Once he's recovered, Sky-Byte begins a study of human culture but is frustrated by the combined power of the works of [[Dickens|Charles Dickens]] and [[Shakespeare|William Shakespeare]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[T-AI]] (6)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (7)
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (9)
*[[X-Brawn]] (10)
|h2=[[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]]
|c2=
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (3)
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] (12)
*[[Dark Scream]] (13)
*[[Gas Skunk]] (14)
|c3=
*Truck Driver (1)
*Truck Passenger (2)
*[[Koji Onishi]] (4)
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] (8)
*[[Dorie Dutton]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"You've wasted your time, Megatron. One of those flashlights is brighter than the three of them combined."
:—'''Sky-Byte''' on the Predacon Trio.

"Here's a tip for you: Never ignore a warning from a shark!"
:—'''Sky-Byte'''

"Sorry, ma'am. I do apologize for the inconvenience. Are you all right?" 
"For someone who's been attacked by a giant flying squirrel and a huge toad, a maniacal shark and a monstrous skunk...sure, I'm just fine."
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Kelly'''

"What sort of nonsense is this? 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'? Best or worst, make up your mind!"
:—The subtleties of human literature are lost on '''Sky-Byte'''.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Car Robots''===
*As Koji comes running out of his house at the start of the episode, ''Car Robots'' has him calling Optimus Prime on his communicator, while ''Robots in Disguise'' flips the scene, and has Koji responding to a summons from Prime.
*''Car Robots'' is set in [[Tokyo]], while ''Robots in Disguise'' is set in the fictional [[Metro City]]. As such, ''Robots in Disguise'' has to refrain from naming the tower X-Brawn scales, which is quite plainly the famous [[Tokyo Tower]]. Later in the episode, T-AI gives the tower's height as 500 feet; Tokyo Tower is actually 1093 feet tall (333 meters).
*In ''Robots in Disguise'', X-Brawn merely scales the tower to get a better vantage point, and grumbles about his shocks as he takes the stairs in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. In ''Car Robots'', on the other hand, he is actually just goofing around, and ''enjoys'' the "rough terrain" of the stairs. This is just how X-Brawn is in ''Car Robots'', as shown as early as last episode.
*In ''Car Robots'', the police seized every red sports car because all of them had bombs in them (one of which had already gone off previously). In ''Robots in Disguise'', there is only one bomb, so all of the cars were seized to be searched for the one bomb (unfortunately, it was in the one car that wasn't seized: Kelly's car).
*In ''Car Robots'', Slapper, Gas Skunk and Darkscream are confused as to why humans would need such a high-powered bomb, thinking humans are mysterious and unpredictable. In ''Robots in Disguise'', they're more concerned with the bomb going off prematurely.
[[File:Rid ep2 cutscene.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|G-G-G-G-Ghost shark!]]
*''Robots in Disguise'' cuts out two shots of Sky-Byte pursuing Kelly, probably because they involve the slightly confusing use of a "ghostly" image of Sky-Byte, to show the audience that he is underneath the bridge. A few moments later, though, the show extends the chase scene by repeating footage of him chomping at Kelly's car's tail.
*In ''Car Robots'', Sky-Byte doesn't realize Prowl and Side Burn are Autobots until they transform. In ''Robots in Disguise'', he recognizes them on sight.
*In ''Car Robots'', Side Burn extends his arm to catch Kelly and her sportscar ''before'' they fall. ''Robots in Disguise'' reorders the scene to place this shot after the she starts plummeting.
*In ''Car Robots'', rather than say she's okay after she's caught by Prowl, Kelly bemoans her fate as "The most miserable woman in the universe". Sorry, dear, this is just the start of it...
*''Robots in Disguise'' combines some pieces of footage to create a new scene of Prowl telling X-Brawn to take the bomb to the top of the tower; in ''Car Robots'', X-Brawn comes up with this plan on his own initiative.
*''Car Robots'' has X-Brawn turn his head and spot Optimus Prime just after Prime rolls up. ''Robots in Disguise'' moves the scene to just before the audience sees Prime arrive.
*In ''Robots in Disguise'', the Predacons make fun of Sky-Byte for reading human books and not understanding them. In ''Car Robots'', however, they're actually quietly impressed at his ability to survive the explosion, but they then giggle when Darkscream points out he's still a show-off (the implication being that Sky-Byte reading books is nothing new, and the failure to comprehend them being a creation of the dub). ''Robots in Disguise'' also extends the scene by repeating the shot of Sky-Byte leaning over his book and grumbling in the middle of the Predacons' whispered exchange.
*Scenes lengthened in ''Robots in Disguise'' by looped and repeated footage include:
**Koji's introduction to T-AI, allowing the show to make its well-known "daughter of [[Teletraan I]]" reference
**Sky-Byte's explanation before he plays Dorie Dutton's news report
**Slapper and company's worries about the bomb
**Sky-Byte's warning to Prowl
**Kelly and Prowl's exchange after he catches her
**X-Brawn and Sky-Byte's argument over the bomb

===Animation or technical errors===
*Megatron pronounces the Transformers' preferred [[energon|fuel source]] as "ener-gone," which is closer to how it is traditionally pronounced in Japanese.
*The colors of most of Prowl's Autobot [[insignia]] are inverted when he catches Kelly, and full-on miscolored yellow-orange when tries to think what to do about the bomb.
*The white on Sky-Byte's [[beast mode|shark mode]] upper jaw is erroneously colored over by blue when he's shot into space, shown in the above image.

===Real-world references===
*As Sky-Byte approaches the rear of the truck and begins to take bites out of it, the soundtrack starts playing ''Jaws'' music.
*The book Sky-Byte reads from is ''A Tale of Two Cities'' by Charles Dickens. It's also ''Hamlet'' by William Shakespeare. Even the book can't make up its mind!

===Transformers references===
*T-AI introduces herself as the daughter of the [[Teletraan I]] program. She mispronounces it "Teletron" in typical [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']] style.
*The Predacon base is powered by [[Transwarp]] cells.
*Megatron requests that the batteries be converted into [[Energon cube]]s.

===Trivia===
*This episode about terrorist bombs in cities first aired the day before 9/11. So it NEVER aired again.
*Sky-Byte's dramatic entrance inside the Predacon base suggests a power of invisibility or teleportation, or both. Whatever it was, he never used it again.
*The truck delivering the fuel cell has a license plate G39-20.
*Kelly's car which is destroyed at the beginning of the episode has a license plate J38-57.
*Kelly's custom XZ-12 sports car, which she seems surprisingly willing to drive considering it's "the only one left that hasn't been searched" for a bomb, has a plate number J-68-85 (and sometimes J68-85).
*Side Burn is able to extend his arm while in vehicle mode.
*Optimus Prime's "[[Super Mode|battle mode]]" debuts in this episode, though he announces "Optimus Prime, Optimize!". For future episodes it's standardized to "Battle mode!"
*The highway damaged by Sky-Byte's entrance mysteriously disappears.
*X-Brawn seems quite skilled at swinging around the city on his winch line like a [[Spider-Man|certain friendly neighborhood superhero]] while in vehicle mode. We don't really see this talent again.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 1 ([[Pony Canyon]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One ([[Maximum Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battle Protocol (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / RoboCop: The Animated Series / M.A.S.K.'' (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (Maximum Entertainment)

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info/episode-transcripts/rid-episode-02-an-explosive-situation "An Explosive Situation" transcript on RiDForever.info]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Explosive Situation}}
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001) episodes]]

Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)

2017-04-10T23:59:01Z

Zzlom: /* Differences with Car Robots */ Edited a sentence that didn't make sense

{{disambig3.5|the 2001 cartoon|the 2015 cartoon|Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise}}
{{picsneeded}}

{{nav-rid}}

[[File:Ridcartoon.jpg|right|thumb|Optimus and Koji valiantly protect T-AI from becoming part of Kiss Players. But it's still [[Ai Kuruma|too late]].]]
'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise''''', known as '''''Transformers: Car Robots''''' (トランスフォーマーカーロボット) in Japan, is the first Japanese-original ''Transformers'' cartoon ever officially dubbed and broadcast for a US audience. Debuting about eighteen months after its Japanese incarnation, it aired—not without problems—from [[September 8]], [[2001]] to [[March 30]], [[2002]], in support of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|toyline]] of the same name.
{{TOCclear}}
==Overview==
[[File:CarRobots poster.jpg|left|thumb|210px]]

When [[Hasbro]] scrapped their plans for the ''[[Transtech]]'' series that was initially intended to follow ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', material was suddenly needed to fill the void until a new series could be developed. At the eleventh hour, the Japanese series ''Car Robots'', which had screened in Japan the previous year, was selected for this task, and in the process, it became the first ''Transformers'' anime to make the leap across the Pacific in an official capacity. Although "only" filler, the series marked a partial return to the roots of Transformers fiction, reintroducing the Autobot and Decepticon factions and [[insignia]]s and realistic modern Earth vehicles to the brand, after the [[Beast Era]]'s five years of [[Maximal]]s, [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s and [[alternate mode]]s based on animals or abstract/futuristic vehicles.

Given Takara's method of operation at the time, ''Car Robots'' was aimed at a younger audience than that targeted by Hasbro, meaning that it featured a more light-hearted, comedic tone overall, with storylines that were typically light or goofy and sometimes relied on bad jokes, absurd imagery and slapstick. This approach divided fans, but regardless, comic foil [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] became the real breakout character of the series and a fan-favourite whose enduring popularity saw him break into the top five nominations for the [[Transformers Hall of Fame/2012|2012 Transformers Hall of Fame]]'s fan vote.

The animation of the series, meanwhile, was cel-based, a significant change from the CGI that had been a hallmark of ''Transformers'' television series in the US since 1996. In-keeping with the show's general tone, the cartoon features many standard anime light-comedy stylings, and is replete with overdone facial expressions, comic effects like sweat drops surrounding a character's head to signify confusion or consternation, and the traditional streaked background behind the character for high-action shots or [[stock footage]] transformation/attack sequences.

[[File:RiD Cartoon Intro Title.JPG|right|thumb|upright=1.15|There's the signpost up ahead... your next stop: The T-AI-Light Zone.]]

The ''Robots in Disguise'' English dub was produced by [[Saban Entertainment]], who were riding high at the time with the early 21st Century anime boom in full force, and broadcast on the [[Fox Kids]] programming block, which was at the peak of its popularity. The series was subject to some notable editing and re-writing in the traditional Saban style ([[#Difference with Car Robots|see below]]). As a dubbed product, most of the voice actors involved in the series, though veterans of other Saban properties, had never worked on a Transformers series before, save for actor/director [[Michael McConnohie]].

Perhaps the best-remembered element of ''Robots in Disguise''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s legacy, however, was the fate that befell it following the [[September 11]], 2001 terrorist attacks, which occurred after only two episodes of the series had been broadcast. A scramble resulted to re-edit multiple episodes of the series before they reached air to remove scenes that were considered distasteful after these events, but as the first two-thirds of the series was airing ''six days a week'', this quickly left the series airing in a disjointed, out-of-order fashion, with sheer misfortune causing the majority of episodes effected to be ones that dealt with the show's sporadically-referenced ongoing [[O-Part]]s plot. The first victim was "[[The Secret of the Ruins]]", production on which had already been finished, and had to be pulled from broadcast to be re-written. A trio of episodes—"[[Attack from Outer Space]]", "[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]" and "[[Sky-Byte Saves the Day]]"—could not be salvaged and were simply not aired in the US at all; it seems possible that at least two of the three clip shows (see "Differences with Car Robots", below) were specifically re-created to patch over the holes in the plot that resulted from the removal of these episodes, though the episodes did later air in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Canada]] with their questionable plot elements intact.

The Walt Disney Company acquired ownership of ''Robots in Disguise'' when it purchased Saban's assets in late 2001. Disney's ownership and apparent lack of desire to do anything with the show has resulted in it being the only American-broadcast Transformers cartoon to not be even partially released on DVD in the United States (though the complete series was released in the UK). Although Saban did reacquire several of their programmes in 2010, there is presently no evidence that ''Robots in Disguise'' was among them.

''Car Robots''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s opening song is "[[Honō no Overdrive: Car Robot Cybertron|Honō no Overdrive ~Car Robot Cybertron~]]" and ending song is "[[Marionette]]".

==Storyline==

When Earth is targeted by [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] and his [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]], [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and his Autobots prepare for their coming by installing themselves in secret among human society, masquerading as everyday vehicles used by humankind with no knowledge of their true nature. When Megatron strikes and kidnaps famous scientist [[Kenneth Onishi]], the Autobots ally with his son [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] to rescue him before Megatron can pry from his mind the truth of the ancient secret hidden somewhere on Earth.

After successfully re-energizing his ailing craft, the [[Megastar]], Megatron rips the first clue from Doctor Onishi's mind, and tracks the location of an ancient Cybertronian [[O-Part]], only to lose it to the Autobots. Incensed by failure, Megatron recovers six Autobot [[protoform]]s from a crashed spaceship and brainwashes them into the [[Decepticon]]s, led by the dark clone of Optimus Prime, [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]. These new warriors prove much tougher opponents for the Autobots, who then have to deal with attacks from their own side when Optimus Prime's embittered brother, [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]], arrives on Earth to steal the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] from Prime. Realizing the Matrix can be shared between them, the brothers put aside their differences and gain the power to combine into [[Omega Prime]], as well as using the Matrix's power to give the [[Autobot Brothers]] new super-charged bodies.

Fearful of losing his position to Scourge, the bumbling [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] accidentally frees Doctor Onishi when he attempts to use the scientist to locate all the remaining missing O-Parts. Onishi is then able to help the Autobots gather all the O-Parts, which together form a map that points the way to [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], an ancient Cybertronian battle station hidden on Earth for untold ages and controlled by the will of human children. The awakening of Maximus in turn awakens Scourge's ambition, and he leaves Megatron to perish in a collapsing temple so that he can take command for himself. Megatron, however, is transformed into the vampiric Galvatron and puts down Scourge's rebellion before confronting Omega Prime in a final battle at the [[Earth's core]], where he is defeated by the [[Matrix Blade]] created by a fusion of Maximus's energy and Magnus and Prime's Matrix.

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Autobot#2001 Robots in Disguise|Autobots]]|c1=
{{collist|2|
;Main Cast
*[[Omega Prime]] ([[Daniel Riordan]])
**[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Neil Kaplan]])
**[[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Kim Strauss]])
*[[T-AI]] ([[Sandy Fox]])
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] ([[Wankus]])
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] ([[Wally Wingert]])
*[[X-Brawn]] ([[Bob Joles]])
*[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] ([[Steve Blum]])
**[[Emissary (RID)|The Emissary]]
**[[Cerebros (RID)|Cerebros]] ([[Steve Kramer]])
;[[Team Bullet Train]]
*[[Rail Racer (RID)|Rail Racer]] ([[David Lodge]])
**[[Railspike (RID)|Railspike]] ([[Mike Reynolds]])
**[[Rapid Run (RID)|Rapid Run]] ([[Keith Diamond]])
**[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (David Lodge)
;[[Spy Changer]]s
*[[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]] ([[Michael McConnohie]])
*[[R.E.V.]] (Steve Kramer)
*[[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] ([[Dan Woren]])
*[[W.A.R.S.]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] (Michael McConnohie)
*[[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]] (Wally Wingert)
;[[Build Team (RID)|Build Team]]
*[[Landfill (RID)|Landfill]] ([[Michael Reisz]])
**[[Wedge]] (Michael Reisz)
**[[Heavy Load (RID)|Heavy Load]] ([[Daran Norris]])
**[[Hightower (RID)|Hightower]] ([[Joe Ochman]])
**[[Grimlock (RID 2001)|Grimlock]] ([[Tom Wyner]])
;Others
*[[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]] ([[Michael Lindsay]])
*[[Tow-Line (RID)|Tow-Line]] ([[Lex Lang]])
}}

|h2=Antagonists |c2=
;[[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]]
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron/Galvatron]] (Daniel Riordan)
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] ([[Peter Spellos]])
*[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] ([[Peter Lurie]])
*[[Gas Skunk]] ([[Jerry DeCapua]])
*[[Dark Scream]] (Steve Blum)
;[[Decepticon]]s
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] ([[Barry Stigler]])
*[[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]] ([[Bob Papenbrook]])
**[[Mega-Octane]] (Bob Papenbrook)
**[[Ro-Tor (RID)|Ro-Tor]] (Neil Kaplan)
**[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] ([[Richard Epcar]])
**[[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]] (Michael Lindsay)
**[[Movor]] ([[Robert Axelrod]])

|c3=
;Main Cast
*[[Koji Onishi]] ([[Jason Spisak]])
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] ([[Philece Sampler]])

;Others
*[[Kenneth Onishi|Doctor Kenneth Onishi]] ([[Kirk Thornton]])
*[[Dorie Dutton]] ([[Tifanie Christun]])
*[[Karl]] ([[Joshua Seth]])
*[[Jenny (RID)|Jenny]] ([[Colleen O'Shaughnessey]])
|nonumbering=true
}}

==Differences with Car Robots==

As tended to be the wont of Saban productions, ''Robots in Disguise'' was altered from the original Japanese ''Car Robots'' in multiple ways—some subtle, others less so. Dialogue would, for the most part, stick to the intent of the original, but at times certain conversations could be about entirely different things in English versus Japanese; as a lighthearted show, ''Car Robots'' is particularly fond of Japanese cultural humor and wordplay, and ''Robots in Disguise'' often had to work around such exchanges, replacing them with English-language jokes that could either be comparable or entirely different. Several characters' personalities were entirely reworked for the English dub; Darkscream, for instance, lost the samurai overtones of his Japanese counterpart, Megatron became incredibly theatrical and prone to explosive tantrums, Rapid Run went from being a gruff, older warrior into a young, cool dude, and Midnight Express was changed from the timid, junior member of Team Bullet Train into a British fusspot, to name a few. Curiously, the three [[clip show]]s that were part of ''Car Robots'' were cut entirely and replaced with brand ''new'' clip shows which were created from reused footage by the American production team.

The visuals of the show were also edited, with new CGI [[scene transition]]s based on the classic [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] transitions inserted into the proceedings, sometimes in place of the simple wipes used in ''Car Robots''. In the early portion of the series, CGI "POV" overlays were occasionally added as characters targeted their opponents for attack, though this particular practise was not employed much as the series went on. The entire soundtrack of the show was changed for ''Robots in Disguise'', with new tunes being provided by Saban mainstays [[Shuki Levy]] and [[Paul Gordon]] as well as [[Glenn Scott Lacey]].

Perhaps one of the most notable traits of the ''Robots in Disguise'' dub was the insertion of numerous references to other ''Transformers'' series, typically added to scripts by Hasbro employee [[Andrew Frankel]] after they were submitted for approval—though this did create some debate in the fandom ([[#Connections to other fiction|see below]]).

Outside of these major overarcing examples, there are sometimes other changes both major and minor made to the content of individual episodes for numerous reasons. TFWIKI.Net notes such changes on the individual episode articles.

== Connections to other fiction ==
The ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon was the first total reboot of Transformers fiction. As the first official material not set in any Generation 1 universe it established the first alternate [[continuity family]] in the line's history. However, as this was such a new idea, it took a while for fans to accept the "reboot" idea, and many would try to figure out how to fit the series into existing Generation 1 cartoon continuity. Aiding them in this endeavour were the numerous "[[easter egg]]" references added to the ''Robots in Disguise'' dub that mentioned characters and events from earlier ''Transformers'' series . This mindset died off with time, especially after subsequent series would create more and more reboots, eliminating the uniqueness of ''Robots in Disguise''.

Takara did not make a point of defining the relationship between ''Car Robots'' and their version of cartoon continuity either, with the only statement on its place in time and space coming from the first toy catalogue that identified Optimus Prime/Fire Convoy's crew as a "Dimensional Patrol" that followed the Predacons/Destrongers from another dimension to 21st-century Earth. This concept did not factor into either the Japanese or English versions of the show. However, the idea returned in force in 2006, when a [[retcon]] performed by [[TakaraTomy]] through assorted [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|timelines and flowcharts]] explicitly established ''Car Robots'' as part of the Japanese Generation 1 animated continuity, occurring in the year 2000. Broadly speaking, this was accomplished by exploiting the somewhat-unresolved ending of the manga, ''[[Transformers: The Battle of the Star Gate|The Battle of the Star Gate]]'', which had ended with the majority of the Generation 1 Transformers on Earth disappearing for some time, thereby allowing ''Car Robots'' to slip in with minimal opposition. Most connections between ''Car Robots'' and other aspects of the fiction center on [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], who was tied into important events from ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'', ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'', and ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (franchise)|The Headmasters]]''.

However, despite ''Car Robots'' being retconned into the Japanese Generation 1 timeline, ''Robots in Disguise'' remains unconnected to the Western Generation 1 universe, and still exists as a separate continuity family there. And that's despite the fact that out of the two versions of the cartoon, the added easter eggs mean that ''Robots in Disguise'' has more Generation 1 references in it!

[[Ask Vector Prime]] eventually ran with the idea, explaining that the destruction of Primus/Cybertron during the Japanese ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' cartoon had widespread reality-warping effects. One consequence was the separate Viron Cluster events (''Robots in Disguise'') overlapping the Primax Cluster's "[[OG World]]", causing the same basic events (''Car Robots'') to play out in a different timeline, albeit with the participants having different names and origins from their Viron stream template.

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Robots in Disguise (2001) episodes}}

The three clip shows of ''Robots in Disguise'' differ between the English and Japanese versions. Both are listed at the appropriate numbers.

{{collist|4|
#[[Battle Protocol!]]
#[[An Explosive Situation]]
#[[Bullet Train to the Rescue]]
#[[Spychangers to the Rescue]]
#[[The Hunt for Black Pyramid]]
#[[The Secret of the Ruins]]
#[[Sideburn's Obsession]]
#[[Secret Weapon: D-5]]
#[[Mirage's Betrayal]]
#[[Skid Z's Choice]]
#[[Tow-Line Goes Haywire]]
#[[The Ultimate Robot Warrior]]
#[[Hope for the Future]]{{dag|red}} [[Gigatron's Ambitions Revealed!]]{{dag|red}}
#[[The Decepticons]]
#[[Commandos]]
#[[Volcano (episode)|Volcano]]
#[[Attack from Outer Space]]
#[[The Test (episode)|The Test]]
#[[The Fish Test]]
#[[Wedge's Short Fuse]]
#[[Landfill (episode)|Landfill]]
#[[Sky-Byte Saves the Day]]
#[[A Test of Metal]]
#[[Ultra Magnus (episode)|Ultra Magnus]]
#[[Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion!]]
#[[Lessons of the Past]]{{dag|red}} [[Assemble! New Troops]]{{dag|red}}
#[[The Two Faces of Ultra Magnus]]
#[[Power to Burn!]]
#[[Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus]]
#[[Koji Gets His Wish]]
#[[A Friendly Contest]]
#[[Peril from the Past]]
#[[Maximus Emerges]]
#[[The Human Element]]
#[[Mystery of the Ultra Magnus]]{{dag|red}} [[Gelshark's Blues]]{{dag|red}}
#[[Mistaken Identity]]
#[[Surprise Attack!]]
#[[Galvatron's Revenge]]
#[[The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle]]
}}
{{dag|red}} ''[[Clip show]]''

==Home video releases==
===''Car Robots''===
[[File:Tf car robots vol 01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
{{main|Pony Canyon}}
The ''Car Robots'' version of ''Robots in Disguise'' was released on VHS and DVD by Pony Canyon in [[Japan]] while the series was still on air.
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 1 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 2 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 3 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 4 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 5 (2000)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 6 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 7 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 8 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 9 (2001)
*''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 10 (2001)
{{-}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
[[File:RiD Box Set 1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
{{main|Maximum Entertainment}}
Maximum Entertainment, in association with [[Fox Kids|Jetix]], released the entire ''RiD'' series in the UK... several times.
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One (2004)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (2004)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 2 of 2 ([[April 15]] 2005)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battle Protocol (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Evil Intent (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battling the Predacons (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — 3 DVD Mega Pack (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / RoboCop: The Animated Series / M.A.S.K.'' (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation / Action Man'' (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season Two (2007)
*''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (2008)

===Italy===
{{main|Stormovie}}
Stormovie released ''RiD'' in Italy, but... not entirely. At first the first 16 episodes were released in 4 DVDs, then the series was interrupted and later they released two "movies" made of various episodes. While the first one is just five episodes back to back, the second one is slightly messier, being made of five episodes back to back with two 1-minute clips from other episodes to stitch them (the scene in "[[Koji Gets His Wish]]" where Scourge lets Sky-Byte go to search Cerebros and the part of "[[Maximus Emerges]]" when the Autobots find Cerebros), but still kinda confusing since the beginning part of "[[Surprise Attack!]]" haves the characters talking about things that were left out from the "movie".
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 1''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 1-4.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 2''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 5-8.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 3''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 9-12.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Volume 4''' (2005)
:Contains episodes 13-16.
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Il Film''' (2007)
:Collage movie made from episodes [[Battle Protocol!|1]], [[An Explosive Situation|2]], [[The Decepticons|14]], [[Volcano (episode)|16]] and [[The Fish Test|19]].
*'''''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' Il Film: Battaglia Finale''' (2007)
:Collage movie made from episodes [[Fortress Maximus (episode)|29]], [[Koji Gets His Wish|30]], [[Peril from the Past|32]], [[Maximus Emerges|33]], [[Surprise Attack!|37]], [[Galvatron's Revenge|38]] and [[The Final Battle (RID)|39]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
===Foreign titles===
*''Japanese:'' '''''トランスフォーマーカーロボット''''' ("Transformers: Car Robots")
*''Brazilian:'' '''''Transformers: A Nova Geração''''' ("Transformers: The New Generation")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: Nueva Generación''''' (America, "Transformers: New Generation")
*''Korean:'' '''''Jeonguiui Yongsa: Car Bot''''' (정의의 용사 카봇, "Brave Heroes of Justice: Car-Bots")

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info RiD Forever]
*[http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B9%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC_%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AD%E3%83%9C%E3%83%83%E3%83%88 Japanese Wiki '''Transformers Car Robots''' article]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Robots in Disguise (cartoon)}}
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001)| ]]
[[Category:Television series]]

Beast Wars (Part 2)

2017-04-09T21:58:22Z

Zzlom: Spell mistake of Ankle corrected

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=2
|title="Beast Wars" (Part 2)
|image=BeastWars2 clash.jpg
|caption="The energon is shorting out our depth perception!"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[April 23]], [[1996]]<ref>Though this episode played several days earlier in several US markets, its most widespread screening was on the 22nd.</ref>
|written by=[[Bob Forward]]
|directed by=[[Steve Ball]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Optimus Primal/toys#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Convoy]]
}}

'''After a battle between Optimus Primal and Dinobot, a huge cache of energon is discovered.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:BeastWars2 bridge.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|I am the servant of the [[Allspark|secret fire]], wielder of the [[Matrix Flame|flame of Anor]]! The [[The Fallen#Dreamwave Generation One continuity|dark fire]] will not avail you, flame of [[Pit|Udun]]! Go back to [[Unicron|the shadow]]!]]
[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] challenges [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] to mortal combat for the leadership of the [[Maximal]]s. [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] wonders if the rest of them get a say, while [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] is indifferent and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] offers to nail the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] himself. Optimus tries to talk sense to Dinobot, saying he's welcome to join the group, but not as leader. Dinobot is unimpressed; the two duel. Rattrap has to restrain Cheetor from joining in. Primal knocks Dinobot down, and the Predacon tells him to finish the job, but Optimus refuses, and Dinobot responds by blasting him, almost sending the Maximal leader over the edge. Dinobot helps him back up, stating that Primal slipped and that winning the fight that way would not have been honorable.

As they continue to fight, [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and his crew arrive, taking the chance to attack both combatants. Primal transforms to [[beast mode]], pulling Dinobot out of the way of the missiles, but leaving the pair dangling over the ravine. Dinobot begins suffering from energon buildup, and pleads with Optimus to let him fall so that Optimus might save himself, but Optimus naturally refuses. The pair is saved at the last moment by Rhinox. This is the signal for another attack from the Predacons, which takes out the rock bridge. The Maximals (bar Rattrap, who has to be saved by Optimus) reach the other side of the bridge in time.

[[File:BeastWars2 maximals sight mountain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''The Hills Have Energon''... never coming to a theatre near you!]]
Megatron takes his frustrations out on [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]], but [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] points to where some of the Predacon missiles have struck a mountain, unveiling a massive cache of [[energon]] crystals. The Predacons set out for the mountain, but they're spotted heading for the energy crystals by the Maximals. Rhinox and Rattrap are ready to scrap Dinobot before starting out, but Optimus stops them. They set out for the mountain as well, though Rattrap is less than impressed with the news that Dinobot is coming too.

[[File:BeastWars2 Dinobot Rattrap glaring.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Oh, so you think you're better than me just because you're a Deluxe?" "Let's see how many times they've reused ''your'' mold, vermin."]]
En route, Rhinox suggests Optimus fly ahead using his jets, but Primal believes there's strength in numbers. They spot a strange [[Standing Stones|stone circle]], obviously artificially built, but are interrupted in their discussion by the arrival of Terrorsaur and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]. Optimus takes to the air and scares them off with a missile. As the two Predacons flee, Dinobot fires on them with his [[Optic weaponry|optical lasers]], inadvertently blasting the ledge above them. Rhinox is forced to leap aside as a boulder comes crashing down on him, and Rattrap accuses him of intentionally trying to slag Rhinox. Optimus orders him to stand down.

[[File:BeastWars2 Megatron and Optimus struggle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Darn it... how does [[King Kong]] ''do'' this trick?"]]
The Predacons arrive at the mountain, though as [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] points out, the energy will force them to remain in their beast modes. The Maximals arrive at roughly the same time, and both sides eye each other across a pass through the top mountain. After the prerequisite speech from Megatron, both sides charge and begin tearing into one another in beast form. Despite biting a chunk out of Optimus, Megatron is thrown aside and, as a last desperate gamble, transforms and fires a missile on Optimus. Dinobot throws himself between the pair, knocking the missile with his tail and saving Primal, but the missile begins a chain reaction. Both teams quickly flee.

As the Maximals watch the resultant explosions, Dinobot explains that his actions are payment of a debt—he owed Primal his life; now they are even. Primal says that's good enough for the moment, and proclaims that the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] have begun.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
* [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (2)
* [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (3)
* [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (4)
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (5)
|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
* [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (1)
* [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (6)
* [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (7)
* [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (8)
* [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (9)
* [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
"I still live! Finish it." 
"That's not how we Maximals do things." 
"Then that will have to ''change!''"
:—'''Dinobot''' and '''Optimus Primal'''

"What are you doing? You'd won." 
"You slipped. To defeat you in such a manner would be lacking in honor. I would not have earned the right to lead. I prefer to beat my opponents the old fashioned way—BRUTALLY!" 
''[The two resume fighting]'' 
"For a Predacon, Dinobot, you have qualities I could like." 
"And you, ahh, have proved to be a worthy adversary. I will have you recycled with full honors." 
"Well, that's. Just. Prime!"
:—'''Optimus Primal''' and '''Dinobot'''

"The energon fields! I am shorting out." 
"Hang on! You can't transform in this position!" 
"Release me! Let me fall and save yourself." 
"Now, where's the honor in that?" 
''[Optimus's hold on the rock bridge weakens]'' 
"You have no choice." 
"Then we both go!"
:—'''Dinobot''' and '''Optimus Primal'''

"You're welcome." 
"You're the leader. It's your, ah, job."
:—A life-saving '''Optimus Primal''' and an ungrateful '''Rattrap'''

"Ease off, Rattrap! It was an accident." 
"Says you!" 
"That's right—says me! You wanna question my orders one. More. Time?" 
"I… ahhhh… ya, I don't trust Predacons."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' asserts command over '''Rattrap'''.

"Across the galaxy, it has come to this, Optimus Primal—face to face, tooth to claw. Yesss. Have you anything to say?" 
"I'd say that's prime. Let's do it."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Primal''', just before the big fight begins

"It is over, Megatron!" 
"It is ''never'' over. Noooo! For if I must die, I shall take you with me!"
:—'''Optimus Primal''' and '''Megatron'''

"So for now, let the battle be here, on this strange primitive world. And let it be called...Beast Wars!"
:—'''Optimus Primal''' after the first of many battles.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Dinobot transforms to fight Optimus his knee-pads and the bones around his ankles are absent.
* Immediately after this, while approaching Optimus, Dinobot's spinning blades are severely shortened and misshapen, making them appear to have been chibified. Then, as he readies himself for the duel, Dinobot at one point pokes his sword through his own chest.
* While Dinobot makes a huge leap towards Optimus, his blade clips through his right ankle just before the shot cuts.
* In the following reaction shot of Primal, his left upper arm is on upside down. Then in the next shot, his sword is clipping through his left leg.
* Optimus clips his blade through his right ankle just before he smacks Dinobot.
* When Waspinator first transforms, the bee-stripes on his thighs are mapped along the wrong axis.
* When the Predacons open fire on the rock bridge, Tarantulas appears to be blasting missiles from his armpits. These also clip through Scorponok's shoulder as they fly.
* As the Maximals start for the Energon mountain and Rattrap is left behind, if you look closely you'll see Optimus' legs are messed up – they're stretched to the ground and don't move as he walks.
* After Waspinator transforms to attack the Maximals on the cliff side, both his feet are twisted to the side at an awkward angle.
* As Rattrap ducks behind the freshly-blasted boulder when the Maximals come under flying-Predacon fire, the barrel of his gun clips through the rock.
* The "energy surge" effect on Terrorsaur and Waspinator lags one frame behind them as they're blown out of the sky.
* Often, when the Energon mountain appears in the distance, a large piece of energon in the foreground clips and flickers, making it appear as though the Energon is appearing and disappearing at random. This also happens in the shot of the energon when Optimus first climbs to the top of the mountain (before Megatron appears on the other side).
* When Megatron transforms to [[robot mode]] near the end of the episode, he almost immediately suffers an Energon surge. However, he appears normal as he fires a missile at Optimus.
* Though Megatron takes quite a chunk out of Primal's left leg during the final battle, the damage disappears when the Maximals retreat.

===Continuity errors===
* During the scene with Dinobot, in the background, the ''Axalon'' is missing from its crash site.

* When the Maximals and Predacons are charging towards each other in the big fight, it is established that all combatants were running almost side-by-side. Yet in each of the closeups of each combatant, it seems they are the only ones actually charging in the small crevasse.

* After the energon mountain explodes and the Maximals are seen ducking for cover, every shot showing Optimus Primal and Dinobot in the foreground features none of the other Maximals in the background, even though they were seen standing behind the pair moments earlier, and both Rattrap and Rhinox are seen when Rattrap thinks they have won. Oddly enough, Cheetor is no longer in the scene at all.

* The very same scene features a lot of rubble from the destroyed mountain in close-ups of Rattrap and Rhinox, but relatively little rubble when Optimus Primal and Dinobot are in the foreground.
* Scorponok directs Megatron's attention to the missiles approaching the mountain. The missiles then hit the mountain, revealing it to be full of energon. There's no reason to believe Scorponok knew the energon was there, so why did he ''care'' about the imminent impact of the missiles?
* Megatron deciding to destroy the mountain is...questionable. Though Optimus Primal managed to throw him into a rock face, Primal himself was down and crippled, while Megatron appeared ready to keep fighting.

===Real-world references===
* The [[Standing Stones|standing stones]] glimpsed by Rhinox and Optimus have a strong resemblence to [[wikipedia:Stonehenge|Stonehenge]].
* When Rhinox charges him, Terrorsaur holds his wing out like a cape, in the style of a matador. Rhinox duely charges through it as Terrorsaur whips it back.

===Trivia===
* During the audio commentary for this episode on [[Madman Entertainment]]'s ''Beast Wars'' Season 1 DVD, [[Garry Chalk]]'s cell phone suddenly rings, forcing him to step outside, while [[Scott McNeil]] and [[Alec Willows]] crack jokes about it being Garry's mom on the line.
* At the end of the episode, Megatron transforms without his command code. The Maximals do the same when the Predacon fliers attack on the way to the mountain. This is a rarity in the early episodes, but becomes commonplace as the series progresses.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Animutants - 2e partie'''" ("Animutants - 1st Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

:*''Title:'' "'''Pilote 2'''" (Canada, "Pilot 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un nuovo compagno'''" ("A New Mate")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Taose Destron'''" (倒せデストロン, "Beat the Destrons")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 8|8 October]] [[1997]]
::*After Optimus declares to the skies that their conflict shall be called the Beast Wars, the Maximals all comment on how cool and dramatic his statement was (all except Dinobot, anyway, who remains a stick in the mud).

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wojna bestii'''" ("Beast War")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Beast Wars parte 2'''" ("Beast Wars part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La guerra de las bestias [Parte 2]'''" ("The War of the Beasts [Part 2]")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

:''Title:'' "'''Guerra de Bestias Segunda Parte'''" (America, "Beast War Second Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''能量争夺战'''" ("Grabs of Energon")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Beast Wars'' — A Feature Length Beasties Adventure ([[Alliance Atlantis|Alliance Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — Une Adventure Cybernetique (Alliance Video) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1997 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — Enter the Super Lifeform Transformers ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' / ''Robots-Bêtes'' Three pack (Alliance Video) — Available in English or French audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 1 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 1 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]])
;[[Wikipedia:LaserDisc|LaserDisc]]
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Maximal Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 1 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season (Rhinomation) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Chain of Command (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes — Where the Beasties Began! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Ping

2016-11-29T23:26:41Z

Zzlom: Removed an extra "been"

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One|The Transformers: Till All Are One]]'' #5
|prev=Informed
|next=Til All Are One issue 6
|seriesissue2=''[[Titans Return (comic)|Titans Return]]''
|prev2=Last Light
|next2=
|image=TAAO5 subcvr.jpg
|caption=
|title="Ping"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 23]], [[2016]]
|coverdate=November 2016
|written by=[[Mairghread Scott]]
|art by=[[Sara Pitre-Durocher]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]] and [[Chris Mowry]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''When the Titans return, Cybertron fights back!'''

==Synopsis==
Out in the depths of space, aboard the [[Titan (IDW)|Titan]] [[Carcer]], [[Lancer]] is relaxing at the scanners when the sensor array starts to pick up something alarming. [[Greenlight]] immediately goes to call for Elita One....

[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] returns to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] following the [[Revolution|recent events on Earth]], where she is greeted by [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]. Feeling very downtrodden after recent failures, Windblade believes she may no longer have a part to play in the future of Cybertron, but Obsidian tries to raise her spirits, pointing out all the good work that they can yet do. All those future plans immediately become secondary concerns, however, when Obsidian's communicator chimes...

Across town, [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] is meeting with [[Ironhide (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ironhide]], who, as new director of security for [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], requests that custody of the oft-stolen [[Enigma of Combination]] be turned over to him to prevent the unsupervised creation of any new combiners. Starscream is resistant, more interested instead in seeing the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] prosecuted for their crimes, which Ironhide is unwilling to do so long as they remain in the brain-damaged state they have been in since de-combining. Starscream accuses Ironhide of working against him, but Ironhide denies it; in fact, he says, he believes it is time for Starscream to stop playing games and properly, genuinely ''lead'' the planet, and that he'll stand behind him if he does. Before they can talk any further, their communicators also go off.

A short time later, the [[Council of Worlds]] assembles at the [[Spire]], where Obsidian shocks everyone by requesting a declaration of war. A team of advance scouts, he explains, were sent to investigate the anomaly detected by Carcer's sensors, which was discovered to be a spacebridge portal that had disgorged an armada of undead Titans. The entire scout team were slain by the monstrosities, who are now bearing down on Cybertron and are due to arrive in six hours. The council flies into a panic, with [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] ready to flee immediately, but Starscream—taking Ironhide's advice—sternly snaps them all into shape. Preparations are made for all of Cybertron fight back against the approaching threat: sick and injured 'bots are quickly relocated to [[Caminus]], under the direction of the Mistress of Flame; Ironhide's security forces organize the evacuation of Iacon; and every available ship is drafted to take part in the looming combat. This last order in particular proves distressing for cargo hauler [[Razorbeast]], who tries to convince his partner [[Fizzle]] that they should just make a run for it, but a stirring speech from Starscream that is transmitted to all ships convinces them to stay and fight.

As the Titans arrive overhead, Windblade gives [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] the signal to transform in order to battle his zombified brethren on the ground, while the ships—with Carcer at the fore, its troops led by [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]—try to eliminate as many as they can before they hit the ground. Down among the city streets, Knock Out uses his speed to evade the giants, luring them into a barrage of fire led by his [[Breakdown (IDW)|conjunx endura]], while [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] rip at the giants with fang and claw. Metroplex fights bravely, but as the combat wears on, more and more Titans arrive, and the giant Autobot is steadily overpowered and wrestled to the ground. Observing this, Starscream contacts [[Elita One]] aboard Carcer and, shelving his characteristic pride, requests that she bring Carcer down to the surface of the planet and transform him to help in the fight. Elita listens to him silently, and after a moment... politely refuses and shuts off her comm line!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (3)
*''[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]'' (5)
*''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]]'' (6)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ironhide]] (7)
*[[Fizzle]] (23)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (hallucination, 25)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (26)

|c2=
*[[Tankor (BM)|Fat Tankor]] (19)
*[[Octane|Tall Tankor]] (20)
*[[Sparkstalker]] (21)

|c4=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Lancer]] (1)
*[[Greenlight]] (2)
*[[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] (4)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (9)
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] (10)
*[[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Tigatron]] (12)
*[[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]] (14)
*[[Strika (BM)|Strika]] (15)
*Multiple [[Titan (IDW)|Titans]] (16)
*[[Fireshot (G1)|Fireshot]] (17)
*[[Mistress of Flame]] (18)
*[[Zetca]] (22)
*[[Razorbeast]] (24)
*[[Breakdown (IDW)|Knock Out's Conjunx Endura]] (27)
*[[Elita One]] (28)
{{!}}}
}}

==Quotes==
"There's a saying on Earth, where Optimus is now, 'there's no rest for the wicked.'" 
"There is a similar saying among my people. There is no rest for the '''just.'''"
:—'''Windblade''' and '''Obsidian'''

"Now, will the Justice Committee, the most annoying of committees if I may add, please tell us why we're here?"
:—'''Starscream'''

"Always knew that guy was a manipulative ass-gasket. I just never thought he'd be so damn inspiring."
:—'''Fizzle,''' on Starscream

"Think we'll make it out of this?" 
"Yes, but look where optimism got me." 
"Fair enough. On the bright side, if we lose, maybe I'll get to haunt Megatron. Annoy him as much as you annoy me."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Bumblebee's "ghost"'''

"I don't like to humble myself, Elita, but we won't survive without this." 
"Then I wish you well, Starscream. May your body defend and serve whatever remains." 
'''''CLK''''' 
".....She hung up."
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Elita One'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Windblade returns from her participation in the ''[[Revolution]]'' crossover, which she was seen leaving Cybertron to take part in in the [[Informed|''Till All Are One: Revolution'' tie-in one-shot]], and which, due to delays, hadn't actually wrapped up by the time this issue was released.
*Obsidian notes that "[[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] must be resettled." The former Decepticon capital, previously believed destroyed in Cybertron's reformatting, was discovered still standing in the [[The Last Autobot|''Titans Return'' one-shot]].
*In what has become an ongoing trend, Starscream has again adopted a new body, the third time he has done so since becoming leader. For a point of comparison, note that Ironhide still sports the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]''-inspired design he acquired back at the start of [[2012]].
*Ironhide refers to the Enigma of Combination's distressing history of being very easily stolen since it fell into Starscream's hands, which has happened in [[You, Me, and the Universe|''The Transformers'' #41]], ''[[An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters]]'', and just [[The Line Between Us|last issue]], which resulted in the formation of [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]], [[Victorion]], and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], respectively.
*We are also reminded that the [[Drunkatron|murder]] that took place back in [[07:00:00|issue #1]] has not yet been solved; the implication has always been that [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]], disguised as a [[Badgeless]], did it.
*The undead Titans were reanimated by [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] on [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] in [[Last Light|''More than Meets the Eye'' #57]].
*Despite the [[Ten_to_Midnight|''More than Meets the Eye'' issues]] [[Last_Light|of the crossover]] establishing that there is regular contact between the two, apparently nobody on Luna 1 thought to forewarn Cybertron of the incoming Titans.
*Zetca is seen running the Cybertron spaceport, a job he was shown to have taken up in [[Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|''The Transformers'' #47]].
*Fizzle was last seen [[A 'Bot and Her City|issue #1]] of the [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' mini-series]], hanging around in Maccadam's. Looks like he's found himself a job since then!
*Elita's refusal to let Carcer transform and join the fight on Cybertron is alarming enough ''without'' context, but it's important to remember we've known since [[The Will of the Few|''Windblade'' vol. 2 #7]] that there's ''something'' suspicious about her Titan, and that it may not be exactly who or what she claims it is.

===Errors===
*On page 2, Windblade sadly notes Optimus doesn't listen to "her council"; that ought to be "counsel."
*Perhaps not an out-and-out error, but Obsidian refers to Bruticus by name. As his name was only ever shown to readers when Vortex revealed it during Bruticus' combination, and the Combaticons are suffering from brain damage since decombining, it's not very likely that they would have been coherent enough to reveal their combined form's name.

===Other trivia===
*''Till All Are One'' gets a new logo this issue, shifting the subtitle to below the "Transformers" logo and enlarging it to span the width of the cover.
*This is the first part of ''Till All Are One''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sequel/follow-up to the ''[[Titans Return (comic)|Titans Return]]'' event. It's not branded as part of the event itself—a bit ironic, given that this is the story in which the Titans actually ''return!'' The launch of ''Till All Are One'' was apparently held back by delays on [[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|''Sins of the Wreckers'']]; had it come out on its originally promoted launch date, ''Till All Are One'' would presumably have had a more interconnected set of crossover issues that would have run concurrently with the other ''Titans Return'' chapters in ''The Transformers'' and ''More than Meets the Eye''. But hey, things changes, and so this story has actively been written to fall after ''Revolution'', clocking in at four parts in length (the entirety of the second ''Till All Are One'' trade paperback).

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Metroplex rises, by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Split-screen of Windblade, Starscream, and our cast as the Titans draw near, by [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Knock Out and his Conjunx, by [[Jack Lawrence]] and [[Thomas Deer]]

<gallery>
File:TAAO5 regcvr.jpg|
File:TAAO5 subcvr.jpg|
File:TAAO5 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Till All Are One'' #6
*"The Hasbro Tribune" editorial page promoting "[[Reconstruction]]" and the new [[Hasbro Universe]] titles, including this issue and [[Optimus Prime issue 1|''Optimus Prime'' #1]].
*''Till All Are One'' Vol. 1 trade paperback
*''Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures'' mini-series

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/32066-cybertron-prepares-for-war-in-transformers-till-all-are-one-5.html Preview]

[[Category:Till All Are One issues]]

Overlord (G1)

2016-10-17T23:24:46Z

Zzlom:

{{faction|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Overlord}}
{{disambig3|Gigatron}}
{{featured}}
:''Overlord is a [[Decepticon]] [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Overlord.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Check out these killer abs!]]
[[Autobot]]s quake in fear when '''Overlord''' (オーバーロード ''Ōbārōdo'') thunders on to the battlefield. This towering warrior is an amalgamation of the deadliest [[Decepticon]] weaponry known, armed with laser blasters and grenade launchers in his stomach, and the terrifying ability to prevent the wounds he inflicts upon his opponents from healing. He is even equipped with an internal arms factory. Overlord is formed from two individual vehicles, a tank and a jet, which combine together to form his colossal [[robot mode]], a heavily-armed advance base, or a larger jet capable of space flight.

He is sometimes known as '''Gigatron'''.

{{note|Exactly who—and even ''what''—Overlord is varies greatly from continuity to continuity, to the point that it could conceivably be argued whether or not the different incarnations represent different characters. See individual sections below for details.}}

==Fiction==
===Japanese Generation 1 continuity===
The story of the Overlord begins with the mysterious alien energy-being and self-styled Decepticon god, [[Devil Z]], who schemed to create the ultimate lifeform by merging Transformers and humans into one. Devil Z stole a collection of Transformer [[Transtector]]s from the [[G Nebula 89|G Nebula]] and brought them to Earth. Devil Z recruited two human beings, husband and wife [[Giga]] and [[Mega]], and charged them with creating an army for him. Mega and Giga were both bonded to the largest Transtector, and together, they became the terrifying Overlord, serving as Devil Z's "Ambassador of Destruction" on Earth.

In this continuity, each of Overlord's two components are piloted by Giga and Mega, and are hence known as the '''Gigatank''' and the '''Megajet'''. As deadly as his "Chōkon Daemon Blast" lasers and "Chōkon Bolt Masher" grenade launcher are, Overlord has little need for projectile weapons: as a [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmaster]], he is capable of manipulating [[Chōkon Power]], and can even employ it to inhibit the regenerative abilities of other Godmasters.

====Ask Vector Prime====
The G Nebula transtector that became Overlord was intended to be a new body for a fallen Decepticon known as Gigatron. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/24}}

====Cartoon continuity====
=====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Keiichi Noda]] (Japanese)|[[Rik Thomas]] (English, Omni Productions dub)}}
[[File:Overlord r.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Believe it or not, this is a crane shot.]]
Giga and Mega took their Transtectors into battle for the first time after a string of failures that resulted in several of the Godmaster Transtectors falling into the hands of the [[Autobot]]s. The couple had [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] lure Autobot commander [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] into the desert, and then confronted him as Overlord, immediately proving their superiority by beating him to near-death. {{storylink|Super Ginrai Gets Blown Away in the Desert!?}} Believing Ginrai dealt with, Overlord subsequently departed into space, {{storylink|Will the Bomber Project Be Destroyed!?}} taking control of a [[Weather Observatory Moon Base|weather-monitoring base]] on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in order to rendezvous with the approaching [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]] there. Ginrai, however, proved entirely too stubborn to die, and, powered-up through his combination with the freshly-constructed [[Godbomber]] drone, soon pursued Overlord and engaged him in battle above the moon's surface. {{storylink|God Ginrai - Into the Sky!!}} During the fight, Ginrai was blindsided by BlackZarak and sent crashing down to the moon, where he found himself hunted by the two powerful Decepticons. Luckily, the Autobot battleship [[Grand Maximus]] arrived to help, and the two Decepticon tried to break off the fight an return to Earth. Ginrai and Grand vowed to stop them, and a shot from Ginrai's God Cannon sent Overlord plummeting back to the moon, forcing Giga and Mega to split into their individual Transtectors to soften their impact and save their lives. The Autobot pair managed to drive BlackZarak back to the moon as well, and the dark Decepticon insisted that Overlord return to Earth alone and inform Devil Z of the situation. Overlord refused, furious that anyone other than Devil Z would presume to give him orders, but when Ginrai and Grand returned to press their attack, he realised the damage he had sustained prevented him from carrying on the fight, and he relented. After Overlord departed for Earth, however, the outnumbered BlackZarak was then beaten by Ginrai and sent fleeing back into the depths of space. {{storylink|God Ginrai - Showdown on the Surface of the Moon}}

[[File:Overlord v.jpg|205px|thumb|I'm easy come. Easy go. Little High. Little Low.]]
Incensed by this failure, Giga decided to reduce Ginrai's power level by destroying Godbomber. A desert again served as Ginrai and Overlord's battleground, as Overlord used his Chōkon Power to create a massive whirling tornado out of the shifting sands, but when he was thrown off balance by a sneaky God Punch attack, Overlord's "Chōkon Tornado" quickly backfired on him and sent him spinning off wildly through the sky. {{storylink|Overlord - Terror of the Chōkon Tornado}} Despite this setback, Overlord made another attempt to eliminate Godbomber, this time by separating him from Ginrai with an ambush in the American heartland. In their separate Transtectors, Giga and Mega wore down Ginrai until he no longer had enough Chōkon Power to animate Godbomber, but the plan was foiled when the Autobot [[Headmaster Junior]]s discovered they could combine their own energy to control Godbomber themselves. With Ginrai and Godbomber reunited, Overlord was sent packing by a blast of Chōkon Power. {{storylink|Destroy Godbomber!!}}

[[File:Overlord b.jpg|left|205px|thumb|Umm, Giga? Where are we supposed to sleep?]]
Overlord later adopted his base mode for the first time to act as a staging ground for the search for the final Godmaster. The search came to an abruptly end, however, when the Godmaster himself, [[Clouder]], sought out the Decepticons, and the villains decided to use his ability to adopt two robot forms to install him as a double agent within the Autobot ranks. {{storylink|Appearance!! The Final Godmaster}} Using information fed to them by Clouder, the Decepticons initiated a full-scale attack on the Autobots' headquarters, again using Overlord's base mode as a mobile headquarters from which the assault was masterminded. {{storylink|Secret Orders! Destroy the Autobot Base!!}} When Ginrai (who had been lured away from the base so the attack to begin) returned to aid his fellow Autobots, Overlord transformed to [[robot mode]] and again engaged him in battle, intending to keep him occupied until a [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacon]] force could destroy the Autobot base from within. Although defeated in combat, Overlord was still able to gloat, as Ginrai failed to realise that he was being stalled until it was too late. Furious at his own short-sightedness, Ginrai hurled Overlord and embedded him, head-first, in the side of the mountain housing the Autobot base. At that moment, the base's magma converter power core finally exploded, and Overlord was sent flying over the horizon by a jet of lava. {{storylink|Disaster! The Autobot Base Explodes}}

[[File:Overlord spacejet.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Set controls to outer space, now, flying higher than ever before!]]
Soon thereafter, BlackZarak returned to Earth, and the Decepticons began "Operation M-1" to cut a swathe of devastation across the Earth. While BlackZarak tore through [[New York City|New York]], Overlord landed in the heart of [[Paris]], decimating military resistance and destroying the [[Arc de Triomphe]]. With these cities in ruins, the two Decepticons began to converge on Tokyo; while passing over China, Overlord landed on the Great Wall and broadcasted a message to the leaders of the world, warning them to surrender or witness Tokyo's destruction. Overlord then carried on his way, easily defeating [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]], [[Phoenix (Masterforce)|Phoenix]] and [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] when they attempted to block his path. Overlord and BlackZarak soon arrived in Tokyo, and with no surrender forthcoming, began razing the city. In the midst of the chaos, however, Ginrai and Grand Maximus—who had been trapped in a black hole by BlackZarak, and only just managed to escape—arrived to stop their evil deeds. During the ensuing battle, Ginrai manoeuvred himself between the two Decepticons, and dodged at the last second, causing them to blast each other. With his two most powerful warriors damaged, Devil Z called off Operation M-1, and initiated Operation M-2 {{storylink|BlackZarak - Destroyer from Space}} which involved destroying the Earth's atmosphere from orbit with the unholy [[Death Para-Machine]]. Overlord transformed to his "space jet" mode to carry the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors into space for the operation, but naturally, the Autobots pursued their enemies, and Ginrai was able to destroy the Death Para-Machine before it caused irreparable damage to Earth. {{storylink|Crisis! The Day of Human Extinction}}

[[File:Overlord vs ginrai.jpg|left|225px|thumb|"I outrank you, Ginrai!" "You do NOT! 'God' outranks 'Overlord'!"]]
After a battle with [[Lightfoot (Masterforce)|Lightfoot]] in southern Europe, {{storylink|God Ginrai - Save Cancer!?}} Overlord tried a more underhanded tactic, capturing Autobot Headmaster Junior [[Shūta Gō]], and using him as a bargaining chip to bring Ginrai to the Decepticon base. The battle that followed was distinctly one-sided, as Ginrai was unable to fight back due to Shūta being in danger, but this suddenly took an unexpected turn when Decepticon Junior [[Cancer (Masterforce)|Cancer]] turned on his teammates and freed Shūta. Even as the shocked Overlord commanded him to stop, Ginrai got back in the fight, and flattened Overlord before escaping with Shūta and Cancer. {{storylink|God Ginrai: Showdown at the Decepticon Base}} With the information Cancer provided them, the Autobots were able to stage an all-out attack on the Decepticon base, during which Overlord again battled Ginrai. The fight came to a sudden end when Devil Z merged with BlackZarak and collapsed the Decepticon base in a failed attempt to destroy the Autobots. {{storylink|The Ultimate Combination!! BlackZarak, the New Lifeform}}

For a time, Devil Z's hatred of humankind had been steadily growing, and rankled with Giga and Mega, reaching a head when the alien abandoned [[Wilder (Masterforce)|Wilder]] and [[Bullhorn (Masterforce)|Bullhorn]] in the ruins of the Decepticon base, and transformed Hydra and Buster into true robots. {{storylink|Battle to the Death!! God Ginrai VS Darkwings Reborn}} Confronting God Ginrai for one final time in the heart of the [[Grand Canyon]], Overlord vowed to fight him without weapons, battling him only through the use of his physical strength and the power of his human flesh. He didn't explain his motives to Ginrai, but Ginrai observed Overlord's refusal to draw his weapons, and fought honourably. When Grand Maximus arrived on the scene, however, he was not so concerned, and simply shot Overlord out of the sky. {{storylink|Autobots! Desperate Attack!!}}

[[File:Overlord ginrairescue.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|I get by with a little help from my ... uh, foes.]]
After the battle in the Grand Canyon, the Decepticons relocated to the Alps, and the Autobots again gave chase. Overlord was willing to engage the Autobot Godmasters, but the merged Devil Z/BlackZarak entity held him back and instead buried them under an avalanche. Meanwhile, Ginrai again defeated Hydra and Buster, and the two brothers limped back to the peak of the Matterhorn, where Devil Z turned on them for their failure. As their punishment continued, Overlord at last stood up to his emperor and attempted to stop him, only to be on the receiving end of the emperor's wrath. {{storylink|Malevolent and Inhuman! The True Form of Devil Z}} Unexpectedly, Overlord was rescued by Ginrai, and as the Autobot leader began his final battle with BlackZarak, Giga and Mega realized that they owed him a debt of honor for saving them and finally made the decision to turn against their former master. When Overlord attempted to aid God Ginrai in his battle with BlackZarak, however, they were struck down and enveloped in a sphere of Devil Z's [[Devil Power]]. Devil Z separated Mega and Giga from their Transtectors, bringing Overlord to live as a true super-robot lifeform. As their [[Master-Brace]]s vanished from their wrists, Giga and Mega died, regretting that they could not settle their rivalry with Ginrai honourably. Alas, there was not even time to mourn, as the new, robotic Overlord lunged for Ginrai, but was tackled by Grand Maximus. Ginrai subsequently united his powers with the Headmasters Juniors to finally destroy Devil Z and BlackZarak, and at the sight of his leader being vaporized, Overlord immediately called for the Decepticons to retreat. As they fled into space, the Autobots' Transtectors were also brought to life, as Overlord's had been, by the death of Devil Z, and they headed into space in pursuit of Overlord's Decepticons. {{storylink|A Battle... and Then...}}
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=====''Transformers Legends'' comic=====
In [[2021]], the now-living Overlord transtector attacked the [[transtector]] factory in [[G Nebula 89]], forcing [[Grand Maximus|Grand]] to send the former [[Decepticon]] [[Headmaster Junior]]s to the [[Legends Universe]] for their safety. {{storylink|LG24 Shockwave & Cancer Prologue}}

=====''Victory'' cartoon=====
[[File:Decepticons in the g nebula.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Those car washes get more dangerous every year.]]
Overlord and his followers rejoined the Decepticon forces in space, and Overlord briefly led the Decepticon army before the rise to power of [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]. {{storylink|Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus's toy bio}} Following this, Overlord commanded the Sector Two Decepticon force, based in the G Nebula, where they battled the Autobots under the command of his old foe, God Ginrai. {{storylink|Planet Micro - The Mysterious Warrior}}
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=====''Zone'' cartoon=====
{{voiceactor|[[Keiichi Noda]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:OverlordZone1.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Robots should not wear [[Transformer clothing#Capes|capes]].]]
Years later, when the supernatural creature known as [[Violen Jiger]] seized command of the Decepticons, his first act was to recruit nine "[[Nine Great Demon Generals|Demon Generals]]" from Decepticon history. Overlord was selected to be one of those Generals and was given new power and weaponry to make him an even greater threat than before. At Violen Jiger's instruction, Overlord was sent to the planet [[Feminia]] to wreak havoc along with [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. Together, the three Decepticon Demon Generals destroyed the entire planet and nearly killed Autobot [[Supreme Commander]] [[Star Saber (Victory)|Victory Saber]] in the process.

Two-and-a-half months later, Overlord led Menasor, Abominus, and [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] in an attack on the planet of [[Micro|Zone]], gleefully blasting [[Micromaster]]s and using his trident to slice into [[Zone Base]] to retrieve a sample of [[Energon Z]] for Decepticon use. With the Micromasters completely unable to harm the Decepticon generals, Overlord left the planet in triumph, handing the Energon Z off to the second group of Generals, who went on to attack Earth, but were stopped by Autobot [[Powered Master]] [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]]. {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}

=====Wars manga=====
In the aftermath of Violen Jiger's defeat, Overlord's faction of Decepticons in G Nebula 89 tried to reorganize and desired to take control of the nebula's transtector factory to create more Decepticon soldiers. {{storylink|Train Wars: Goshooter & Shūta Gō Chapter}}
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====Manga continuity====
=====''Super-God Masterforce'' manga=====
[[File:Overlord manga.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"I am a freak?, Not so, I am a devil!"]]

After a failed assault on planet [[Athenia]] and the defeat of [[Scramble 7]], the Decepticons returned to Earth and were met by their new commander, the mysterious Overlord. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}

Giga and Mega debuted their Transtectors in an attack on a city, during which they combined into Overlord and devastated the Autobot Godmasters with their Daemon Blast and Bolt Masher weapons. Blindsided and badly damaged by the newly created God Ginrai, Overlord was goaded into pursuing the Autobot out into space, where BlackZarak was battling the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]]. As BlackZarak turned to face the approaching Ginrai, the cunning Autobot swiftly ducked out of the way, causing Overlord and BlackZarak to attack each other. Gravely wounded, Overlord returned to Earth, while BlackZarak fled back into space. {{storylink|God Ginrai's Amazing Super-God Combination!}}

Overlord's base mode was employed by the Decepticon to hold Shūta Gō and [[Cab (human)|Cab]] prisoner, when they attempted to torture the two boys into becoming members of the Decepticons. Their fellow Autobot Junior, [[Minerva (Masterforce human)|Minerva]], came to their rescue when she crashed Godbomber through Overlord's walls and freed them, after which Overlord transformed to robot mode to face the approaching Ginrai and Grand Maximus. It wasn't his best showing: after Ginrai combined with Godbomber, Grand crashed his battleship directly into Overlord's face, and God Ginrai used the Headmaster's "[[Master Blade (Masterforce)|Master Blade]]" to slice off Overlord's legs. Their Transtectors forcibly separated, the battered Giga and Mega escaped. {{storylink|The Earth Family of Good and Evil}}

[[File:Overlord aolaser.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|"Cry some more!"]]
From the top of [[Qomolangma]], Overlord rained destruction down on the world using the Decepticons' newest weapon, the [[A.O. Laser]]. When Ginrai and Godbomber arrived to stop him, Overlord turned the laser on them; they dodged, but they had failed to observe the presence of the Decepticons' newest member, the Godmaster Clouder, who reflected the laser beam back at them and knocked them out of the sky. Unfortunately for Overlord, a chance comment from Cancer insulting Clouder's falcon mode plunged the Godmaster into such a rage that he turned on his Decepticon allies and blew up the A.O. Laser in Overlord's hands. Although Ginrai had been temporarily blinded by the A.O. Laser, the Headmaster Juniors were able to serve as his eyes and point him in the right direction to unleash his "God Punch" attack, which clobbered Overlord so hard that Giga and Mega actually popped out of his chest. {{storylink|Decepticons' Great Counterattack!}}

Soon thereafter, when the Autobots were off-Earth visiting their space-based allies, BlackZarak was able to return to Earth, and he and Overlord took the opportunity to attack a city. The Autobots soon returned with, and Ginrai and Godbomber grappled with Overlord, forcing him to separate back into the Megajet and Gigatank. The two Autobots clung onto the separate Transtectors, however, refusing to let them escape, as they waited for the new weapon they had brought back from space, the [[VX Bomb]] to detonate. The explosion came seconds later, knocking Mega and Giga's Transtectors offline, but Ginrai and Godbomber survived by combining into God Ginrai. {{storylink|Live? Die?! The Desperate Super-God Combination}}

[[File:Overlord vs blackzarak.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Don't ever speak about Broly.]]
When BlackZarak attacked a city, Cancer happened to be here, and BlackZarak showed his disdain for humans by using the boy as a bargaining chip to prevent the Autobots from interfering with his deviltry. Horrified at this treatment of Cancer, Overlord viciously attacked BlackZarak, rescuing Cancer from his grip, but while they were fighting, it allowed the Autobots to take down both of them. {{storylink|Great Turn-Around! Autobots}}

In light of this act of treachery by Overlord, it was perhaps not surprising that in the midst of his next battle with Ginrai, Overlord himself was the subject of a betrayal. In an attempt to transform himself into the ultimate lifeform, Devil Z fused with BlackZarak, and then turned on Overlord and the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors, attempting to drain theirs and Ginrai's [[Chōkon Power|Jinchōkon]] and take it for his own. They were saved by the Autobot Pretenders, who blocked the Jinchōkon-absorbing beam, and Overlord decided to join with the Autobots in defeating Devil Z. Overlord joined with all the other Transformers in combining their energies into the "Perfect Transform Attack", which finally destroyed BlackZarak and Devil Z once and for all. With the alien's death, the Transformers' Transtectors were brought to life as true super-robot lifeforms, Overlord's included. Alas, Devil Z's energies had also been sustaining the lives of Giga and Mega, and his death also resulted in theirs. The now-living Overlord and Ginrai Transtectors decided to take their troops back into space, where Overlord vowed to defeat Ginrai in memory of Mega and Giga, and for the honor of the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Birth of the Super Lifeforms}}
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=====''Zone'' manga and story pages=====
[[File:Overlord zone manga.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb]]
Years after the end of the [[Masterforce War]], Overlord was among the Decepticons recruited by the new Decepticon emperor Violen Jiger to become the strongest of his Nine Great Demon Generals. In addition to his new title of "Super-God General", Overlord was outfitted with new armor and weapons that made him even more dangerous than before. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 1}}

One month after the Demon Generals destroyed the planet Feminia, apparently taking the life of the Autobot Supreme Commander Victory Saber in the process, Overlord led Menasor, Bruticus and Abominus in an attack on the planet Zone, where they successfully stole a sample of the super-energy, Energon Z. When the Zone Base transformed into battle mode and opened fire on the Decepticons, Overlord called retreat, seeing no need to stay and fight when the prize was already theirs. Overlord then handed the Energon Z off to the second platoon of generals, who subsequently headed for Earth, but were defeated in battle there by the Autobot Powered Master Dai Atlas. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|Transformers: Zone}}

It wasn't long before Overlord got his own chance to go up against Dai Atlas, but the Powered Master didn't think much of this so-called "Strongest of the Generals," aiming to finish their battle in under eight seconds. Whether or not he achieved this lofty goal is unknown, but he ''did'' lay out Overlord with his powerful "Galactic Dash" attack. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 6}}

The Generals later schooled [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]] and the [[Metrosquad]] in the ways of evil, making them formidable foes for the [[Powered Master]]s. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 7}}
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====''Transformers PD Type''====
[[File:Pdtype overlord.jpg|left|thumb]]
During a battle between Overlord and Super Ginrai, the Autobot Godmaster prepared to attack with Chokon Power. When he raised his hands to summon Tenchokon, however, he was struck by a bolt of lightning, causing Overlord to smirk that the weather wasn't looking too good. {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##7 "Fight! Super Ginrai!"|Fight! Super Ginrai!!}}

Sitting in a field, watching the clouds float by, Overlord started to wonder what he was doing with his life and decided he needed a day off to reflect on his lot. Unfortunately, he had chosen to sit down and have this epiphany in the middle of a huge battle, and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] began shouting at him to get back up and join the fight. {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##9 "Oh Overlord."|Oh, Overlord}}
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===European toy bio continuity===
[[File:Overlord vs motorvators.jpg|thumb|Collect all time-displaced toys.]]
A legend by virtue of his very existence, Overlord is the ultimate Decepticon anti-hero. Emerging to join the Transformers' war at some undetermined point in space and time, Overlord fights alone on the battlefield despite his Decepticon allegiance, a monolithic horror born of "advanced robotic engineering" whose special abilities—including the power to travel across dimensions—come from the "[[Energon figure]]s" that operate his multiple functions.

To counter the monstrous threat posed by this powerful new breed of Decepticon, the Autobots developed their own new team of warriors, the [[Motorvator]]s, emulating Overlord's Energon figure technology to make the trio a match for his awesome power.<ref>Overlord's European toy bio</ref><ref>Story blurb on Overlord and the Motorvators' packaging.</ref>
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===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
Gigatron was an ancient Cybertronian, who developed an idea to allow Decepticons to survive on alien planets by biologically integrating local inhabitants into their systems. In modern times, Gigatron's records were uncovered and used to develop the [[Powermaster]] process. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}}

===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
{{bigquote|A good strategist is half psychologist and half '''sadist'''. And I was the '''best'''.|Overlord|[[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #3]]}}
[[File:Overlords spark remembrance day.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|They're so cute when they're small.]]
Overlord was "born" on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s [[Moonbase Two|second moon]] 4.2 million years ago, a rare breed known as a "[[Point One Percenter]]". After its "first flash" killed the [[Frak|hapless]] [[Rushcut|miners]] who discovered it, his [[spark]] was taken by the [[Functionist Council]]'s authenticator [[Three-of-Twelve]]. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

[[File:MegatronOrigin2 fightcrowd1.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Hey, he appeared as a rabid fan of gladiatorial combat in a crowd shot once. Wouldn't it be ''awesome'' if [[Nick Roche|someone]] built a whole character round that?]]
In the days before the [[Great War (G1)|Cybertronian civil war]], Overlord was both an avid spectator of [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]'s gladiatorial matches {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}} and a participant in the bouts, even fighting Megatron himself. Megatron would be the only opponent to ever defeat Overlord, and he did so regularly, giving Overlord a pathological fear of defeat. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} All the same, Overlord still joined Megatron's Decepticon faction upon its founding, though it was not the loftiness of the Decepticon cause that Megatron espoused which enticed him. Rather, it was the chance to have the glorious excess of the gladiator battles move beyond the arena, to encompass entire worlds. To Overlord, the ends didn't matter overly much when the ''means'' themselves were this pleasurable. As a result, his tactics developed a reputation as unsound, and his schemes as nothing more than flights of brutal whimsy. Unlike [[Scorponok (G1)|many]] [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|other]] powerful Decepticons, he had no interest in command, only in taking his slaughter to the next stage. Megatron was not convinced, however, believing the image of Overlord as simply interested in killing to be a façade, and began searching for a way to exert greater control over him.

[[File:Overlord UnuntriumInfusion RemembranceDay.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|left|Weapon O.]]
Recognizing Overlord's power, Megatron regularly sparred with him, and eventually, three million years ago, selected him to be the fourth candidate for an upgrade process that would transform him into a world-shatteringly powerful superwarrior. Rendered virtually indestructible by an infusion of [[ununtrium]] to his endoskeleton, Overlord's first action as a member of the "[[Warriors Elite]]" was to smash out of his capsule and kill the scientist who oversaw the process, [[Rossum]]. He could not, however, do the same to Megatron: the Decepticon leader had not been foolish, and had, during the upgrade process, had [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] equip Overlord with both a killswitch that could deactivate him, and infect him with an [[Achilles virus]] that caused a "tactical blindspot" preventing him from figuring out how to harm Megatron. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}} When [[Soundwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Soundwave]] was captured by the Autobots and brought to the [[Institute|New Institute]] for brainwashing, Overlord saw his chance to free himself from these shackles. While ostensibly attacking the facility to rescue Soundwave, he also captured the cerebroscientist [[Trepan]], and studied the basics of [[mnemosurgery]] from him, intending to hack Shockwave's memories and learn how to deactivate his killswitch and the virus. Megatron caught wind of Overlord's scheming before he learned how to interface with others, and had Trepan killed. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} Overlord later participated in the [[Battle for Hell's Point]] alongside the other members of the Warriors Elite. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers2-teleconference.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I am not a number!]]
While embroiled in battle on [[Caldoon 4]], Overlord was called to a teleconference with [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], who announced the finalization of his [[infiltration protocol]], and that Overlord would join fellow Warriors Elite [[Sixshot]] and [[Black Shadow (Victory)|Black Shadow]] in being reclassified as "[[Phase Sixer]]s", called in to alien worlds to enact the doomsday scenario of the protocol's final phase. Dissatisfied with being declared a weapon that operated at someone else's whim, Overlord contested his appointment, and Megatron gave him two options: do as he was told, or refuse and have Megatron hunt him down. Overlord made his choice quickly, returning to the battle outside and dispatching every Autobot save one—[[Kup (G1)|Kup]]—who he allowed to survive so a message could be sent to Megatron: Overlord had chosen option two. He proceeded to leave Caldoon 4 to plan for Megatron's inevitable coming. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}}

Some time later, Overlord initiated a conflict with the emperor of a star system who was in possession of interstellar travel capabilities and weapons technology that rivaled his own. Finding himself overmatched, Overlord sought and secured the aid of [[Gorelock]]'s Decepticon battalion, which, at the time, was assigned to [[Spensifax B]]. The ensuing battle, according to the estimates of science officer [[Vivisector]], set the technological development of the empire back an estimated 250,000 years. {{storylink|The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Gorelock's prisoner clemency request}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers1-Overlord.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|We peed a little.]]
At the height of the [[Surge (event)|cross-galactic Decepticon uprising]], Overlord arrived at [[Garrus-9]] in the midst of the Decepticon siege of the prison, and casually murdered garrison leader [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] when he refused to turn command over to him. Intending to turn Garrus-9 into his home away from home, Overlord personally defeated warden [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and threw him to the crowd of Decepticon prisoners he had freed as a show of good faith. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} Overlord was not done with Maximus, though, later imprisoning him and personally torturing him for information on the [[Aequitas]] computer hidden in the bowls of Garrus-9, and the mysterious secret of the prison that the computer had been created to hide. Maximus refused to give up the passcodes to the device's chamber even after Overlord threatened to kill an Autobot for every second that he withheld them. {{storylink|Interiors}}

[[File:Overlord-Fort-Max-Interiors.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Do you expect me to talk?" "No, I expect you to die and be a cheap funeral".]]
During his time in command of Garrus-9, Overlord turned the prison into a huge gladiatorial arena, and had the prisoners fight for their lives with the promise that victory meant freedom. This was, of course, a lie; those who won in twelve bouts were offered the choice of facing Overlord himself or committing suicide. Overlord forced the imprisoned [[Grimlock (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Grimlock]] to watch footage both of these matches and of the sacking of the prison, possibly driving him insane. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} After a year of this, some of the Decepticons began to have doubts about their sadistic leader; [[Fearswoop (G1)|Fearswoop]] was lucky to survive when he questioned Overlord's lack of sportsmanship, but [[Wingblazer]] and his partner were not so fortunate when they let an Autobot prisoner get the better of them during a hunt, and Overlord killed them for their carelessness. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} Around this time, Overlord also released Shockwave from confinement and let him leave in return for the Achilles Virus being removed. Shockwave could tell that all Overlord was doing with Garrus-9 was trying to get Megatron's attention, though Overlord denied it. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers1-BoreholeKickoff.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Better than television!]]
Two years later, Overlord and his Decepticons watched the captive Autobot [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] battle the Decepticon [[Borehole]] for his amusement. Kick-Off triumphed and was taken to Overlord's quarters {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}} where he was offered the customary choice; {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last stand of the Wreckers #4}} he evidently opted to fight Overlord, given the brutalized state of his body when it was later found. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

Not long thereafter, the Autobot strike team known as the [[Wrecker]]s arrived to liberate Garrus-9, one of their drop pods crashing into the arena chamber right in front of Overlord's feet. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} Although disappointed to discover that the new arrivals were not troops sent by Megatron, Overlord was amused by the joke made by [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]] about Wreckers combining... right before he shot him through the head. The Wreckers turned down Overlord's proposal of surrender but were unable to injure him, and escaped into the prison by detonating a fuel tank to cover their withdrawal. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

[[File:LastStandofWreckers4- OverlordSpringerReady.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|FINAL ROUND, FIGHT!]]
Regrouping with help from the Decepticon [[Snare]], who had come to believe that the Decepticons on Garrus-9 were as trapped by Overlord as the Autobots were, the Wreckers established a new mission objective: kill Overlord. They did not have to hunt him down, however, as he soon arrived to take them on. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|Last Stand of the Wreckers #4}} The fight quickly made its way to the rooftop of Garrus-9, where [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] was torn in half and used to dispatch Kup. A harpoon through the eye courtesy of [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]] barely fazed Overlord, who delivered a defeat more crushing than any beating: the Autobot prisoners the Wreckers had come to liberate had all been executed on his orders already. Overlord proved able even to shrug off the massive payload of a huge chaingun-like weapon provided to Springer by [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]], but after all the other Autobots around him had been dispatched, Ironfist revealed the weapon's secret: it had injected Overlord with thousands of deterrence chips, which Ironfist then remotely detonated, reducing Overlord to a flaming, yet still-functional skeleton.

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers5-brittlebones.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|"Megatron better not show up when I'm naked!"]]
Ironfist fell unconscious, leaving only Verity to hear Overlord's wrathful ranting, as he demanded to know how he could meet a challenge from Megatron in this sorry state. Realizing this was what Overlord had longed for all along, Verity dropped the bomb: Megatron was ''dead''. Overlord was stunned by the realization that while he had dedicated every waking hour of his existence to his supposedly inevitable fight with Megatron, the Decepticon leader had never cared, and would never come. He put up no resistance when Impactor recovered, but Impactor refused to kill Overlord, for Springer's sake, and promised to take him in to face justice. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 5|Last Stand of the Wreckers #5}}

[[File:Overlord-Lost-Light-Interiors.jpg|thumb|First class may seem like a rip off but it has advantages over the alternatives.]]
Intent on learning from Overlord the secrets of the process that created the phase sixers, [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] had the Decepticon's body rebuilt in hopes it would encourage him to talk, and released a cover story that claimed the villain's spark had been extracted and sealed in a [[whiteout vacuum]]. In the wake of Cybertron's rebirth following the [[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos event]], Prowl petitioned [[Chromedome (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Chromedome]] to use his mnemosurgery skills to read Overlord's memories and discover the secrets for him, but Chromedome refused. Learning that Chromedome was leaving Cybertron aboard the ''[[Lost Light]]'', Prowl convinced [[Hot Rod/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] to allow him to put Overlord on the Lost Light. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}} At launch, he had the [[Duobot]]s secretly load Overlord aboard the ship and instructed [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] to talk Chromedome around to his way of thinking when the time was right. As a security measure, Overlord was held within a [[slow cell]] in which time passed much more slowly, {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} but when a crack was cut in the cell by a stowaway [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]], paranoid security director [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] began hearing noises from within it. After recording the noises and discovering, with aid from [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], that it was a massively-slowed down voice repeating "Kill me", {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} Red Alert widened the crack and discovered the cell's occupant, {{storylink|Interiors}} but was mysteriously deactivated in an alleged suicide before he could tell anyone. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:Overlord bigfight UnderColdBlueStars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|So Overlord walks into a [[Swerve's|bar]]. Everybody dies. Painfully.]]
After Chromedome's partner [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] was grievously injured in battle, Drift was able to successfully petition Chromedome for his aid. Entering the slow cell, Chromedome tapped into Overlord's memories, but in the process, wound up revealing to Overlord that Megatron was still alive. Spurred back to action, Overlord used the mnemosurgery tricks he had learned from Trepan to take over their mental link and plucked the code for the slow cell from Chromedome's memories. Bursting free from his restraints, he opened the cell and sealed Chromedome in, {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} then proceeded to go on a rampage through the ship, first stomping [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] to death, then attacking [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] in the medibay. The assembled crew of the ship confronted him in battle, during which Overlord stabbed [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]] through the [[spark]], then turned on [[Hot Rod/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] asking him for last words. When Rodimus replied "[['Til all are one]]", however, Overlord suddenly found himself panicking, thanks to a mnemonic trigger that Chromedome had installed in his brain that would trigger his fear of defeat when he heard the phrase. The shaken Overlord was then herded back into the slow cell by a revenge-hungry Fortress Maximus so that Chromedome could jettison it from the ship, only for a sword Overlord had stolen during the fight to become lodged in the cell doors. As the only 'bot small enough to remove it, Rewind squeezed through the gap and pulled the sword free, allowing the cell to jettison, but trapping himself in it with Overlord. As an act of mercy, Chromedome used the ship's guns to blow the cell up with Overlord and Rewind in it. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} Overlord was last seen drifting in space, mostly intact but seemingly deactivated. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

Unbeknownst to anyone, the ''Lost Light'' had been duplicated into two by the accident it experienced at launch. On this ''Lost Light'', Rodimus died in the accident with the [[sparkeater (creature)|sparkeater]], and Ultra Magnus became the Captain. This ''Lost Light'' thus never experienced the sequence of events leading to Overlord's escape and rampage. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} Meanwhile, the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] had Overlord on their [[The List|List]]. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}} For reasons not completely clear, the Brainstorm of the duplicate ''Lost Light'', a deep cover Decepticon spy like his main counterpart, contacted the DJD and informed them of Overlord's internment aboard his ''Lost Light''. Brainstorm sabotaged the slow cell so that the DJD could detect Overlord's signature. The DJD initially agreed to not harm the ''Lost Light'' crew in order to maintain Brainstorm's cover but reneged when they discovered Drift aboard the ''Lost Light''. The DJD proceeded to slaughter the entire crew of the ''Lost Light'' {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}} {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} before finally going to chop off Overlord's head off with a saw. The DJD left the shattered wreckage of the ''Lost Light'' behind in orbit of [[Ofsted XVII]]. {{storylink|slaughterhouse}}

Much, much later, after several other adventures that culminated in the disappearance of the main ''Lost Light'' itself, members of the vanished vessel (which now included Megatron himself as captain) encountered the wreck of the quantum duplicate ''Lost Light'' in orbit of Ofsted XVII. Initially thinking that the wreckage was their own ''Lost Light'' from the future, they boarded and investigated the ship. New crewmembers [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] and [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] discovered Overlord's headless corpse in the slow cell. {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} This, combined with numerous other historical inconsistencies and the atrocities found by the others, led the Lost Lighters to figure out that they were aboard an quantum duplicate version of their ship that had been visited by the DJD. The alternate Overlord's corpse vanished with the rest of the wrecked ''Lost Light'' when the main ''Lost Light'' was restored to reality. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}.

[[File:TarnvsOverlord.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|And another thing, Dad told me when you were born what he really wanted as a Labrador.]]

Overlord was left incapacitated in the void of space {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} until the [[Galactic Council]] found and restored him for unknown reasons. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}} It took them a lot of time {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}} but once Megatron finally crossed the Council, they dispatched Overlord to the [[Necroworld|homeworld]] of the [[Censere|Necrobot]] to kill him. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}} Overlord interrupted a one-sided battle between his old tormentor and the D.J.D. commander Tarn. Declaring that only he was allowed to kill Megatron, Overlord attacked Tarn, distracting both from noticing the crippled Megatron escaping on a hoverscooter. Seeing that their goals overlapped, Tarn brought Overlord in as a temporary ally.

Aboard the ''Peaceful Tyranny'', Overlord immediately began undermining Tarn's command by trying to sow doubt in the mind of Deathsaurus while openly mocking the D.J.D. The D.J.D's image didn't benefit from a panicked Kaon begging Tarn to save the captured Pet. Overlord watched on as Tarn decapitated Kaon and then jammed his severed head into Overlord's chest, telling him he wouldn't be mocked by such a desperate attention seeker. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears|Your Fierce Tears}}

[[File:mtmte54 KRACK.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]

When sundown came, Overlord stood with Tarn and Deathsaurus, a big smirk on his face, as they prepared to storm the Autobots. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day|At Close of Day}} After swatting Cyclonus to the floor, he gleefully sought out Chromedome and began to mock him with claims of what he'd done to Rewind ''so Chromedome decked him'', the first obvious sight the Autobots were charged with something. Once the charge ran out though, Megatron finally emerged to tear through the Decepticons...

...and Overlord dismissed this as just him getting a gun back. Bored and finding it easy to now shoot him down, {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage|Rage, Rage}} once Megatron activated a panic-bubble force field he just walked off. Now Megatron had seemingly shown himself to be a coward, he didn't ''care'' about beating him. {{storylink|The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|Do Not Go Gentle}}
{{-}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:InvasionPrologue-Gigatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Everything's shrunk except those glorious lips.]]
Long ago, Gigatron, the Overlord, grew restless in his duties at [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]], and forfeited his throne to [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]]. His psychotic craving for power led him to scour the universe, ultimately leading him to Earth.

Gigatron crash-landed in [[Japan]], where he adopted a robot form resembling a shogun and a Type 90 tank altmode. With most of Earth's Decepticons offplanet with [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], he was able to gather a small army of ten warriors, and he would infrequently clash with [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] and his fellow Earthbound Autobots. {{storylink|#Timelines|BotCon 2012 Gigatron profile card}} Once, Gigatron searched in [[Kitakyushu]] for [[Musashi Miyamoto|Musashi]]'s sword, but legends of the sword's strength were exaggerated.

Soon, Gigatron had set his sights on another potential source of power, [[Rarified Energon]]. The Autobots had been guarding it for a period of time, and had been moving it frequently to keep it out of the hands of the Decepticons. But Gigatron discovered that the Rarified Energon had been moved to [[Construction station|Ironworks]], and effortlessly battled through an army of [[Armored Robot Hunters|RUNTs]] to reach the Autobot station. There, he fought Metalhawk, and he and his Decepticons were forced to retreat. {{storylink|Overlord (Masterforce)#Timelines|BotCon 2012 Gigatron profile card}} {{storylink|Invasion Prologue}}

Gigatron continued to keep vigil over Ironworks, however, and when [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] brought him news of a skirmish involving heroic Decepticons and evil Autobots, Gigatron knew it was time to strike! With this distraction, they could easily take the Rarified Energon hidden in the vaults for themselves.

[[File:Invasion-destroythem.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Gigatron's about to be really happy he got stuck on Earth.]]
Once it was discovered that the evil Autobots were also after the Rarified Energon, Gigatron refused to be out-conquered. He and the majority of his troops came to the rescue of [[Sir Soundwave]], who was about to get assimilated by [[Junkion (species)#Shattered Glass|Junkions]]. Aiming to show these heroic Decepticons how it's done, he set Soundwave loose and continued battling the Junkions.

What Gigatron did not know was that the evil Autobots, led by [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]], intended to warp this iteration of Earth to their own universe's Cybertron, destroying it in the process. Though Sir Soundwave was able to expand the force field surrounding the evil Autobots' machinery large enough to protect the entire planet, saving Gigatron and his troops, no one foresaw the true scale of Magnus's intentions. And so as Earth neared the [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|alternate universe]] Cybertron, its [[Primax 207.0 Epsilon|entire dimension]] was destroyed behind them, leaving Gigatron and the rest of his Earth's denizens the last remnants of their universe.

Gigatron and the others were unsurprisingly distraught, so [[Straxus (SG)|the Bard of Darkmount]] recited for them a hopeful poem. {{storylink|Invasion (issue)|Invasion}}

[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] took to perching on Overlord's arm. {{storylink|Recordicons#Recordicons #23|Recordicons #23}}
{{-}}

===''Kre-O'' online comic===
[[File:KreO-webcomic-5-Overlord.jpg|right|thumb|75px|He's using...the smolder.]]

Overlord was part of a massive Decepticon invasion force intended to ruin the Autobots' picnic. However, [[Optimus Prime (Kre-O)|Optimus Prime]] plowed through them with his truck and left them scattered... and then left. Returning to the scene after.. ''ahem'', taking care of some pressing business, Optimus gathered up the still-wiped-out Kreons, bound them up on a flatbed trailer, and took them to the picnic. {{storylink|Emergency! Hurry to the Base, Optimus!}}

===''TransTech''===
A [[Duocon]] Overlord found his way to [[Axiom Nexus]], and became one of its most infamous "Parallel Killers". {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus news, 2015/06/15}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] once had a aseries of interesting encounters with the Gigatron of [[Primax 603.0 Beta]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask VVector Prime, 2015/05/31}}

In a reality where the Cybertronian civil war had ended relatively early, Overlord was a Decepticon who was "genderfluid" by organic-based gender standards. The [[Arcee (G1)#Ask Vector Prime|Arcee]] of Overlord's reality would mention Overlord in a lecture given in [[Axiom Nexus]] which [[Vector Prime]] attended. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/12/23}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
Overlord was part of a battle at some point, fighting alongside [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. {{storylink|Fan Favorite}}

==Toys==
===Super-God Masterforce===
[[File:G1 overlord toy.jpg|325px|thumb|Not to be confused with Blackstar's nemesis.]]
*'''Overlord''' (Godmaster, [[1988]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-307'''
**''Accessories:'' Giga and Mega Godmaster engines, "Transtector Destroyer Cannon", three missiles, tank barrel, two ramps/shin guards, central ramp, two radar arrays, double-barreled laser, rocket launcher, car

:Overlord consists of two vehicles, the Gigatank and the Megajet, which are able to combine together to form a [[robot mode]] or a base mode. Like any Godmaster (or [[Powermaster]]), Overlord is only able to transform when the Giga and Mega Godmaster figures are transformed into engine mode and snapped into place in the sockets on top of the vehicles. Inserting Giga into the tank splits it in half to form legs for robot mode, or alternatively, the left and right emplacements of the base (the left containing a fold-out twin cannon, the right a poseable claw arm). Fitting Mega into the jet, meanwhile, unlocks the toy's shoulder articulation for robot mode and its fold-out launchpad for base mode. Once the toy is in its hefty, 15"-tall robot mode, the figures can be removed from their sockets and fitted into two further ports hidden beneath doors on his chest, which unlock the multi-barreled "Chōkon Daemon Blast" and spring-loaded "Chōkon Bolt Masher" weapons that pop out of his stomach. One figure can also fit into the [[Roller (G1)|Roller]]-style car that comes with the set.

:There is, unfortunately, no one mode that uses all of Overlord's many accessories.

:Overlord's instructions do not feature the additional large jet mode seen in the animated series and manga, as it (like [[Sixshot]]'s "Wingwolf" mode or BlackZarak's "Dakatsu" mode) was created by the production staff after fiddling around with the toy itself. As such, it's entirely possible to put the toy in this form, although it doesn't rest evenly on a flat surface.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Destron/Overlord/overlord.htm More information on Overlord at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Generation 1===
*'''Overlord''' ([[1991]])

:Initially exclusive to Japan, Overlord's toy was later released in Europe and Australasia with a different shade of purple plastic.

===Timelines===
[[File:Timelinestoy-BC2012Gigatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Oh my, Bludgeon, you've never looked so... ''kissable''... before...]]
*'''Invasion''' ([[BotCon 2012]] box set)
**''Accessories:'' {{w|Katana}}, {{w|Wakizashi|tanto}}
:''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' Gigatron is a [[redeco]]/[[retool]] of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Voyager Class [[Bludgeon (ROTF)#Voyager|Bludgeon]], sporting a new head. Gigatron transforms from a Japanese {{w|Type 90 Kyū-maru|Type 90}} tank into a samurai-esque robot mode. He features a flexible plastic sword which is made out of a portion of the barrel of the tank's main gun as well as a smaller dagger. The dagger can be stored in a sheath which is revealed from inside the tank turret, and both blades can be slotted in holes provided on the robot mode's left hip guard. Additionally, the dagger's handle can fit in the base of the sword's handle, forming a double-bladed weapon. He has [[Mech Alive]] [[gimmick]]s in his thighs and turret: Sculpted cylinders in his thighs rotate whenever his lower legs are rotated, and pulling his turret open makes a sculpted "disc" at the center rotate while a scabbard for the tantō hinges over to the side and props itself up for use.

:The [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] is one of the very few Transformer tank toys with rubber components to its treads. Portions of the tread links can unlock, allowing them to hang from the robot mode, while the wheels of the treads are integrated separately into the robot mode form itself. The treads still do not function realistically; small plastic wheels on the underside of the treads help the tank mode roll, as is standard with nearly all Transformer tank toys.

:The original version of this mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers]]'' [[Banzaitron]], and it was differently retooled to make ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generations|Megatron]] and ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Cloud|Megatron]].

:Gigatron was released in a box set with [[Ultra Magnus (SG)#Timelines|Ultra Magnus]], [[Tracks (SG)#Timelines|Tracks]], [[Treadshot (SG)#Timelines|Treadshot]], [[Sir Soundwave#Timelines|Soundwave]], and [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)#Timelines|Metalhawk]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BCGigatron/gigatron.htm More information on BotCon Gigatron at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFBludgeonMold}}

===Kre-O===
{{anchor|BotCon2014}}
[[File:KreO-Toy BC14-Gigatron.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Far less kissable than previous Gigatrons.]]
*'''Kreon Gigatron''' (Kreon Souvenir Figure Set, 2014)
**''Accessories'': Katana, robot sword

: "Kreon Gigatron" is based on the [[BotCon 2012]] [[#Timelines|Gigatron figure]], and can be re-built into a battle tank. His gun barrel is partially made from/stores his katana blade, just like the larger figure. He uses the [[Sentinel Prime (Kre-O)|Sentinel Prime]] helmet.

: This figure was only available as part of a [[BotCon 2014]] ''Kre-O'' six-pack, including [[Breakdown (Kre-O)|Breakdown]], [[Fractyl]], [[Landshark (Kre-O)|Landshark]], [[Rattrap (Kre-O)|Rattrap]], and [[Rodimus (SG Kre-O)|''Shattered Glass'' Rodimus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Decepticon/BCKre-OGigatron/gigatron.htm More information on Gigatron at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Parody Deformed===
[[File:Overlord pd model.jpg|thumb|Overlooked.]]
*'''Overlord''' ([[1990]])

:A small blue and white, non-transforming [[super deformed]] model kit of Overlord was available as part of [[Kabaya]]'s "[[Parody Deformed]]" line of [[candy toy]]s. The eighth figure in the series, he came with a "[[Transformers PD Type]]" comic about himself, "Oh, Overlord", and something that could charitably be described as "chocolate".
{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
[[File:HOC Gigatron.jpg|thumb|I can't transform? Where's the fun in that?]]
*'''Overlord''' ([[2001]])

:A PVC figure of Overlord was part of the ''Super-God Masterforce''-centric fifth act of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' series, available in both full colour and metallic silver "pewter" in an equal ratio of one each per case of twelve figures. In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter version of Overlord came packaged with the right leg of the wave's "build-a-figure", BlackZarak, itself also available in full color and pewter versions.

:The colour version of his figure was later released in the fourth wave of [[Hasbro]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'', under the new name of Gigatron.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/HoCGigatron/gigatron.htm More information on ''Super Collection Figure'' Overlord at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Destron/PewterOverlord/overlord.htm More information on pewter Overlord at TFU.info]''

===Heroes of Cybertron===
*'''Powermaster Gigatron''' ([[2003]])
:Gigatron is a slightly-altered version of the ''Super Collection Figure'' Overlord PVC, featuring rounded-off shoulder-cones [[for safety reasons]], plus he used the standard "all clear-red-plastic painted over" coloring process to give him [[Light-piping|light-piped]] eyes. He came with the left arm of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] build-a-figurine.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/HoCGigatron/gigatron.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Gigatron at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Transformers Gum===
[[File:KabayaDX2Overlord.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Breaking out of these plastic sprues was never a challenge - I just lacked motivation.]]
*'''Overlord''' ([[2013]])
:Overlord was released in series 2 of Kabaya's larger-sized DX gum kits. Since the original ''Masterforce'' Overlord toy could only transform by being disassembled, this particular Kabaya kit stands out from most others in terms of near-perfectly matching the transformation mechanism of its template, and can be configured into the paired Megajet-and-Gigatank vehicle modes, city mode, and a 5" tall robot mode. It also includes tiny transforming removable Mega and Giga Godmaster engines, though all of their associated spring-loaded features are no longer present.

:This kit also adds some new features to the Overlord design. There is now a gear-driven rotating platform in the city mode on which the small car can be spun around before deploying, and every accessory can now be stored in all of Overlord's modes.
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Overlord was a new [[character]] created for the 1988 Japanese ''Super God Masterforce'' series. While all his fellow Godmasters had American Powermaster counterpart characters (Ginrai had [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Lightfoot had [[Getaway]], and so forth), Overlord's counterpart came later in the form of a 1991 European and Australasian exclusive. The bio of this figure stated that he was a dimension-hopper, which leaves the door open for him being the ''Masterforce'' character who jumped dimensions into the European toy bio continuity. Overlord did not have an American counterpart until 2003, when the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line introduced "Gigatron". However, the little-known nature of this character (existing as he did only as an obscure PVC figurine), coupled with the fact that Overlord had been around for fifteen years already, meant that the idea of a Powermaster named Gigatron who existed as a separate character from the Godmaster Overlord didn't really catch on. Surprisingly, Dreamwave stuck with the formula in their ''More Than Meets The Eye'' series, briefly mentioning the character as the originator of the Powermaster process, but when the non-Godmaster version of the character appeared again a few years later in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' series, he was "Overlord" once more. With this, there seems little point in distinguishing between the two characters (different as they are), and as such they are included in this article together.
*Early during pre-production for ''Masterforce'', Overlord was named '''Leviathan'''. This was almost certainly a name based in series creator [[Masumi Kaneda]]'s desire to sprinkle the series with assorted Biblical allegories; the name-change is fairly symptomatic of how these references wound up being downplayed to the point of near-total obfuscation in the finished show.
*Like all non-toy robot Kreons in the ''Kre-O'' comics, Overlord is made from existing ''Kre-O'' parts. He uses the [[Ironhide (Kre-O)|Ironhide]] helmet, the twin-cannon backpack, a black clip-on tread with a small jet-fin plugged into each side, and the bazooka with an extra 1x1 cone on the end.
*The concept image for Kreon Gigatron used in the pack-in flier shows him with white tank-turret parts rather than the final toy's light gray.
*A proposed [[Fun Publications]] [[BotCon]] [[exclusive]] was a redeco of [[Mindwipe (ROTF)#Toys|''Revenge of the Fallen'' Mindwipe]] into "'''[[Mega]]'''bolt", a counterpart to the BotCon 2012 "'''[[Giga]]'''tron" toy.<ref>[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/bc14br.html BotCon 2014 attendee report]</ref>
*In [[2015]], ''[[Transformers Animated: The Complete AllSpark Almanac|The Complete AllSpark Almanac]]'' retroactively declared Overlord to be a [[Duocon]] and to possess a [[mitotic spark]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/tech-specs/Heroes-Of-Cybertron-Tech-Specs/2003-Transformers-Tech-Specs/Powermaster_Gigatron.jpg.html Powermaster Gigatron's tech-specs] at TFW2005.com

[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
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[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Emperors]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Godmasters]]
[[Category:IDW Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
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[[Category:Point One Percenters]]
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[[Category:Zone Decepticons]]

Ten to Midnight

2016-08-19T21:22:36Z

Zzlom: /* Continuity notes */

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=56
|prev=The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle
|next=More than Meets the Eye issue 57
|prev2=The Transformers issue 57
|seriesissue2=[[Titans Return (comic)|Titans Return]]
|next2=More than Meets the Eye issue 57
|image=MTMTE56_regcvr.jpg
|title="Ten to Midnight"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[August 17]], [[2016]]
|coverdate=August 2016
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Priscilla Tramontano]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2016)]]
}}

'''Sentinel Prime arrives on Luna 1 to raise a Titan army.'''

==Synopsis==
''On [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] fills his days mapping out the moon's extinguished [[hot spot]], a job that has become an obsession he revisits even in his dreams, as his naturally paranoid personality causes him to seek out patterns in the points of light. He drives past a herd of [[Roboid]]s as he returns to base, then finds himself over-analyzing [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'s greeting, always looking for hidden meanings in everyone and everything. Red thinks of the last time he could not deal with these pressures, and how he attempted to commit suicide by throwing himself into the oil reservoir on the ''[[Lost Light]]''... and as he looks as his reflection in a window, viscous black oil begins to stream from his eyes and mouth...''

Red Alert awakes with a start in his quarters, roused from his nightmare by cerebro-surgeon [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]]. Together, the pair go to the facility's [[space bridge]] chamber to join Fortress Maximus in bidding farewell to [[Bolt (G1)|Bolt]], the most recent Roboid that Cerebros has succeeded in restoring to his old self, undoing the [[domestication]] process [[Demus]] subjected him to. Once Bolt has bridged back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Cerebros makes a controversial proposal: inspired by [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'s mention of an encounter with [[Sunder (G1)|Sunder]], he has developed a brain implant that will allow him to take remote control of the Roboids' mental functions and repair them with much greater speed than the current weeks-long by-hand procedure. Red breaks away from staring at the space bridge, where five blots form a pattern identical to one he mapped in the hot spot in his dream, voices his objections due to suspicions over Cerebros's past with the mind-meddling [[Institute]]. Max takes Red's side, but before any more discussion can be entered into, however, [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] suddenly bursts out of the still-open space bridge! Still seething with hate for the strategist over the catastrophic [[Garrus-9]] affair, Fort Max immediately attacks Prowl, but Cerebros calms him down long enough for Prowl to reveal the reason for his visit: something dangerous is about to arrive on Luna 1.

Elsewhere on the moon, [[Outrigger]] and his Roboid pal [[Beak]] explore the [[Titan (IDW)|Titan]] graveyard for Outrigger's video blog series. They discover that one of the Titans' space bridges is operational, and Outrigger spots what he thinks is a repaired Roboid standing beside it. He realizes his mistake when the tiny robot whirls on him and slices his torso open with its sword—it is, in fact, [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], who then transforms into head mode and reconnects to his larger body, lurking nearby. Sentinel's companion, [[Sovereign]], is appalled, but Sentinel explains that he has not ''killed'' Outrigger: ''that'' task will fall to Sovereign, who Sentinel instructs to consume Outrigger's [[spark]] so that his [[Titan Master]] physiology can convert it into energy to power a host body. Outrigger is down but not out, however, and manages to clobber Sentinel with his crane jib before making a run for it and leaping out of the Titan.

Prowl explains Sentinel Prime's recent inexplicable return to life to Red, Max, and Cerebros, along with the shooting spree he embarked on in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] earlier that day. Recalling an old plan of Sentinel's from four million years prior, to somehow find and use a Titan to crush the [[Decepticon]] uprising, Prowl has assumed Sentinel will heading to Luna-1 next to try and make this scheme a reality, and has made it there ahead of him to shut down the facility's space bridge and prevent his access. Given Prowl's recent treasonous actions, Red Alert is naturally suspicious, and even thinks Prowl and Sentinel might be in cahoots... and when Beak comes flying into the room with Outrigger's data tablet in his mouth, containing a video record of what Outrigger has seen, that's all the evidence Red needs to believe Prowl has been deliberately distracting them. The quartet head out to investigate; along the way, Prowl and Max discuss the disturbing video message recently sent out by the crew of the ''[[Lost Light]]'', and how all attempts to contact them have failed. Soon, they come upon Outrigger—damaged from his fall, but still alive—and spot the Titan from which he plummeted, now operational and walking toward the moon's huge, mysterious engines. Max is given pause to wonder—Luna 1 disappeared before the war, so the engines were not Decepticon creations, but if Sentinel knows about them, how old does that mean ''he'' is?—but he soon has bigger worries when the Titan unleashes powerful eye beams. Evading the blasts, the foursome enter the giant's cranium through a hole in the back of its head, where they are horrified to discover that Sentinel has integrated the unwilling Sovereign with the Titan's [[brain module]] in order to bring it back online. Using this connection, Sentinel can revive the entire graveyard's worth of Titans—but as Sentinel pontificates about the degradation of Cybertronian society, Red Alert is distracted by a few drops of Sovereign's [[energon]] that fall onto the back of his hand, forming the same pattern from the hot spot in his dream and the blots in the space bridge. Suddenly, Red's eyes go dark and he opens fire on Prowl, who collapses to the ground. Red moves to stand by Sentinel's side, and Fortress Maximus and Cerebros are left to face the threat alone!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (1)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (3)
*[[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] (4)
*[[Bolt (G1)|Bolt]] (5)
*[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] (6)
*[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] (9)
|c2=
|c4=
*Misc. [[Roboid]]s (2)
*[[Outrigger]] (7)
*[[Beak]] (8)
*[[Sovereign]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
"I'm not naive. I know I harbor '''persecutory delusions.''' I know I'm '''paranoid.''' Contrary to popular belief, that doesn't mean I think everyone's out to get me. It just means I don't know who '''is''' and who '''isn't'''."
:—'''Red Alert''' on himself

"No '''Outrigger?'''" 
"He's orienterring. Sorry, '''"Titaneering"'''." 
"A word that rightly comes with its own apology."
:—'''Cerebros''' and '''Fortress Maximus''''

'''Fortress Maximus:''' "Ask him what he '''did'''." 
'''Cerebros:''' "Well? What did you do?" 
'''Prowl:''' "Bear with me a second." 
... 
'''Prowl:''' "I've hacked off so many people it's hard to keep track." 
... 
'''Prowl:''' "Whatever I did, I know for a fact it was necessary, proportionate, and staggeringly far-sighted."

'''Fortress Maximus:''' "He waited '''three years''' before sending help." 
'''Cerebros:''' "He probably thought you were dead." 
'''Prowl:''' "'''That's''' it. That's what it was. I probably thought you were dead." 
'''Fortress Maximus:''' "So that's '''it'''? No "sorry"?" 
'''Prowl:''' "You can apologize later."

"SQUAWK!" 
"What is it? Trouble?" 
"SQUAWK!" 
"'''Not''' trouble...?" 
"SQUAWK!" 
"This isn't getting any easier, you know."
:—'''Beak''' and '''Outrigger'''

"Our world's become a '''cesspool'''. Autobots and Decepticons '''fraternizing.''' A '''terrorist''' in charge of the capital. And the streets...! The streets are '''swarming''' with '''mongrel Cybertronians'''—colonists, cog-snatchers, half-breeds... [[Conjunx Endura]]e swap fuel in public. [[Monoformer]]s '''parade''' their deformity. The planet '''reeks''' of concession. It's time to wipe the slate clean. Tear down, so that we might '''rebuild.'''"
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' wants to Make Cybertron Great Again
==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Though published in the same month as [[White Light|''The Transformers'' #56]], this issue chronologically occurs after the two-part ''Titans Return'' tie-in in issues #56 ''and'' next month's #57 of that series. Presumably you're supposed to be able to safely read this issue after ''The Transformers'' #56 without spoiling #57—but due to a scheduling error, it actually wound up coming out ''before'' ''The Transformers'' #56, and wound up dropping a puh-''retty'' huge spoiler about that issue, namely Sentinel Prime's mission on Earth and Sovereign's true identity.
*We check back in with Red Alert and Fortress Maximus, who took up residence on Luna one back in [[The Sound of Breaking Glass|issue #21]]. We last saw the pair in [[Animals|issue #46]], and then in a cameo in [[The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|issue #50]]. It was in the former of those 2 issues that Fort Max rescued the Roboids and brought them back to the moon with him.
*Red maps the hot spot seen in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|issue #17]], which died out before any more than [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|one spark]] could be harvested.
*Cerebros was previously namechecked in issue #46 and the [[Silent Light|Holiday Special]]. Historically, he is Fortress Maximus's [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] partner, so that's a big hint as to where this whole story's going...
*Red Alert tried to commit suicide by throwing himself in the ''Lost Light'' oil reservoir shortly before [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]], in which his body was found.
*Outrigger was previously mentioned in the prose story from issue #21; he is one of the former members of the [[Circle of Light]] who decided to stay on Luna-1. He is exploring the moon's Titan graveyard, which originally appeared in [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|issue #18]]; Tyrest used pieces of the Titans to build his space bridge, which Fort Max's team now have control of.
*We previously saw that Fortress Maximus had been keeping in touch with Rung in issue #46. According to Cerebros, their most recent conversation involved Sunder's rampage, as seen in issues [[Speak, Memory: Part 1|#48]] and [[Speak, Memory! (Part 2)|#49]]. Cerebros says this took place "the other day," though he must be speaking very generally, as issue #50 told us the events of "Remain in Light" took place three weeks before the crew's "video will" was received by Max and the others, meaning it must have been at ''least'' that long ago.
*Like fellow once-and-former Headmasters [[Chromedome (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Chromedome]], [[Brainstorm (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Brainstorm]], and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]], Cerebros used to work at the [[Institute|New Institute]]. That'd imply "Cerebros" wasn't his birth name, as ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]'' told us was the case for the others.
*Any sensible 'bot would regard the Institute and those connected to it with skepticism, but Red Alert has more cause than most since—though he probably doesn't know it—he was actually one of its victims, as seen in [[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|issue #10]]—as part of a plan ''by Sentinel'', to boot.
*Prowl was last seen in [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|''The Transformers'' #50]], watching [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s annexation speech. Chronologically, it hasn't been long since he was freed from the clutches of [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] over in [[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|''Sins of the Wreckers'']], and he's still missing the eye he lost in [[Mistakes and Mayhem|''Windblade'' #2]].
*The sacking of Garrus-9, the fate Max suffered during it, and Prowl's belated response were all chronicled in ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''. Max's anger at Prowl first exploded in [[Interiors|issue #6]].
*As spoiled in the "story so far" segment on the inside front cover, Sovereign is the true Cybertronian identity of [[G.B. Blackrock|Garrison Blackrock]], the seemingly-human tech mogul who has been a supporting-character-slash-antagonist over the last two years in ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]''. Blackrock did not know he was a Cybertronian until [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] made him aware of the truth, revealing that he was a creation of [[Onyx Prime]] who had been sent to Earth with false memories.
*Mention is made of how Sentinel and Prowl used to work together, as seen in ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron: Origin]]''.
*Prowl notes that "his old friend" had changed his personal frequency, referring to [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and their acrimonious parting of the ways, as detailed in various past issues.
*Sentinel mistakes Fortress Maximus for [[Pious Maximus]], a 'bot from the olden days who previously appeared in [[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|issue #10]]. Sentinel notes he "didn't recognize his authority"; no surprise to hear he didn't like him, as issue #10 showed us that Pious was an opponent of the Senate who was "disappeared" thanks to the [[Institute]].
*The pattern that Red observes in the hot spot, the space bridge blots, and in Sovereign's spilled energon—five spots arranged in a rough "W" shape—is the same as the five-fingered pinprick pattern left by a [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]], as seen embedded in Red's own neck in issue #10.

===Transformers references===
*In Red's dream, he analyzes some of Fortress Maximus's dialogue. It's largely a run of jokes about the eccentricities of comic book dialogue (sentence structure, bold emphasis, [[introdump]]ing), but it also flags up how Max uses the phrase "head off"—a winking reference to the head-removing Headmasters, and possibly to the [[activation code]] they use in Japanese media, "Head On!" Poor Red probably thinks Max is referring to the time Red tore his ''own'' head off.
*As Bolt departs, Max tells him: "May your wires never cross and your luster never dull." This Cybertronian saying of good fortune was first heard during the [[Rite of the Autobrand]] in [[Rock and Roll-Out!|issue #14]] of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|original Marvel comic book]], and has been heard in IDW continuity in [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #2]].
*Sovereign is [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]'s [[Titan Master]] partner from the ''[[Transformers:_Generations#Titans_Return|Titans Return]]'' toyline.

===Real life references===
*This story's title is a dual reference to the {{w|Doomsday Clock}}, on which "midnight" represents global catastrophe, and the Divine Comedy song "Ten Seconds to Midnight," because James Roberts.

===Errors===
*Outrigger states that the story is occurring on the "first anniversary" of Tyrest activating his killswitch, but that's not possible. This story takes place after "The Dying of the Light," in which it was explicitly stated that it had been a year since the start of "season 2," which was itself set six months after "[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]", meaning Tyrest's killswitch was activated over 18 months ago. Maybe Outrigger's using a different measurement for years based on Luna-1's own rotation...?
**It's especially odd that this error would occur in this issue, as just a few pages earlier, Cerebros mentions how he moved to Luna-1 between a year and 18 months ago, which obviously couldn't have happened until after Tyrest's defeat.
*On page 11, panel 2, the leg of Sentinel Prime's larger robot form has been colored purple, as if it were supposed to be Sovereign's.

===Other trivia===
*Other Roboids mentioned by name include [[Brace]], [[Buck]], [[Sprint]], and [[Clutch (IDW)|Clutch]].
*This issue also contains the second part of the ''[[Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|Revolution Prelude]]'' back-up strip, a four-page prequel laying the groundwork for next month's "[[Revolution]]" crossover which appears in several of IDW's August titles.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j09pPTla4nM Rosemary Davis' World of Sound]" by {{w|The Jazz Butcher}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ItgUdwHXMU It's Not Alright]" by {{w|Lambchop (band)|Lambchop}}
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI5OTwdzAlo Out To Get You]" by {{w|James (band)|James}}

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Fort Max and Red Alert survey the Titan graveyard, by [[Priscilla Tramontano]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Max and Prowl have a stare-down, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' [[Hot Rod/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]], by [[Carlos Valenzuela]]
<gallery>
File:MTMTE56 regcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE56 subcvr.jpg|
File:MTMTE56 cvrRI.jpg|
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #57
*[[The Last Autobot|''Titans Return'' one-shot]]
*''[[Revolution]]''

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/30619-red-alert-takes-the-lead-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-56-preview.html Preview]

The Spark

2016-07-03T14:28:02Z

Zzlom:

{{disambig3|Spark}}
{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=15
|series2=BWJtoon
|ep2=12
|prev2=A Better Mousetrap
|next2=The Trigger, Part 1
|image=The Spark Rhinox spark.jpg
|caption="I got your soul!"
|title="The Spark"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[November 11]], 1996
|packaged with=[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]]
|written by=[[Larry DiTillio]]
|directed by=[[Colin Davies]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Rhinox (BW)##Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Rhinox]], [[Gimlet#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Gimlet]]
}}
'''Rhinox and Cheetor assist a downed stasis pod and the damaged protoform within.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:The Spark Falcon.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Oh, hey, more foreshadowing.]]
In orbit around [[Earth|the planet]], a [[stasis pod]] is clipped by a piece of space debris, causing the pod to descend to the surface. [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] and [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] detect this, and dispatch [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] to capture it.

Meanwhile, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] happens to be scouting the landing area in his [[beast mode]], observing that the local raw [[energon]] deters the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] from properly fortifying the terrain. He witnesses the pod descending and, unable to radio for support, goes to recover the pod by himself. In another area, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] sees the pod and, after radioing the news to [[Tigatron]], heads to where he anticipates the pod will land.

[[File:The Spark Rhinox pod.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Rhinox struggles to work this really old video game console.]]
Rhinox is first to reach the pod, but finds that because of the local energon, his [[robot mode]] is in risk of damage from prolonged exposure to the energon radiation. Worse, the [[protoform]] within the pod could expire if the pod itself isn't repaired soon.

Tigatron freezes Scorponok's journey to the stasis pod, but Blackarachnia paralyzes Tigatron with a dose of her [[cyber venom]].

Cheetor arrives at the landing crater, and Rhinox tells him that his body contains [[Locking chip|a component]] the pod needs to save the protoform. Cheetor voluntarily deactivates to allow Rhinox to harvest the hardware that will protect the new [[Maximal]] from energon damage. While in deep sleep, Cheetor envisions himself learning about the concept of a Transformer [[spark]] from Rhinox. After Cheetor reactivates, a tense Rhinox installs the chip and gives the dormant Transformer a second chance.

[[File:The Spark Cheetor Waspinator.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Waspinator only want one kiss!"]]
Blackarachnia arrives and exchanges trash talk as she battles Cheetor, who uses his robot mode conservatively. Cheetor manages to shove her own venom dart into her forehead, knocking her out. Next, Cheetor faces [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]. With his robot mode pushed to the max, Cheetor uses his beast mode to draw the two fliers away.

Rhinox tries to interface his own systems with the stasis pod to assist the protoform, but is disconnected by feedback and left trapped in his own beast mode.

[[File:The Spark Airazor.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Don't mess with this lady.]]
Cheetor fries Waspinator with some maneuvering around one of the local natural energon geysers. However, Terrorsaur is able to score a direct hit on Cheetor, and proceeds to the now-unprotected pod. At the last possible moment, the pod scans a bird circling overhead, providing the biological information needed to complete the new Maximal.

The fresh-from-case avian Transformer drags Terrorsaur away from the crash site. His attempts to fry the bird with gunfire are dodged. Announcing her name to be [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], the new Maximal transforms and blasts the Predacon to pieces.

Back at the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Rhinox and Cheetor introduce the rest of the Maximals to their new friend.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
* [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (3)
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (4)
* [[Tigatron]] (5)
* [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] (10)
* [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (11)
* [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (12)
|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
* [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (1)
* [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
* [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (6)
* [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (7)
* [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (8)
* [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"''Just as Megatron said! Just as Megatron said!'' Don't you ever get ''tired'' of grovelling to that saurian?"
:—'''Blackarachnia''' mocks Scorponok

"Bah, I'll tell you ''nothing'', Maximal! Scorponok, ''terrori—''" ''[is zapped and frozen]'' 
"Sorry, I don't have time to play."
:—'''Scorponok''' and '''Tigatron'''.

"When a Spark goes online, there is great joy. When one is extinguished, the universe weeps."
:—'''Rhinox'''

"''Whoa'', that was ultra gear!"
:—'''Cheetor''', coming out of his tripped-out dream.

"By the way, how do you dance with all those skinny legs?" 
"''Ugh'', this must be my day for cats!"
:—'''Cheetor''' to '''Blackarachnia'''

"You don't know what fast ''is'', furball." 
"I know what ''ugly'' is, and you're it!"
:—'''Blackarachnia''' feels '''Cheetor''''s burn.

"Who ''dares'' attack Waszzpinator?!"
:—A better question would perhaps be who ''wouldn't'' dare attack '''Waspinator'''.

==Notes==

===Animation and technical errors===
* The appearance of protoforms continue to fluctuate; whereas in "[[Double Jeopardy]]" the protoform had Blackarachnia's head prior to formatting, Airazor's protoform has a blank head.
* When Cheetor reports the falling stasis pod to Tigatron, the white on his underbelly disappears in a few shots.
* As he experiences an energon surge whilst hiding behind a rock column, Cheetor's left arm loses its shine.

===Continuity errors===
* When Cheetor arrives at the pod, why does Rhinox ask him why he's there? Surely it's obvious!
* Rhinox changes to robot mode before making a dash for the pod, evne though in other situations where he needs to cover a long distance in a [[Code of Hero|hurry]], he stays in his beast mode.
* Interestingly, when Scorponok is frozen mid-command code activation, he's still in [[beast mode]]. Contrast with Tarantulas in "Double Jeopardy", who was similarly interrupted, but managed to transform to [[robot mode]] before getting shot.

===Continuity notes===
* One of the most important episodes in defining the physiology of Transformers, "The Spark" introduced and defined the concept of a spark to the Transformers mythos. Every subsequent series will go on to incorporate sparks in some way, and the concept will even be [[retcon]]ned back into the original Generation 1 continuity.
* This episode further confirms that the characters don't ''really'' need to say their activation phrases in order to transform. After Tigatron breaks cartoon convention and shoots Scorponok mid "Terrorize", Blackarachnia then sneaks up behind Tigatron and transforms without saying a word.
* Cheetor's youth really shows when he calls Blackarachnia "ugly". He doesn't seem to think so when he [[Feral Scream Part 2|grows up]] a little, but right now she clearly has cooties.
* Gadget's and powers:
** Rhinox carries a selection of repair tools in a pouch on his left leg.
** Blackarachnia's [[cyber venom]] makes its debut here.
** Cheetor experiences another precognitive dream. His vision correctly predicts the last line in the episode from Rhinox: "When a spark comes online, there is great joy." Cheetor makes a face indicating he recognizes it, and smiles to himself.

===Transformers references===
* Rhinox refers to the Transformer race as "Cybertrons", the Japanese name for [[Autobot]]s.
* Airrazor's toy wasn't designed to be female. [[Bob Forward]] and [[Larry DiTillio]] wanted a larger female presence on the show, and so when they decided to use Airrazor, they asked Hasbro who changed the pronouns on the toy's bio to be female.

===Real-world references===
* In the vision, Rhinox greets Cheetor with the line "what's new, pussycat?", referencing the Tom Jones [[w:What's New Pussycat? (song)|song]] of the same name. The same reference makes a return in [[The Trigger, Part 1|the next episode]], suggesting that someone in the writer's room really liked this joke.

===Trivia===
* Tarantulas snickers to himself after detecting the pod. When Megatron appears, realises that a pod has crashed and sets out to claim it, Tarantulus is visibly annoyed. Tarantulas's desire to obtain a pod for himself becomes a bigger plot point [[Spider's Game|later on]].
* Later stories (published after the show was over) would retcon Airazor's origin, establishing her as a character who had once existed on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] before being transferred into a protoform aboard the ''[[Axalon]]''. This revised timeline doesn't really gel with the episode itself - Rhinox's lines about sparks are pretty implicit that a new Transformer is being "born", as opposed to a pre-existing character returning to life. But then, that wouldn't be the only time something in the print stories doesn't quite line up with the TV series.
* Airrazor is the first character in Beast Wars (apart from Optimus Primal and Megatron) whose name doesn't directly reference the animal she transforms into. This pattern is [[Tigerhawk|largely]] followed for the rest of the series (and a good thing too, otherwise we could have ended up with Antercon, Wolfeaglebot, Scorpocobranok...)

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Étincelle'''" ("The Spark")

:*''Title:'' "'''L'Étincelle'''" ("The Spark")

'''Italian'''
*''Title:'' "'''La scintilla'''" ("The Spark")

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hayabusa Senshi Airrazor'''" (ハヤブサ戦士エアラザー, "The Falcon Warrior Airrazor")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[1997]]
::*During the scene where Waspinator chases Cheetor through the rocks, Waspinator spends the entire scene making mocking comments toward Cheetor (mainly questioning his speed and skill). When hit by the energon geyser, Waspinator shouts "bikkuri!" ("what a surprise!").
::*As is rather well known, Airazor was made ''male'' for the Japanese dub of the series. A fairly ''effeminate'' male, but a male never-the-less.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' '''A Centelha''' ("The Spark")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Chispa'''" (America, "The Spark")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' — Warning from Space ([[Alliance Atlantis|Alliance Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — Alert Dans L'Espace (Alliance Video) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — Goodbye Rattle!? ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' / ''Robots-Bêtes'' Three pack (Alliance Video) — Available in English or French audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 3 ([[Universal]])
;[[Wikipedia:LaserDisc|LaserDisc]]
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Predacon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes: Volume 3 — The Battle Rages On! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Spark}}
[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Double Jeopardy (episode)

2016-07-02T16:20:52Z

Zzlom:

{{episode|
|series=BWtoon
|ep=8
|series2=BWJtoon
|ep2=8
|next2=The Probe
|image=TerrorsaurcagedRT.jpg
|caption="It's not a Penis Mightier, Mr. Connery! There's no such thing!"
|title="Double Jeopardy"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[October 7]], 1996
|written by=[[Jesse Winfield]]
|directed by=[[Mark Schiemann]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity= [[Beast Wars continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Wolfang (Predacon)#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Wolfang]]
}}

'''After a series of failed missions, Rattrap's loyalty is brought into question.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Tarantulusdesignsba.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Aw, hell. Let's go nuts. Swords for $48,000!"]]
[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] and [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] explore one of the planet's frozen regions looking to retrieve the latest [[stasis pod]]. They find the pod overhead, hanging over the edge of a cliff, and protected by the three [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] goons. While [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] and [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] bomb the [[Maximal]] duo, [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] grabs the pod to lift it back to the [[Darksyde (BW)|Predacon base]]. Primal sees the theft and flies after the bug, but is brought down by a shot in the back from Terrorsaur. With Primal downed, the Predacons scamper away.

At the Maximal base, Optimus Primal laments regarding the frequency of the Maximals being ambushed. Primal calls [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] into a private meeting, making it clear he suspects Rattrap has been feeding information to the Maximals' enemies. Rattrap denies this, and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] can't believe it. As a test of loyalty, Rattrap is sent on a mission into one of the [[Sector 12|more dangerous sectors]].

[[File:BAintroduction.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"The day is mine! I'll take Famous Titties for $400!"]]
At the Predacon base, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] reveals the new Predacon made from the captured Maximal protoform: [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackrarachnia]]. Afterwards, they use their radio to eavesdrop on Rattrap's radio reports on how Rattrap's mission is going. Hearing that the rodent is by himself, Terrorsaur is sent to destroy Rattrap.

Terrorsaur and Rattrap battle, and with Rattrap unable to hit his target, Terrorsaur is able to stand over his enemy, his gun right in Rattrap's face. Desperate for his own survival, Rattrap bargains his own loyalty to Terrorsaur and the Predacons, while the rest of the Maximals listen, astonished by the change.

[[File:Rattrappredicon.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Mister Reynolds has apparently changed his name to 'Turd Ferguson.'" "Yeah, that's right. Turd Ferguson. It's a funny name."]]
Back at the Predacon base, Terrorsaur introduces his new underling and, with said underling's aid, overthrows [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (who is placed into the Predacon brig). Because he still can't be trusted, Rattrap is also imprisoned. The two captives are placed in cages and suspended over a flow of lava. Of course, Megatron has anticipated his own imprisonment and escapes with a few simple computer commands. Once Megatron is out of sight, Rattrap picks the lock on his own cage and jumps over the lava to freedom (barely).

Sneaking through the base, Rattrap follows another, actual rat. He passes by a Predacon computer console and discovers it contains a Maximal computer chip, explaining how they were able to listen to Maximal radio frequencies and anticipate the Maximals' movement. After removing the chip, he continues his sneaking, but activates a security alarm and is caught in a security web. He escapes, but Tarantulas follows Rattrap back to the suspended cages, compromising Rattrap's operation, or so he would be, were it not for Rattrap silencing the arachnid with a gun shot.

[[File:Double Jeopardy Rattrap point.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"You'll rue the day you crossed me, Trebek!"]]
The Maximals begin an attack on the Pred base to retrieve Rattrap. With the other Predacons looking to him for leadership, Terrorsaur panics—even more so when Megatron pops up right next to him, free from his cage. But he deigns to <s>give Terrorsaur rope to hang himself</s> follow Terrorsaur's leadership as the Predacons counter-attack. Rattrap is freed to help in the defense and, on Terrorsaur's order, opens fire on Optimus Primal, scoring a direct hit on his former leader. After the two armies bounce off each other a bit, Megatron gives Rattrap the opportunity to destroy Dinobot, but Rattrap declines and shoots Terrorsaur instead, giving Dinobot the time to free himself by kicking out some of Megatron's teeth. The Maximals take Rattrap and retreat. With Terrorsaur's command shown to be a total frak-up, Megatron effortlessly resumes command of his forces and rubs in the defeat.

Back in the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Optimus Primal explains to his friends that the entire betrayal was a charade—a ploy to let Rattrap into the Predacon base and find out how the Predacons have been listening to the Maximals' radio communications.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s |c1=
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (1)
*[[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (2)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (3)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (7)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (8)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (4)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (5)
*[[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (6)
*[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (10)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"They're trapped! The pod is my trophy!"
:—'''Terrorsaur'''—shortly before looking up to see Waspinator flying off with the pod.

"Oh, be still my spinnerets."
:—'''Tarantulas''' after creating Blackarachnia.

"Will you still defend your friend, or will you see him for what he is—a traitor?!" 
"You're a fine one to talk."
:—'''Dinobot''' gets burned by '''Rhinox'''.

"The wise tyrant always ensures his prisons are designed for his personal escape."
:—'''Megatron''' after getting out of his cage.

"So, the juicy rat has been running his maze."
:—'''Tarantulas''' being creepy as usual.

"And thus ends the glorious reign of Terrorsaur: a lost battle, a missing Blackarachnia, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT DAMAGE inflicted by the Maximal spy!"
:—'''Megatron''' exposing Terrorsaur's blundering leadership abilities.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:DoubleJeopardy Blackarachnia protoform.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"SUCK IT, TREBEK!"]]
*Blackarachnia's protoform doesn't resemble those seen later in the series, instead using a modified form of the model used for pre-reformatting Megatron in "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]", but with Blackarachnia's head. The same model shows up with a different head as a [[:File:Agendapt1 generic Predacons.jpg|generic Predacon]] in "[[The Agenda (Part 1)]]".
*Even by the standards of other season 1 characters, Blackarachnia's transformation is ''extremely'' cheatsy. Her entire body basically emerges from her [[beast mode]] mouth. (She's also by far the least [[Show-accuracy|toy-accurate]] model on the show, but when you consider that her toy is a repaint of Tarantulus's, that's probably a good thing.)
*When he transforms over the box canyon, one of Waspinator's right wings stops moving and just floats next to him.
*As Optimus puts his hands down on the table, some of his fingers clip through Dinobot's fist.
*Cheetor's right hand momentarily passes through the table's edge as he says "Like some rat slipping info."
*Tarantulas' claw and spider-leg [[kibble]] keep clipping through parts of the computer before he presents Blackarachnia to the team.
*When Tarantulas attempts to transform to confront Rattrap, his spider legs clip into the vent's sides. And an extra exploding object, meant to create debris, can also very quickly be seen appearing inside of his torso just slightly before Rattrap's blast hits him.
*After he closes the cell door, Rattrap's gun clips through its bars.
*When the Maximals transform to launch their assault on the Predacons, Cheetor's gun clips through the ground.
*Optimus closes his mouth plate when he takes off during the big battle at the end of the episode, but it's open again when Rattrap shoots him down.
*When the battered Predacons gather at the end of the battle, some of Scorponok's beast legs and a piece of metal are awkwardly sticking out of his shoulder. These disappear in subsequent shots.
*Though the error appears in other episodes, the frontal shot of Dinobot advancing on Rattrap with his spinning shield clearly shows how the shield's fake motion blur effect "blots out" the reflection textures on Dinobot's shiny parts.
*As Dinobot realizes that Optimus and Rattrap planned the latter's defection, the stripes on his right arm are reversed.

===Continuity errors===
*Other [[Silverbolt (BW)|Maximals]] or [[Dinobot (BW)|Predacons]] who changed allegiances either previous to this episode or afterward signified the switch by changing their [[activation code]]. Rattrap doesn't follow suit. He simply changes the Maximal symbol on his arm to a Predacon symbol. Perhaps this should have been Terrorsaur's first tip that Rattrap wasn't truly defecting. (At one point, he says "Rattrap, Maximise" ''before'' he changes his symbol back to the Maximal one.)
*Far be it from us to question the Maximals' resident infiltration expert, but surely sneaking around the Predacon ship in his (much smaller) beast mode would have made a lot more sense? It would have made his footsteps quieter, at the very least.
*There was really no need to keep the plan from the other Maximals (none of them had any contact with the Predacons until ''after'' Rattrap recovered the chip). It can't be that Optimus was worried about being overheard while on the Axalon, since it looks like he briefed Rattrap about his plan right there on the bridge. Nor did it seem like there was any particular need to keep the deception going well into the battle in order to extract him from Predacon territory and all the way back to base afterwards. Did Rhinox not speak to Rattrap at all while carrying him on his back?

===Continuity notes===
*This is the (not entirely auspicious) debut of Blackarachnia. After being introduced by Tarantulas, she transforms into [[robot mode]], then spends a few minutes posing, preening, and doing karate moves in the background while Megatron talks. Later in the episode, she kicks loose screws out of Cheetor (and, admittedly, is a badass about it), then goes missing for no clear reason, though it does give early insight into her treacherous nature.
*The Maximal chip is labeled in [[Cybertronix]]. It says "caution very hot".
*The activation codes have now started to function more like battle cries. Both times Terrorsaur declares his intention to "terrorize", he has already finished transforming before he's even said the word. (Rattrap hilariously breaks cartoon etiquette by shooting Tarantulus before the latter has a chance to finish speaking his activation code.)
*When Terrorsaur laughs in beast mode, his eyebrows seem to bounce up and down, moving in unison with his beak. This may be a CGI error or an awkward decision on the animators' part to make him emote.
*For the first time in the series, Terrorsaur doesn't squawk when he orders the other Predacons to "Terrorize".
*"Feet" is used as a unit of distance, after metric units were used in previous episodes. It's like living in the UK!
*Gadgets and powers:
**Rattrap carries an infiltration kit (including lockpicks ) in his forearms. We're beginning to suspect that his arms are how Rattrap accesses his own [[subspace|personal storage dimension]].
**Terrorsaur fires purple eye-beams
**Tarantulas has booby-trapped at least part of the ''Darksyde'' with the same [[stasis web]]s he used back on Cheetor in "[[The Web]]".

===Trivia===
*The female black widow is seen eating her tiny mate, in a reference to [[w:Spider cannibalism|real-world spider mating habits]].
*Throughout Terrorsaur's big speech to gain leadership, Rattrap is making gestures in the background to punctuate his remarks.
*When Rattrap blasts Tarantulas for discovering his escape, Tarantulas is shown to have [[ball joint]]s. It even matches his toy. Score one for [[show-accuracy|toy accuracy]]!
*While sneaking through the Predacons' ventilation duct, Rattrap encounters a small rat, which seems to acknowledge his presence with a nod. Later on, Rattrap inadvertently saves the same rat from being eaten by accidentally walking into Tarantulas' web and triggering his alarm.
*Someone at [[Mainframe Entertainment]] apparently got new "Battle Damage" software. Optimus looks like hell after he's shot down at the beginning of the episode, as does Tarantulus after Rattrap shoots him. All the Predacons are sporting various knocks and discoloured parts at the end as well.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Agent Double'''" ("Double Agent")

:*''Title:'' "'''Double Danger'''" (Canada)

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Doppia condanna'''" ("Double Jeopardy")

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kumo Onna no Kick'''" (クモ女のキック, "Kick of the Spider Woman")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 19|19 November]] [[1997]]
::*When Terrorsaur introduces Rattrap and makes his big speech, Rattrap's mannerisms are accompanied by sycophantic, supportive dialogue. For instance, when Terrorsaur nominates himself as the new leader of the Predacons, Rattrap suggests, "And President!"
::*When Rattrap makes the jump from the cage to the vent shaft, he announces "Flying Body Attack!"
::*In the scene where Rattrap spies the shadows of Scorponok and Terrorsaur arguing over whether Megatron is the true leader of the Predacons or not, Scorponok is heard to be weeping heavily. When Terrorsaur dismisses him, Scorponok runs away crying.
::*With this episode, the Maximals fully embrace the (irritating) running gag of making noises every time they fire their weapons. Rhinox shouts "danananana", Cheetor shouts "utsumashi" ("shoot"), Rattrap shouts "kuna" and so on. Every. Single. Time.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Perigo Duplo'''" ("Double Jeopardy")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Riesgo Doble'''" (America, "Double Risk")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' — Beasties Escape ([[Alliance Atlantis|Alliance Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — L'Évasion (Alliance Video) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — Lonely Warrior Tigatron ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' / ''Robots-Bêtes'' Three pack (Alliance Video) — Available in English or French audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 2 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 3 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]])
;[[Wikipedia:LaserDisc|LaserDisc]]
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Maximal Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season (Rhinomation) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes: Volume 2 — The Saga Continues! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

To sell toys

2016-07-02T12:13:29Z

Zzlom:

[[File:MarvelUS-19.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Hasbro wasn't quite sure whether to advertise this expensive toy until the fans forced their hand.]]
To understand ''Transformers'' fiction, it is important to understand that it exists '''to sell toys.''' [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy]] are toy companies, and they are primarily interested in continuing to sell [[toy]]s to children and adults. The cartoons, comic books, etc., mostly exist to make this happen. To be sure, they normally [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)#Reception|make a profit in their own right]], but this is regarded as mere gravy.

The "to sell toys" effect often distorts the fiction in interesting ways. Primarily, since you can't ([[Army-building|usually]]) sell someone the same toy twice,<ref>Although the toy lines from the [[live-action film series]] have given us multiple ''different'' toys of the ''same characters''.</ref> Hasbro and Takara constantly introduce new toys, and often require the creators of the fiction to introduce the new characters into ongoing storylines. Older characters (whose toys are no longer being sold) are shoved aside to make room.

Another effect of "to sell toys" is when the toys have gimmicks which must be explained in the fiction. Sometimes ([[Mini-Con]]s) this is relatively easy, while other times it requires a lot of imagination on the part of the writers (the in-comic explanations for the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] are kinda wonky).

The UK [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|movie-based ''Transformers'' comic]] took this to more blatant heights. For its first year, it had a specific four-page feature every week called ''Top Gear'', which exists solely to promote the newest Transformers merchandise. ''Any'' merchandise. This led to readers being told how great [[Optimash Prime]] was. For ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'', [[Ironhide (Movie)|''Ironhide himself'']] opened letters pages by telling readers how ''awesome'' the game was and how [[you]] should buy it.

{{bigquote|Truly, I'm speechless. Your species characterizes the infinite wonders of the churning, whorling, chaotic cosmos through the lens of... merchandising?

I can see why Swindle loves you idiots.|[[Sideways (disambiguation)|Sideways]] on the concept, [[Ask Vector Prime]].}}

==Casting==
===Huge casts===
[[File:CosmicRust-BigGroup.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Pokeformers|Gotta catch 'em all!]]]]
Hasbro makes a lot of toys at once, and they generally want all of them to appear in their fiction. This can force writers to bring in vast numbers of characters all at once, sometimes with awkward results. Examples include:

*The first issue of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Generation 1 comics]], "[[The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers]]", in which ''twenty-eight'' different robots appeared and introduced themselves, even though only a handful are important to the plot.
*"[[The Special Teams Have Arrived]]", a free mini-comic given away with issue [[Rock and Roll-Out!|#54]] of the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|comic]], notoriously introduces the reader to ''twenty-four'' new Transformers in just three pages. Granted, four of those are the [[Combiner|combined forms]] of the other twenty, but that's still a lot of new names to remember.
*The 1987 ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over ''sixty'' characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], all their [[Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], and [[Monsterbot]]s.
*The cartoon episode trilogy "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced a deluge of the 1987 toyline characters, mostly the same ones seen in ''Headmasters''.
*In the first four episodes of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]], eighteen characters are introduced in quick succession.
*From #9 onwards, [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's movie-based ''Transformers'']] heavily bumped up the cast with new toys. In one example, #17 brought in nine new toys in eleven pages; only one of the five Decepticons got any real focus or dialogue.

===Random casting===
The Hasbro-induced need to show all the toys can also cause stories to suddenly focus on a new character, sometimes dropping ongoing plot threads about older ones. Examples include:

*Season 2 of the cartoon introduced many new characters/buyable toys with no explanation; despite never having been seen before, the story treats them as though they have [[Beachcomber (G1)|been there]] [[Perceptor (G1)|the whole]] [[Tracks (G1)|time]].
[[File:Decepticonpretenders-behold.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|After seven issues, it's finally time for these six dudes to do something!]]
[[File:FlamesofBoltax-Triggerbots.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Apparently, the Triggerbots didn't make much of an impression on Prime.]]
*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" suddenly introduces a dozen Autobots and Decepticons that we've never met before, and follows their adventures. The story adds nothing to the long-range plot that couldn't have been accomplished by using existing characters; these teams were added to the mix to promote their new toys.
*Many issues of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] had cover blurbs in the form "Introducing the _______!", where the blank was whatever the latest line of toys was. The following issues specifically introduce new toys on the cover: [[Repeat Performance!|#8]], [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|#10]], [[Brainstorm!|#11]], [[Command Performances!|#19]], [[Aerialbots over America!|#21]], [[Crater Critters|#29]], [[The Cure!|#30]], [[Pretender to the Throne!|#40]], [[People Power!|#42]], [[Ca$h and Car-nage!|#46]], [[Club Con!|#47]], and [[Yesterday's Heroes!|#60]]. Throw in a few covers where new characters were pictured but not named, and that's 1/5th of the series.
*In [[Spacehikers!|issue #36]] of the Marvel comics, when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] decides that he needs help in dealing with [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'s inept leadership, he doesn't turn to any of the ''dozens'' of Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], which include two combiner teams and Omega Supreme. No, he has to call in his "old buddy"/new toy, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]].
*In the prelude to the [[Underbase Saga]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] were the lead characters in a story set before the Transformers came to [[Earth]]. But rather than palling around with the likes of Jazz or Prowl, they are instead shown alongside the newest "gimmick" characters, the [[Triggercon]]s and the [[Triggerbot]]s.
*[[Mainframe Entertainment]] planned to use [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] in ''Beast Wars'', but [[Tigatron]] appeared instead because he had an upcoming toy, and to save money as his CGI model was only a slight tweak of [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/9c79c4226fc6dd28/30c3cdf158ea6e52?lnk=st&q=bob+forward+beast+wars+tigatron+wolfang&rnum=1#30c3cdf158ea6e52 Ben Yee relays some info from Bob Forward in regards to Wolfang being replaced by Tigatron in the Beast Wars cartoon]</ref>
*Rather than revealing stuff about the [[Vok]] and [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], a long-running subplot, "[[Other Victories]]" spends much of its time telling us how great [[Tigerhawk]] is and how we should buy his toy.
*The [[First (and Second) in Flight|sixth issue]] of ''[[Transformers Animated: The Arrival|The Arrival]]'' stops following the regular cast so it can flag the awesome cool out-now-in-shops [[Safeguard (Animated)|Safeguard]] toy.
*Prominent generals in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's movieverse]] Decepticon army change frequently and without any acknowledgment as new toys jostle for (and gain) space.
*[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]] and its lead-ins were packed with ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' toys, so suddenly ''Beast Wars'' characters [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] are in G1. Things got worse in later issues when [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] needed a comic; Tankor berates Starscream for a few panels in [[No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|''Dark Cybertron'' #6]], while Crosscut and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] briefly halt the plot in [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Dark Cybertron'' #7]] to tell you who Crosscut ''is''. Then he vanishes. They've started getting an increased role in IDW fiction ever since, though.
*For "[[Combiner Wars]]", several Autobots had to abruptly depart the ''[[Lost Light]]'' for Cybertron so they could appear in their combiner teams. In the case of [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], this was despite him having just become the Chief Medical Officer: a long-running plot!

===Limited casting===
On the opposite side of things, Hasbro doesn't want to pay to depict characters that aren't selling toys. This can force a story, particularly an animated cartoon, to have a smaller cast than it otherwise might.

[[File:Metamorphdeceps2.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|The full might of the Decepticon army.]]
*The early episodes of ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' featured only the toys available on the shelves. This resulted in two ridiculously small teams going to [[Earth]] for the all-important mission of gathering Mini-Cons, rather inexplicable in story terms.
*[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Both the Dreamwave]] and [[Transformers: Armada (Panini)|Panini comics]] suffered exactly the same problem, but it gets worse: [[First Encounter|The first ''Armada'' episode]] reused models of older Transformers as [[generic]] background guys to bump numbers up. The comics ''didn't''. So Megatron apparently conquers all of planet Cybertron with an army of three guys, whereas the city/planet defending Autobots are just five blokes.
*Dreamwave would also [[Dreamwave Armada issue 10|feature a scene on Cybertron]], where the ''only'' Autobot who seemed to exist was [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]].
*For [[Transformers: Movie Prequel|the movie prequels]], IDW got around this by deciding that [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] was going to be a [[Class Alpha drone unit|series of drones]] instead of one guy, allowing for really big battle scenes despite a then-limited number of toys. (It would later turn out there was ''also'' a Dreadwing who was one guy.) Titan Magazines would borrow this, and turn other Decepticons into drone series too.
*It seems unlikely that four bots and their human partners would be sufficient to handle every emergency on [[Griffin Rock]], but those four bots [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (toyline)|were the only ones on shelves at the time]] (other than [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]], who were needed [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|elsewhere]]), so they were the ones who went into [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|the show]]. As the toyline expanded, toy characters Blurr, Salvage, High Tide and Quickshadow were introduced into the cast.
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==Plot==
===Forced explication===
{{main|Introdump}}

Rather than simply showing up in the background, new toy/characters often overtly introduce themselves, often with a ridiculous description of their special abilities. The Marvel comic is rife with examples, but it shows up across numerous fictions.

[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Reflector is actually here, he's just buried underneath a pile of speech bubbles.]]
*Again, [[The Transformers (issue)|''Transformers'' #1]] has two huge splash pages in which 28 characters do nothing but stand around and tell each other who they are and what they can do.
*The two-part Generation 1 cartoon episode "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Dinobot Island]]" features many new 1985 characters getting their own short little introductory scene, often with a characteristic bit of self-description ([[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]: "I'd rather stay in my stunning auto mode!" [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]: "I'm ''always'' ready for action!" [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]: "Wow, like, I hope we don't destroy this place before we can study it!")
*"[[The Rebirth]]" has ''three different sequences'' in which large new groups of characters form a lineup and introduce themselves to viewers one after another. Strangely enough, much of this screen- and dialogue-time is given over to Nebulan partners; the "main" Transformer characters get no such introductions, even though they are the items kids would have to purchase to acquire the Nebulan accessories. For instance, [[Spasma]], [[Monzo]], and [[Peacemaker]] (all speaking characters) are introduced by name as part of various lineups, but their in-store hosts [[Apeface]], [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]], and [[Pointblank]] are never named (and Weirdwolf never even speaks).
*"[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]" has the Maximals walk on one-by-one admiring their [[beast mode]]s, loudly explaining their names and showing character traits. This also gives the impression they deliberately changed their names to fit these new beast modes for no apparent reason.
*Crosscut and Swerve fill in Crosscut's backstory and job during a fight. That's all Crosscut does in [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Dark Cybertron'' #7]].

===Gimmicks===
When the toys can do something special, fiction writers must often go out of their way to show the gimmick in action.

*The Headmaster gimmick got [[The Transformers: Headmasters|an entire Limited Series comic book]] devoted to it.
*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" features [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] proudly creating the [[Pretender]]s, gloating that they will hide the Decepticons' identities from the Autobots "until it is too late". Not only does the plan not actually work, it's also a plot point with absolutely zero lead-in or build-up—at no point has Scorponok ever expressed concern about his troops being detected by the Autobots, and we've never even met the Pretender characters before. It was brought about solely because the new toys had to be jammed into the story. (The, uh, story of returning Optimus Prime's character to the comic book because he had [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|a new toy]].)
*[[Rotor Force]] made their debut in "[[New Dawn]]", and both here and in subsequent ''Generation 2'' issues would primarily fight enemies not with guns like everyone else, but by firing their giant rotors at them. Page 3 of ''New Dawn'' actually shows them having to ''stop and reattach their rotors'' before they can carry on fighting.
[[File:Mistaken Identity Galvatronscourge.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|[[Johnny Yong Bosch|It's Morphin Time! MASTODON!]]]]
*The [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]] [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] had six alternate modes and [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the cartoon]] really wanted you to see them, which is why [[Battle Protocol!|his first appearance]] is as ''a giant hand for no reason''. It gets sillier when he turns into Galvatron and gains four more modes. In "[[Mistaken Identity]]", he turns into his "Iron Mammoth" form when facing off against [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|a hostile Fortress Maximus]] even though he doesn't ''do'' anything in his form except stand there ''as he was already doing''.
*[[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] and [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] are the only Autobot jets in the ''Animated'' line. (Not counting the toyless [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]].) To fully big this up, their origin story has it that there have ''never been'' any flying Autobots before, despite them having been in (and won) a long and bitter war with enemies who ''often fly''.
* The second season of the 2015 ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon coincided with the release of the [[Deployer]] toys, which fire smaller [[Mini-Con]] figures. Suddenly, every Decepticon in the cartoon was partnered with a Mini-Con or two, even Decepticons who'd appeared in the past as solo operatives.

The [[Unicron Trilogy]], noted for its gimmicks in all three toylines, was particularly notorious in this regard:

*The quest for power-enhancing [[Mini-Con]]s practically defined the plot of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon, with both factions out to recruit or capture all the Mini-Cons.
*[[Powerlinx]]ing is shown again and again and again in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', despite having comparatively little relevance to most episode plotlines. In fact, due to the fact much of Energon's action was firefights, Powerlinxing seemed to be a disadvantage, since it resulted in a single larger Autobot shooting instead of two smaller ones.
*[[Cyber Key]] powerups are likewise shown repeatedly in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]].'' In this case, while most characters had basic weapons, the Cyber Keys were necessary to unlock hidden weaponry or special techniques. So, for example, Optimus might be able to shoot at the Decepticons with a smaller firearm, but to fire his larger cannons he would need to summon his Cyber Key. Some characters, however, needed their Cyber Keys to activate what one would expect to be their main weapons (e.g. Starscream activating his Null Ray Cannon).
*All three series were also marked by lengthy transformation sequences which highlighted the gimmicks in very toy-accurate animation (and also made production cheaper, thanks to [[Stock footage|recycled footage]]).

===Strange developments===
Shoehorning loads of new characters with new powers can compel the writers to do things with the plot that, in all probability, they otherwise wouldn't.

*Marvel UK had to promote the [[Special Teams]] toys ''before'' they knew how they'd be appearing in the US reprints. To get around this, [[Simon Furman]] wrote a story arc titled "[[Second Generation!]]", where [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], Optimus and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] <s>watched an advert</s> saw a Matrix-induced vision of the Special Teams in action. These events were previewed in "The Special Teams Have Arrived", nine issues earlier, with no indication that they were part of a vision, making their place in continuity uncertain.
*In the US Marvel comics, the simultaneous introduction of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] and the introduction of the Pretenders both saw a lot of rigamarole involved in explaining why both the Autobots and the Decepticons had new members with identical numbers/gimmicks at the same time.
*Season 3 of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] almost completely ignored the characters of the previous two seasons that were no longer on toy shelves. The 1985 Autobot cars, for example, are not seen at all. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and the 1985 Mini-Vehicles, by contrast, show up now and again, as their toys were still shipping. Even Starscream, who was ''dead'', managed to get a couple of Season 3 episodes all to himself; again, his toy sold through 1986.
*''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' was absolutely crazy about this. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus]] (whose toy was long gone) kicks the bucket only three episodes in for the sake of a sacrifice that would be nullified only a few episodes later, putting new(er) toy [[Hot Rod/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] back in the command chair for a short while. In the tenth episode, Rodimus departs the series and hands the title of Supreme Commander to brand-spanking-new toy [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], who's had a few months, tops, of combat experience. Much like Season 3, ''Headmasters'' also ignored most of the Season 3 regulars ([[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, the [[Quintesson]]s) or removed them altogether, sometimes fairly dubiously ([[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] leave with Rodimus, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] gets shot a bit and dies, [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is buried in ice and nobody digs him up until ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Battlestars (story page)|Battlestars]]''). By the end of the series, the only remaining Autobots from the first three seasons were the [[Special Teams]], [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] and his cassettes, [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]].
*[[Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 2|''Transformers Comic-Magazin'' #2]] wrote an entire story devoted to Optimus sternly explaining which Autobots and Decepticons were on sale in [[Germany]] in 1989. The reason he had to? [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] had ''shot an Autobot''!
*The first thirteen issues of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Armada]]'' comic were focused around the Mini-Cons, with plots often revolving around their desire to be seen as equals and not be enslaved. Then without ''any'' prior set-up, the last five issues turn into a dimension-spanning battle against [[Unicron]]—who had just had a new and expensive toy.
*[[Tigerhawk]] debuts in "[[Other Victories]]", where he's the reason the Predacons lose their base and [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] is killed. This disrupts any ending for the Tarantulas/[[Vok]] storyline, as the episode is left with little time to properly explain the mysteries of either character and the plot of last episode, Tarantulas trying to destroy the whole ''Ark'', is reduced to two lines about the [[Tripredacus Council]].
[[File:Samprowl.jpg|100px|thumb|<s>Upgrades are bad.</s> Upgrades are GOOD. We have always been at war with <s>Eurasia</s> Eastasia.]]
*"[[A Fistful of Energon]]" has [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] learn not to use upgrades, and he gives up using powerful samurai armour. But whoops, Hasbro thought "hey, we could make a toy out of that armour"! And so in [[Five Servos of Doom|a later episode]], Prowl ''regains'' it and the show hurriedly claims that the upgrade is fine ''now'' because Prowl realizes now that it's the Autobot, not the upgrade.
*The [[France|French]] decided to be good sports and start using propeller-driven nuclear bombers again in [[All Hail Megatron issue 11|''All Hail Megatron'' #11]], just so [[Octane|Tankor]] could be used.
*[[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]] has been on Earth for a while, in hiding from other Decepticons while he waits for orders from [[the Fallen]] in "[[Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout]]". Ransack is a member of a race that can scan any object and take its form as a disguise. Ransack moves around in the cunning disguise of ''a 100-year-old plane''. (At least, unlike the previous example, the oldness of the alt mode was pointed out.)
*In Titan's ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comic, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] go from being [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee's]] responsibility to bugging [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to being [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe's]] responsibility in the space of three issues, all to allow each issue to focus on a specific toy-bearing movie star. Similarly, only one or two Decepticons per issue are sent on a mission, when presumably the Fallen might want to send loads of guys to silence the twins.
*In ''Dark of the Moon'', nearly all of the transformers switch from built-in weaponry to handheld weaponry. It just so happens that the gimmick of the ''Dark of the Moon'' toys was that they had "MechTech" weapons that could be held by any other figure.
*The new rebrand for the Generations line for 2015 and beyond is ''[[Combiner Wars]]'', hence IDW's tie-in comic has to introduce a heapload of combiners in a universe that regarded combination as a lost art with unpredictable side-effects. (Devastator, Menasor, Superion, and Monstructor were around, but they had their own explanations.) Enter the [[Enigma of Combination]], an artifact of Nexus Prime with the power to merge any Transformers into a combiner. Not only is this artifact used on Superion, Menasor, and Defensor, it is also used on Optimus Prime and other selected Autobots to create [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]. The fact that Optimus had two Combiner Wars toys (one released, one upcoming) might have influenced this decision.
*Also, the big toy of 2015 is a Titan-class Devastator... in his classic configuration instead of IDW's newly introduced 'Prowlastator' form. Unfortunately, Scrapper has been long dead and hence is unable to take his spot as the combiner's leg. However, IDW has another bulldozer-bot conveniently lying around - [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]]. Naturally, he is merged with the other Constructicons by the aforementioned Enigma, restoring Devastator's classic silhouette.
*Prior to ''Combiner Wars'', the comic had dropped hints that forming Devastator was taking a heavy toll on Prowl's mind and body, and his unconscious references to "Scrapper" seemed to hint at something greater going on in his psyche. Come ''Combiner Wars'', "Prowlastator" was quickly written out, leaving this plot thread dangling.
*In a follow-up story, Galvatron creates two combiners out of random soldiers and foes. To plug the new merch, these are called [[Galvatronus]] and [[Sky Reign]] but most of the characters that made them up in toy form were either on the ''[[Lost Light]]'' or dead at the time. Unusually for this page, Hasbro allowed IDW to use random limbs as long as the names were right but this leads to the comic pimping a toy you can't buy (though you could make it with others), and in Galvatronus' case a toy that doesn't even have the same face as in the comic.
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===Awkward continuity===
[[File:Earthforce.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|This happened... er.... look just buy the toys, ok?!]]
Sometimes the requirement to feature new toys can be so strong that continuity takes a major backseat and stories are produced that feature combinations of characters that make the story very difficult to slot into the main continuity. The Marvel UK comic was especially prone to this as it could not always foresee where, when and how characters would be introduced:

*The ''[[Transformers Annual 1986]]'' contains many stories featuring toys from the 1985 release long before they were formally introduced in the regular comic, often interacting with other characters who would be out of action by then. As a result, few of the stories easily fit the continuity of the weekly comic.
*The demands of Hasbro UK for the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] to be featured heavily even before the US ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' mini-series was available meant that both the ''[[Transformers Annual 1988]]'' and the regular strip "[[Worlds Apart!]]" contain a slightly different set of events that are at odds with the mini-series.
*The requirement to give prominence to the rereleased toys in the [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] range resulted in one of the biggest continuity trainwrecks of all, [[Earthforce]]. Over two decades later fans are still uncertain where it fits in continuity, and even [[Simon Furman]] admits to being unsure.<ref>"Looking back, as I try my hardest not to do, it's very hard to tie the Earthforce stories into a specific time frame (in terms of the US continuity), because (if I'm brutally honest) I didn't try too hard to make it work in the first place. By that point, I was just trying to tell a bunch of fun UK stories that didn't necessarily impact on the larger (US) storyline. How was I to know 15 or so years later people would be trying to reconcile it all?" [http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php TransFans.net - Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past'].</ref>
*Germany's ''[[Transformers Comic-Magazin]]'' started in 1989 and reprinted older Marvel US and UK strips. Since, of course, these would rarely show the current toys, Comic-Magazin ran text stories from #2 that showcased ''completely different'' Transformers that were on Earth at the same time, and just happened not to be seen in the strips.
*Trapped between the need to pimp toys and the problem of not knowing what the plot of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' would be, Titan just threw up their hands and unambiguously set their lead strip in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Alternate universe|an alternate universe]].
*Based on evidence from various sources, it's been speculated that the episode "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" was originally meant to star [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], who at the time had been exiled from the Decepticons and was on somewhat friendly terms with the Autobots. Instead, his role was taken over by new toy [[Octane]]. The only other episode to prominently feature Octane, "[[Thief in the Night]]", which was aired ''after'' "Starscream's Ghost", kinda sorta explains his falling out with the Decepticons—except it doesn't: While said episode ''does'' have him go rogue, not only is he ''still'' a bad guy—by the end of that episode, ''Galvatron is no longer on bad terms with Octane''! Likewise, the episode "[[The God Gambit]]" starred [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Starscream and Thrust, with Astrotrain (a new toy at the time) taking on a leadership role more akin to Megatron rather than the bus he's reduced to in almost every other episode.
*The Japanese broadcast of ''Animated'' outright skipped "[[Rise of the Constructicons]]" and "[[Sari, No One's Home]]", as they largely revolve around the toy-less [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]]. Meanwhile, "[[Sound and Fury]]" was moved up to be the first episode to air after the pilot to promote Soundwave's toys, which is at odds with continuity since Megatron only came back online during "[[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]", which was pushed to air ''after'' "Sound and Fury."
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===Power levels===
In order to make new characters seem more ''totally awesome'', they're often depicted as ultra-powerful in their initial appearances. Once they become old news, they frequently seem to lose their super-charged abilities.

*The Generation 1 cartoon introduced [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] as the ultimate threat. Once newer combiner teams came along, however, he was less of a threat, easily defeated at various times by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and even [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]].
[[File:Buzzsawyikes4.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Buzzsaw reminds Omega Supreme he's not a new toy any more.]]
*The Marvel comics feature [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] as nigh-invulnerable and ultimately powerful in [[Command Performances!|his debut issue]], slaughtering all but two of the Decepticon forces sent to attack him. Just [[Dark Star|two years later]], he's getting his butt handed to him by the likes of [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], one of his original victims.
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] was, amazingly, something of a threat in early episodes; he holds his own against [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] in his debut. He only became significantly weaker than the other Predacons during the second season.
*In her first appearance on the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] effortlessly blasts [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to pieces. She never displays such a level of power again.
*Similarly, [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] was presented as a huge threat when he first appeared, but just a few episodes later, he seems just slightly tougher than the average Predacon (save for a few notable occasions).
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] was actually a credible threat for his first couple of episodes.
*The [[Commando (RID)|Commandos]] were far more powerful and competent than the Predacons, who were made even ''less'' powerful and competent as episodes went on. Remarkably, this was actually used in the plot, with Megatron focusing on the new toys while the Predacons became underdogs trying to get their old status back and one-up the new guys.
[[File:ArmTVTidalWave.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Before he shrank in the wash.]]
*''Any'' new toy character in the Unicron Trilogy cartoons is almost guaranteed to win the day's battle.
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] was a staggering behemoth as big as the sky in his introduction, and his ability to combine with Megatron gave the battle advantage to the Decepticons until his equally powerful counterpart [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] was introduced. By the time of the ''Energon'' cartoon, Tidal Wave is just this tall guy (but not as tall as he used to be) and is treated as just another Decepticon, even after he gets a body upgrade in the form of "Mirage".
*When the newly redecoed Jetfire and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus]] combine in Dreamwave's Armada comic, they are so powerful ''they can hurt Unicron himself''.
*[[Animatron|Jungle Planet]] ruler [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] was incredibly powerful when he was first introduced, but later on, he's getting slaps on the wrist by [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]] and [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]], and schooled by [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], ultimately becoming more of a sympathetic comedic bumbler than a credible threat.
*The Decepticons in ''Animated'' started off as being so horrifically powerful that the entire Autobot team had to take on a ''single'' one. By Season 3, this no longer happens. Uniquely, this was ''deliberate'' by the writers: they wanted to show the Decepticons as supreme threats, and have the Autobots gradually being better at dealing with them.
*The [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] in ''Prime'' started off pretty tough; easily wearing down [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] in a group, then just two giving [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]] and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] a tough time. In the next episode, they've got Stormtrooper aim, and basically exist to give the Autobots someone to kill while saving the named Decepticons from the scrapheap. It gets to the point where in the third season, [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] actually ''counts'' on the Vehicons failing to execute [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]], and Wheeljack makes several amusing comments about the Vehicons' incompetence.
*Additionally, the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] started off as nightmarishly strong monsters. One wears ''[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]'' to the point of exhaustion before dying (admittedly, Megs was deprived of his main asset when Airachnid webbed his fusion cannon). However, for the remainder of the series, the Insecticons are just as weak as the Vehicons, being blasted down in one shot, despite a return to form in [[Tunnel Vision]] and [[Toxicity]] (the latter of which saw the debut of notorious Autobot killer [[Hardshell (Prime)|Hardshell]]).
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===New bodies===
There's rarely a compelling reason for a Transformer to get a brand-new body in fiction; it's simply to promote a new toy. It has become a default way to keep a popular character on shelves, rather than having to kill them off and introduce a new character to keep moving toys. Sometimes fiction writers are able to work these alterations in elegantly... sometimes not.

[[File:Bumblebeeskindeep.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Ratchet pulls a Kitty Pryde on Bumblebee.]]
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] was rebuilt into Goldbug following his near-destruction... and was later re-rebuilt back into Bumblebee to sell the [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|new Classic Pretender toy]]. The reason given in [[Skin Deep|the comic storyline]] was that [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] reverted him without his consent because Ratchet liked his old form better, something Bumblebee is strangely fine with.
*Season 2 of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' introduced the new [[Transmetal]] toys in short order, requiring some strange sci-fi waffling to explain why members of both teams suddenly got special new bodies. The writers had originally planned to introduce these changes gradually, across the length of Season 2, but Hasbro ordered them to be brought in immediately. (The slow-and-gradual notion would eventually appear during Season 3.)
*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" ''three times''; at the start of each subsequent series, he's given a different body but called Megatron ''again'', because the name "Megatron" just sells more toys. (This also means Hasbro gets to keep the [[trademark]] "Galvatron".) The Japanese versions handled this differently (with Megatron known as Megatron throughout Armada even after his upgrade, and being known as Galvatron throughout all of Energon) due to different trademark laws. Galaxy Force (the Japanese version of Cybertron) played it straight with Master Megatron being upgraded into Master Galvatron.
*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of Jetfire and Optimus during the Unicron arc.
*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of [[Burning justice|BLAZING HEART OF JUSTICE]] into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.
*In the course of the [[Transformers (film)|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Voila, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf! He later pulls the ''exact same thing'' in ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'', but by now, he's been established as having a fragile ego, explaining the constant desire to switch alternate modes.
*When [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''Transformers'' comic originally came out, there were no Generation 1-themed toys to flog, and many characters were given altered designs for the series. Then along came ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'', featuring new toys of Generation 1 characters, and suddenly multiple characters get new, toy-accurate bodies in ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'', for no apparent in-story reason. Later, [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] even gets a namechange to ''Silver''streak to fit his toy.
*Sometimes, IDW's comics don't even bother with a reason: you just get the latest issue and a character suddenly resembles the latest toy. This can sometimes be explained as artist interpretation, but at other times...
*[[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] was originally grey, but when he was reunited with the ''Animated'' Decepticons, he changed his colours to purple while referring to it as his proper look. Why he changed colouration to go undercover was not explained, but it may have something to do with a purple-coloured Shockwave toy being out when that episode aired.
*In ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] start out as an old ice cream truck combiner but after a disastrous mission [[NEST]] decides to upgrade them to new individual [[General Motors]] vehicles. New toys ''and'' product placement!
*[[Starscream (Armada)#Generations|''Armada'' Starscream]] is getting a new toy in 2014. There isn't an ''Armada'' comic but there is a Generation 1 comic with a Starscream, which is going to be packed-in with the toy series including Armada Starscream. And lo and behold, for ''Dark Cybertron'' Starscream gets a new body! A year later, he swaps to ''another'' body for [[Combiner Wars]], which is his new Leader-class toy, and several issues are devoted to him choosing it and then flaunting it. Then again, this ''is'' Starscream we're talking about...
*[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] is finally getting a new toy. Problem is, his comic body doesn't look much like the toy. Then, in ''[[Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|Dark Cybertron Chapter 11]]'', he reveals his new invention: reactive armor that changes his body to look like his opponent's. Who does he use this armor to battle? Why, it's Starscream, the guy his toy was retooled from!
*2015's ''[[Combiner Wars]]'' comic series brings back almost all of the combiner characters that have appeared in the IDW continuity thus far. However, [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] was apparently killed by [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] quit the Stunticons... so that [[Alpha Bravo]] and [[Offroad]] can replace them! Meanwhile, Starscream rebuilds Devastator; not only does Devastator suddenly resemble his toy counterpart, but [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] is no longer a required member of the combiner team, leaving him free to combine with Optimus Prime and company to become the brand-new combiner [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]]. Superion and Menasor, who had made previous appearances in IDW fiction, are both rebuilt by the [[Enigma of Combination]], causing their bodies to more closely resemble their toy counterparts. And if this body-alteration bonanza isn't enough, Starscream gets ''another'' new body, this time based on his upcoming ''Combiner Wars'' Leader-class toy (although to be fair, Starscream is vain).

===Character pimping===
Characters with toys may get more attention than those without:

*"[[Matrix Quest]]" has four separate teams on a mission. You could use any three Transformers in one of these teams, right? Nope, Furman has toys to promote: out go nine new Autobots and three rereleased ones.
*[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge's]] presence in all three of his first three ''Beast Wars'' episodes: one for his origin, another for him joining the Maximals after all, and then an abrupt appearance at the very end of "[[Cutting Edge]]" where he turns up and single-handedly drives off a Predacon force.
*When ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)#Japanese release|Animated]]'' was released in Japan, episodes focusing on the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicon]]s were never broadcast on television (instead being reduced to bonus content on the DVDs), as the Constructicons did not have toys. The episode order was also rearranged (and thus the internal narrative of the series, as well) so that episodes introducing new toys could air earlier than those that didn't.
*IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlight]]'' came back in 2013 in order to promote six of the upcoming ''Generations'' toys. Even [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], a little-used character who would never have been given a ''Spotlight'' otherwise! (Initially published through Diamond and Comixology as per IDW's usual practice, these comics were subsequently packed-in with the toys they were based on, aiming to use the higher sales of the toys to boost comic sales in a "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" scenario.) Likewise, Waspinator, having a new toy out in late 2013, began making appearances and took on increased importance in the IDW universe. An upcoming [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] toy brought forth a Tankor appearance in Dark Cybertron. The opening arcs of the second seasons of ''More Than Meets The Eye'' and ''Robots in Disguise'' (as well as ''Windblade'' vol. 1) in 2014 also heavily feature casts of characters with new toys, such as Nightbeat, Rattrap, Arcee, and Jetfire.

===Abrupt conclusions===
[[File:MarvelUSG2-12.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|It's the end of the road for Transformers Generation 2! That can't bode well for the toyline.]]
Just as ''Transformers'' fiction lives at Hasbro's pleasure, so too does it die. Falling sales, a change of plans, and standard [[rebranding]] can all cause a storyline to come to a sudden end when Hasbro decides to pull the plug.

*The American Generation 1 cartoon got a somewhat rushed conclusion in the form of "[[The Rebirth]]", rather than a full fourth season.
*The Generation 1 comics were nearly canceled at [[On the Edge of Extinction!|issue #75]], but granted a reprieve. The stay of execution was only temporary, however; with the Generation 1 toyline ending, the comic was terminated a mere five issues later, resulting in a rather hasty concluding plotline.
*Hasbro was only willing to support the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Generation 2'' comic]] for twelve issues, unless it proved an unqualified (perhaps phenomenal) success. Aware of this from the start, writer Simon Furman was able to plot a story arc that reached its finale as the series ended (and poked fun at it with a character whose name is a pun on "[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Gee, axe us]]".)
*The writers of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon reportedly never had any idea if they'd be back for another season. When the axe fell with Season 3, they had only three episodes left to wrap up the whole series.
*Hasbro nearly killed off the just-begun comic series ''The Wreckers'' in 2001, wishing instead for [[3H Productions|3H]] to focus on a ''[[Transformers: Universe (comic)|Universe]]'' comic advertising its current toyline.
*Even though ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' wasn't abruptly canceled, Kids WB ended the series on the [[cliffhanger]] of the episode "[[Revelation (episode)|Revelation]]", leaving millions of kids tuning in next time only to get a re-run of ''Xiaolin Showdown''. The reason? The Cybertron Defense Team toys hadn't hit stores yet.
*With ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' coming out in June, Titan had to end their alternate universe storyline in May so they could tie in early—an issue earlier than planned. The main strip handled this, with the notable exception of [[Jazz (Movie)#Titan Magazines Transformers movie comics|the Jazz plot arc]] going completely unresolved, but it played havoc with working out the IDW reprints!
*According to [[Rik Alvarez]], IDW was asked to drop their G1 continuity and move to the brand-spanking new [[Aligned]] one. (They said "nah".)
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==Death==
===Killing off old product===
[[File:Tftm1986a.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Guess who's no longer in the Mini Vehicles case assortment?]]
[[File:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Publisher's clearing house.]]
[[File:BW Scorponok Terrorsaur deaths.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Scorponok, Terrorsaur, we're condemning you to a fiery death 'cause Waspinator has a bigger fan club.]]
The most obvious To Sell Toys effect comes from the temporary nature of retail sales. Even in the 1980s, toys rarely stayed on the shelves past two years; today that timespan is much smaller. Once a toy is no longer selling, Hasbro has no interest in supporting fiction about that character—especially when there's newer toys to promote. Therefore, writers are often compelled to remove characters from the story by killing them off. Sometimes this happens through carefully developed story arcs, but it's easier to do it with huge, apocalyptic battles with massive numbers of casualties.

*In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', numerous main characters are killed or changed in the movie's first 30 minutes, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]]. They are replaced by a slew of new characters; in fact, the poster for the movie shows ''only'' new characters.
*Numerous characters are killed in the Marvel UK comics saga "[[Time Wars]]". The Grim Reaper seemed to spare either popular characters (Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]]) or newer characters ([[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]], [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], for example.)
*The [[Underbase Saga]] features a super-powerful [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]] killing literally ''dozens'' of characters; some place the count over fifty. The survivors were mostly from the [[Pretender]], [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] ranks, those being the then-current toy lines. However, the explanation ([[Underbase]] power didn't affect those TFs with organic components) meant that even the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], new toys at the time and introduced three issues before, met their end.
*The climactic [[On the Edge of Extinction!|battle with Unicron]] 25 issues later killed off many of the Underbase survivors, whose shelf run had ended.
*With its enormously expensive CGI animation, ''Beast Wars'' was particularly vulnerable to toy-based interference. The expense of creating and animating a CGI body model meant that the character roster had to remain fairly constant; the introduction of all-new characters usually required the removal of an equal number of pre-existing characters. And so, [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] die just in time for the arrival of [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]. (Frustrated with the situation, the writers carefully planned out<ref>http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html</ref> the demise of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], anticipating that someone would have to be removed to make way for [[Rampage (BW)|newer characters]].) [[Tigerhawk]] was introduced and then killed off within three episodes, due to corporate uncertainty about whether the toy would actually be produced.
*''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]'' would end up killing a large number of Autobots in [[The Reign of Starscream issue 5|issue #5]], after their toys had been around for a while; as they'd not made an appearance in the comics until this mini, this is both an example of Huge Cast ''and'' Product Clearing. It would then go on to bump off some Decepticons, while its sequel ''[[Transformers: Alliance|Alliance]]'' slaughtered ''hordes'' of Decepticons with old toys. Mowry is the new Furman...
*IDW's [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''Robots in Disguise'']] ongoing has to promote a [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]... with a new helicopter instead of [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]]. Hence, Slingshot is the one to suffer most and die from the injuries caused when [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] conveniently tore him in half several issues ago. This becomes horrifically redundant when one considers that Devastator tore through Superion from the ''right'', and Slingshot was Superion's ''left'' arm at the time. Not to mention that Silverbolt, the torso, was explicitly ripped in half... The series would go on to have [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] leave the Stunticons over a humiliating defeat... one he suffered years ago, in [[The Question|Spotlight: Bumblebee]]. Naturally, the empty position was filled by new toy [[Offroad]]. Then Hasbro decided to release Quickslinger and Brake-Neck (Slingshot and Wildrider renamed for trademark issues) ''much'' later after the others' release.

This has become less common in recent years, as Hasbro has come to realize that their target audiences can actually get attached to certain [[character]]s, and might not enjoy seeing them die random, brutal, meaningless [[death]]s.
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===Hi-and-die===
[[File:Chuffer cof.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Likely dialog: "SHEEEAAGH!!"]]
Kids don't want to buy a toy of a character who's dead. So if the plot calls for someone to die, smart money bets on the character who has a toy as the survivor. The guy without a toy, who you've never heard of before? Toast. This is the ''Transformers'' version of ''[[Star Trek]]'''s infamous [[wikipedia:redshirt syndrome|redshirt syndrome]]. The stereotypical hi-and-die character is killed off in the same episode/issue that introduces him, if not the very same scene.

*This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#UK comics|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], Autobot/zombie food [[Chuffer]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies/mutant fodder [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (Autobot)|Flattop]], and the sixth member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].
*The U.S. comics also used this approach on occasion, as with [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s poignantly adorable buddy [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]].
*The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock (Energon)|Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast]]'s hands, providing motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]].
*''Animated'' chucked in [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] so Ratchet could have a tragic past where he failed to save someone. (And ''then'' she got a toy!)
*The [[Transformers Animated (Titan)|''Animated'' comic]] wants to do a story arc about an Autobot who's really a spy and then have him killed. Quick, [[Afterburn|make someone up]]!
*''[[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]]'' invents hordes of characters solely to populate the story with casualties while preserving the classic characters: [[Chromatron]], [[Gauntlet]], [[Halogen (WFC)|Halogen]], [[Drixco]], [[Revo]], [[Catalycon]], and dozens of other unnamed Autobots, Decepticons and [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]].
*[[James Roberts]] elevated hi-and-die to an artform; though his run on ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' is crammed with minor non-toy characters who wind up dead, many still received some backstory, history, or distinctive characterization before - or even after - being killed off. Examples from ''MtMtE'''s first "season" include [[Polaris]], [[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]], [[Shock (G1)|Shock]], [[Ore]], [[Animus]], [[Dent]], [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]], [[Boom]], [[Piston (Wrecker)|Piston]], [[Crest]], [[Torque (G1)|Torque]], [[Sherma]], [[Momus]], "[[Fallout (G1)|Fallout]]", "[[Streaker]]", [[Heavies|Hammer and Anvil]], [[Trepan]], [[Frak]], [[Rushcut]], [[Rossum]], [[Tripodeca]], [[Pivot]], [[Scattergun]], [[Blockus]], [[Datum]], [[Ramp]], and [[Suture]]. Similarly, ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' introduced us to [[Squadron X]], comprising just about every Decepticon hi-and-die character from the Marvel continuity, who were then all slaughtered by Impactor.
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===Resurrection===
Killing off a character isn't always toy-motivated; sometimes it's a dramatic plot development. But it can also be a problem if Hasbro decides to make a new toy of that character.

[[File:Inferno dies agenda2.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Only a flesh wound!]]
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has been resurrected [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|so many times]] that it's practically a defining character trait. His original revival in the cartoon didn't correspond to any actual toy release, but the Marvel comic brought him back specifically to advertise his [[Powermaster]] form. A second death-and-revival introduced his [[Action Master]] body. And a ''third'' death-and-revival in ''Generation 2'' brought him into his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#G2Hero|Hero]] toy form.
*The Japanese killed off Optimus (or "Convoy" as they called him) in [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'']]. A few years later, they not only brought him back with a new toy, the ''entire franchise'' for that year was called ''[[Transformers: Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]]''.
*Numerous "dead" characters were brought back into the Marvel comic series when their Classics and/or Action Master versions were released. Many were "deactivated" rather than outright dead; however, very few ''non'' Action Master characters showed up alongside them.
*The series writers for ''Beast Wars'' considered [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] dead and gone at the end of Season 1. Hasbro, however, had a [[Transmetal]] Optimus Primal toy to promote, and so he was returned to life in Season 2. Hasbro wanted him brought back in the first minutes of the season premiere, but the writers managed to convince them that it would be better to do so at the ''end'' of the two-episode story.
*At the end of Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'', [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] was pretty clearly shown being killed—being ''disintegrated''—but in the next season appeared to have just been bruised and cracked, because Hasbro was not ready to have a Mega-scaled toy removed from the series.
*Pretty much ''nobody'' could successfully die in the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]]. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Dagger]], and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] all die and/or are resurrected from the dead during the course of the show.
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] still had toys out in 2008. The [[bio]] for AllSpark-Enhanced Autobot Jazz states he was brought back from near-death by the AllSpark and is "more powerful than ever". Voila, Jazz comes back from the dead thanks to the AllSpark in [[Transformers Comic issue 16|Titan's tie-in comic]]! Optimus even uses the ''term'' "Autobot Jazz" in [[Transformers Comic issue 21|a later issue]]...
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] was shot in the head and abandoned on [[Gorlam Prime]] back in "[[Spotlight: Hardhead]]". Six years later, Hasbro were releasing a new Nightbeat toy and back he comes into ''Dark Cybertron'', a chatty undead from the [[Dead Universe]]. He proceeds to survive the destruction of the Dead Universe and is currently on the ''Lost Light''.
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===Untouchables===
[[File:Armorhide drawhisfire.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Really, they could just stand there making rude noises at Starscream.]]
Obviously, if a character ''does'' have a current toy (or soon will), they're ([[Cliffjumper (WFC)|usually]]) not going to die, even if the plot or common sense indicates they should. This sometimes because Hasbro itself declares a character unkillable, and so comics and TV writers must follow suit.
*In "[[Optimal Situation]]", [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] had betrayed [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] to the Maximals, ruining his greatest shot at victory. As he declared, "There will be no more betrayals!", she would pay the price: being knocked into stasis lock so the Maximals could fix her and she could stay on their team.
*Megatron himself was in a prime position to be terminated, as were the Maximals later on, in "[[The Weak Component]]". Since this was only episode 6 and everyone had toys out, the cast politely agreed not to take this opportunity to end a brutal war for the planet.
*Titan's Movie strip was moved to an alternate universe, where you'd [[Rhythms of Darkness!|expect nobody to be safe from death]]. However, most of the cast had toys out, so whether it was a desperate guerrilla fight against Decepticon occupation, the rise of [[Unicron]], a [[Decepticon Civil War]], or the final battle, very few characters bought it. The big exception was [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]], dying in his first battle.
*In ''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' (mentioned earlier), James Roberts observed that Impactor was the only character who was guaranteed not be killed. However, Hasbro shot down the idea of Perceptor or Springer dying, and so most of the fatalities were less well-known characters like Pyro, Ironfist, and eternally unlucky Wreckers Twin Twist and Topspin.
*Similar to his Beast Era counterpart, ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] was worn down to the point of exhaustion, and was at [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s mercy. Optimus, now [[One Shall Fall|sworn to outright kill Megatron when he gets the chance]], is about to pull the trigger, but ends up backing down when he's threatened by Decepticon reinforcements... in this case, the laughing stock redshirt Vehicons. It doesn't help that the ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' toyline had ''just'' gotten on shelves, but seriously? Optimus felt threatened by ''Vehicons''?
*Starscream, the end.

==Notable exceptions==
There are, however, a few notable exception to the To Sell Toys effect:

===Toys not released in the relevant market===
[[File:Swoopg1marvelukfirst.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|YOU CAN'T HAVE ME.]]
Occasionally the ''Transformers'' fiction released in a particular country features characters whose toys were not released in that country. The Marvel UK comic featured two variations of this phenomenon:

*Characters inherited from the U.S. strips. Some, such as [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], were given fairly prominent roles in the U.S. stories reprinted in the UK comic and so it was hard to ignore them completely in the UK originated material despite their toys not being around to need advertising. However the decision to develop the Predacons (even before their US appearances were reprinted), to have entire storylines focusing on Swoop, and also to keep Shockwave in continuity even after he'd been (supposedly) killed off in the US comic goes beyond this.
*Characters not featured in the U.S. strips. Bizarrely the UK comic also made use of some characters such as [[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]], [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], [[Chop Shop (G1)|Chop Shop]], and [[Venom (G1)|Venom]], despite their toys not being available on UK toy shelves. None of these characters were inherited from the US material.

Writer [[Simon Furman]] has since stated that when writing the stories he was generally unaware of which toys were unavailable in the UK: "We largely took our cue from what characters were being introduced into the US storyline. If there was a release schedule for the toys in the UK, we rarely saw it... But in the case of Swoop and the Predacons, I don't think I was consciously aware (at the time) that we were dealing with toys not generally available in the UK. They were just extant characters, and therefore fair game." <ref>[http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php TransFans.net - Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past'].</ref>

This would happen again with Titan, as foreign exclusives palled around with UK-available toys such as [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Bludgeon]] and [[Slap Dash]].

Another example would be the original text stores published by [[Condor Verlag]] in their ''[[Transformers Comic-Magazin]]'': The text story from [[Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 11|issue 11]] features the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], even though catalogs from the era, backed up by German fans' recollections, suggest that the German release of the ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line-up omitted the Classic Combaticons, possibly due to their "war" theme.
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===Post-Marvel, pre-2013 G1 comics===
[[File:Infiltration 1b.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hey, Runamuck, it's our first appearance on a comic book cover in twenty years!" "Heh heh, now if only we could appear on toy store shelves..."]]
Both [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] comics, the two recent holders of the license to publish ''Transformers'' comic books, sometimes produce comics using whichever toy line is current (e.g., Dreamwave's ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Armada]]'' comic or IDW's [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]] tie-ins), and sometimes publish comics using whatever characters they please (e.g., ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''). The characters in their "discretionary" comics are often not currently available in toy form ([[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], a character appearing in numerous stories from IDW's G1 continuity during their early years, only had [[Hardhead (G1)#Universe (2008)|another toy]] on shelves at around 2009, a good twenty-two years since [[Hardhead (G1)#Generation 1|his last toy]]), sometimes are drawn with bodies that have ''never'' been toys (most of the ''War Within'' characters), and sometimes are toys that were never available outside of specific countries ([[Lio Convoy]] in IDW's ''Beast Wars'').

[[Chris Ryall]], IDW Editor-in-Chief and writer of the miniseries adapting the 2007 movie to comics, had stated on IDW's forums that Hasbro does not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").<ref>http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=69377</ref> By the time of ''All Hail Megatron'', however, the ''Universe'' line came out and Hasbro asked IDW to start using some of those designs.<ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=102461#102461 Guido reveals the Hasbro request]</ref> Though this practice did not influence the subsequent [[The Transformers (IDW)|ongoing series]], it did raise its head again in 2013, as Hasbro and IDW began working together to create new toys based on character designs from the comics, to promote upcoming toys with New Bodies and to include the [[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]] event (including various preludes) with the toys.

===New toys, same basic design===
In more recent times (mostly in the case of the [[live-action film series]]), Hasbro has used a combination of minor [[redeco]]s, [[retool]]s and sculpts based on the same basic designs to create new toys, instead of giving recurring characters a major design overhaul for the next installment. The fiction then rarely, if ever, acknowledges any of those minor design changes. According to screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]], some people at Hasbro even argued against changing the designs of some returning characters in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'', so that parents would '''not''' have to buy the same toy twice for their children just because of a minor change or modification to the characters' designs.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2186879&postcount=171 Roberto Orci posting at TFW2005.com]</ref> (Hasbro still released new, or modified, toys of those characters, prompting [[completist]]s to buy them as well, and the film gave some of the characters slight tweaks in their [[alternate mode]]s, based on changes in the real-life vehicle designs, which the toys had to incorporate.)

===Killing off characters with new toys===
Even characters with new or expensive toys can get the axe early on if the plot calls for it.
*Despite being killed off in the middle of ''Dark of the Moon'', Ironhide got a lot of new toys, including a leader class figure, a voyager class figure, and a Halloween costume for children!
*''Prime'' Cliffjumper was hyped up as a major character in the lead-up to the show's premiere, and got several toys like the other members of the main cast. He dies within the first five minutes of the premiere episode. He does, however, get his fair share of screentime by flashbacks and the like.

===New toys with minimal fictional appearances===
Sometimes, characters that have a new or expensive toy barely see use in fiction.
*Generation 1 Whirl and Roadbuster were larger and more expensive than many of the other Autobots, but never appeared in the original cartoon. They were featured in the comics as members of the Wreckers.
*Sixshot's only appearance in the original cartoon is a quick sequence where he transforms into each of his alt modes to defeat the Aerialbots. He is never seen again.
*In ''Transformers Armada'', Optimus Prime is the only character to not receive an upgrade after being defeated by Nemesis Prime, despite having an expensive $40 redeco on store shelves. Optimus does receive the redeco colors in the final episode of the series, but he returns to his old colors by the episode's conclusion.
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|"Silver Knight" Optimus Prime]] had an entire thematic segment of the [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|''Age of Extinction'' toyline]] dedicated to him that was exclusive to [[Target]] stores. However, the character, who would have been an upgrade of Optimus Prime, was cut from the theatrical release of ''Age of Extinction''.
*''[[Combiner Wars]]'' Quickslinger and Brake-Neck, meant to be [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]], will not get any focus in the accompanying IDW fiction: Slingshot is dead and Wildrider's whereabouts are unknown after his leaving the Stunticons. Instead, their selling point is giving fans the chance to complete G1-accurate [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] toys. Meanwhile, the Autobot [[Rook (Generations)|Rook]] has yet to make anything but a background appearance, and was so overlooked he had to be digitally added ''to'' those backgrounds; [[Alpha Bravo]], his [[Superion]] counterpart, gets a bit more but nothing you'd miss.

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Equal Measures

2016-07-02T10:19:22Z

Zzlom:

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=4
|image=Equal Measures Cheetor darksyde.jpg
|caption=Later they discovered Cheetor was sitting on the self-destruct button.
|title="Equal Measures"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[September 23]], 1996
|written by=[[Greg Johnson]]
|directed by=[[T.W. Peacocke]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Cheetor]], [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Megatron]]
}}

'''Dinobot manipulates both Maximals and Predacons around a teleporter that Cheetor has unintentionally developed between both bases.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] watches a bolt of lightning shatter a mountain, revealing a cache of [[energon]]. Because of the hazardous conditions, he radios to his team to abort their current operation. The storm garbles the transmission, though, preventing the other [[Maximal]]s from receiving it.

[[File:Dinobotbulliescheetor.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Something we've seen all too often.]]
The mission involves energon monitoring devices designed by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], who has just gotten done building the last of them. Impatient to get going, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] carelessly plays with one of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]'s projects, a ''time bomb'', and accidentally drops it out the floor hatch... where it's caught by a returning Optimus, who reiterates his order for the mission to be scrubbed. Everyone's clearly upset over the development, not believing the storm to be that severe yet, but Primal is adamant; it'll have to wait until later. Dejected, everyone returns to quarters to wait out the storm.

In Cheetor's quarters, Dinobot meets with the cat-bot and endorses the mission being continued regardless of the danger from the weather and the energon. He points out that Primal clearly treats Cheetor like a child, even though with his speed, the cat-bot could easily outrun the storm and plant the devices before it hits. This appeal to vanity works, and Cheetor sneaks out to complete the mission.

[[File:Equal Measures Cheetor monitoring device.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|This wireless Broadband box is rubbish!]]
In the field, Cheetor plants survey apparatuses in quick succession, but a bolt of lightning causes the cat accidentally to plant one of the posts dangerously close to an energon vein. He tries to remove the device and correct his mistake, but in the middle of his struggle, a second lightning bolt hits, and he finds himself suddenly teleported — onto a control panel in the [[Darksyde (BW)|Predacon base]]!

[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] "welcomes" Cheetor and attacks the Maximal, but Cheetor grabs a hover-platform and tries to escape. After being knocked off the platform, Cheetor lunges at Terrorsaur and pushes the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] onto the control panel he'd just arrived on, causing Terrorsaur to vanish. [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] arrive and chase Cheetor around the Predacon base, but lose him in the ventilation shafts.

[[File:Cheetorsurprised.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Shouldn't have had the vindaloo last night.]]
Meanwhile, Terrorsaur finds himself in the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' command center, where he's given a warm reception by Dinobot. However, the former Predacon is more concerned over how the pteranodon arrived, eventually working out that a freak combination of the survey devices, the storm, and the energon created a transporter link between the two bases. Using this to his advantage, Terrorsaur seems to convince Dinobot into forming an alliance, suggesting they scrap the Maximals, then take over the Predacons and rule together... until Dinobot drops the charade and unceremoniously flushes the Pred out of the ''Axalon'' through a waste disposal unit.

Back at the Predacon base, Cheetor continues to flee while avoiding fire from Waspinator. He sneaks away from the two long enough to hack the Predacons' data files, and determines that both bases sit on a common underground Energon vein, so an explosion at one base would cause a chain reaction that would obliterate both ships. Cheetor is discovered as soon as he downloads this data to a disk.

At the Maximal base, Optimus confronts Dinobot on Cheetor's whereabouts. Dinobot tells him about the link and how the cat-bot has "surely" been destroyed by now, but convinces him that they could use the link to annihilate the Predacon base with the bomb, a plan Primal only agrees to as long as the bomb's timer is set with enough time to allow the Preds to evacuate. Just as the bomb is sent, though, Cheetor tosses the disk with the energon vein data onto the console, transporting both items simultaneously.

[[File:Crispyterrorsaur.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Would you like me original, or extra crispy?]]
The Predacons finally corner Cheetor, but the bomb has magnetically locked itself onto the Pred console, forcing Megatron to let him go so he can release it. With a few seconds left, Cheetor throws it up to Terrorsaur, who flies it out of the base (and is blown up with it), while Cheetor escapes through the link. The Predacons' errant shots destroy the console instead. Furthermore, his return trip to the ''Axalon'' shatters all of the survey posts he's planted, ensuring the link is severed for good.

Afterwards, Rhinox and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] congratulate Cheetor's prevention of the Maximal base from being destroyed by their own explosive, while Dinobot is in a bad mood as usual and leaves—though Cheetor apparently didn't tell anyone that Dinobot talked him into the whole thing. Primal still commands Cheetor to take more care to obey direct orders. Cheetor says he will—except when he doesn't—and scampers off, leaving Optimus steamed up with Rhinox and Rattrap to have a jolly laugh. But Optimus figures out Cheetor was funny, and gets in the jolly laugh with Rhinox and Rattrap.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (1)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (2)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (3)
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (4)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (5)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s
|c2=
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (6)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (7)
*[[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (8)
*[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==
"Defeating them does not mean we have to ''annihilate'' them. You seem to have trouble understanding that."
:—'''Optimus''' gently chides Dinobot for thinking like a Predacon.

"Shoulda known no Maximal'd be stupid enough to try anything on a day like this."
:—'''Terrorsaur''' underestimates the enemy again.

"YOOOOOW, BULLET TRAAAAAAAIN..." 
''[An explosion sends Cheetor crashing into the wall!]'' 
"Comin' through." 
:—'''Cheetor''' narrowly escapes being turned into a charbroiled cheetah!

"Cheetor! Maximi— did that already."
:—'''Cheetor''' forgets that he already transformed.

"He's gone into the vents! You better report this to Megatron." 
"Me?! ''You're'' second-in-command!" 
"So make it an order!"
:—'''Scorponok''' and '''Waspinator''' establish the chain of command.

"Where'd he go?! Where'd ''I'' go?"
:—'''Terrorsaur''' realises he isn't in [[Kansas]] any more.

"Think of the cosmic magnificence. Together we'll overthrow these low-grade metal knock-offs you've joined, and then rule the Predacons with two iron fists! NOTHING CAN STOP US!"
:—'''Terrorsaur''' has such naive optimism.

"Hey! What are you doing? We're partners!" 
"In case you had not realized, Needlenose... I am ''not'' a team player."
:—'''Terrorsaur''', about to get launched over the horizon by '''Dinobot'''

"OK, OK, I'll never do that again! Until the next time."
:—'''Cheetor''' has learned nothing from this adventure.

==Notes==
* Dinobot is kind of a jerk this early on.
* And Cheetor needs obedience beat into him.
* And Rattrap just needs the snot beat ''out'' of him.

===Animation and technical errors===
* The collapsing mountain at the beginning of the episode seems to be sucked into the Energon cache after being hit with lightning.
* When Optimus is tossing the time bomb in one hand, it really doesn't move convincingly.
* As Cheetor jumps across the rocks, his feet don't always touch the terrain.
* Cheetor doesn't really grab the energon post's handle, his fist simply clips through it.
* When the lightning-bolt strikes him, you can tell by his shadow that Cheetor is actually floating a few inches above the ground.
* As he reaches for his gun while dangling from the Predacons' flying platform, Cheetor's left elbow briefly turns inside-out.
* When Cheetor transforms to [[beast mode]] to jump into the vent, his various robot and beast parts all seem to appear and disappear randomly, out of sync with his usual transformation.
* Scorponok's eyes are weirdly distorted as he arrives to the vent. Also in this shot, Waspinator's left wings don't seem to "flap up", only down.
* Before Terrorsaur begins pruning his wing, the right side of his pterosaur chest appears to be sunken into his body.
* After Cheetor escapes from the vents, he falls to the ground and his right forehead chevron kind of "twangs" forward. In the next scene he's in, it's back to normal against his head.
* When Optimus asks Dinobot if he's sure about the bomb's timer, his right arm seems to jump position between frames.

===Continuity errors===
* A major plot point is that due to an energon vein running beneath both ships, the destruction of either Predacon or Maximal bases would destroy the other. This is never mentioned again and frequently contradicted due to the repeated explosions at both. While most of the planet's energon was stabilized by the start of Season 2 (and thus wouldn't be an issue), the plot of Season 1 episode "[[Victory (episode)|Victory]]" revolves around... a massive explosion at the Predacon base. Arguably, either side could have harvested some of the energon by then to sever the connection between the bases, but this is never established!
* Despite making a big deal about how they should be killing Predacons when they get the chance, Dinobot doesn't avail himself of the opportunity when he's alone with Terrorsaur, instead harmlessly firing him out of the ship.
* When trying to outrun the explosion chasing him down the vents, for some reason Cheetor decides to transform to his [[robot mode]], even though it's been strongly implied that he's faster in beast mode.

===Continuity notes===
* The weather on prehistoric Earth appears to be ''extremely'' destructive. Two bolts of lightning cause a mountain to implode. This might have something to do with the abundant energon, although there's nothing in the show to back this up.
* This is the first episode where we get to hear Terrorsaur speak (Besides "Terrorsaur, terrorize!" that is).

===Transformers references===
* When Cheetor appears before him, Terrorsaur greets him thus: "Welcome to the dark side!" The episode script reveals that this was simply Terrorsaur being dramatic. However, because [[fandom|Transformers fans]] can be ''incredibly'' literal, some fans speculatively latched on to the idea that Terrorsaur was welcoming Cheetor to the "''Dark Side''", supposedly giving the Predacon ship/base a proper name.
*This bit of [[fanon]] was made official by the video game ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Beast Wars Transmetals]]''. Years later, the ship's name was further codified by the [[BotCon 2006]] story "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]", which dodged [[trademark]] issues by giving it the intentional misspelling "[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]".
* This is what happens when fans are allowed to run things. Seriously.
* Curiously, at no point has anybody interpreted Dinobot's line as suggesting the Maximal ship is meant to be called "Enemy Arms".

===Trivia===
* This episode marks the finalization of most of the Maximals' voices; Cheetor loses most of his whine, Rhinox gains a more expressive range, and Dinobot sounds a fair bit deeper.
* Plenty of alternate transformation schemes in this episode. Most of Cheetor's transformations involve his cheetah mode, splitting in two through the middle (even the tail), and his cheetah head flipping down to be the chest of a fully-formed robot that's curled up within this beast "shell", already wearing most of his beast kibble. Dinobot also shows off a pair of transformations radically different from – and even more cheaty than – his normal one.
* Waspinator speaks in first-person in this episode.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dos à Dos'''" ("Back to Back")

:*''Title:'' "'''Dos à Dos'''" (Canada, "Back to Back")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pari opportunità per i Biocombat'''" ("Equal Opportunities for the Biocombats")

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Jigen Bakudan Tensō Sakusen!'''" (時限爆弾転送作戦!, "Operation: Time Bomb Transfer!")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 22|22 October]] [[1997]]
::*Terrorsaur's line, "Welcome to the dark side!" was rendered, "Yōkoso, kaku!" or "Welcome, stranger!" (with plenty of ''caw caw caw'' noises added to the end, as is Terrorsaur's vocal tic in Japan). Thus, any silly ambiguity as to the proper noun status of his line is eliminated (not that it would matter, as the Predacon's ship received an official name in Japan long before it got one in the West: "Terror Crasher").

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Medidas Iguais'''" ("Equal Measures")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Medidas Equitativas'''" (America, "Equal Measures")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1997 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — Cheetus' Crisis ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 1 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 2 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]])
;[[Wikipedia:LaserDisc|LaserDisc]]
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Maximal Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 1 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season (Rhinomation) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Chain of Command (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes — Where the Beasties Began! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?

2016-07-02T10:00:35Z

Zzlom:

{{Comicstory|
|series=mtmte|issueno=8
|prev=Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations
|next=Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc
|seriesissue2="Scavengers"
|prev2=Rules of Disengagement (issue)
|caption=Grimlock is the king of hide and seek!
|image=MTMTE8_cvrA.jpg
|title="Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[August 22]], [[2012]]
|coverdate=August 2012
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2012)]]
}}

'''The Scavengers use Grimlock to fight back against the D.J.D.'''

==Synopsis==
''Years ago, above the planet [[Clemency]], a regiment of [[K-Class]] [[Decepticon]]s prepare to drop into the battle raging below. The perky [[Torque (G1)|Torque]] introduces himself to a somber [[Fulcrum]], who says nothing. And then, the order is given to disembark and enter the conflict...''

On Clemency today, within the crashed D-Class [[Worldsweeper]] they found there, the rag-tag team of [[Decepticon]] "[[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]]" desperately try to figure out what to do about the approach of the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. With none of their number willing to own up to being the unfortunate soul the D.J.D. are looking for, [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] proposes that they stand and fight, and although Fulcrum laughs in his face, the other Decepticons get behind the idea and begin a plot to use the comatose [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to their advantage.

Across space, on the ''[[Lost Light]]'', [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]—his tune changed about his amnesia following a recent conversation with [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]—requests that the mnemosurgeon use his mind-reading abilities to see if he can unlock his lost memories. Chromedome discovers that Skids's memories of the last year have not just been suppressed: they have been ''erased'', replaced with an imperative to "escape". However, all the memories from before that point that Skids has lost are indeed still locked inside his head, buried away by the trauma of the erasure of the others... but upon getting a glimpse of them, Chromedome is so horrified that he pulls out, assuring Skids that he's better off ''not'' remembering them. Skids grimly accepts this, but reveals to Chromedome that he always hears a piece of music playing inside his mind. Having heard it as well, Chromedome identifies it as "[[The Empyrean Suite]]", and hopes that Skids never understands its significance...

Back on Clemency, the Scavengers lug the capsule containing Grimlock out into the open, transmitting to the D.J.D.'s ship the ''[[Peaceful Tyranny]]'' that they have killed their target and left him for them to collect, learning in the process that the Division is looking for Fulcrum. Presently, the D.J.D. arrive and approach the capsule, at which point Krok triggers the [[circuit speeder]]s he laced it with, jolting Grimlock awake and into a berserker rage. The Scavengers delay leaving until they see which way the battle is going, but Grimlock quickly tires to their shock, and their subsequent attempt at escape goes nowhere as [[Helex (DJD)|Helex]] appears, mocking Misfire's timing and blocking their path. The battle that follows is a gruesome one as [[Flywheels]] is killed by [[Tesarus (DJD)|Tesarus]]'s chest grinder, and [[Vos (DJD)|Vos]] removes his face, laden with spikes, and jams it over Krok's own. [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] accidentally shoots Krok when he tries to help him, and is then mauled by [[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]]'s [[The Pet|pet Sparkeater]]. Tarn, meanwhile, turns his "weaponized conversation" on Grimlock, but before he can end his life, [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] comes to the rescue in the most unexpected way: he has recovered a [[cybernought]] battle-mech from the Worldsweeper, and begins raining destruction down on the D.J.D. Unfortunately, an electric shock from Kaon cripples both mech and pilot, and the giant robot is quickly taken down by Tarn. In answer to Tarn's bellowed challenge, Fulcrum then appears atop the Worldsweeper and delivers a speech decrying the D.J.D. as symbolic of everything that went wrong with the Decepticon movement. He leaps from the ship, and transforms... into a bomb! He lands with the least dramatic impact possible, barely causing a cloud of dust, at which point Kaon alerts Tarn to his detection of the [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]'s [[energy signature]]. Considering Fulcrum dead, the D.J.D. pull out to pursue this new target, warning the Scavengers that they are all on the List now.

Fulcrum, however, is anything but dead, much to his own surprise: it turns out that the very first thing the Scavengers did upon finding him the previous day was remove his explosive charge—apparently Spinister was capable of the difficult manual task despite his lack of intelligence. Fulcrum tries to explain his story to them—how he was convicted of desertion of duty and, after initially being sentenced to death by [[Traitor's wheel]], was conscripted into a K-Squad and reconfigured to auto-transform into a bomb upon deployment, only for his systems to become paralyzed with terror—but they lose interest very quickly and check up on Grimlock instead. However, the former Dynobot leader soon reveals what's wrong with him, when he can barely struggle out a "Me Grimlock" and inspects his hands as if he doesn't know what they're for. Assuming he was left behind because "he's practically brain-dead", Misfire suggests the Scavengers take him back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] figuring they can use him as a bargaining chip regardless of whether the [[Autobot]]s or Decepticons are in charge of the planet. The others agree, but before they depart, Misfire delivers a eulogy for the fallen Flywheels, mocking his search for the [[Censere|Necrobot]]<ref name="bigfatmistake">[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=12478 James Roberts:] It seems that a line of dialogue on the last page of issue 8 is causing some confusion. Standing over Flywheels' remains, Misfire says, "His ludicrous search for the Necrobot remains unfulfilled." Yet in issue 7, it is clearly established that Misfire himself is the Scavenger with the Necrobot obsession. This is what is known - in comic book industry jargon - as a big, fat mistake. [...] P.S. We'll fix the dialogue for the trade - unless someone comes up with a truly amazing explanation.</ref>, and the team then descend upon his body to Fulcrum's shock, doing what they do best: scavenging.

Eighteen months later... a shadow falls over Flywheels's skeletal remains. The all-too-real Necrobot has come to mark his passing, and adds his name to a list of the recently deceased: right after [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], Chromedome, [[Dipstick]], [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]...

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (8)
*[[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] (9)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (10)
*[[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] (12)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (13)
*[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] (14)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (15)
|c2=
*''[[Torque (G1)|Torque]]'' (1)
*[[Fulcrum]] (2)
*[[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] (3)
*[[Krok (G1)|Krok]] (4)
*[[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] (5)
*[[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]] (6)
*[[Flywheels]] (7)
*[[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]] (16)
*[[Vos (DJD)|Vos]] (17)
*[[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]] (18)
*[[Tesarus (DJD)|Tesarus]] (19)
*[[Helex (DJD)|Helex]] (20)
|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (11)
*[[The Pet]] (21)
*[[Censere|Necrobot]] (22)
}}

==Quotes==
"'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Fighting the D.J.D.<nowiki>'</nowiki>''' is just ''''<nowiki>'</nowiki>certain death<nowiki>'</nowiki>''' with more letters! It's—it's '''suicide''' with '''delusions of survival!'''"
:—'''Fulcrum'''

"Anyway, I thought you '''liked''' having amnesia." 
"Who told you that?" 
"You told '''Swerve''', right? So assume everyone on board knows. In fact, assume everyone on '''Cybertron''' knows. In fact, assume that distant '''alien races''', otherwise untouched by civilization—" 
"Okay, okay, point taken."
:—'''Chromedome''' and '''Skids'''

"I was lucky. I was forged when the Decepticon Empire was at its peak. We'd overthrown our '''oppressors,''' we'd torn down a system that served only those at the top, and we'd turned '''outwards'''—refining the galaxy by cleansing it of organic races too backward to reconfigure their inferior nature. And you know what went wrong? People like '''you.''' The thugs and the sadists and the psychos—people for whom the war was a convenient excuse to inflict pain. Yesterday, my faith in the Decepticon was '''restored.''' I met six scavengers—and they were average and normal and brilliant, and they fought on my behalf when I really, '''really''' didn't deserve it. And I know you look down on them, but each one of them is worth '''ten''' of you. So what I'm about to do, I do for '''them'''—and for everyone else the D.J.D. has murdered. This is for everyone who's ever turned and fled in protest at what the Decepticons have become!"
:—'''Fulcrum'''

'''Misfire:''' "A senseless waste. His ludicrous search for the Necrobot ends unfulfilled. A terrible, terrible tragedy. Boo hoo." 
'''Fulcrum:''' "'Boo hoo'? I though Flywheels was your '''friend!''' You're just going to leave him here?" 
'''Misfire:''' "You're '''right.''' What were we '''thinking?'''" 
'''Crankcase:''' "I'm having his rotor system—" 
'''Misfire:''' "There's probably enough for a '''sip''' of [[innermost energon]] each..." 
'''Spinister:''' "Leave the knees for me."

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Flywheel's psychosomatic hyperreflexia flares up again on page 3 indicating that he is lying about believing that Primus cares about them.
*Rewind screens a public information film named "[[Proteus's Promise]]" for his crewmates; the title character is [[Proteus|Senator Proteus]] from "[[Chaos Theory Part 2|Chaos Theory]]", and the titular promise itself would be expanded upon in "Shadowplay", the next arc.
*Skids and Chromedome's conversation is footnoted to have occurred in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|''More than Meets the Eye'' 2012 annual]], which was released a few weeks after publication of this issue. This tactic seems to deliberately hearken back to the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] days, when important story beats would appear in the [[Transformers Annual|Annual]] stories.
*Chromedome explains that [[mnemosurgery]] marks only show up under Ultraviolet light, which is useful to keep in mind for later issues.
*Chromedome knows Skids from a "heist" pulled back on Cybertron before the war. This heist is also dealt with in the upcoming "[[Shadowplay]]" storyline.
*Skids had been asking other people if they knew much about music in the third and fifth issues; this is now revealed to be an attempt to identity the aria in his head.
*Torque has "Ultra Magnus" written on him while in bomb mode, indicating that he was targeting this specific Autobot - this would be expanded upon [[The Gloaming|later]].
*This issue makes clear Tarn's transformation addiction, as alluded to [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|previously]]. He drives down the ship's ramp in tank mode before transforming to stand next to it, he then transforms while everyone else walks the short distance, and then again to inspect Grimlock. When fighting Grimlock, he transforms to run over him with his treads, then transforms again to try his "talk to death" trick. When Crankcase unleashes the Cybernought, Tarn transforms to shoot it, despite having a perfectly good gun on his arm, then transforms again to address Fulcrum.
*Why the Necrobot has several ''Lost Light''ers on his list of deceased would be revealed in issues [[slaughterhouse|#32]] and [[slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|#33]].

===Transformers references===
*The return of Grimlock coincides with that of the rest of [[Dinobot (G1)|his team]] in ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|#8]] and another appearance by Big Grim himself in ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One]]'' [[Loose Ends, Part 2|#82]] for a micro-event called out on the August covers as "Dinobot Month!"
*Skids is revealed to be a master of Cybertronian martial art [[Metallikato]], and in the same breath name-drops the [[Povian]]s of [[Pova]], from ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''.
*Tarn calls Krok a [[Genericon]], a pejorative intended to indicate a 'Con of little importance last used in reference to [[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]] and [[Boom]] in [[Life After the Big Bang|issue #4]].
*Fulcrum refers to his imprisonment in [[Styx]], the Decepticon penal colony only previously seen in ''[[Spotlight: Hot Rod]]''.
*Flywheels's death, being ripped in half, is an [[Easter egg]] in that his original toy had to split in half to transform into [[Duocon|two separate vehicles]].

===Real-world references===
*The title likely refers to the children's song, "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?".
*We're not told what the "K" in "K-Class" stands for, but given their suicidal job description, "[[Wikipedia:kamikaze|kamikaze]]" seems almost certain.
*Fulcrum's crime of cowardice was performed on B'Lahr 39. Comedian [[Wikipedia:Bert Lahr|Bert Lahr]]'s most famous role was The Cowardly Lion in ''[[Wikipedia:The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]'', released in 1939.

===Trivia===
*The D.J.D.'s [[turbofox]], glimpsed last issue and referred to in the cast list at the end of this issue as "The Pet", is also a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] (well, more of a "sparkchewer"). Here it's specifically identified as Kaon's pet, but Helex was holding its chain last issue; Kaon was in alternate mode at the time, so perhaps he was just holding it for him.
*The normal cast list at the end of the issue is replaced with a new list showcasing the D.J.D. members, The Pet, the Scavengers, and Fulcrum.

===Errors===
*Perhaps not strictly an error, but while the in-story text consistently abbreviates "Decepticon Justice Division" as "D.J.D.", the title renders it "DJD" without the periods, perhaps to avoid a period followed by a question mark.
*Reference is repeatedly made to Fulcrum's impressive, distinctive [[chin]]... but it's not any bigger or more notable than many of the other characters, and certainly not more than Misfire's and Grimlock's in their profile-angled shots on page 21, which are positively ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' in their chintasticness. The only thing notable about it is its 'chin strap' styling.
*Issue #7 saw Helex given the task of scanning for Overlord's energy signature, but in this issue, it's Kaon who reports finding it. When these issues were collected in the second ''More than Meets the Eye'' trade paperback, issue #7's dialogue was edited so Kaon was given the task.
*Fulcrum says yesterday he met "six Scavengers"... but there were only five of them. This error was also fixed for the trade.
*This issue ends with Misfire lamenting over Flywheels's "ludicrous search" for the Necrobot... except last issue, it was ''Misfire himself'' who was searching for him! Roberts admitted the mistake and said it would be fixed for the trade.<ref name="bigfatmistake"/> Despite the idea of Flywheels being played as a born-again religious type, which belief in the Necrobot would sit alongside well, and the poetry of the final scene, with the Necrobot coming to record the death of one who has searched for him for so long, the eventual fix involved simply deleting the first line of Misfire's eulogy, removing the reference to Flywheels's belief. Roberts notes that this was the intention from the outset. <ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=313133#313133 Roberts on the correction at the IDW forums]: With regards to the Necrobot error, how it reads now is how it was originally intended to read. It was always going to be Misfire who was looking for the Necrobot, and it was always going to be Flywheels who died. Yes, it would have been more poetic to have Flywheels as the believer, but bigger plot cogs, and the need to keep them turning, took precedence. </ref>

===Crew Manifest===
*Fulcrum and Grimlock join the crew of the ''[[Weak Anthropic Principle]]''.
*Flywheels was killed by the D.J.D. on Clemency.
*1 death, 2 new arrivals since their introduction last issue.

===Soundtrack===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4qmqcug3Vc "Die"] by [[Wikipedia:Iron & Wine|Iron & Wine]]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zYOKFjpm9s "Do You Realise"] by [[Wikipedia:The Flaming Lips|The Flaming Lips]]

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Grimlock looms, art by Alex Milne and [[Joana Lafuente]].
*'''Cover B:''' Grimlock in T-Rex mode, art by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]].
*'''Cover RI:''' Grimlock (notice a pattern?) breathing fire, art by [[Marcelo Matere]] and [[Priscilla Tramontano]], the fourth quarter of a combined image formed with the RI cover to ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Interference Patterns|#7]], [[Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|#8]], and ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|#7]].

<gallery>
Image:MTMTE8_cvrA.jpg|This scene does not occur in the issue...
Image:MTMTE8_cvrB.jpg|...and he doesn't transform to T-Rex mode...
Image:MTMTE8_cvrRI.jpg|...and his T-Rex mode doesn't even look like this!
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|#8]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Loose Ends, Part 2|#82]]
*''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]''
*[[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|''More Than Meets the Eye'' Annual 2012]]
*''Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom'' (back cover)

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/14902-cobra-vs-cobra-dinobots-month-in-next-week-s-idw-releases.html Preview]
*[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-ongoing-8-creator-commentary/25652/ Creator commentary with James Roberts]

==References==
<references/>

Beast Wars (Part 1)

2016-07-02T09:49:49Z

Zzlom:

{{episode
|series=BW
|ep=1
|image=BWPart1 crashland.jpg
|caption=[[Superman|They carry within them the last sons of Kryp—]]oh, wait, never mind.
|title="Beast Wars" (Part 1)
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[April 22]], [[1996]] (preview)<ref>Though this episode played several days earlier in several US markets, its most widespread screening was on the 22nd.</ref> [[September 16]], 1996 (regular airing)
|packaged with=[[Optimus Primal/toys#Beast Wars Telemocha Series|DX Convoy]]
|written by=[[Bob Forward]]
|directed by=[[Ian Pearson]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''A Maximal science vessel and a fugitive Predacon starship crash land on a mysterious, primitive world.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:BWPart1 strangenewworld.jpg|left|thumb|In space, no one can hear you transform.]]
In an unknown star system, a [[transwarp]] portal opens, releasing two starships, a fleeing Predacon warship and a pursuing Maximal vessel. Already carrying the scars of battle, both ships immediately open fire upon each other. On the Maximal ship, [[Cheetor (BW)|a youthful crewmember]] reports on their damaged condition, in response to which [[Rattrap (BW)|another crew member]] bitterly complains about their non-combat exploration vessel not being cut out for this mission. Their commander, [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], states that they were the only ship in range capable of intercepting the fugitives.

On the fleeing Predacon starship, [[Dinobot (BW)|the first officer]] urges his leader, [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], to finish off the Maximals while their opponents' shields are down. Megatron arrogantly rebuffs this suggestion, preferring to toy with his opponents. A broadside attack cripples their enemies' engines and causes significant damage to their stasis hold. Optimus Primal orders the Maximals' cargo of [[stasis pod]]s be released into safe orbit before firing the forward plasma cannons, strafing the Predacons' hull. With no engines, both ships are caught in the planet's gravitational pull and plummet to its surface.

[[File:BWPart1 beastmodes.jpg|right|thumb|And the fandom complained... for about five minutes.]]
Both ships are non-flightworthy after their crashes. The Maximals have landed on a cliff above a lake; the Predacon warship has landed smack in the middle of the ash-hardened opening of an active shield volcano. The Predacon computer informs Megatron that their location is unknown, as while the course settings were accurate, the readings were not consistent with what was to be expected of the location. Dismissing this for the time being, Megatron demands to know if the mysterious planet has [[energon]], which the computer confirms to his elation. However, it warns that there is so much energon that prolonged exposure would permanently damage their [[robot mode]]s. Declaring that they will take the forms of the most powerful creatures on the planet, Megatron orders [[Tarantulas (BW)|his science officer]] to scan for local lifeforms which they could adapt as [[alternate mode]]s to survive on this world. The Predacon ship launches a drone, scanning the fossils of a ''Tyrannosaurus rex'', ''Velociraptor'', and ''Pteranodon'', as well as a living spider, scorpion and wasp.

At the cliff, the Maximals have the same idea, scanning a gorilla, rat, rhino and cheetah. The Maximals check out their new forms and bicker amongst themselves, till Optimus Primal orders the crew to moderate their conflict circuits, reminding them that their new beast forms are to protect them from the long-term effects of the abundant energon fields: While they need energon for power, their robot modes will short out after a few minutes of exposure. Optimus notes that they are on a very unusual planet, wherever it is. Rhinox points out that the transwarp drive allows them to journey through space '''and''' time, so they could be in any place, any time. Optimus expresses concern about the stasis pods in orbit, as it means the Maximals are outnumbered.

[[File:BWPart1 beastfaceoff.jpg|left|thumb|We'll tumble. Rumble style!]]
Back at the other crash site, the Predacons are testing out their new [[beast mode]]s, bar one. First officer Dinobot, studying the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] he and his cohorts had stolen, is furious, declaring that this world cannot be [[Earth]]. He accuses Megatron of failure, both in battle against the Maximals and in failing to guide them to the right planet. Megatron laughs off Dinobot's accusations, and has Scorponok blast the aggressive Dinobot over the horizon. Megatron informs the other Predacons that it doesn't matter which planet they are on, as they had come looking for energon to fuel their war with the Maximals, and this planet is rich with it. Megatron dispatches his crew to seek out and destroy their enemies.

[[File:BWPart1 Predsopenfire.jpg|right|thumb|Shouldn't they be seeking cover of some sort?]]
Meanwhile, the Maximals are surveying the land around them and cleaning up the wreckage on the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''. Rattrap complains about all the fuss over the Golden Disk, but Optimus Primal reminds him that the Disk is Cybertron's most closely guarded relic, a guide to a major source of energon, which is why Megatron stole it. Rattrap doesn't care, retorting they were supposed to be performing deep-space exploration and that it isn't his job to chase after criminals. He sarcastically speculates on Primal's readiness to handle a command position. Optimus further reminds him of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], noting that if the Predacons are able to secure a massive source of energon, they wouldn't hesitate to start a new one. Rattrap isn't convinced.

Deciding to show off (and goof off), Cheetor gives chase to two cheetahs running on the plains near the ship. Optimus tries to call him back, but the energon radiation severely limits the range of their communications equipment.

[[File:BWPart1 Primalflying.jpg|left|thumb|"I'm a rocket man, rocket man, burnin' out his fuse up here alone."]]
Some distance away, Cheetor's two cheetah buddies are freaked out by a rather large wasp. Realizing it's a '''Robot in Disguise''', Cheetor transforms and fires unprovoked. The Predacon Waspinator transforms and retaliates. Back at the ''Axalon'', the other Maximals move out to give Cheetor backup, with Rhinox ramming his way through a pile of boulders to speed their progress. Waspinator manages to get the better of Cheetor when the Maximal's rifle jams, but fortunately, the other Maximals have arrived by then. Unfortunately, Megatron and the Predacons have arrived as well.

[[File:BWPart1 coverfire.jpg|right|thumb|"I'll activate my Hero Shield!"]]
Optimus Primal tries to convince Megatron to not engage in hostilities, as the Maximals and Predacons have been at peace for centuries. Megatron spits back that while the Maximals may have been at peace, the Predacons, like all enemies who appear "peaceful," were merely biding their time. The Predacons have never forgotten their goal of galactic conquest, but were merely waiting for the right time to strike.

Both sides transform, and the battle is joined. As the Maximals seek cover, Cheetor is blasted by one of Scorponok's missiles and ends up with his leg trapped under a boulder. Optimus Primal orders Rattrap to assist Cheetor while he provides cover fire, but Rattrap flatly refuses to risk his life for anybody else, to Optimus' anger. The Maximal leader flies to Cheetor's position himself but is hit by Predacon fire, much to Rattrap's smug delight. Nonetheless, Optimus manages to free Cheetor while Rhinox "persuades" Rattrap to help provide the pair with cover fire. With the Predacons now seeking cover of their own, the Maximals make their escape. Megatron orders pursuit, but he and his Predacons succumb to the effects of the energon buildup and are forced to revert to beast mode.

[[File:BWPart1 bridgefaceoff.jpg|left|thumb|You shall not pass!]]
On the way back to base, Optimus Primal chews out Rattrap for disobeying a direct order, explaining to the petulant Maximal that he could have given better cover fire, an explanation which Rattrap accepts rather grudgingly. Cheetor notes that they seem to have escaped the Predacons. Primal isn't sure, as the Golden Disk theft reports indicated there were six Predacons, but they only encountered five in the previous battle.

They don't have to wait long. Dinobot appears, barring their way across a stone bridge to the ''Axalon''. Dinobot states that he has left the Predacons to join the Maximals... as leader. He challenges Optimus Primal to a one-on-one battle, with the winner to lead the Maximals, the loser to be destroyed!

[[Beast Wars (Part 2)|To be continued...]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (1)
*[[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] (2)
*[[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (3)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (6)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]
|c2=
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (4)
*[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] (7)
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (8)
*[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (9)
*[[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] (10)
}}

==Quotes==
"I'm a cheetah! No... I'm ''Cheetor''!" 
:—'''Cheetor''' is most imaginative.

"Ah-hahaha... there's more to being a leader than simple courage. Well, there's cleverness and cunning as well. Isn't that right, Scorponok?" 
[''Scorponok fires a missile, blasting Dinobot away''] 
"Loser."
:—'''Megatron''' deals swiftly with Dinobot's belligerence.

"You wanted exploration, and here we are on an unknown planet. What more do you want?" 
"Well, uh, call me picky but a working spacecraft might be nice." 
''[sighs]'' "Just no pleasing some people."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' and '''Rattrap'''

"The energon fields mess up the comm links. Anything over 100 meters, they ain't worth scrap." 
"Well, that's just prime." 
"So, er, this your first day on the job, or what?" 
"Shut up, Rattrap." 
"Oh yes sir! Y'know, I feel just heaps better knowing that our lives are in your capable hands. ''[sighs]'' We're all gonna die."
:—'''Rhinox''', '''Optimus Primal''' and '''Rattrap''' demonstrate Maximal camaraderie AND coin three catchphrases in a row.

"Mzzzzz! Waszzzpinator under attack! Waszzzpinator engage enemy! ''Waszzpinator'', '''''TERRORIZEZZZZZZZZ!!!'''''"
:—'''Waspinator''' engages Cheetor.

"Ahh, a treacherous, under-handed sneak attack. Oh-ho-ho, I like you, pussycat, ''yesss.''"
:—'''Megatron''''s response to Cheetor's unprovoked attack

"This guy's got bearings of chrome steel."
:—'''Rhinox''' on Dinobot's bid for Maximal group leader

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Waspinator fights Cheetor, the stripes on his thighs are mapped on the wrong axis, and in one shot, he is missing his crotch.
* As Optimus, Rhinox and Rattrap ride out to give Cheetor support, Rhinox breaks through a "roadblock" of boulders. However, in the previous shot of this location, the boulders were not present.
* When Rhinox picks up Rattrap and swings him around to face the Predacons, Rattrap's gun clips right through the boulder in front of them.
* It looks as if the animators have yet to create a gun for Rhinox (possibly because they were trying to figure out a way to make the spinning blade/mace thingie that his toy comes with not look terrible). When the Maximals are under attack he just sits hiding behind a rock, before eventually picking up Cheetor's discarded weapon. He won't get his signature weapon for a [[Chain of Command (BW)|few episodes]] yet.
* Scorponok is among the Predacons milling about outside the ship in their [[beast mode]]s, yet he appears from within the ship to blast Dinobot only a few moments later.

===Continuity errors===
* If the Beast Warriors are on an "unknown planet", presumably containing animals they've never seen before... how does everybody manage to think up such fitting new beast mode-based names? (Presumably, not ''all'' information about Earth was off-limits.) A major example is Cheetor, who recognizes that he has become a cheetah, despite (presumably) having not seen one before.
* Cheetor and Waspinator spend a longer period of time in the open while in their respective [[robot mode]]s, but don't suffer the effects of energon overload until about the same time the others do.

===Continuity notes===
* Judging by the ambient wildlife, it would appear the Transformers crashed in what would become Africa. The dinosaur fossils that the Predacons scan don't quite gel with this theory, as neither ''Velociraptor''s or tyrannosaurs were known to live in Africa. Presumably, they represent some unknown genus of related dinosaurs... or modern paleontologists just haven't been looking hard enough.
* Rattrap is a serious asshole this early in the series.

===Transformers references===
* Optimus Primal mentions the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], which is what the Transformers of the Beast era called the conflict between the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s. The significance of the Great War isn't explained in the episode itself, although later episodes would reinforce the notion that the Maximals and Predacons are descendants of the original Generation 1 factions.

===Trivia===
* Before they gain their beast modes, the Maximals and Predacons are shown mostly in shadow, saving animators the trouble of coming up with entirely different models for each character. However, if one pays close attention, there are some marked differences to the facial areas shown, and Rattrap's arms are slightly different.
** Megatron, who is seen almost entirely prior to getting his beast form, reuses the body of the Giant Robot from Mainframe's other show, ''ReBoot'', albeit with a few small modifications and Megatron's head slapped on top. The model would continue to be reused, including as Blackarachnia's protoform (again with modifications) and various generic Predacons in "[[The Agenda (Part 1)]]".
* When Rhinox is fixing something outside, the "Gas Bottle" looks like the model sub seen later on in other episodes.
* Rattrap's gun has 3 spider kill-marks on it. Has he killed spider-bots before?
* As this was the first episode, the transformation/catchphrase sequences are rather overbearing by comparison to later episodes of the series.
* During the scene in which the Maximals reveal their new beast modes, it is not clear why they (bar Optimus Primal) had to rename themselves. Maximal military or exploration tradition?
* Throughout this episode and "[[Beast Wars (Part 2)]]", Scorponok's missiles have a Maximal insignia on them, meant to indicate Maximal kills. This confused viewers into thinking that they were mistakenly "Maximal missiles", so the symbols were changed in "[[Chain of Command]]".
* Cheetor is the first character to speak in ''Beast Wars'' ("Aaa! Hull breach in [[Sector Seven]]!" but that's probably a coincidence), the first character to appear once the characters reformat with beast modes, as well as the first character to fire a shot (unprovoked) at the enemy. Cheetor also has the honour of speaking the final words of the Beast Era in the final episode of the ''Beast Wars''' sequel, ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]]''.
* Dinobot has the distinction of being the first ''Beast Wars'' character to transform into robot mode.
* Waspinator fires pink eye lasers in robot mode.
* This episode marks the only instance in the entire series in which Dinobot uses the "Terrorize!" [[activation code]], despite nominally being a Predacon. He would later reprogram himself with the Maximal activation code.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Animutants - 1re partie'''" ("Animutants - 1st Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

:*''Title:'' "'''Pilote 1'''" (Canada, "Pilot 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der fremde Planet, Teil 1'''" ("The unknown Planet, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[March 28|28 March]] [[1998]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'atterraggio'''" ("The Landing")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chō Seimeitai Transformer Tōjō'''" (超生命体トランスフォーマー登場, "Enter the Super Lifeform Transformers")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 1|1 October]] [[1997]]
[[File:BeastWarsEp1JapanOpen01.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Star Wars (franchise)|Dun dun dun DUN! DAN! Dan dan dan DAAAN! DAN! Dan dan dan DAAAN! DAN! Dun dun dun DUN!]]]]
::*The Japanese version of this episode begins with a [[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]-style scrolling recap of the history of the Transformers, narrated by both the Maximal and Predacon computer voices talking simultaneously. This worked out fairly well, since the episode begins with a placid pan of an outerspace backdrop, followed by a running battle between spaceships, as if it was tailor-made for this kind of parody.
::*The scroll ends with a variation of the catchphrase "And now the battle begins", which has been used in Japanese ''Transformers'' productions since the beginning and continues to this day.
::*Unique to the Japanese dub, the [[Predacon computer]] was given her own name (NAVI-ko) and personality (or ''multiple'' personality). Rather than talk ''at'' the computer, the Predacons now have conversations with her as she assigns them cute nicknames ("Mega-chan"). Most instances where the Predacons were shown talking to themselves in the English version are rewritten into conversations with NAVI-ko for this dub.

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wojna bestii'''" ("Beast War")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Beast Wars parte 1'''" ("Beast Wars part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La guerra de las bestias [Parte 1]'''" ("The War of the Beasts [Part 1]")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

:*''Title:'' '''Guerra de Bestias Primera Parte'''" (America, "Beast War First Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''太空遭遇'''" ("The Encounter in the Space")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Beast Wars'' — A Feature Length Beasties Adventure ([[Alliance Atlantis|Alliance Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — Une Adventure Cybernetique (Alliance Video) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1997 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' — Enter the Super Lifeform Transformers ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' / ''Robots-Bêtes'' Three pack (Alliance Video) — Available in English or French audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Beginning: Vol. 1 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 1 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]])
;[[Wikipedia:LaserDisc|LaserDisc]]
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Maximal Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — English and Japanese audio.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 1 ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season (Rhinomation) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Chain of Command (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — Classic Episodes — Where the Beasties Began! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 2005 — ''Beast Wars'' — The Complete First Season (Alliance Atlantis) — English and French audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2012 — ''Transformers: Beast Wars'' Staffel 1 (5DVDs) ([[Pandavision]])

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Botanica (BM)

2016-06-26T18:17:10Z

Zzlom:

{{factions|maximalbm|maximal}}
{{disambig2|the freedom fighter from ''Beast Machines''|the council member from ''Animated''|Botanica (Animated)}}
:''Botanica is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Machines: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Machines]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Botanica TechnorganicRobot.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb||375px|The fandom somehow failed to [[Arcee (G1)|clamor]] for this one.]]
The Transformers have taken on myriad [[alternate mode]]s over the years, but '''Botanica''' remains unique: she transforms into an ambulatory plant. She is competent and powerful, as well as a bit mystical, and has a strong connection to the planet and an affinity for growing things. A scientist first and foremost, she can be fastidious and fussy in her dedication to her work—sometimes to the point of overlooking the things that matter most.

==Fiction==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Kathleen Barr]] (English), [[Atsuko Tanaka]] (Japanese)|[[Vera Miranda]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Arianne Borbach]] (German)}}
[[File:Botanica OriginalPlantMode.jpg|left|thumb|250px|REFORMAT ME, SEYMOUR.]]

Botanica captained the same type of exploration mission that the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' originally undertook. After landing on a [[Regalis V|planet]] dominated by mobile plants, her crew adopted new alternate modes to study this alien ecosystem.

When they received [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s fake distress signal, Botanica left the planet and returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], whereupon Megatron's automated defense system shot down her [[Botanica's ship|ship]]. The attack and subsequent crash damaged her higher reasoning circuits, leaving her operating on basic survival instincts. When [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] and his [[Maximal]]s investigated her ship, they found her in a feral state. In her plant mode, she attacked them and then fled underground, spreading seeds as she went. The seeds immediately sprouted into various plants, the most insidious being rapidly-growing vines. Primal worried that, left unchecked, the plants she was producing would destroy the [[technorganic]] balance he sought to create. She was somehow drawn to the [[technorganic orchard]] (and, [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] noted, its pipeline to the planet's [[organic core]]). Catching up with her there, Primal noticed that she was sparking the way the Maximals had when they were infected with Megatron's [[Transformation virus|virus]]. This gave him the idea to [[Reformatting|reformat]] her into a technorganic body, which restored her sanity. After explaining the story behind her unusual [[beast mode]] and the circumstances of her arrival, she pledged to help Optimus's group. This was lucky for the Maximals, who were immediately set upon by [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]]. Botanica converted to robot mode and unleashed a chain-lightning attack that reduced a phalanx of [[Tank Drone]]s to dust. With the threat over, Botanica turned her attention to the ailing orchard, altering the overhead lighting and allowing the plants to flourish once more. {{storylink|Home Soil}}

[[File:Botanica5.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Botanica, Triffid mode!"]]

While the other Maximals continued the fight against the Vehicons, Botanica took up residence in the orchard, tending to the plants. She chose not to fight, arguing that the more the Maximals fought Megatron, the more they became like him. Although Cheetor and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] resented this, Primal accepted her reasons, and also reminded his team that they were more than enough to fight Megatron and [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]. However, Botanica soon received a vision from the [[Allspark|Matrix]], which showed her how much pain Cybertron was in. Botanica abandoned her pacifism and joined in the fight, saving the Maximals from a trap [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] had sprung. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}}

Botanica later accompanied the Maximals to the surface, where they watched Megatron reinforce his position in anticipation for his next move. She was then tasked with accompanying Rattrap to the Citadel as the Maximals searched for the captured Sparks, or any clues to their current whereabouts. She wasn’t too happy with her assigned partner. Botanica and Rattrap only managed to find the empty canisters that once held the captured Sparks in Megatron's old haunt, and moved on. As the pair walked away, they were attacked by Strika and her drones, and quickly forced to run away at full speed. They wound up in a holographic pleasure booth. Rattrap was ecstatic about what they had stumbled upon, while Botanica insisted they stay focused on the situation at hand. While Rattrap was distracted by a virtual vacation, Strika caught up to them and resumed her assault against the Maximals. But as Strika advanced towards Botanica, the Vehicon inadvertedly stepped into one of the holographic booths, and Rattrap took advantage of the situation to entrap her in the holographic vacation Botanica had just then pulled him out of. Rattrap began fishing for compliments from Botanica for his quick thinking, but Botanica simply stated that the chip wouldn’t last forever, and dragged Rattrap away from the building. The both of them later reconvened with the other Maximals to learn that Megatron was keeping the captured sparks within the Grand Mal. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}

On her subsequent mission, Botanica was teamed up with Rattrap, Blackarachnia and Optimus, and tasked with infiltrating the Grand Mal. Within the floating fortress, they encountered Thrust and his drones but nonetheless managed to make it all the way to Megatron’s inner chamber. There, they were pinned down by the Vehicon leader's defenses. Megatron attempted to remove Botanica's spark, along with every other Maximals’, in order to fuse them to his already ascending essence. Thankfully, Nightscream blasted Megatron's spark with a sonic blast, freeing his comrades. The Maximals then took control of the Grand Mal.{{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}}

[[File:BMEndgame1 Rattrap Botanica dying.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

With Megatron presumed dead, Botanica returned her focus to the orchard, with the help of a reluctant [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]]. They began arguing over the other's respective priorities, but eventually [[kiss]]ed. Despite pledging to delete it from memory, they showed obvious concern for each other. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}} When the still alive Megatron launched an attack on the Maximal-held [[Grand Mal]], they were forced to raise the shields, which cut Botanica off from the [[organic core]]. Rattrap jettisoned her into an escape pod with a field projecting the same harmonics as the Grand Mal's shields, saving Botanica's life but also allowing Megatron to fire through the shields. Botanica met up with Silverbolt, Blackarachnia and Nightscream on the outside. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} They then doubled back towards the Grand Mal, which had been brought down in their absence. En-route, Botanica had located a power conduit, and helped Rattrap connect it to the fortress for one final stand against the Vehicons. As the pair were repairing the Grand Mal's systems, they danced around the subject of one another's feelings awkwardly. As the confrontation against Megatron's troops began, Botanica sensed that the technorganic orchard was under attack. She headed underground with Nightscream and Rattrap to defend it against the Vehicon Moles obliterating the trees. Though the trio held their ground for a time, they eventually fell in battle, and their sparks were extracted by Vehicons. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}}

[[File:Rattrap bm treehugger.jpg|thumb|right|200px|If you like to talk to tomatoes, if a squash can make you smile...]]

When Megatron was finally destroyed and Cybertron reformatted, Botanica awakened, Spark restored to her body. As she returned to the surface, she finally admitted her [[Transformer romance|romantic relationship]] with Rattrap. So she likes small rodents. Deal with it. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
While Botanica and Rattrap were bickering in the [[technorganic orchard]], Megatron's spark animated a [[Motorcycle Drone|Cycle drone]] and attacked them. After a brief scuffle, the thing exploded, sending the pair diving for cover. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

====3H comics====
A week after the conclusion of the Spark War, Botanica was present on Cybertron for the latest [[Quintesson]] invasion. The planet spoke to her during the conflict, informing her of a greater threat coming from below. She took Rattrap and Nightscream with her to explore the planet's depths, where they ran across the [[Wrecker]]s' Quintesson ally, [[Al-Badur]]. Initially suspicious, the Maximals reluctantly accepted Al-Badur at his word after he used some old Quint codes to deactivate a third of the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] forces on the surface.

They made contact with what remained of the Wreckers, and Al-Badur brought them to a Quintesson banishing chamber, which could hopefully be used against their foe [[Cryotek (Universe)|Cryotek]], who had mainlined some of [[Primus]]'s own power through the [[Divine Light]]. Naturally, Al-Badur tried to betray them, opening the banishment portal in the hopes of sending both Cryotek AND the assembled heroes to some distant void. Arcee warned the others in time so that only [[Sentinel Maximus]] was caught with Cryotek in the force field surrounding the portal. Botanica was also suffering her own problems the unique nature of the Quintesson chamber was cutting her off from her symbiotic connection to Cybertron's organic side. Using her electro-blasters against Cryotek had only further depleted her reserves, and she was forced to flee the chamber. She still managed to help from a distance, however, using her techno-organic vines to carry the injured [[Hot Rod|Rodimus]] back into the fray, where he could do the most good. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

====''Transformers Legends'' comic====
Following the [[Great Reformatting]], Botanica and the other surviving Maximals listened to Cheetor explain that [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]]'s spark was not gone for good, but lost in [[Legends Universe|another universe]]. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Rattrap)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX}}

====Waspscream continuity====
In [[Primax 208.06 Zeta]], Botanica instead joined up with [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspscream]]'s Predacons in the [[Spark War]] against Megatron's Vehicons. The Predacons eventually emerged victorious. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 16/8/2015}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
[[File:AloneTogetherPrologue Botanica unleashes drone.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"I am GROOT."]]
Botanica was part of a Maximal [[Resistance]] cell who rebelled against the status quo imposed by their [[Autobot]] masters. Rattrap equipped her with a drone that she wore on her chest. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}} After [[Transmutate (character)|Trans-Mutate]] was betrayed by [[Cryotek (Universe)|Cryotek]], Botanica rescued her from the authorities. {{storylink|Perception}} Botanica was part of a small team that infiltrated the [[Ferromax Detention Center]] with the intent of rescuing [[Dinobot (BW)|Dynobot]]. Once they rendezvoused with Rattrap inside, Botanica unleashed her drone to take care of the cameras on the maximum security level. Though initially reluctant, she let Rattrap take command of the mission, and they succeeded in freeing Dynobot. {{storylink|Alone Together: Prologue|Prologue}}
{{-}}

===''Regeneration One''===
[[File:Botanica war to end all wars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
After being attacked by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s [[Primum Fugae]] and perhaps sensing the imminent rise of the [[Dark Matrix (G1)|Dark Matrix]] creature's [[shadow-leech]]es, the [[Demon]]s from the depths of Cybertron began to form protective coccoons around themselves, which the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] found creepy. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 4}} Much, much later, when the [[Hot Rod/Marvel Comics continuity|last of the Transformers]] returned to Cybertron to die, a strange blue energy spread from his body to the coccoons, one of which then opened to reveal Botanica—the first of a new generation. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 5}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Botanica's pre-production name was '''Binary'''.
**In [[2015]], this name was utilized for [[Binary|similar but separate character]] in ''Beast Wars: Uprising''.
*Botanica is a rarity, in that she was a major recurring heroic character in a ''Transformers'' television show, but was apparently ''never'' intended [[To sell toys|to have a toy]].
*Despite not being meant for a toy, it was ''Hasbro'' that suggested a robot-to-plant Transformer, out of a drive to do different things with the franchise.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DaZTNszyGU Moonbase 2 interview with Bob Skir], 1:36:40 to 1:36:49</ref>
[[File:Botanica OriginalBody.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|They laughed at the idea of a "ship's gardener." Oh, how they laughed.]]
*Assuming the Transformer seen in silhouette at right is Botanica, she was, for fifteen years, the only plant-based Transformer ever seen in the canon. She states the other members of her crew also took plant modes, so she's not unique within the fictional universe. However, judging by the reactions of Optimus Primal and the other Maximals, they had either never heard of "Plantformers" before, or they are extremely rare. ([[Saberback]] and [[Sling (BWN)|Sling]] could each partially transform themselves into plant-like shapes for disguise purposes, but in both the toys and the fiction these were not "full-body" transformations, instead more like a cloaking mode, and they were never purported to be living plants.) [[Ask Vector Prime]] would eventually provide examples of other [[Treant Troop|plant]]-[[Flytrap|based]] Transformers out there in the [[multiverse]].
*Botanica's technorganic transformation is different from all the others; instead of being surrounded by colored lights, a ring of technorganic plants spring up, and shrink down, revealing her robot mode.
*When in plant mode (which is most of the time), Botanica is the only Transformer to with an alternate mode that exhibits {{w|Heterochromia iridum|heterochromia}}. While she has two yellow eyes in bot mode, her plant mode's left eye is green. The only other transformer to feature this characteristic is (one interpretation of) [[Panther]], though only in his robot mode.
*Botanica's technorganic robot mode bears a striking resemblance to popular depictions of a {{w|cryptid}} known as the {{w|Flatwoods monster}}, down to her unusual collar and ability to hover.
*Despite her pacifist ways, Botanica is well-armed, with several weapons at her disposal, including energy projectiles, electrical fields, and a "chain-lightning" attack that leaps from one enemy to another. Huh. [[Mirage (G1)|Surprisingly well-armed]] [[Ratchet (Movie)|for someone who]] [[Beachcomber (G1)#The Transformers cartoon|doesn't like to fight]].
*The planet that Botanica and her crew were sent to explore is apparently Planet Jungle from [[Mainframe Entertainment]]'s other toyline-based cartoon ''{{w|Shadow Raiders}}''. Whether this is an intentional crossover or simply due to the recycling of backgrounds and animation models for budget reasons is unclear: the Prison Planet episodes of ''Shadow Raiders'' had reused ''ReBoot'''s Mainframe to fill out backgrounds.
*Her appearance in ''Alone Together'' is based on ''Beast Hunters'' [[Soundwave (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Soundwave]]. Not only that, the drone that she possesses is based on ''Prime'' [[Laserbeak (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Laserbeak]]. Her coloration is based on her alternate mode in ''Beast Machines'', presumably because it is more recognizable than her seldom-seen robot mode.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Botanica''' (ボタニカ ''Botanika'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Botanica''' (Taiwan, 波坦妮卡, ''Pō Thǎn Ní Khǎ''), '''Shùshén''' (China, 树神, "Tree God")

[[Category:Beast Machines Maximals]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Maximals]]
[[Category:Fiction-only Transformers]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Plants]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Transformers]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Universe Maximals]]

Deployer (WFC)

2016-04-06T03:37:36Z

Zzlom: Corrected the spelling of partnered on Overload's bullet point

{{factions|decepticon|minicon}}
{{disambig2|the Mini-Cons from the Aligned contnuity family|the drones from ''Beast Machines''|Deployer (BM)}}
:''Deployers are a group from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:Deployer DarknessRising3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Hi, I'm Soundwave's [[Breastforce|boobs.]]]]

'''Deployers''' are [[Transformer]]s that have chosen to form a partnership with one or more [[Mini-Con]]s. Instead of transforming into vehicles or machinery, Mini-Con Deployers instead become additional armor or accessories for their [[bulk]] partners, and remain attached until summoned into action. The advantages that this symbiosis confers are manifold: the full-sized Transformers gain an extra pair of hands, while Mini-Cons benefit from the additional armor and protection that their partners afford.

Most Transformers only pair up with one or two Mini-Cons, although [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has partnered with at least four at a time.

{{quote|Awww, he's like their daddy!|[[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] has probably read too much fanfic|''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]''}}

==Fiction==
===Aligned novels===
[[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]], [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]], [[Ravage (WFC)|Ravage]], and [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] were Soundwave's minions, located in his chest cavity. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

===''Prime'' cartoon===
Laserbeak was Soundwave's Deployer, who he used for various tasks, such as kidnapping [[William Fowler]], {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 3}} keeping an eye on [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], {{storylink|Masters & Students}} providing support in battle, {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 3}} and looking for Iacon relics. {{storylink|Triage (episode)|Triage}} {{storylink|Hard Knocks}} However, he became seemingly offline after Jack and Arcee blew up a gas station right in front of him. {{storylink|Darkmount, NV}} Laserbeak was later repaired and used to provide air support for Shockwave against [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] while searching for Predacon remains in Texas. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

===2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
Many Decepticons and Autobots chose to become Deployers. According to [[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]], Autobot-affiliated Deployers used buzzsaw alternade modes, while Decepticon Deployers became torpedoes. A third group, known as [[Cyclone]]s, were unaffiliated and became free-rolling spheres. Many Decepticon Deployers and their partners were imprisoned aboard the ''[[Alchemor]]'' along with their Mini-Cons, and were subsequently free to run amok on Earth.

Known Deployers include:

* [[Drift (RID)|Drift]]: partnered with [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] and [[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]]
* [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]]: partnered with [[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]] and [[Divebomb (RID)|Divebomb]]
* [[Overload (RID)|Overload]]: temporarily partnered with [[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]] and [[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]]
* [[Crazybolt (RID)|Crazybolt]]: partnered with [[Slicedice]]
* [[Razorpaw]]: partnered with [[Glacius]] and [[Swelter]]
* [[Simacore]]: partnered with [[Axiom]] and [[Theorem]]
* [[Bisk (RID)|Bisk]]: partnered with [[Hammer (RID)|Hammer]] and [[Anvil]]
* [[Quillfire]]: partnered with [[Back]] and [[Forth]]

==Games==
===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)===
Soundwave's minions Frenzy, Rumble and Laserbeak battled Optimus, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, and Air Raid during an Autobot breakout. {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron}}

===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
With the help of Laserbeak and Rumble, Soundwave secretly salvaged and rebuilt their glorious leader Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron}}

=== ''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark'' (Console)===
Rumble and Laserbeak accompanied Soundwave, [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] to locate the [[Dark Spark]]. While on the mission Rumble was used by Soundwave to unlock multiple passages to the Dark Spark using his small size. Laserbeak was also used to locate the Dark Spark, however when Soundwave and the rest of the Decepticons got trapped in the Dark Spark chamber, Laserbeak was the only one not to be trapped and freed his fellow Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Rise of the Dark Spark}}

==Toys==
===Prime===
[[File:Primetoy-HasbroTakaraTomy-Laserbeaks.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Deluxe, 2012)
:[[Laserbeak (WFC)#Prime|Laserbeak]] comes as an accessory of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Robots in Disguise (2012)|Prime: Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Soundwave (WFC)#Prime|Soundwave]]. He pegs (via a [[5mm post|5mm-compatible post]]) into Soundwave's chest, can mount on top of the vehicle mode fuselage, and can perch on Soundwave's palms. The [[TakaraTomy]] version uses [[sticker]]s for its details instead of [[Paint operation|paint]].

{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:Generationstoy-FOCRatbat.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|''Generations'' Legends Class Ratbat.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Voyager, 2012)

: An accessory of ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Soundwave (WFC)#GenerationsVoyager|Soundwave]], [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Laserbeak (WFC)#Generations|Laserbeak]] transforms from a robotic bird into a "data disc" that can store in and be launched out of Soundwave's chest compartment.

*'''Soundblaster''' (Voyager, 2012)
: A [[redeco]] of Laserbeak, [[Buzzsaw (FOC)|Buzzsaw]] is an accessory of [[Soundwave (WFC)#GenerationsSoundblaster|Soundblaster]], a redeco of Voyager Soundwave.

*'''Ravage & Decepticon Rumble''' (Legend, 2012)
: [[Ravage (WFC)#Generations|Ravage]] and [[Rumble (WFC)#Generations|Decepticon Rumble]] also transform into data discs. Ravage is a robotic cat, while Rumble is a robotic humanoid.

*'''Decepticon Frenzy & Ratbat''' (Legend, 2012)
: [[Frenzy (WFC)#Generations|Decepticon Frenzy]] is a redeco of Decepticon Rumble, while [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] is a [[retool]]/redeco of Laserbeak, transforming into a robotic bat.

*'''Autobot Blaster''' (Voyager, 2012)
: A retool/redeco of Ravage, [[Steeljaw (FOC)|Steeljaw]] transforms into a robotic lion, and is an accessory of [[Blaster (FOC)|Blaster]], a redeco/retool of Voyager Soundwave.

*'''Eject/Ramhorn''' (Legend, 2013)

: [[Eject (FOC)|Eject]] is a retool and redeco of Rumble/Frenzy, and still transforms into a robotic humanoid. [[Ramhorn (FOC)|Ramhorn]] is a robotic rhinoceros who also transforms into a data disc.

*'''Rewind/Sunder''' (Legend, 2013)

: [[Rewind (FOC)|Rewind]] is a redeco of Eject, while [[Sunder (FOC)|Sunder]] is a redeco of Laserbeak.

===Beast Hunters===
[[File:PrimeBHtoy-Ravage.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Deluxe, 2013)
: ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime:]] [[Beast Hunters]]'' [[Soundwave (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Soundwave]] is a redeco and extensive retool of "Robots in Disguise" Soundwave. Laserbeak has been replaced by [[Ravage (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Ravage]], a robotic jaguar.

{{--}}

===Robots in Disguise (2015)===
[[File:Slipstream RID 2015 toy.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
Featuring single-step transformations, Mini-Cons transform into weapons (buzzsaws for the Autobots and torpedoes for the Decepticons), and can interact with larger figures. They include a number of clear-plastic accessories, packaged on the sprue, which can be pegged into various sockets on their bodies. Some of the figures' accessories can be combined with those from their wavemates to form an "energy animal": a big cat for Wave 1, and a shark for Wave 2.

'''Wave 1'''
*[[Divebomb (RID)|Divebomb]] (Decepticon robot)
*[[Dragonus]] (Decepticon dragon)
*[[Sawback]] (Autobot wolf)
*[[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]] (Autobot robot)
[[File:RID15toy-Mini-ConRatbat.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
'''Wave 2'''
*[[Beastbox (RID)|Beastbox]] (Autobot gorilla)
*[[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] (Decepticon bat)
*[[Sandsting]] (Decepticon scorpion)
*[[Velocirazor]] (Autobot dinosaur)

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Back|Decepticon Back]]
*[[Hammer (RID)|Decepticon Hammer]]
*[[Slipstream (RID)|Blizzard Strike Slipstream]] (Autobot robot)
*[[Swelter]]

'''Wave 4'''
*[[Jetstorm (RID)|Scorch Strike Jetstorm]] (Autobot robot)
*[[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]]
*[[Glacius]]
{{comingsoontoy}}{{--}}

====Mini-Con Deployers====
Packaged with a Mini-Con, Deployers are designed to wield and launch the smaller figures, and feature several-step transformations.

'''Wave 1'''
*[[Drift (RID)|Autobot Drift]] & [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]]
*[[Fracture (RID)|Decepticon Fracture]] & [[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]]

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Drift (RID)|Blizzard Strike Autobot Drift]] & [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]]
*[[Overload (RID)|Overload]] & [[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]]

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Crazybolt (RID)|Crazybolt]] & [[Hammer (RID)|Scorch Strike Hammer]]
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Prime subgroups]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) subgroups]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron subgroups]]

Deployer (WFC)

2016-04-06T03:36:17Z

Zzlom: Added Quillfire to the list of deployers

{{factions|decepticon|minicon}}
{{disambig2|the Mini-Cons from the Aligned contnuity family|the drones from ''Beast Machines''|Deployer (BM)}}
:''Deployers are a group from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:Deployer DarknessRising3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Hi, I'm Soundwave's [[Breastforce|boobs.]]]]

'''Deployers''' are [[Transformer]]s that have chosen to form a partnership with one or more [[Mini-Con]]s. Instead of transforming into vehicles or machinery, Mini-Con Deployers instead become additional armor or accessories for their [[bulk]] partners, and remain attached until summoned into action. The advantages that this symbiosis confers are manifold: the full-sized Transformers gain an extra pair of hands, while Mini-Cons benefit from the additional armor and protection that their partners afford.

Most Transformers only pair up with one or two Mini-Cons, although [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] has partnered with at least four at a time.

{{quote|Awww, he's like their daddy!|[[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] has probably read too much fanfic|''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]''}}

==Fiction==
===Aligned novels===
[[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]], [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]], [[Ravage (WFC)|Ravage]], and [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] were Soundwave's minions, located in his chest cavity. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

===''Prime'' cartoon===
Laserbeak was Soundwave's Deployer, who he used for various tasks, such as kidnapping [[William Fowler]], {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 3}} keeping an eye on [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]], {{storylink|Masters & Students}} providing support in battle, {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 3}} and looking for Iacon relics. {{storylink|Triage (episode)|Triage}} {{storylink|Hard Knocks}} However, he became seemingly offline after Jack and Arcee blew up a gas station right in front of him. {{storylink|Darkmount, NV}} Laserbeak was later repaired and used to provide air support for Shockwave against [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] while searching for Predacon remains in Texas. {{storylink|Project Predacon}}

===2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
Many Decepticons and Autobots chose to become Deployers. According to [[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]], Autobot-affiliated Deployers used buzzsaw alternade modes, while Decepticon Deployers became torpedoes. A third group, known as [[Cyclone]]s, were unaffiliated and became free-rolling spheres. Many Decepticon Deployers and their partners were imprisoned aboard the ''[[Alchemor]]'' along with their Mini-Cons, and were subsequently free to run amok on Earth.

Known Deployers include:

* [[Drift (RID)|Drift]]: partnered with [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] and [[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]]
* [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]]: partnered with [[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]] and [[Divebomb (RID)|Divebomb]]
* [[Overload (RID)|Overload]]: temporarily patnered with [[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]] and [[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]]
* [[Crazybolt (RID)|Crazybolt]]: partnered with [[Slicedice]]
* [[Razorpaw]]: partnered with [[Glacius]] and [[Swelter]]
* [[Simacore]]: partnered with [[Axiom]] and [[Theorem]]
* [[Bisk (RID)|Bisk]]: partnered with [[Hammer (RID)|Hammer]] and [[Anvil]]
* [[Quillfire]]: partnered with [[Back]] and [[Forth]]

==Games==
===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)===
Soundwave's minions Frenzy, Rumble and Laserbeak battled Optimus, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, and Air Raid during an Autobot breakout. {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron}}

===''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''===
With the help of Laserbeak and Rumble, Soundwave secretly salvaged and rebuilt their glorious leader Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron}}

=== ''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark'' (Console)===
Rumble and Laserbeak accompanied Soundwave, [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]], and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] to locate the [[Dark Spark]]. While on the mission Rumble was used by Soundwave to unlock multiple passages to the Dark Spark using his small size. Laserbeak was also used to locate the Dark Spark, however when Soundwave and the rest of the Decepticons got trapped in the Dark Spark chamber, Laserbeak was the only one not to be trapped and freed his fellow Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Rise of the Dark Spark}}

==Toys==
===Prime===
[[File:Primetoy-HasbroTakaraTomy-Laserbeaks.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Deluxe, 2012)
:[[Laserbeak (WFC)#Prime|Laserbeak]] comes as an accessory of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Robots in Disguise (2012)|Prime: Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Soundwave (WFC)#Prime|Soundwave]]. He pegs (via a [[5mm post|5mm-compatible post]]) into Soundwave's chest, can mount on top of the vehicle mode fuselage, and can perch on Soundwave's palms. The [[TakaraTomy]] version uses [[sticker]]s for its details instead of [[Paint operation|paint]].

{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:Generationstoy-FOCRatbat.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|''Generations'' Legends Class Ratbat.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Voyager, 2012)

: An accessory of ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]] [[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Soundwave (WFC)#GenerationsVoyager|Soundwave]], [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Laserbeak (WFC)#Generations|Laserbeak]] transforms from a robotic bird into a "data disc" that can store in and be launched out of Soundwave's chest compartment.

*'''Soundblaster''' (Voyager, 2012)
: A [[redeco]] of Laserbeak, [[Buzzsaw (FOC)|Buzzsaw]] is an accessory of [[Soundwave (WFC)#GenerationsSoundblaster|Soundblaster]], a redeco of Voyager Soundwave.

*'''Ravage & Decepticon Rumble''' (Legend, 2012)
: [[Ravage (WFC)#Generations|Ravage]] and [[Rumble (WFC)#Generations|Decepticon Rumble]] also transform into data discs. Ravage is a robotic cat, while Rumble is a robotic humanoid.

*'''Decepticon Frenzy & Ratbat''' (Legend, 2012)
: [[Frenzy (WFC)#Generations|Decepticon Frenzy]] is a redeco of Decepticon Rumble, while [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] is a [[retool]]/redeco of Laserbeak, transforming into a robotic bat.

*'''Autobot Blaster''' (Voyager, 2012)
: A retool/redeco of Ravage, [[Steeljaw (FOC)|Steeljaw]] transforms into a robotic lion, and is an accessory of [[Blaster (FOC)|Blaster]], a redeco/retool of Voyager Soundwave.

*'''Eject/Ramhorn''' (Legend, 2013)

: [[Eject (FOC)|Eject]] is a retool and redeco of Rumble/Frenzy, and still transforms into a robotic humanoid. [[Ramhorn (FOC)|Ramhorn]] is a robotic rhinoceros who also transforms into a data disc.

*'''Rewind/Sunder''' (Legend, 2013)

: [[Rewind (FOC)|Rewind]] is a redeco of Eject, while [[Sunder (FOC)|Sunder]] is a redeco of Laserbeak.

===Beast Hunters===
[[File:PrimeBHtoy-Ravage.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Deluxe, 2013)
: ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime:]] [[Beast Hunters]]'' [[Soundwave (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Soundwave]] is a redeco and extensive retool of "Robots in Disguise" Soundwave. Laserbeak has been replaced by [[Ravage (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Ravage]], a robotic jaguar.

{{--}}

===Robots in Disguise (2015)===
[[File:Slipstream RID 2015 toy.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
Featuring single-step transformations, Mini-Cons transform into weapons (buzzsaws for the Autobots and torpedoes for the Decepticons), and can interact with larger figures. They include a number of clear-plastic accessories, packaged on the sprue, which can be pegged into various sockets on their bodies. Some of the figures' accessories can be combined with those from their wavemates to form an "energy animal": a big cat for Wave 1, and a shark for Wave 2.

'''Wave 1'''
*[[Divebomb (RID)|Divebomb]] (Decepticon robot)
*[[Dragonus]] (Decepticon dragon)
*[[Sawback]] (Autobot wolf)
*[[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]] (Autobot robot)
[[File:RID15toy-Mini-ConRatbat.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
'''Wave 2'''
*[[Beastbox (RID)|Beastbox]] (Autobot gorilla)
*[[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] (Decepticon bat)
*[[Sandsting]] (Decepticon scorpion)
*[[Velocirazor]] (Autobot dinosaur)

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Back|Decepticon Back]]
*[[Hammer (RID)|Decepticon Hammer]]
*[[Slipstream (RID)|Blizzard Strike Slipstream]] (Autobot robot)
*[[Swelter]]

'''Wave 4'''
*[[Jetstorm (RID)|Scorch Strike Jetstorm]] (Autobot robot)
*[[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]]
*[[Glacius]]
{{comingsoontoy}}{{--}}

====Mini-Con Deployers====
Packaged with a Mini-Con, Deployers are designed to wield and launch the smaller figures, and feature several-step transformations.

'''Wave 1'''
*[[Drift (RID)|Autobot Drift]] & [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]]
*[[Fracture (RID)|Decepticon Fracture]] & [[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]]

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Drift (RID)|Blizzard Strike Autobot Drift]] & [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]]
*[[Overload (RID)|Overload]] & [[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]]

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Crazybolt (RID)|Crazybolt]] & [[Hammer (RID)|Scorch Strike Hammer]]
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Prime subgroups]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) subgroups]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron subgroups]]

User talk:Zzlom

2015-08-27T03:03:13Z

Zzlom: Blanked the page

Outback (G1)

2015-08-27T02:39:58Z

Zzlom:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot Outback|the member of G.I. Joe|Outback (G.I. Joe)}}
{{disambig3|Fallback}}
:''Outback is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''Fallback'''.''
[[File:G1 Outback MarvelUniverse.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Alligatorcon (G1)|Alligatorcon]] Dundee.]]
No by-the-book soldier is '''Outback'''; for him, the rules of war are the rules of Rafferty. If the beaten track winds, it's a fair bet he'll go straight. He's more comfortable out in the never never anyway, up grades as steep as 50 degrees, or kicking up willie willies at 110 mph. His insubordination gains him little respect from his mates, and often he finds no partner on his missions but Pat Malone and his trusty rooftop tank-jigger, loaded with armor-piercing shells.

Way in the back blocks of Outback's mind, however, there lurks a dark certainty. By the rules of Rafferty he lives, and by these rules, he is sure, Outback's bound to be a write off. The army's run by Wallies and the war's a no-hoper, but he's not totally clapped-out yet, so he'll give it a fair go. It's not the best attitude, but he'll share it with anyone without reserve. Outback calls a spade a bloody spade.

Let a mission go down the gurgler, though, and Outback's the one who'll sort it. He may be largely a mediocrity; he may be an insubordinate grizzle, but his courage is beyond reproach. By the rules of Rafferty he lives, and so far they've served him well.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Dan Gilvezan]], [[Gregg Berger]] (English); [[Yoku Shioya]] (Japanese)|[[Davide Lepore]] (Italian)}}

{{quote|Now you wanna talk, and make it snappy. 'Cause my buddy here is trigger-happy.|Blaster, threatening Dirge and Ramjet with Outback's Explosive Drunken Australian Rage|''[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]''}}

[[File:FFOD Part1 Outback.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|He's bloody agro about his pozzy for the footy match.]]
After an attack on the [[Galactic Olympics]], Outback and [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] were charged with tracking down any Decepticons on Earth, whom the Autobots believed were responsible for the assault. With reason to believe some 'Cons were hiding out at a [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] air field, the duo still had to deal with a needle in a haystack (or rather, a jet in an airport). In order to get results, Outback bluffed his way through the inspection with a "[[Decepticon detector]]", pointing it at random things and hoping for a response. He got one. Astonishingly, the two jets with giant Decepticon insignias on them were actually Decepticons(!), [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], who tried to run for it in fear of Outback's respectable scanning abilities. Outback caught them with a <s>nuclear bomb</s> smoke bomb, though, and he and Blaster managed to interrogate the Coneheads and get the location of the Decepticons' new base on [[Chaar]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}}

Shortly thereafter, Outback was among a cadre of Autobots who failed to defend the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] from an attack by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. He didn't even get a chance to open a can of <s>Foster's</s> VB. Bugger. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[File:QuintessonJournal Outback Steeljaw.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Oi mate, lookit the size o' that lion!]]
Later, Outback was teamed with Blaster again aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] when [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] radioed in that a mysterious [[Quintesson]] signal was broadcasting from a nearby planet. Investigating, the Autobots discovered a lost Quintesson recorded journal, containing secret information about how the Quintessons had purposely escalated a war between [[Xetaxxis]] and [[Lanarq]], two feuding worlds for which [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] was attempting to negotiate a peace summit. [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] also arrived looking for the journal, and soon the Autobots, Decepticons and Quintessons began a game of "hot potato", bouncing possession of the journal back and forth between each party over and over. Outback and the others eventually claimed the journal and brought it to the peace summit, ending the war at least temporarily. {{storylink|The Quintesson Journal}}
{{-}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' manga====
[[File:Manga3 Outback Kickback.jpg|left|120px|thumb|That's not a punch. '''This is''' a punch.]]
When the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] attacked [[Kyushu]], Outback and the rest of the [[Four-Wheel Drive Corps]], as well as [[Kenji]], arrived to investigate. Outback and friends were briefly trapped inside craters by land mines but escaped once they united into some kind of crazy human pyramid. Using their combined attack, the Four-Wheel Drive Robo Combination Scrumbuster, they drove the Insecticons away and saved Kyushu. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 3|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #3}}
{{-}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
Outback gained a job as [[Magnum]]'s administrative assistant, though he preferred the freedom of the outdoors and would explore the wilderness sectors of Cybertron whenever he could. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 38|Outback's profile}} Following the incident with [[Brimstone (G1 Decepticon)|Brimstone]], Outback brought Magnum a new assignment for [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] and [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]. {{storylink|Flames of Yesterday}} Much later, after the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] all but wiped out the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]], he answered the door of the Elite Guard [[Auxiliary Weapons Locker]] when Magnum brought a team to stock up on weapons, though he refused to let them in until Magnum gave the correct code. He, [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] and [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] joined the team as they set out to attack [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]'s base. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 2}}

Shortly after encountering [[Side Burn (G1)|Side Burn]], the team was attacked by Deathsaurus's troops and forced to fight for their lives. Outback, Moonracer and [[Flak (G1)|Flak]] gathered around Ricochet's fallen body, though it took a few moments for Outback to realize that the Autobot had perished from his injuries. They had little time to mourn, as they were promptly attacked by [[Lyzack (Victory)|Lyzack]]. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 3}} A week after the battle, he was part of the Autobot forces at [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s city walls as the Decepticons broke through with [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 5}} The battle was won, but cost the Autobots some of their members. Soon later, when the Autobots' current reserve of energies was dangerously low, Outback joined his comrades still on Cybertron in stasis hibernation as an energy-saving measure. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 6}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:OutbacktransformsHarderTheyDie.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Strewth, I'm a [[wikipedia:Pie floater|pie floater]]!]]
''Surprised by a [[Well-armed Decepticon bully|lone Decepticon killer]], Outback was saved from death by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], who had accidentally returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] along with [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]].'' {{storylink|...The Harder They Die!}} ''He later tried to save Optimus Prime from being executed as a spy by the [[Wrecker]]s due to a rumor spread by Megatron.''

''When [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] refused to believe him, Outback helped Optimus Prime to escape. The two went on the run together, pursued by the Wreckers and a squad of [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] droids. Outback was later seriously wounded in battle with the Guardian Droids and Optimus Prime was forced to carry him to safety.'' {{storylink|Under Fire!}}

[[File:OutbackDistantThunder.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|I said to meself, "Outback, old son, find yourself a nice, comfortable spot and lay down and die."]]
''Hiding in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]] of Cybertron, hoping that Outback would recover, Optimus Prime told him the story of what happened when he was displaced to the [[Limbo]] dimension when [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] traveled back in time.''

''Outback ultimately survived when Prime's tale was overheard by Ultra Magnus and [[Emirate]] [[Xaaron]], convincing them of his identity.'' {{storylink|Distant Thunder!}} ''At no point did Outback have the opportunity to throw a couple of shrimps on the barbie.''

[[File:OutbackBattlechargerMirageClubCon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Crikey!]]
Outback next appeared on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], watching a battle for Autobot supremacy between [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]], when he and the other Autobots were suddenly attacked by the Decepticons and their [[Club Con|island spaceship]]. He wanted to know what was going on! {{storylink|Totaled!}} Later, he partook in a training session with Blaster, alongside [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]]. {{storylink|Club Con!}}

[[File:Pipes outback underworld.jpg|thumb|left|100px|900 dollarydoos!?]]
''Along with fellow [[Autobot Military Academy]] cadet [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]], Outback later went after [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] to [[Underworld|Cybertron's underground]]. They arrived in time to see Tailgate battle with the [[Mutant (G1)|Mutants]], but Outback didn't intervene, sure of the fact that Tailgate could handle the Muties himself. And he was riggerty right.'' {{storylink|Underworld!}}
{{-}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Resurrection!}}}}

====''Classics''====
{{noteclassics}}
Outback helped to rebuild [[Ironworks]]. When the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] attacked, he was turned into one. {{storylink|Invasion (issue)|Invasion}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Powerglideoutbackwarwithin.jpg|100px|thumb|All this hard yakka is gonna leave me and the spam can flat out like a lizard drinking]]
[[File:BlackSunshine Autobot training failures.jpg|left|thumb|Because when they strike, it can be that quick that if they're within range, you're dead, you're dead in your tracks. And his head weighs more than my body, so it's WHACK!]]
Outback was operational during the early days of the war. He was one of the many Transformers at work at the [[Central Spaceport]] to prepare for the Autobot evacuation. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}}

Outback was among the group of new recruits who failed to take on the [[auto-combatant]] training drones on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s rule was toppled. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}
{{-}}

===Descent into Evil===
[[File:Fallback-DIE.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|She's a feisty sheila!]]
Outback, having at this point renamed himself Fallback to complement his revived sense of optimism, led an Autobot strike force consisting of [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], [[Flareup (G1)|Flareup]] and [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] to the planet [[Ceti Alpha Seven]]. Their target was the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] cloning facility constructed there by the [[Decepticon]] general [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]. The first batch of [[Virulent Clone]]s had already been completed, and the team found itself under attack before they ever reached the lab. Fallback and his team destroyed a number of clones, but, when Deathsaurus himself joined the fight, they were overwhelmed and captured. The arrival of their teammates [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] on the planet ultimately resulted in Deathsaurus's defeat and the rescue of Fallback's team. {{storylink|Descent into Evil}}
{{-}}

===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
{{quote|He's a good kid, that Outback. Always willing to give a hand... good 'ole Outback.|[[Kup (G1)|Kup]], on the long-dead Outback|"[[Spotlight: Kup]]"}}

[[File:SpotlightKup Outback.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|A bit daggy, but a little amber fluid and she'll be apples!]]

Millions of years ago, before the outbreak of the war, Outback learned that the famous racer [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] had gotten in league with the increasingly dangerous criminal [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]]. He decided to take action and assassinate Drag Strip on his way to a race, but was interrupted and disarmed by the security guard [[Ironhide (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ironhide]], who had never heard of Megatron and was only doing his job. As Outback was taken into custody, he told Ironhide that it was thanks to blind, apathetic 'bots like him that a civil war was imminent. {{storylink|Iron in the Blood}}

During the war, Outback and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] crash-landed on [[Tsiehshi]], which was covered with radioactive [[Ore-8]] crystals. When they attempted to use parts of their ship to create a transmitter, the radiation overloaded the generator, and Outback was killed in the explosion. Kup, however, was eventually driven insane by the radiation and not only talked to Outback's charred remains as though he were alive but used his severed arm as a club.

[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] was able to hack into the deceased Autobot's holo-emitter to try and send Kup a message that the Autobots were coming to rescue him, but the delusional Kup saw this as a ghost making threats upon his life. Outback's remains were further crushed by an errant swipe from one of the rescue party, sending Kup into another homicidal rage. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}} {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Everything in Its Right Place}}

After Ironhide mysteriously woke up alone on an abandoned Cybertron, he had a strange vision or hallucination featuring Outback. With half his body still missing, Outback delivered some cryptic comments about [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] being angry at Ironhide for letting the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] get away, and that nobody recognized him anymore. {{storylink|Iron in the Blood}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
Outback was caught up somehow in a Quintesson plot to kidnap several Autobots during the [[Galactic Olympics|Galactic Games]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 1}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1toy outback.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Get a load o' wha' I call my lady-killer pose - It's a real doozaroonie]]
*'''Outback''' (Autobot Mini Vehicle, 1986, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-59'''
**''Accessories'': "Mortar cannon"

:Outback is a khaki and brown [[retool]] of the 1984 [[Mini Vehicle]], [[Brawn (G1)#Generation 1|Brawn]], transforming into a (somewhat altered) Toyota Land Cruiser. His head, arms, and chest have been changed, plus he has been equipped with a [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] gun.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Outback/outback.htm More information on Outback at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[File:TL-toy Fallback.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I'm gonna blow the insides of your head all over four counties!]]
*'''Descent Into Evil''' (multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Crane boom/rifle, spare tire halves, Autobot-style energon star

:Available only as part of [[BotCon 2005]]'s Descent into Evil set (along with [[Buzzclaw (G1)|Buzzclaw]], [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]], [[Dirge (Timelines)|Dirge]], [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]] and [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]]), Fallback (renamed due to [[trademark|steakhouse]] reasons<ref>[http://www.bwtf.com/toyreviews/timelines/descent/fallback Fallback toy notes at BWTF.com]</ref>) is a brown and tan [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], transforming into a jeep of made-up model. His clear-blue spare tire and crane/cannon can be assembled to form an [[Energon weapon|energon battle-axe]], plus he comes with a clear-blue [[Energon star|energon chip]].

:This mold was also used to make [[Movie (toyline)|movie-universe]] [[Strongarm (Movie)|Strongarm]] and [[Crosshairs (Movie)|Crosshairs]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/BCFallback/fallback.htm More information on Fallback at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Encore===
[[File:G1 Outback Encore toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Throw some more shrimp on the barbie?]]
*'''Bumble & Minibots''' (Multi-pack, 2008)
**''Encore number'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': "Mortar cannon"

:In 2008, Outback was reissued in the ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' line, bundled with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Encore|Bumblebee]], [[Pipes (G1)#Encore|Pipes]], [[Tailgate (G1)#Encore|Tailgate]], and [[Swerve (G1)#Encore|Swerve]]. This version has a few extra [[Paint operation|paint application]]s, most notably a new blue visor.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Outback/outback.htm More information on ''Encore'' Outback at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:ToyFair1986-TFpage01a.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Outback went overboard on the Aborigine facepaint.]]
*In the pre-[[Toy Fair 1986]] catalog, Outback is shown with a solid red face. Upon release, he had a solid silver face (then for his Encore release many years later, he had a silver face with a blue visor).
*The character [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] from ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' was written and designed to be a pre-[[Earth]] version of Outback. However, Fastback is killed during the events of the comic, contradicting how Outback died during the war in the previously established ''Spotlight: Kup'', necessiting a quick name change that turned Fastback into a nobody.
*Roche wanted to use a "name" character as a victim in ''Spotlight: Kup'', knowing it has more impact when they die than when a [[generic]] buys it. Why Outback? He doesn't know!<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIkqheta3GE Nick Roche interview with Moonbase Two]</ref>
*Oddly, so far as we can tell, Outback has never actually been to [[Australia]].
*Or [[Nebulos]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Outback''' (アウトバック ''Autobakku'')
*''French:'' '''Bled''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Mucsai''' ("Hillbilly")
*''Italian:'' '''Raid'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Fùdì''' (腹地, "Hinterland")
*''Russian:'' '''Dikar''' (Дикарь, "Savage")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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

[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Gunners]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]

Outback (G1)

2015-08-27T02:37:06Z

Zzlom: Added captions to both "G1toy outback.jpg" and "Powerglideoutbackwarwithin.jpg" - Corrected the spelling of "Oi" and added the word "mate" to the caption of "QuintessonJournal Outback Steeljaw.jpg"

Boltax (G1)

2015-08-27T01:48:45Z

Zzlom: Added a caption to "BoltaxTemple.jpg"

{{disambig2|the keeper of the Underbase|the other keeper of the Underbase|Boltax (SG)}}
:''Boltax is a Transformer from the [[Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:BoltaxTemple.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The Temple of Knowledge, previously the Chapel of the Flaming Phallus]]

Before the war, [[High Circuitmaster]] '''Boltax''' began storing the accumulated knowledge of the Transformer race in a database called the [[Underbase]]. He remained a neutral when the wars between the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s began, and his [[Temple of Knowledge]] is off-limits to all its participants. It is guarded by his [[Disciples of Boltax|disciples]].

It is not known to many that Boltax is no longer a robot, but instead he himself ''is'' the Temple of Knowledge; the robot known as Boltax which presides over the estate is merely a puppet.

{{TOCclear}}
==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
[[File:Boltaxexpectingyou.jpg|left|225px|thumb|"But... Oreos!"]]
[[File:Boltax.jpg|thumb|Boltax is... a Boohbah?!]]
Millions of years ago, when the war on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was young, an equally young [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] sought the knowledge of Boltax to aid the Autobots in ending the war. Bringing the [[Triggerbot]]s with him, he evaded the multiple traps outside the Temple of Knowledge, but was deterred by the Disciples of Boltax. The Triggerbots remained outside, while Optimus Prime continued inside to question Boltax.

Boltax welcomed him but could not give Prime exactly what he sought. Nevertheless, he allowed Prime to bathe in the knowledge of the Underbase in a chamber just beyond where they were standing. Optimus entered, but [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and the [[Triggercon]]s were not far behind. Having already destroyed the disciples, they threatened Boltax as well. Boltax refused them access, and Megatron punched his fist through Boltax's chest, leaving his lifeless body outside the chamber.

[[File:Boltaxpermission.jpg|thumb|Wonk wonk wonk!]]
In the resulting skirmish, Optimus Prime launched the Underbase off into space, destroying the Temple of Knowledge (the real Boltax), to keep it out of the hands of Megatron. Optimus Prime regretted his careless actions for the millions of years to come, though ironically it made his reputation as a great Autobot warrior. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}}

{{-}}
====''Regeneration One''====
{{noteRG1}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Less Than Zero}} {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 4}}}}

===''Timelines''===
Among the many historical artifacts the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]] managed to acquire was the Boltaxian Codex. {{storylink|Dirge (BWII)|Dirge's ''Timelines'' profile}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Boltax is named after Janet Boltax, one of writer [[Bob Budiansky]]'s longtime friends. [http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/jhiaxus/uscomics/boltax.htm]

[[Category:Comic-only Transformers]]
[[Category:MacGuffins]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Transformers]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Neutrals]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Transformers]]

Sticker Adventures

2015-08-26T23:11:19Z

Zzlom: Added a caption to "Returntocybertron-ohsnap.jpg"

[[Image:Returntocybertron-ohsnap.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Sticker Adventure Prime" - Botcon Exclusive 2356]]
{{bigquote|Punch out the stickers in the back of this book. Put them into the pages of the story. Then color in the rest of the story. Make the story of the Autobots' battle with the Decepticons come to life!|Introduction|[[Revenge of the Decepticons]]}}

[[Marvel Books]] published a handful of Transformers "sticker" books under the imprint '''Sticker Adventures''' between 1984 and 1986. They were essentially traditional coloring books with the addition of brightly colored stickers designed to replace certain portions of the art, effectively coloring it in for the reader. Sometimes the stickers represented objects like the [[Earth]] or a character's [[weapon]] or [[alternate mode]], but most often they were random things like torsos, heads, and occasionally hunks of arm or leg.

==Titles==
*[[Revenge of the Decepticons]]
*[[Return to Cybertron]]
*[[Battle on the Junk Planet]]
*[[Galvatron Attacks]]

==External links==
*[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/#sticker Sticker Adventures] at Steve-o Stonebraker's site.

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]
[[Category:Sticker books]]

Vos (G1)

2015-08-26T14:57:22Z

Zzlom: Added a caption to the "Mtmte03-p15-flashback-megatron-vos.jpg"

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the member of the Decepticon Justice Division|the Decepticon city|Vos (polity)}}
[[File:Mtmte34-p19-vos.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Meet the new Vos. You could say he's... ''[removes face]'' ...same as the old Vos. ''YEAHHHHH!!'']]
:''Vos is a Decepticon from the [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

There's been at least one previous '''Vos''' in the [[Decepticon Justice Division]], the five-strong group of torturers and fanatics employed by [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] to hunt down and deal with traitors. The current one is a scientist and a so-called "linguistic purist": he speaks only the [[Cybertronian language#IDW Generation 1 continuity|Primal Vernacular]] and has failed to learn more than a few words of the modern [[Transformer]] tongue, [[Cybertronian language#IDW Generation 1 continuity|Neocybex]]. As such, his contributions to the conversation are usually interpreted by his squad leader [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]].

Vos transforms into a sniper rifle to be wielded by another member of the D.J.D. or even Megatron himself on occasion. His favored method of torture is removing his face, the inside of which lined with numerous spikes, drills, and hooks that deploy at the flick of a switch, and forcing his target to wear it. This provides perhaps a rather ''visceral'' counterpoint to the old corrupt [[Senate]]'s favored punishment of [[empurata]], ritual disfigurement.

Shockingly, he may be a [[Neoprimalism|neoprimalist]]: when near death, he started to mutter "Primus spare my spark".

{{quote|Wear my faaace.|Vos to Krok|[[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?]]}}

==Fiction==
===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[File:Mtmte03-p15-flashback-megatron-vos.jpg|thumb|left|300px|What would [[Clench (Armada)|Clench]] say if he saw this?]]
The previous Vos had hooks for hands ''and'' feet, and was noteworthy for his size. Some of [[Gripper (G1)|Gripper's]] friends were murdered by him. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}} Sometime later, this Vos was killed and he was replaced by the "linguistic purist" one.

Vos was used as a weapon by Megatron at least once during the war, seemingly during some pivotal moment worthy of future recollection. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}}

When the Decepticon [[Black Shadow (Victory)|Black Shadow]] was caught for getting bribed to destroy a fleet of [[Warworld]]s, Vos enjoyed watching the other members slowly torture and kill him. Afterwards, Vos and the other members were then ordered by Tarn to move on to their next target, [[Fulcrum (G1)|Fulcrum]]. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}}

[[File:Mtmte vos wear my face.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s worst nightmare.]]
On arrival at [[Clemency]], they were attacked by Fulcrum's new friends, the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]], and responded in kind. During the course of battle, Vos got a chance to ram his face on [[Krok (G1)|Krok]], who unfortunately survived the treatment. Once Fulcrum ended up seemingly killing himself, the D.J.D. left the planet, ignoring the surviving Scavengers in favor of hunting down a more high-profile target: [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}}

Arriving at Overlord's location, the ''[[Lost Light]]'' (in reality, one of two created by a malfunction of the ship's [[Quantum generator|quantum engines]]) near the planet [[Ofsted XVII]], the D.J.D. infiltrated the Autobot ship, killing the still-restrained Overlord's head with a chainsaw. {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} After slaughtering Overlord, the D.J.D. turned their attention to the Autobot crew. In his weapon mode, Vos was used by Tarn to kill [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] with a single head shot. He later held [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] captive, forcing him to film the grisly proceedings, and then killed [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] with his own [[mnemosurgery]] needles. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

The D.J.D later returned to the crash site to claim the Lost Light's quantum engines. Unfortunately for the D.J.D., the [[Galactic Council]] and the [[Black Block Consortia]] were already fighting over the same prize and upon their arrival, joined forces to attack the ''Peaceful Tyranny''. Vos, along with Kaon pursued a Council squadron to the planet's surface when enemy reinforcements arrived, forcing the other D.J.D members to leave them behind. Vos was left severely wounded at an Ofsted campus, so wounded that the Autobots who found him didn't know who he was until [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]] translated his dying babble as the Division's motto. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] instantly went from wanting to save even a Decepticon to wanting this mass-murdering bastard to die, but Trailcutter, not wanting any death on his conscience, continued to donate [[energon]]. Vos rewarded him with violence and gleefully watched as Kaon ripped him to pieces, before they both departed. {{storylink|Births, Deaths, and Interventions}} {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} Vos later accompanied the rest of the D.J.D when they went to rendezvous with [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] at his Warworld. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
Vos and the rest of the DJD hunted down Blackshadow to the planet Clemency. Finding their target holed up with Decepticon scavengers, the DJD destroyed the lot of them before moving on to their next assignment. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (Legends)|Rules of Disengagement}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*The D.J.D. renamed themselves after the first cities the Decepticons conquered (in this case [[Vos (polity)|Vos]]). [[James Roberts]] has elaborated that when a D.J.D. member dies, his replacement takes his codename.<ref>[http://boards.idwpublishing.com/3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12651&start=15 IDW Forums James Roberts Q&A]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Comic-only Transformers]]
[[Category:IDW Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Scientists]]

Starscream (Armada)

2015-06-21T00:09:35Z

Zzlom: Added a caption to the "Energon-toy 2-pack Starscream.jpg" image

{{factions|decepticon|autobot|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Starscream}}
{{featured}}
{{suite}}
:''Starscream is a [[Decepticon]] and briefly [[Autobot]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Starscreamut.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Starscream's back, and he's a [[Linkin Park]] song.]]

'''Starscream''' is disillusioned by his leader [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. It took a while for Starscream to come to grips with Megatron's faults, but there's no turning back. Megatron doesn't respect him, doesn't appreciate him, and would casually toss Starscream's life away if it got him something he wanted. If following Megatron is the school of hard knocks, then Starscream is the valedictorian—but not without a few scars. Starscream may have once been compassionate, he may once have known what true friendship is, but all that has been replaced, scab for scab, with the lessons of Megatron's abuse.

Unwittingly, Megatron may have created a monster even he cannot ultimately control.

Starscream's nominal [[Mini-Con]] partner is [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], though he has been seen to work with [[Zapmaster (Armada)|Zapmaster]].

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
[[File:Armada V2 Starscream.jpg|left|thumb|Yes, throw the flying guy off a cliff. Great plan.]]

Starscream, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], and the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] were sent to destroy an Autobot satellite dish that could have helped detect [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. Attacking from the air, Starscream successfully destroyed the dish, then moved in to finish off [[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] up close and personal. Rollbar's partner [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] didn't take kindly to this, and plowed off Starscream off the cliff into the sea. {{Storylink|Armada Volume 2}}

Much later, Starscream battled [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], and [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] with [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] and [[Battle Ravage]]. {{Storylink|Energon Volume 2}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===
[[File:StarscreamEnergon-NoExit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Starscream is only really helpful when he can be a dick at the same time.]]
One million years ago, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s relative peace was shattered by the appearance of Megatron and his new "Decepticon" army, who captured and performed [[Mecha-sectioning|horrible experiments]] on the diminutive [[Mini-Con]]s so that they could interface with and [[Powerlinx|draw power]] from the tiny 'bots. Starscream was a member of this malevolent menagerie, one of many soldiers who followed Megatron out of greed for the power the Mini-Cons could impart upon them. When the Decepticons introduced themselves to the Cybertronian public by attacking [[Cyber City]], Starscream was there, and bested both [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] whilst augmented with the power of his Mini-Con, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]. The Decepticons triumphed over [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots, but as they were gloating, Starscream discovered that the [[Decepticon Headquarters (Armada)|Decepticon base]] had been broken into, and the Mini-Cons held captive there had escaped and fled the planet. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}}

Years later, as the war raged on, during a Decepticons mission to seek out entrenched Autobot bunkers, Starscream noted to Megatron that even though the Decepticon leader's plans were smarter and more practical, the action-before-thought demonstrations of the warrior [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] were a greater "crowd-pleaser." Starscream warned his leader that Scorponok's antics might be seen as some as a challenge. {{storylink|No Exit}}

[[File:DWArmada4 Starscream jetmode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.66]]
After a million years of war, during which the Mini-Con empowered Decepticons steadily conquered the planet, Starscream joined Megatron, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] in traveling to the distant world of [[Earth]] when a Mini-Con distress beacon from the planet reached Cybertron. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} While Megatron went after a group of Mini-Cons led by [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] and their newfound human friends, Starscream led the other Decepticons to a nearby military base to find suitable Earthly vehicles whose forms they could adopt. Regrouping with Megatron outside [[Science City]], Starscream downloaded Megatron's new vehicle mode into him in characteristic fashion: by suddenly stabbing him in the back with the data injector. Just as Megatron was complimenting Starscream on his choice of vehicle, the Mini-Cons came roaring by, and Starscream and Cyclonus led the chase after them, until they were stopped by the Autobots and momentarily disabled. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Armada #4}} [[File:DWArmada5 Starscream Ineednoone.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]In the ensuing fight, Starscream and Cyclonus tried to get the jump on Scavenger, until Hot Shot and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] intervened. Starscream went up against Hot Shot, but the Decepticons were forced to retreat when the Mini-Cons all powerlinked with the Autobots and the Decepticons were unable to match their power since, as Starscream pointed out Megatron had powerlinked with all their own Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

Starscream went with the Decepticons to [[Rapid City]], [[South Dakota]] to capture the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]], but chafed at Megatron's greed and began trying to think up a way to stymie his plan to forge all three Mini-Cons into a [[Star Saber (Armada)|sword]]. Stalking the halls of their new [[Silver Ridge]], [[Nebraska]] base as he pondered the subject, he came across Sparkplug's Mini-Con group breaking into the base to rescue to the Air Defense Team and attempted to captured them, but they brought the room's ceiling generator down on him. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 6|Armada #6}} By the time he had dug himself out, Megatron had completed the forging of his new "Star Saber", and Starscream joined him in attacking [[Lincoln, South Dakota]] to lure the Autobots out of hiding. Grumbling to the other Decepticons that the Megatron's latest power trip had caused him to forget about them, he decided to give their leader a reminder of their importance by instructing Megatron's Mini-Con partner [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] to disrupt his control of the Star Saber. When Megatron subsequently lost control of the blade and the Mini-Cons making it up ecaped, Starscream mocked his loss and left. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}}

[[File:DWArmada10 StarscreamThrust whiner.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.95]]
When the Mini-Cons from both factions disappeared, Starscream tracked them to a strange obelisk in [[Tranquility, Kansas|Tranquility]], [[Kansas]]. Weaponry in the obelisk held Starscream back, and a battle that erupted following the Autobots' arrival distracted both sides long enough for the obelisk to blast off into space with the Mini-Cons on board. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} The Decepticons followed the obelisk to the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], where Starscream was shot down by the defense systems protecting the Mini-Con moonbase that had been built there. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} While Megatron worked on getting around the defenses, Starscream and newcomer [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] were sent back to their Silver Ridge headquarters to retrieve some equipment, griping at each other all the way. Coming across the unconscious body of Demolishor outside and realizing the Autobots had come a-calling, Starscream sprayed the base control with laser fire, unaware that the 'Bots in question had hidden themselves in the vents. A little later, as the pair were trying to figure out ''why'' the Autobots had broken in, Hot Shot and Red Alert suddenly burst from their hiding place and blasted Starscream into the computer behind him, to prevent the Decepticons from tracking the space bridge movements of Optimus Prime. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}} Megatron did eventually succeed in capturing the creators of the moonbase, the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team|Destructicon Team]], but found he could not control their power, much to Starscream's amusement. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}}

[[File:DWArmada13 Starscream smirk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]

When Megatron was about to test his newest weapon, the [[Solar Scalpel]], Starscream alerted him to a shuttle of Autobots that would make the perfect guinea pigs. Starscream lambasted his leader for destroying only their shuttle, but Megatron retorted that he wanted the Autobots to see their doom coming. Starscream had the last laugh, however; [[Space Mini-Con Team]] member [[Sky Blast]] destroyed the Solar Scalpel, scuttling Megatron's plans. {{Storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}}

[[File:Armada14 clean cover.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]

Lacking the skills necessary to fix the Decepticons' malfunctioning space brige, Starscream instead went out on patrol and came upon Hot Shot and several of the Autobot Mini-Cons travelling from [[Big Sur National Park]] to [[San Francisco]] and decided to follow, unaware he himself was being followed by Thrust. Blasting the Autobots out of the sky as they arrived at the construction site, Starscream spotted an [[Over-Run (Armada)|unfamiliar Mini-Con]] and made a bid to grab him, only to be knocked unconscious by a blow from behind delivered by the mysterious [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}

When Leader-1 discovered the Autobots were scanning [[transwarp|subspace]] for the absent Optimus Prime, Megatron decided to strike [[Autobase|Autobase: Earth]]. Starscream fired the opening shot in the battle that followed, destroying the computer console Red Alert was stationed at and felling Red himself, but was prevented from delivering a killing blow by Megatron, who wanted to finish off the Autobot himself. Fortunately for the Autobots, Galvatron attacked the Decepticons and handily defeated all of Megatron's lackeys. {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} {{Storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}}

The Decepticons eventually retreated after Megatron bested Galvatron, but were soon contacted by the returned Optimus Prime with the proposal of an alliance against Galvatron's master, the world-eating being known as [[Unicron]]. The Decepticons agreed, and everyone returned to Cybertron to prepare for the coming battle, but when Unicron appeared in the skies over their homeworld, and incredulous Starscream refused to fight, and was sure that he had seen the last of Megatron when he jetted off into the fight. As it turned out, he was right. {{Storylink|The End}}

[[File:Energon issue 33.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

Ten years later, in the wake of the unification of Autobots and Decepticons following Unicron's defeat, Starscream had tried to ingratiate himself with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and the rest of the remaining Decepticons. His wheedling didn't last long, though, as [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] showed up and promptly blasted him into an Energon ore processor, which ground his body down and smelted what remained. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}} Contrary to appearances, however, this would not be the last of Starscream: later, during the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] attack on Earth, he returned in a new form, the bizarre circumstances of his death having somehow allowed him to transcend death as an Energon "ghost" of sorts. Investigating a blast in the processing facility, Demolishor was attacked by the spectral Starscream, who drained his energy. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}}

{{note|Due to Dreamwave's subsequent bankruptcy, the ''Energon'' comic ceased publication before Starscream's story could continue. The following would have taken place in unpublished issues.}}

Seeking to absorb more and more Energon, Starscream set out looking for other Transformers to drain, and came across the ever-unfortunately [[Dropshot (Armada)|Dropshot]] being menaced by Decepticons. The 'Cons scattered at the sight of a "ghost", while Starscream drained Dropshot dry. He then targeted the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], having sensed his connection to the Energon-rich core of Cybertron and intending to feed on it through him. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 1}} After killing Over-Run, Starscream battled with the [[Omnicon]]s, and proved to be more than a match for their [[Energon weapon]]s, which only made him stronger. The Omnicons allowed Starscream to begin draining their energy, but as he did so, they merged their minds together and defeated him with combined force of will. Reverted into a solid form by this experience, Starscream fled. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 2}}

{{note|Starscream's murder of Over-Run would later be recounted in the cartoon-continuity [[Balancing Act|''Cybertron'' comic]], as the [[Unicron Singularity]] caused the comic and cartoon continuities to intertwine; see Starscream's [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity#Cybertron comic|cartoon article]] for details.}}
{{--}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Armada Free Comic Book Day}}}}

====''More than Meets the Eye: Armada''====
{{note|Although supposedly set in the same universe as Dreamwave's ''Armada'' comic, the ''[[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye]]'' guidebook published after the conclusion of the series contained multiple scenarios that were incompatible with the comic's story, including some points drawn from Starscream's portrayal in the ''Armada'' cartoon.}}

Starscream was originally revolted by the idea of powerlinking, but came to accept it when he realised the power the Mini-Cons could provide him. He doesn't entirely trust Swindle, suspecting he may just be "fattening him up for the kill", but knows they make a powerful team together.

According to [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], Starscream botched the first mission they went on together on Cybertron, and left him for dead in the process. Tidal Wave has carried a grudge against Starscream ever since, which was only magnified when he discovered that Starscream had allegedly developed a fondness for human beings. Starscream himself confirmed this, feeling that the small creatures had opened his mind to new ways of thinking. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye: Armada #3}}

===Cartoon continuity===
{{main|Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity}}
[[File:Armada starscream cartoon continuity.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2.2]]
Starscream accompanied the Decepticons to Earth in the year 2010, but his relationship with his leader was a troubled one; where Starscream craved Megatron's respect, Megatron gave him not one ounce of it, consistently berating and even brutalizing him in some kind of twisted attempt to drive him to realize the Decepticon potential he could see within the younger 'bot. Granted control of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] but abandoned on the battlefield as part of a feint scheme, Starscream turned against his comrades and sided with the Autobots—not out of any desire to do good, but because he hoped they would help him destroy Megatron. Although he befriended the Autobots' young human allies—[[Alexis Thi Dang (Armada)|Alexis Thi Dang]] in particular—and appeared to slowly be coming around to their way of thinking, he fell victim to the manipulations of [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]], who tricked him into returning to the Decepticon fold. When the threat of [[Unicron]] appeared, however, Starscream could see that the only way forward was for Autobots and Decepticons to unite under Optimus Prime's leadership. Coming to a fatal decision, Starscream challenged Megatron to one last battle for respect, then attacked Unicron himself, sacrificing his life to convince his leader of the threat the chaos-bringer posed.

Ten years later, Starscream was resurrected by the alien [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] using the power of [[Energon]], sans his memories, with the intent that he destroy Optimus Prime and Megatron both. But Megatron was able to harness Unicron's power and even further mindwipe Starscream, transforming him—ironically enough—into his most loyal soldier in the war for Energon. When Megatron hurled himself into an Energon sun to entrap Unicron's spark, Starscream plunged into the star alongside his leader, and was believed dead. However, in 2030, when the sun collapsed into a [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]], Starscream and Megatron were freed, and Starscream—his mind now his own once more—had a new ambition: to take leadership of the Decepticons for himself. He opted to bide his time at first, supervising the search for the [[Omega Lock]] on Earth while Megatron sought out the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s, but when he located an army of [[Ancient Decepticon]]s, he made his big move. Taking on the entire Autobot army, Starscream stole the Omega Lock and the Cyber Planet Keys, and channeled from them the power of Primus, transforming himself into a skyscraper-sized giant. In a final battle with Megatron on the planet Gigantion, Starscream disappeared in a reality-sundering discharge of energy, apparently swept away across the dimensions.
{{-}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
[[File:PaniniArmada1 starscream shot down.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
During the war on Cybertron, Starscream participated on multiple raids on Mini-Con villages. The enraged Mini-Con [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] sought revenge by luring the Decepticons into an attacking an Autobot outpost, planning to blow them all up; Starscream, Cyclonus and Megatron took the bait, but Dualor's plan failed thanks to interference from [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}}

Although the Mini-Cons would later abandoned the planet, the war continued after their departure. In one of many battles, Starscream strafed some Autobots, but was shot down by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s trailer cannon despite his Mini-Con augmentation. [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] punished him by taking [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] away, which Starscream protested against. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} When Megatron found the Mini-Cons on Earth, he summoned Starscream, Cyclonus and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to the planet through a [[space bridge]]. After spending some time searching for Mini-Cons and shooting at Autobots, he was shot down by [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}} Starscream was later present when the Decepticons made a failed grab for the Autobots' Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|No Way Back!}}
[[File:PaniniArmada7 starscream vs perceptor.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
In order to boost his own strength and overthrow Megatron, Starscream made a plan to capture the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]. Knowing that the Mini-Con trio enjoyed saving humans, he arranged for a satellite to fall on [[Chicago]] to draw them out. True to their nature, the Air Defense Team showed up and diverted the satellite, letting Starscream attack and capture [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]]. Unfortunately, an Autobot team showed up and saved the Mini-Cons, but Starscream had still managed to plant a tracking device on Jetstorm. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|Devices and Desires!}} Following his tracker, he soon found and ambushed the Air Defense Team again, successfully capturing them, shutting off their personality chips and combining them into the powerful [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. Unsatisfied with even the sword, Starscream went after the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]] to ensure he had enough power to best Megatron. They resisted and attacked Starscream in the form of [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], and he fought back with his new Star Saber. However, disengaging Air Defense Team's personalities had been a mistake — without them, the Star Saber's power soon went wild. Lightning filled the air and Starscream began panicking as he couldn't let go of the weapon, but thankfully Optimus Prime took it from him and separated it. With his plan failed, Starscream ran away. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|The Two-Edged Blade!}}
[[File:PaniniArmada9 starscream sonic destabiliser.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
After the Decepticons built a grandiose base on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], Starscream was shocked to hear that Megatron planned to spare the Autobots in exchange for their Mini-Cons. Megatron confirmed that ''of course'' he was just going to trick the Autobots and blow them up after he got their Mini-Cons, and Starscream even got to fire the missiles for the job. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}} After the plan failed, Starscream first reported that Cyclonus was missing, and then that he was returning with too much power inside him. It turned out that Cyclonus was powered up and under the control of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], and while the other Decepticons attacked the "traitor", Starscream had an idea. He used a [[sonic destabiliser]] to safely separate the Destruction Team from Cyclonus, and after they escaped, he contacted them and offered them a deal... {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Dawn of Destruction!}}

{{note|The cancellation of the Panini ''Armada'' comic meant that Starscream's schemes never reached fruition. He did, however, have another memorable role in the comic's pages: he [[Letters page|answered letters]] in the "Starscream's Hate Mail"! A mere wiki article write-up cannot convey how rude he was to the five-year-old letter-writers.}}

{{-}}
===The Balance of Power===
[[File:BalanceofPower starscream datacon.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67]]
During the war on Cybertron, the Autobots and Decepticons met in battle while searching for a mysterious relic that could allegedly reveal what had become of the Mini-Cons who had long ago vanished from the planet. While Cyclonus and an army of [[Decepticlone]]s kept the Autobots busy, Starscream snuck away from the combat and managed to unearth the relic, which turned out to be a [[Data-Con]]. The device contained a recording left by the Mini-Cons that provided a flight plan and tracking codes for their vessel, which Starscream intended to keep for himself. However, just as he was attempting to perform a deep-space probe to locate the craft's current resting place, either by coincidence or consequence, a Mini-Con distress beacon screamed to life, alerting all the other combatants to the Mini-Cons' current location. Starscream and the Decepticons took off through a space bridge, tracking the signal back to the source, and the Autobots pursued... {{storylink|The Balance of Power}}
{{note|This comic was written as a tie-in to the [[Transformers (PS2)|''Armada'' video game]], but its details differ from the introduction seen in the game itself. [[#PS2|See below]] for Starscream's role in the game.}}

===''Galaxy Force'' manga===
[[File:GFmanga2 starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
After the Autobots relocated to Earth to escape the [[Unicron Singularity|gigantic black hole]] that was threatening Cybertron, Starscream and [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] tracked them down. Optimus Prime and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] intercepted the Decepticon pair before they could discover the location of their base, but in the mid-air combat that ensued, the villains' [[Cyber Key]] powers allowed them to gain the upper hand. Impaling Optimus Prime through the shoulder with his Cyber Key swords, Starscream broke off the battle and retraced the Autobots' flight path, looking for their base, evening managing to shoot Prime down when he attempted to pursue. Fortunately for the Autobots, their human ally [[Coby Hansen]] was able to get the base's shielding up in time to hide it from Starscream's prying eyes, and the Decepticon was then taken down by an unexpected blast from Optimus Prime's Cyber Key-powered cannons. {{storylink|The Devil's Dogfight! Coby's Courage}}

{{charstubfiction|{{Storylink|Deep Sea Discovery! Vector Prime}}}}

Following Megatron's disappearance in the explosion of the starship ''[[Atlantis]]'', Starscream took control of what small Decepticon force was currently active, and dispatched Thundercracker to [[Velocitron]] to obtain that world's [[Cyber Planet Key]]. Unsurprisingly, the Autobots defeated him and took the key for themselves. {{storylink|Fastest Dream! Hot Shot's Run}}

They also later obtained the key from [[Animatron|Jungle Planet]], where Starscream watched their victory from afar. {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.7}}
[[File:GFmanga8 super starscream.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4]]
With two keys and their focusing device the [[Omega Lock]] now gathered in one place, Starscream was able to send his newest recruit [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] to steal them all from the Autobots at once, then rejoined with him at the location of the third Cyber Planet Key, hidden on Earth itself. Optimus Prime and [[Vector Prime (Cybertron)|Vector Prime]] had followed Sideways, however, and a battle over the key broke out; although a blast from Optimus took off nearly half of Starscream's face, he still triumphed over the two Autobots, wrested the Earth key from its pedestal and added it to the Omega Lock. The combined energy of the three keys flowed into Starscream, transforming him into a skyscraper-sized giant. As if this were not enough, the activation of the Earth key also awoke an army of ancient Decepticons slumbering on Earth, who began laying siege to the planet at Starscream's command. {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.8}} The Autobots proved no match for Starscream's new powers, as he took Optimus down with his new Cyber Key blaster, blowing his chest open and exposing the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. When the Autobot aerial ace [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] arrived with news that [[Primus]] had awoken, however, the bolstered Prime rose, protected from Starscream's blasts by the Matrix, and merged with Wing Saber into his "Sonic Wing" mode. The combined Autobots tore into Starscream, and the titanic Decepticon was vanquished in a huge explosion. {{storylink|Galaxy Force Mission.9}}

{{note|The ''Galaxy Force'' manga was cancelled before it could reach the end of the story, so it's unknown if Starscream would have returned in later chapters the way he did in the cartoon.}}

===''Cybertron'' Cyber Key Code content===

Years ago, Starscream was responsible for slicing off Red Alert's hand with his sword during a battle on Cybertron. Red has held a grudge against Starscream ever since.<ref>Red Alert's Cyber Key Code entry</ref>

In addition to Thundercracker, Starscream had another soldier under his command during his time on Earth in the first stage of the black hole crisis: the bumbling [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]]. To ensure that this fool did not ruin his plans, Starscream assigned him the time-wasting task of faking alien activity by creating crop circles and stealing livestock.<ref>Skywarp's Cyber Key Code entry</ref>

==Games==
===The Energon Within===
[[File:EnergonWithin megatron orders.jpg|thumb]]
[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] ordered Starscream to secure 100 [[energon cube]]s from an Autobot mine. He did so successfully, though at a high cost, and still got a verbal drubbing from Megatron anyway. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Energon Within|The Energon Within}}
{{-}}

{{anchor|PS2}}
===''Transformers''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Matt Hetherington]] (English)

[[File:Starscream-GameBurn.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Sephiroth! Sephiroth! 'Cause all bad guys walk in flames and not get burned to hell!]]
Starscream was stationed in [[Antarctica]], overseeing [[Decepticlone]] operations in recovering the [[Mini-Con storage panel]]s found in the area, using a human research center they overran as his base of operations. When the Autobots ventured too close, Starscream attacked (blowing up the hangar he was holed up in first), but was shot out of the sky and left for dead.

[[File:Starscream-Cmere.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Hey, look! Prime's a THROTTLED-bot! Get it? Throttle? Like choking? I'll be here all week. Tip your server.]]
Having survived his initial defeat, Starscream followed the Autobots to [[Alaska]]. There he collided his starship into a mountain in an attempt to crush them, but the Autobots escaped unscathed. This also gave them the chance to infiltrate the downed ship and free the captive Mini-Con [[Aftershock (Armada)|Aftershock]] from the control room. Starscream used his null laser cannons at full power in an attempt to finish off his foes, but only succeeded in cutting the rock face below the ship, which collapsed and sent the precariously balanced ship plunging into the valley below. The impact of the crash buried the bow deep into the earth, forcing the Autobots to climb their way up and out to the surface.

When the Autobots pulled free from the buried ship and got back to ground-level, Starscream attacked again. But this battle too ultimately ended in defeat, leading Optimus Prime to interrogate him as to the whereabouts of Megatron. When Starscream refused and attempted to fire his functional null ray at point-blank range, Optimus knocked him unconscious with a well-aimed punch. He then ordered Red Alert to hack the treacherous Decepticon's warp transponder, which led them to Megatron's [[Pacific Island]] base. {{storylink|Transformers (PS2)}}
{{--}}
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsArmadaStarscream.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
Starscream participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
[[File:Armada SS toy.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|He's Emo-tastic!]]
*'''Starscream with Swindle''' (Mega-Con, 2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Port wing/sword, 2 "fireblast" missiles

: Starscream transforms into a Cybertronic jet fighter, loaded with electronic sound effects that function in both modes. Pulling back and releasing his rearmost Mini-Con port activates a take-off sound effect, while holding it follows up the sound with an extended engine roar that lasts a few seconds. Placing a Mini-Con on the port, such as his included partner [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], releases two spring-activated over-shoulder spring-loaded missile launchers, and pulling back on the port with a Mini-Con attached triggers a laser-firing noise that lasts ''just'' long enough to be too long. Pressing his cockpit canopy activates a pulsing sound effect; Swindle can also snap into place under his nosecone, and pops free with an explosion effect when the canopy is pressed down hard. His left wing detaches and unfolds to form a large sword for use in robot mode.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] version of this toy uses a brighter light gray plastic, gold paint instead of yellow, more detailed, contiguous paint applications on the wings, and has a "separated" Decepticon sigil deco. The nosecone on the Japanese version is parallel to the rest of the jet mode, while the American version was retooled to slope downward [[for safety reasons]], making it "collapse" easier if pressed point-first into, say, your little brother.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed to create ''Armada'' [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], and [[retool]]ed to make ''Armada'' [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Armada'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|JapaneseSuper}}
[[File:Armada Thundercracker toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm afraid I just blue myself.]]
*'''Starscream Supermode with Spark Grid''' (Mega-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-09'''
**''Accessories:'' Port wing/sword, 2 "fireblast" missiles

: While this blue redeco of the ''Armada'' Starscream figure was released in Hasbro markets as the separate character of Thundercracker, Takara repurposed it as a powered-up version of Starscream, and used it as such in the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]]. The Takara toy is almost identical to Hasbro's Thundercracker, but uses darker, more vivid blue and red plastics, and has the parallel nosecone of the Takara Starscream.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm More information on Thundercracker/Starscream Supermode at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Built to Rule===
[[File:BTR Armada Starscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Starscream's attempts to take over [[Block Town]] were less than successful.]]
*'''Starscream with Swindle''' (Built to Rule, 2003)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: ''[[Built to Rule]]'' Starscream is a building-brick set that can be assembled into a Cybertronic fighter jet or a robot, or to whatever else you feel like. He came with a building-brick version of Swindle. The set features two missile launchers that use a unique "twist-block" pressure-launch mechanism.

: This set was later released in different colors as Thundercracker and [[Zapmaster (Armada)|Zapmaster]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/BTRStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Built to Rule'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|BTREnergon}}
[[File:BTR EnergonStarscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Starscream's attempt to infiltrate the Space Police was only marginally more successful.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Built to Rule, 2004)

: The ''Energon'' version of ''Built To Rule'' Starscream was designed with a much more solid skeleton with larger, blockier limbs. He can be rebuilt from a Cybertronic jet fighter with pressure-launch missiles, to a robot, to basically whatever you feel like doing with the parts.

: Unfortunately, due to the slow performance of the ''Built to Rule'' line overall, the ''Energon'' versions only had a limited, test market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into many "Tuesday Morning" chain discount stores at drastically dropped prices.

{{-}}

===Energon===
[[File:Energon Starscream toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hasbro Starscream, all spooky.]]
[[File:Superlink Nightscream Toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Takara Starscream, now with G1 sweetening.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Energon sword, energon rifle, 2 missiles

: ''Energon'' Starscream transforms into a jet fighter loosely based upon the F/A-22 Raptor (which would later be used as the alt-mode of [[Starscream (Movie)|another Starscream]]), cast mostly in dark clear-green plastics to emphasize his "energon ghost" status. The toy also features numerous spots down the right-hand side of the robot mode's front, back, shoulder and wings where Starscream appears only partially-constructed, along with asymmetrical plastic-color layouts, to further enhance the "half-formed" effect—though [[Aaron Archer]] would later remark that he felt these design cues did not come across properly. He comes with two very large accessories, a sword and a non-firing blaster, which can combine to form a ''really'' large sword. In jet mode he has two wing-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers, which can flip up over his robot-mode shoulders for "Hyper Mode".

: The Japanese version of this mold, called '''Nightscream''', uses gray plastics instead of stony-blue, a lighter shade of red paint, and darker blue plastic and paint.

: There was much controversy upon the toy's announcement since at first glance it appears to be a simple [[retool]] of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Smokescreen (G2)|Smokescreen]]. However, Starscream is in fact an all-new mold which simply uses a similar transformation scheme.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] and [[Leozack]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Energon'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|SamClub}}
[[File:Energon-toy 2-pack Starscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Obi-Wan Kenobi|This weapon is your life]], because without it you are literally useless in both of your modes]]
*'''Prowl with Longarm & Starscream with Zapmaster''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Port wing/sword, 2 missiles

: Part of a Sam's Club [[exclusive]] set, the [[#Armada_2|''Armada'' Starscream toy]] was [[redeco]]ed in primarily dark gray with burgundy and black accents, patterned after the color scheme of his Deluxe ''Energon'' figure. His Mini-Con partner was [[Zapmaster (Armada)|Zapmaster]] this time around rather than Swindle. The set also included ''Energon'' [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] as an ''Armada'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] redeco with [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/SamsStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Sam's Club Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|EnergonEnergon}}
[[File:Energon Energon Starscream Toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hasbro Starscream has twice the G1 for half the price.]]
[[File:Superlink Nightscream Reverse Toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Takara "Nightscream" has two scoops of G1 in every toy.]]
*'''Energon Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-19'''
**''Accessories:'' Sword, rifle, 2 missiles

: Representing Starscream in a powered-up form following his immersion in [[Super Energon]], ''Energon'' Starscream was redecoed into a more [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]-inspired color scheme, primarily light gray with blue and red accents. Though the sculpted "half-formed" sections remain, the figure's new paint layouts ignore them, sometimes painting directly over the top of them, which coupled with the figure's new lack of translucent plastic seems to suggest that this is a non-ghosty version of the character, though his asymmetrical arm coloration remains due to the use of [[unpaintable plastic]] needed for structural support. He was released under the name "Energon Starscream", thus making him ''Energon'' Energon Starscream, though when he was first listed in Walmart computers it was under the name "[[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp Interceptor]]", perhaps indicating an aborted intent for the toy.

: The Takara "Nightscream Rebirth" release of the toy is almost entirely different, using clear-blue plastics in the place of some of the solid-gray in the Hasbro version. Gray plastic was used in place of black, and many paint details were different. It also came with a yellow version of ''Energon'' [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]]'s [[Energon weapon|energon drill weapon]] and Decepticon-style [[Energon star|energon chip]]. This was the deco used for Starscream's powered up appearance in the ''Energon'' cartoon.

: The Hasbro version of this mold was used as the model for the [[#Attacktix|unreleased ''Attacktix'' vehicle-mode Starscream piece]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/EStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Energon'' Energon Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Cybertron===
[[File:GalaxyForce Starscream toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiya- I mean, I will be leader of all Decepticons!]]
*'''Starscream''' (Voyager, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GD-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, missile, Decepticon [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] [[Cyber Planet Key]]

:Exclusive to Takara's ''Galaxy Force'' line, this version of Starscream draws much of its influence from [[Don Figueroa]]'s design for [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 Starscream]] in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'', transforming into a Cybertronic starfighter. In both modes, plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into his back end flips out a spring-loaded blade from each arm. His spring-loaded missile launcher can be used as either a hand-held weapon, or mounted under his jet-mode nosecone. He comes with a Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Planet Key.

:Although essentially the "standard" version of ''Cybertron'' Starscream, this figure was not released in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline, presumably so it would not interfere with the sales of the much larger (more expensive) Supreme Starscream toy (see below). A redeco would be made available later in the line (again [[#VsVector|see below]]).

:This toy was redecoed to create ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Starscream (SG)#Timelines|Starscream]] and the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] [[Dirge (G1)#Universe (2008)|Dirge]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Galaxy Force'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|Supreme}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy supreme starscream.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Honeycomb big? Yeah Yeah Yeah! It's not small? No No No!]]
*'''Starscream''' (Supreme, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Missile, "Crown of Leadership", Decepticon Cybertron Cyber Key, Gold Earth Cyber Planet Key

: Supreme Starscream is a colossally-upscaled version of the Voyager-class Starscream toy, with quite a few changes. The most notable is the change in his Cyber Planet Key [[gimmick]]: each arm has a separate Key jack in it rather than the Voyager's single joint-jack. While the right arm still deploys a blade, the left arm now reveals a spring-loaded missile-firing "null laser cannon" with expanding prongs. The original back-mounted Key jack is still present, though it does not activate any gimmicks and merely serves as a Key storage space (a rarity among ''Cybertron'' toys). A second storage-only jack is found on the underside of the same assembly. The two small guns on the sides of his cockpit can swivel up to firing position in robot mode, and he also has several electronic light and sound gimmicks, including one activated by moving his sword-arm. His eyes are, for some strange reason, green.

: He comes with a Decepticon "Crown of Leadership", based on Generation 1 Starscream's crown from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' that fits over his noggin (which, together with his considerable size, has earned him the nickname "King Starscream" among fans.) He is also the only ''Cybertron'' toy to come with ''two'' Cyber Keys, a Decepticon Cybertron Key, and a gold-bordered Earth Planet Key. Both Keys have the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "'''s5a3'''" [[tampograph]]ed on their backs. The placement of these accessories in the box varies in later releases.

: Supreme Starscream was released in the first wave of ''Cybertron'' toys, long before Starscream was transformed into a giant in the third quarter of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon. [[To sell toys|To sell]] this large, expensive figure at this early stage, a few other toys in the ''Cybertron'' line were changed—predominantly, the standard Voyager Starscream figure went unreleased in Hasbro markets. Also, to keep Starscream's Cybertron-style Cyber Key exclusive among the early figures, Jetfire and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]]—who had Cybertron-style keys in the cartoon, and in the Takara toyline—had their keys changed to Earth and Jungle Planet keys respectively.

: In Japan, this toy was released as a Toys "R" Us exclusive, basically unchanged in US packaging.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Cybertron'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|VsVector}}
[[File:Tru2005Cybertronstarscream.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|Thrust? No wait... Ramjet?]]
*'''Starscream vs. Vector Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, missile, Decepticon Cybertron-style Cyber Planet Key

: The Voyager Starscream mold was made available by Hasbro in a two-pack with an unaltered [[Vector Prime (Cybertron)|Vector Prime]], now sporting a burgundy paint job. The two-pack was exclusive to Toys "R" Us stores, and was sold for slightly less than the cost of two Voyagers.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/TRUStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Toys "R" Us Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|LOC}}
[[File:CybScream-LOC.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Starsqueak.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)

: A colossally ''downscaled'' and simplified version of the ''Cybertron'' Starscream figure was released as part of the first wave of the ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' series. He transforms into the same Cybertronic starfighter altmode, and has flip-out weapons (one sword, one non-firing blaster).

: In Japan, the toy was sold as part of the ''very'' short-lived "EZ Collection". It was given more extensive [[paint operation]]s than the Hasbro version.

: This mold was used to make ''Legends of Cybertron'' [[Ramjet (Universe)#Cybertron|Ramjet]], [[Skywarp (Armada)#Cybertron|Skywarp]], and [[Sunstorm (LOC)#Toys|Sunstorm]], ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ramjet (G1)#Classic Series|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)#Classic Series|Thrust]], ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]'' [[Starscream (WFC)#War for Cybertron|Starscream]], and [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|''Dark of the Moon'']] [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#BeeStarscream|Cybertronian Starscream]]. Phew!

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/LOCStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Legends of Cybertron'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|EZClear}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy clear ez starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''EZ Collection Clear Set''' (Multi-pack, 2005)

: A Japanese exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection" Starscream, Megatron and Optimus Prime recast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Starscream's case, both his greys became translucent. A mail-away exclusive to ''[[TV Magazine]]'' in October 2005, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.

::*''[http://plasticcrack.net/archives/2007/07/photo-review-takara-galaxy-force-ez-telemag-exclusive-3pack More information on the EZ Collection multi-pack at PlasticCrack.net]
{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:Generations armada starscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Cuz once you got a theory of how the thing works, everybody wants the next thing to be just like the first.]]
[[File:Generationstoy-TakaraTomy-ArmadaStarscream.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Armada Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2014)
**''Series / Number'': '''02 / #011'''
**''Japanese release date:'' '''[[March 23|03-23]]-[[2014]]'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''TG33'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Energon Swords, 2 missiles

:Part of the eighth wave of 2012-onwards ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' "Armada Starscream" is a modern update of the original ''Armada'' Starscream figure. He comes with two "Energon Swords" which he holds via [[5mm post]], and can fold up and store on his wings, as opposed to the wings themselves detaching and forming swords. He has numerous Powerlinx plugs on his forearms and turbines, though they do not activate any features. In place of his spring-loaded cannons, his turbines can each fire a missile in either mode via pressure-launch, and can be positioned in robot mode to either face forward or lay flat on his back.

:While his [[bio]] paints this toy as ''this'' Starscream, [[IDW Publishing]] [[Repurposing|repurposed]] this toy as a new body for [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ArmadaStarscream|''Generation 1'' Starscream]], debuting it in the [[Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|issue]] the figure comes packaged with.

:The [[TakaraTomy]] release of Armada Starscream, part of the fourteenth wave of Japanese ''Generations'' toys, features a deco more accurate to his original cartoon appearance, most obviously by casting much of his arms, legs, wings, and launchers stark white. Other changes include use of a darker shade of red plastic and paint, a thoroughly-painted red cockpit, red-painted toes, a black-painted canopy, and a silver face with painted "chinstrap". He lacks the comic.

:This toy was [[retool]]ed into ''Generations'' [[Jhiaxus (G2)#Generations|Jhiaxus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Decepticon/GenArmadaStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Generations'' Armada Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Happy Meal toy===
{{anchor|McDonalds}}[[File:Armadatoy mcdonalds starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
: Part of the McDonald's ''Armada'' promotion, this version of Starscream is based on his larger toy and features a pull-back motor gimmick that propels his jet-mode forward, then leaps up to instantly convert to robot mode, like the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Jumpstarter]]s. In jet mode, he can combine with the other three Happy Meal Decepticons to form a goofy-looking [[Mighty Vehicle]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/McStarscream/starscream.htm More information on McDonald's Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
[[File:SCF armada starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Starscream''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' Display base
:A three-inch tall non-transforming PVC figurine of Starscream was released in the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''-specific ninth wave of Takara's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. The figure came in both full colour and metallic silver "pewter" variants, available at an equal ratio one each in every case of twelve blindpacked figures.
{{-}}
===Mega Super Collection Figure===
[[File:MegaSCF starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' 13
**''Accessories:'' Swindle figure, sword
: A five-inch tall non-transforming, highly-articulated PVC figure of Starscream was the thirteenth and final release in Takara's ''Mega Super Colleciton Figure'' series. Like other toys in the line, he came with a few extra pieces, like a separate wing-sword, and a mini-PVC of his [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]. The miracle of universal pegs also allows him to wield weapons belonging to other ''Mega SCF'' figures, most characteristically appropriate being the Star Saber that came with Optimus Prime.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act133/ More information on Mega SCF Starscream at TFKenkon.com]''
{{-}}

===Transformers Figure===
[[File:TFfigure starscream.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
:A non-transforming PVC figurine of Starscream was released by [[Omron Entertainment]] as part of their simply-named ''[[Transformers Figure]]'' line of gaming arcades prizes, standing around 5" tall. Despite there being a nationwide commercial for the figures, their distribution was poor, and not many arcades actually wound up carrying them.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act127/ More information on Omron PVC figures from TFKenkon.com]
{{-}}
===Battle for Cybertron Game===
[[File:BattleforCybertron starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Transformers: Armada - Battle for Cybertron Game''' (2003)
:A small figurine of Starscream was among the eight Transformers character playing pieces included with the [[Milton Bradley]] ''[[Battle for Cybertron Game|Battle for Cybertron]]'' board game.
::*''[http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/6841/transformers-armada-battle-for-cybertron More information on Battle for Cybertron at BoardGameGeek.com]''
{{-}}

===Bubble Twist===
[[File:BubbleTwist starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
:A small solid-color PVC figurine of Starscream was among the [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] toys available with [[Bubble Twist]] bubble gum, produced by Hasbro's subsidiary [[Cap Candy]] and only available at Toys"R"Us. Like all figures in the series, Starscream was available in red, blue, purple, grey and black.
::*''[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=2059 More information on Bubble Twist at TFormers.com]''
{{-}}

===Attacktix===
[[File:AttacktixScream.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|He keeps flying in circles for some reason.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF08
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Captain
|special=Rally - 14/26 (54%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=6
|attacktype=Shooter (Large Missile)
}}
{{-}}
: ''[[Attacktix]]'' Starscream is based on his [[#Cybertron_2|''Cybertron'' incarnation]]. His Special Power, ''Rally'', enables a player to return any one of their already-defeated [[Decepticon]] pieces to play. If Starscream's speed wheel reads 8 stop moving him there—you'll be able to move him 2 extra tix next turn and even if he gets shot down his special power is always white when he's on 8 speed.

: A Captain figure Starscream works very well with his own redeco, [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]], supporting his ''Infiltration'' power.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/AttacktixStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Attacktix'' Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[File:Attacktix EnergonStarscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''Starscream''' (Booster, <s>2007</s>)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF11
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Captain
|special=Rally - 14/26 (54%) success ratio
|cost=30
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Small Missile)/Flight
}}
{{-}}
: This unreleased Starscream is a missile launching piece based on his [[#EnergonEnergon|"''Energon'' Energon" form's vehicle mode]]. His vehicle form can detach from his base and fly on a string, enabling him to get better shots at opposing pieces, or even airlift allies (or enemies... is that a legal move?). His "Transform" power would probably allow you to bring any Starscream figure into play from your back-ups—making Starscream an even more effective figure when working with Skywarp. But as the toy was never released, we'll never know.

: Several pieces of this mold would also have been used to make [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Attacktix|Generation 1 Skywarp]], who also went unreleased.

{{canceledattacktix}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* According to the [[Transformers (PS2)|''Armada'' video game]]'s instruction booklet, Starscream (in his ''Armada''-era body) has the following statistics:
*:Height: 19' 7" (15' 1" vehicle mode length)
*:Weight: 22,050 lbs
*:Thrust: 28,000 lbs
*:Vehicle Top Speed: Mach 2.7
[[File:Speaker.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Starscream's emptiness can only be filled by love or electronics.]]
* ''Armada'' Starscream's body parts made frequent cameos in the CGI models of the generic Decepticon and Autobot soldiers during the ''Energon'' cartoon series, despite Starscream not actually ever appearing in his ''Armada'' body during the series.
* It's a popular rumor that the Starscream who appears in ''Super Link'' (the Japanese version of ''Energon'') is not the original, but a clone. Popular, but entirely wrong. Although not ''explicitly'' referred to with the name "Starscream" in dialogue, he is identified as one of Megatron's former soldiers, randomly given a new name by Alpha Q, and things just roll on from there without a backward look.
* ''Cybertron'' Voyager Starscream was designed with a [[soundbox]] in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final Hasbro and Takara versions have no electronics.
* Starscream's arc across the end of ''Armada'' and the beginning of ''Energon'', in which he is [[Cramp|killed by Galvatron]] while Unicron was causing trouble, returned in ghostly form, and his complete resurrection within Unicron, is reminiscent of [[Starscream's Ghost|his]] [[Ghost in the Machine (episode)|arc]] in the third season of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Starscream''' (スタースクリーム ''Sutāsukurīmu''), '''Nightscream''' (''Super Link'', ナイトスクリーム ''Naitosukurīmu'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Csillagsikoly''' (''Armada'', "Starscream"), '''Surranó''' (1st ''Energon'' dub, "Sneaker"), '''Üstökös''' (2nd ''Energon'' dub and ''Cybertron'', "Comet")
*''Korean:'' '''Scream''' (스크림 ''Seukeurim''), '''Mega Starscream''' (''Cybertron'', 메가 스타스크림 ''Mega Seutaseukeurim'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Hóng Zhīzhū''' (红蜘蛛, "Red Spider")
*''Polish:'' '''Krzykotron''' (''Armada'', "Screamtron")
*''Russian:'' '''Skandalist''' (second ''Armada'' dub, "Troublemaker")

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Armada Decepticons]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Energon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Ghosts]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Sam's Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Seekers]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Armada Autobots]]

Fixit (RID)

2015-06-20T23:36:17Z

Zzlom: Added a link to Kaon (DJD) where it said electric chair

{{factions|autobot|minicon}}
{{disambig3|Fixit}}
[[File:Fixit-Tranformers-Robots-in-Disguise-Animated-Series.jpg|thumb|300px|Wheels for feet, no weapons... [[The Weak Component|does this mean that he'll team up with Megatron?]]]]
:''Fixit is an [[Autobot]] [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] portion of the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

Left in charge of the prison ship ''[[Alchemor]]'' for who-knows-how-long, '''Fixit''' has a few tires truce- pliers moose- ''wires loose''. A long time in isolation has left him with a bit of a motor-mouth and real lack of social skills, as well as a habit of getting words wrong or getting locked in a verbal loop. He's also naïve, and a bit of a coward as he has virtually no combat skills, but despite all that he's energetic and willing to do what he can in order to help [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and his team re-capture the escaped [[Decepticon]] prisoners left under his care.

Luckily, his scatterbrained nature hasn't affected his technical skills ''too'' much. His arms are capable of transforming into a multitude of tools, allowing him to tackle just about any repair job the [[Autobot]]s might need.

==Fiction==
===2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Mitchell Whitfield]] (English), [[Yoshiyuki Matsūra]] (Japanese)|[[Federico Viola]] (Italian), [[Ahmed Abdul-Hameed]] (Arabic), [[Gerald Schaale]] (German), [[Miguel Angel Leal]] (Latin American Spanish)}}
[[File:PilotPart1 Fixit zaps Grimlock.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Better than the [[Kaon (DJD)|electric chair]], I suppose.]]
Fixit was assigned to the maximum-security prison ship ''[[Alchemor]]'', which contained some of Cybertron's most dangerous Decepticon war criminals. As the only conscious member of the ship, he spent most of his time doing nothing. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye (RID)|More than Meets the Eye}} Unfortunately, the ship crashed on Earth under mysterious circumstances, stranding Fixit, and deactivating most of the [[stasis pod|stasis cells]] intended to keep its inmates under control. Fixit struggled to reactivate the ship while trying to reestablish contact with [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and was eventually found by [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] and [[Strongarm (RID)|Strongarm]], who had arrived on the planet in response to a vision from [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]. Fixit briefed them on the ''Alchemor'' and its cargo until the ship's tracking system eventually rebooted, and the pair went to investigate a nearby signal. The Autobots encountered [[Underbite (RID)|Underbite]], and ended up having a fight in the wreck of the ''Alchemor'' while Fixit tried to take cover with [[Russell Clay|Russell]]. {{storylink|Pilot (Part 1)}} While the others pursued Underbite, Fixit failed to make friends with [[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]], and continued with his repair work. He was able to get a [[stasis pod|stasis cell]] back online and scrounge up some capture tools which he supplied to the rest of the team. After Underbite's defeat, he and the other Autobots moved their equipment to [[Denny Clay]]'s [[Vintage Salvage Depot for the Discriminating Nostalgist|scrapyard]]. {{storylink|Pilot (Part 2)}}

[[File:RIDMTMTE Fixit in disguise.jpg|thumb|right|320px|And in this moment, Fixit was euphoric.]]
Fixit succeeded in detecting some nearby fugitive signals, and also in receiving a human distress signal. {{storylink|Trust Exercises}} After hearing tales of the Autobot's fight against [[Bisk (RID)|Bisk]], Fixit wished to be able to go out on a field mission, though it was against regulations. He got his chance when [[Chop Shop (RID)|Chop Shop]] attempted to steal liquid oxygen from a manufacturing plant, accompanying Denny while disguised as a [[human]] as they searched the plant for the Decepticon. Unfortunately Fixit found himself captured by Chop Shop and forced to act as the combiner's right arm, and to his alarm, he was used to batter his own friends. He finally managed to fight back, allowing the Autobots to capture Chop Shop. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye (RID)|More than Meets the Eye}}

Fixit undermined the sobriety of Bumblebee's presentation of stasis pod locations by pointing out they resembled [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. After the team was sent to the [[Crown City Museum of Natural History and Sciences]], he was able to fill them in on the [[Buffaloid]] [[Terrashock]]. {{storylink|W.W.O.D.?}} Sideswipe took advantage of Fixit's gullibility in order to skive off. He was later able to identify a [[Decepticon Hunter]] Strongarm managed to find, and also work out that [[Thunderhoof]] was working in the area. {{storylink|As the Kospego Commands!}} While trying to monitor the capture of [[Filch]], Fixit managed to record himself on [[Larry LaRue]]'s camera in the process of trying to work out how it induced stellar fusion. {{storylink|Collect 'Em All}}

Fixit rigged up a proximity alarm for the scrapyard. After Grimlock turned on the others and demolished them, including Fixit, Russell and Fixit discovered that Grimlock was being controlled by the [[cyber-tick]] [[Minitron]]. Fixit repaired the comms system so that they could warn the other Autobots. {{storylink|True Colors}} Denny began clashing with Fixit over the former's participation in the repair of the Cybertronian weapons they'd found, leading to an all-out feud between pair until Russell succeeded in getting them to work together. {{storylink|Rumble in the Jungle}}

[[File:BumblebeeSitting Fixit pincer mode.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Arms up!]]
Caught up in an attempt to capture Ped, Fixit found himself being hit in the face a lot. {{storylink|Can You Dig It?}} He operated on Bumblebee, extracting one of [[Quillfire]]'s quills from his leader's posterior, and later guided Strongarm and Grimlock as they hunted the Decepticon. {{storylink|Adventures in Bumblebee-Sitting!}}

After Fixit pointed the Autobots to the site of two Cybertronian ship landings, they returned with [[Drift (RID)|Drift]] and his two Mini-Cons. When [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]] turned up looking to collect the bounty on Bumblebee, Fixit helped Russell attempt to bluff the Decepticon with a video game. {{storylink|Hunting Season}} Fixit alerted Bumblebee to the four Decepticon signals he detected, which he later identified as [[Malodor]] and his crew of [[Skunkticon]]s. When the automated dam was about to dump a load of water, Fixit assisted Bumblebee remotely in shutting down the emergency locks. {{storylink|Out of Focus}}

Fixit and Denny managed to finish two replica Decepticon Hunters, which they presented to Strongarm and Sideswipe. {{storylink|Sideways (episode)|Sideways}}

{{spoilers|Even Robots Have Nightmares|July 2}}
[[File:RID-fixitsnightmare.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Worthless, and there ain't nothing you can do about it!'']]

After a trip to scavenge energon with Bumblebee and Denny, Fixit joined the team as they hunted for a Decepticon in a nearby cave. The team, including the terrified Mini-Con, were captured by [[Nightstrike]], who caused them to live out their worst fears — Fixit's was being on the junk heap — so he could feed on their energon. {{storylink|Even Robots Have Nightmares}}

{{spoilers|Some Body, Any Body|July 2}}
During a mission in the subways, Sideswipe's head was detached from his body by [[Vertebreak (RID)|Vertebreak]], and Fixit got the job of reading Vertebreak's notes so he could reattach Sideswipe's head. The operation was a success, although Sideswipe was temporarily left unable to transform; a glitch Fixit promised to repair. {{storylink|Some Body, Any Body}}

{{spoilers|One of Our Mini-Cons Is Missing|July 2}}
Fixit warned the others of an incoming signal, which turned out to be the Mini-Con [[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]]. While the Autobots pursued the escaped Quillfire and [[Springload (RID)|Springload]], Fixit assisted by helping maintain Denny's cover as an army major. {{storylink|One of Our Mini-Cons Is Missing}}

{{spoilers|Deep Trouble (RID)|July 2}}
After inadvertently flooding the scrapyard while [[GroundBridge|GroundBridging]] the team to an undersea location, an apologetic Fixit helped Denny clean up. {{storylink|Deep Trouble (RID)|Deep Trouble}}

{{spoilers|The Champ|July 2}}

[[File:RID-fixitvsheadlock.jpg|thumb|left|300px|]]
A keen sports fan, when the Decepticon [[Groundpounder (RID)|Groundpounder]] surfaced taking part in the [[Rumbledome]]'s demolition derby, Fixit was shocked to discover the gladiatorial warrior actually was a cheat. Fixit helped Grimlock take down Groundpounder by demonstrating moves on Groundpounder's manager [[Headlock (RID)|Headlock]]. {{storylink|The Champ}}

{{spoilers|The Trouble with Fixit|July 2}}

[[File:RID-fixitdefeatschopshop.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Watch him get all turbo-charged when he eats a pie.]]

After a major malfunction left Fixit stationary and repeating the word "escape", the other Autobots insisted he get repairs. Fixit asked Denny to perform a diagnostic, however Fixit's original guard programming reactivated during the procedure. The more robotic guard Fixit revealed a plethora of weapon systems and began hunting down the Autobots, mistaking them for escaped prisoners. The escape of Chop Shop turned his attention from his friends long enough for Denny to deactivate him and restore him to his regular self. {{storylink|The Trouble with Fixit}}

===''Robots in Disguise'' shorts===

A series of mishaps resulted in Fixit becoming lodged in Grimlock's foot. {{storylink|Fixit Jam}}

===IDW ''Robots in Disguise'' comic===
When the Autobots encountered a Decepticon who liked making fires, Fixit narrowed the choices down to [[Flamefeather (RID)|Flamefeather]]. While the others went to hunt the Decepticon, he started on a six-hour full-spectrum diagnostic of the computer systems. {{storylink|Fire, When Ready!}}

===2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' books===
The rest of the team attempted to play [[Football|lob-ball]] using Fixit as the ball, and he was relieved when they switched to using something more like an actual ball. He later looked up [[Scuzzard]] in the ''Alchemor'' database, providing the others with info that helped capture the Decepticon. {{storylink|Bumblebee Versus Scuzzard}}

Fixit detected intruders in the scrapyard, though they merely turned out to be some of Russell's classmates, and later detected some Decepticon signals at the docks. {{storylink|Sideswipe Versus Thunderhoof}}

===''TransTech''===
At one point, Fixit went to [[Axiom Nexus]] and won a [[Sub-Metro Amateur League Lobbing]] championship playing in a team with other [[Fixit (G1)|Fixits]]. {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' (mobile game)===
{{charstubgame}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Robots in Disguise (2015)===
{{anchor|OneStepChanger}}
[[File:2015 RID One-Step Fixit.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Fixit''' (One Step Changer, 2015)
**''Japanese release date'': [[March 21]] 2015
**''Japanese ID Number'': '''TAV05'''

:Part of the second wave of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[One Step Changer]]s, Fixit transforms into some kind of a driller unit via simple [[Autotransformation|spring-loaded auto-transformation]], triggered by the "handlebars" attached to his wheel-base.

:His scannable [[insignia]] is on his right arm, where it is inaccessible for in-package scanning. Scanning this in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game]] temporarily unlocks the One Step Changer Fixit figure as a playable character if the player has not permanently unlocked them already.

:The [[TakaraTomy]] version of this toy, part of the first wave of ''Adventure'' product, uses a lighter shade of orange.

{{-}}{{anchor|Legion}}
[[File:RID2015LegionFixit.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
*'''Fixit''' (Legion Class, 2015)

:Part of the third wave of Legion-class toys, this considerably smaller (and therefore more accurate to show [[scale]] with the Warrior figures) version of Fixit transforms into the same drill-device-thing.

: His scannable insignia is right there in the middle of his chest, easily scanned while still in-package.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Tiny Titans===
*'''Fixit''' (Tiny Titan, 2015)
**''Series'': '''3'''
**''Number'' : '''?/12'''

: Part of the third [[blindpacking|blind-bagged]] assortment of ''[[Tiny Titans]]'', this is a small, soft-plastic figurine of Fixit with one of his arms converted into a tool.

: He comes with a trading card with a scan-badge for the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game]], which unlocks a random amount of Energon "currency" and a randomized bonus power-up item.

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
*In the Japanese dub of ''Robots in Disguise'', Fixit speaks with a [[w:Kansai dialect|Kansai dialect]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Fixit''' (フィクシット ''Fikushitto'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Hēimiànshén''' (黑面神, "[http://www.hkflora.com/v2/leaf/euphor_show_plant.php?plantid=1018 Waxy Leaf]", literally "Black-faced Deity")

[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Autobots]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2015) Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Mini-Cons]]