Herald of Unicron: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 22:15, 9 April 2026

"Herald of Unicron" originated as a fan term for Transformers who serve or have been reformatted by Unicron. It was used in much the same way as shellformer or as Seeker used to be; and like "seeker" has since graduated to admittedly rare usage in official sources. Despite its official rarity, fanfictions are rife with it making it part of the greater fanon. It most likely originates from the term "Herald of Galactus" from various Marvel Comics given the similarities between Unicron and Galactus.

The term's first canonical use was in the Fun Publications magazine comic "Balancing Act" where Ramjet refers to himself specifically as the "Herald of Unicron". Later, IDW used the term in Beast Wars II Galvatron's Beast Wars Sourcebook biography.

What is a "Herald"?

While many characters are Unicron-related not all are generally thought of as "Heralds". While the term originated in fandom it nevertheless has some boundaries. For example, Galvatron was rebuilt to serve Unicron and lead his "armada" of rebuilt Transformers which included Cyclonus, Scourge an indeterminate number of Sweeps and sometimes that other guy. All these characters are sometimes called "Heralds" even though Galvatron wasn't always loyal. On the other hand, Starscream is not considered a "Herald" due to his complete lack of loyalty. Starscream never intended to fully serve Unicron and abandoned the Planet-Eater after getting his reward. Ghost in the Machine

Another, more appropriate example would be Sideways and Megatronus/The Fallen. Both are almost universally considered Heralds of Unicron among fans for the same reason the Silver Surfer was considered a Herald of Galactus; their appearance actually signified the appearance of the Chaos-Bringer as they were trying to bring him back into existence or they even continued his agenda after his apparent destruction(s). Sideways wanted to lead Unicron to the Transformers and destroy Cybertron while The Fallen was attempting to free the Planet-Eater from his extradimensional prison. Hook, Line, and Sinker served a similar purpose as their arrival at a particular world meant the Chaos-Bringer would arrive to devour everything.

In the Aligned continuity family encompassed by the Uniend Cluster various beings were shown in Unicron's service: examples included Thunderwing, who only appeared in the tie-in game to Prime, Prime - The Game the anti-bots defending Unicron's core from the Autobots and Megatron One Shall Rise, Part 3 and the latter himself was destined to become a Herald the moment he first stuffed Unicron's pure essence into his very own spark. Also, the Terrorcon zombies and any other Cybertronians resurrected or infected via the same substance could be considered to have been potentially carrying out the actions of Unicron. War for Cybertron (console) Darkness Rising, Part 2 Darkness Rising, Part 3 Shadowzone Thirst Predacons Rising Also, Trypticon was given life through these means, and the material was also used to replenish his damaged and now mode-locked form as the starship Nemesis despite this actually bringing his dormant mind back online and out of stasis lock.

Insignia

The insignia of the Beast Wars Neo faction the Blentrons has been repurposed to represent the "Heralds". Initially a fan convention based on the Blentron origins and the general look of the symbol, the glyph has since entered official usage; Overcharge's sticker sheet identifies the sigil as belonging to "Unicron's Herald"; Transformers: The Ark used it to represent Unicron (though not Galvatron, Cyclonus or Scourge); the mark adorned the Kiss Players Sparkbots after their allegiance to Unicron is revealed. The Blentron insignia colored yellow is also the symbol used for Unicron-related characters on this wiki.

Alternatively, the Mini-Cons' logo has been used on the Japanese toy packaging and toyline website of Armada as Unicron's insignia and was further built on in Energon during his one-and-only transformation sequence (though it was the half-red/half-blue version of the logo that was used instead of the standard teal blue version). This is complemented by the M shaped frame around his face/helmet which is nearly identical and the border bears a resemblance to his orbital ring in planet mode. This was meant to hint at a connection between the Mini-Cons and Unicron before their origin was revealed (like, two episodes later).

A third faction symbol was also used for the Dreamwave More Than Meets The Eye profile book for Armada. It appears as an effigy of Unicron in planet mode.

Beast Wars Neo-original symbol
Armada-original symbol
Energon-original symbol

Known "Heralds of Unicron"

Following is a short list of characters from various continuities that served Unicron, whether by free choice or by having their will stripped off of them like a banana peel and may thus be considered "Heralds":

Notes

Kid Rhino tried to coin their own term for Generation 1 heralds with the release of The Transformers: the Movie VHS and DVD in 2000. The summary on the back of the cases identified Galvatron, Cyclonus and the Sweeps as the "Unicrons". (No, really.)

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Factions|unicron}}
-[[Image:Otfccmag lt0 unicronsplans.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
+[[Image:Otfccmag lt0 unicronsplans.jpg|250px|thumb]]
-"'''Herald of Unicron'''" originated as a fan term for Transformers who serve, or have been reformatted by, [[Unicron]]. It was used in much the same way as [[shellformer]], or as [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] used to be; and like "seeker" has since graduated to (admittedly rare) usage in official sources. Despite its official rarity, fanfictions are rife with it, making it part of the greater [[fanon]]. It most likely originates from the term "[[wikipedia:Herald_of_Galactus|Herald of Galactus]]" from various Marvel comics, given the similarities between Unicron and [[wikipedia:Galactus|Galactus]].
+"'''Herald of Unicron'''" originated as a fan term for Transformers who serve or have been reformatted by [[Unicron]]. It was used in much the same way as [[shellformer]] or as [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] used to be; and like "seeker" has [[Canonizing|since graduated]] to admittedly rare usage in official sources. Despite its official rarity, fanfictions are rife with it making it part of the greater [[fanon]]. It most likely originates from the term "{{w|Herald of Galactus}}" from various [[Marvel Comics]] given the similarities between Unicron and {{w|Galactus}}.
-The term's first canonical use was in the Fun Publications fanclub comic where [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] refers to himself specifically as the "Herald of Unicron".{{fact}} Later, [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] used the term in [[Galvatron (BWII)|''Beast Wars II'' Galvatron]]'s ''[[Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' biography.
+The term's first canonical use was in the Fun Publications magazine comic "[[Balancing Act]]" where [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] refers to himself specifically as the "Herald of Unicron". Later, [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] used the term in [[Galvatron (BW)|''Beast Wars II'' Galvatron]]'s ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' biography.
 ==What is a "Herald"?==
-While many characters are Unicron-related, not all of those characters are generally thought of as "Heralds". While the term originated in fandom, it nevertheless has some boundaries.  For example, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] was rebuilt to serve Unicron and lead his "armada" of rebuilt Transformers, which includes [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and an indeterminate number of [[Sweeps]]. All of these characters are sometimes called "Heralds", even though Galvatron wasn't always loyal. On the other hand, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is not considered a "Herald", due to his ''complete'' lack of loyalty.  Starscream never intended to serve Unicron and abandoned the Planet Eater after getting his reward. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}
+While many characters are Unicron-related not all are generally thought of as "Heralds". While the term originated in fandom it nevertheless has some boundaries. For example, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] was rebuilt to serve Unicron and lead his "armada" of rebuilt Transformers which included [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] an indeterminate number of [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s and sometimes [[Cyclonus's Armada (G1)|that other guy]]. All these characters are sometimes called "Heralds" even though Galvatron wasn't always loyal. On the other hand, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is not considered a "Herald" due to his ''complete'' lack of loyalty. Starscream never intended to fully serve Unicron and abandoned the Planet-Eater after getting his reward. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine (G1)|Ghost in the Machine}}
-Another, more appropriate example would be [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] and [[The Fallen]]. Both are almost universally considered Heralds of Unicron among fans for the same reason that the Silver Surfer was considered a Herald of Galactus; their appearance actually signified the appearance of the Chaos Bringer, as they were trying to bring him back into existence. Sideways wanted to lead Unicron to the Transformers and destroy Cybertron, while The Fallen was attempting to free the Planet Eater from his extradimensional prison. [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] served a similar purpose, as their arrival at a particular world meant the Chaos Bringer would soon arrive to devour everything.
+Another, more appropriate example would be [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] and [[The Fallen|Megatronus/The Fallen]]. Both are almost universally considered Heralds of Unicron among fans for the same reason the Silver Surfer was considered a Herald of Galactus; their appearance actually signified the appearance of the Chaos-Bringer as they were trying to bring him back into existence or they even continued his agenda after his apparent destruction(s). Sideways wanted to lead Unicron to the Transformers and destroy [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while The Fallen was attempting to free the Planet-Eater from his extradimensional prison. [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] served a similar purpose as their arrival at a particular world meant the Chaos-Bringer would arrive to devour everything.
+In the [[Aligned continuity family]] encompassed by the [[Uniend|Uniend Cluster]] various beings were shown in Unicron's service: examples included [[Thunderwing (Prime)|Thunderwing]], who only appeared in [[Transformers: Prime - The Game|the tie-in game]] to ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'', {{storylink|Transformers: Prime - The Game|Prime - The Game}} the [[Unicron's antibodies|anti-bots]] defending Unicron's core from the [[Autobot]]s and [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 3}} and the latter himself was destined to become a Herald the moment he first stuffed [[Dark Energon|Unicron's pure essence]] into his very own [[spark]]. Also, the [[Terrorcon (Prime)|Terrorcon]] [[zombie]]s and any other Cybertronians resurrected or infected via the same substance could be considered to have been potentially carrying out the actions of Unicron. {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron (console)}} {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 2}} {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 3}} {{storylink|Shadowzone (episode)|Shadowzone}} {{storylink|Thirst}} {{storylink|Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising}} Also, [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] was given life through these means, and the material was also used to replenish his damaged and now [[Transformation paralysis|mode-locked]] form as the starship ''Nemesis'' despite this actually bringing his dormant mind back online and out of [[stasis lock]].
 ==Insignia==
-[[Image:Unicron faction symbol.png|right|180px|thumb|SHOUT AT THE DEVIL!]]
+The [[insignia]] of the ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' faction the [[Blentron]]s has been [[Repurposing|repurposed]] to represent the "Heralds". Initially a fan convention based on the Blentron origins and the general look of the symbol, the glyph has since entered official usage; [[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge]]'s sticker sheet identifies the sigil as belonging to "Unicron's Herald"; ''[[Transformers: The Ark]]'' used it to represent Unicron (though not Galvatron, Cyclonus or Scourge); the mark adorned the ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Sparkbot]]s after their allegiance to Unicron is revealed. The Blentron insignia colored yellow is also the symbol used for Unicron-related characters on this wiki.
-The [[insignia]] of the ''[[Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' faction, the [[Blendtron]]s, has been [[Repurposing|repurposed]] to represent "Heralds". Initially a fan convention based on the Blendtron origins and the general look of the symbol, the glyph has since entered official usage; [[Overcharge]]'s sticker sheet identifies the sigil as belonging to "Heralds of Unicron"; the ''[[The Ark: A Complete Compendium of Character Designs|Ark Compendium]]'' used it to represent Unicron (though not Galvatron, Cyclonus or Scourge); the mark adorned the ''[[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Sparkbot]]s after their allegiance to Unicron is revealed. The Blendtron insignia, colored yellow, is also the symbol used for Unicron-related characters on this wiki.
+Alternatively, the [[Mini-Con]]s' logo has been used on the Japanese toy packaging and toyline website of ''Armada'' as Unicron's insignia and was further built on in ''Energon'' during his one-and-only transformation sequence (though it was the half-red/half-blue version of the logo that was used instead of the standard teal blue version). This is complemented by the M shaped frame around his face/helmet which is nearly identical and the border bears a resemblance to his orbital ring in planet mode. This was meant to hint at a connection between the Mini-Cons and Unicron before their origin was revealed (like, two episodes later).
-Alternatively, the Mini-Con logo has been used in-show (particularly in ''Energon'') as Unicron's insignia. This is complemented by the M shaped frame around his face/helmet, which is nearly identical. This connection was meant to hint at a connection between the Mini-Cons and Unicron before their origin was revealed (like, two episodes later), and was further built on in ''Energon'' during his one-and-only transformation sequence (though it was the half-red/half-blue version of the logo that was used instead of the standard teal blue version).
+A third faction symbol was also used for the Dreamwave [[More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|''More Than Meets The Eye'' profile book for ''Armada'']]. It appears as an effigy of Unicron in planet mode.
-[[Image:Unicronsymbol dwmtmte.png|right|100px|thumb|]]
+<center><gallery>
-A third faction symbol was also used for the Dreamwave ''More Than Meets the Eye'' profile book for ''Armada''. It appears as an effigy of Unicron in planet mode.
+Image:Unicron faction symbol.png|''Beast Wars Neo''-original symbol
-{{--}}
+Unicronsymbol dwmtmte.png|''Armada''-original symbol
+Unicron energon symbol.png|''Energon''-original symbol
+</gallery></center>
 ==Known "Heralds of Unicron"==
-Following is a short list of characters from various continuities that served Unicron, whether by free choice or by having their will stripped off of them like a banana peel, and may thus be considered "Heralds":
+Following is a short list of characters from various continuities that served Unicron, whether by free choice or by having their will stripped off of them like a banana peel and may thus be considered "Heralds":
-* The [[Blendtron]]s
+*[[Blentron]]s
-* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Generation 1 Cyclonus]] {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}  {{storylink|Target: 2006}}
+*[[Bludgeon (G1)]] {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}
-* [[The Fallen]] {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}
+*[[Cyclonus (G1)]] {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} {{storylink|Target: 2006}}
-* [[Galvatron (G1)|Generation 1 Galvatron]] {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}  {{storylink|Target: 2006}}  {{storylink|Fallen Angel (issue)|Fallen Angel}}
+*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Darkarachnia]] {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies}}
-* [[Galvatron II]] {{storylink|A Savage Circle}}
+*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinomus]] {{storylink|Source:Golden Disk destinies}}
-* [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] {{storylink|All Fall Down (issue)|All Fall Down}}
+*[[Dirge (G1)#Dreamwave Armada continuity|Dirge (G1)]] {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}
-* [[Minions of Unicron]]
+*[[Terrorcon (ROTB)|Terrorcons (ROTB)]] {{storylink|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts}}
-* [[Ramjet (Universe)|''Universe'' Ramjet]] {{storylink|Balancing Act|Balancing Act}}
+*[[The Fallen]] {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}}
-* [[Scourge (G1)|Generation 1 Scourge]] {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} {{storylink|Target: 2006}}
+*[[Unicron's Four Horsemen]]
-* [[Shokaract]]
+*[[Galvatron (G1)]] {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} {{storylink|Target: 2006}} {{storylink|Fallen Angel}} {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|War for Cybertron Trilogy}}
-* [[Sideways (RID)|G1/RID/UT Sideways]] {{storylink|Origin}}
+*[[Galvatron II]] {{storylink|A Savage Circle}}
-* [[Sparkbot|Sparkbots]]
+*[[Grand Scourge]]
-* [[Sweeps]] {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}
+*[[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] {{storylink|All Fall Down}}
-* [[Thrust (Armada)|''Armada'' Thrust]]
+*[[Laserbeak (Cybertron)]]
+*[[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]
+*[[Nemesis Prime (Armada)]]
+*[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)]] {{storylink|Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Balancing Act}}
+*[[Nemesis Prime (G1)]] {{storylink|Story of Black Convoy}} {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|War for Cybertron Trilogy}}
+*[[Ramjet (Universe)]] {{storylink|Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Balancing Act}}
+*[[Scourge (G1)]] {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}} {{storylink|Target: 2006}}
+*[[Herald of Shokaract|Heralds of Shokaract]] {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars: The Ascending|The Ascending}}
+*[[Sideways (Armada)]] {{storylink|Origin}}
+*[[Soundwave (Cybertron)]]
+*[[Sparkbot]]s
+*[[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}
+*[[Thrust (Armada)]]
+*[[Thunderwing (G1)]]
+*[[Windrazor (BW)]] {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #4}}
 ==Notes==
-[[Kid Rhino]] tried to coin their own term for Generation 1 heralds with the release of ''The Transformers: the Movie'' VHS and DVD in 2000. The summary on the back of the cases identified Galvatron, Cyclonus and the Sweeps as the "[[Unicrons]]". (No, really.)
+* [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] tried to coin their own term for Generation 1 heralds with the release of ''The Transformers: the Movie'' VHS and DVD in 2000. The summary on the back of the cases identified Galvatron, Cyclonus and the Sweeps as the "[[Unicrons]]". (No, really.)
+==See also==
+*[[Herald of Shokaract]]
 {{stub}}
 [[Category:Fandom]]
-[[Category:Unicron]]
+[[Category:Unicron-related groups]]

Herald of Unicron: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 22:15, 9 April 2026

Contents

What is a "Herald"?

Insignia

Known "Heralds of Unicron"

Notes

See also

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