Shothole

Shotholes are Decepticon Insecticons from the Generation 1 continuity family.

"What's the matter, you bums forgotten how to kill people?"

Shotholes (ショットホール Shottohōru) are clones of the Insecticon Kickback. Largely physically identical to their template, their extremely low intelligence makes them suitable for little more than swarming. As such, their primary role is to consume raw materials for conversion into energon cubes elsewhere. Though they're fairly sturdy, should Kickback's control-beams be interrupted, they, as all other Insecticlones, will crumble into a pile of scrap.

Fiction

Technically, the Shotholes have never appeared in any fiction, as this specific coloration has never been used. However, the Shothole designation can be considered retroactive, so any appearance of the Kickback-model Insecticlones can be considered a Shothole appearance.

Games

Transformers Roleplaying Game

Shothole drones were cloned from Kickback, and specialized in the conversion of raw materials into usable energon. Decepticon Directive

Toys

Collector's Edition

Go! Go! Let's go! Kagayaku Machine!

• Insectron Clone Army (Multi-pack, 2004)

• ID number: 73 (individual), 76 (clones set)
• Accessories: "Electrothermal Radiation Tube" rifle, energon cube

Collector's Edition Shothole is a redeco of the original Kickback mold, transforming into a mechanical grasshopper. His coloration is based on the mold's original pre-Transformers "Waruder Battas" Diaclone release. The "control seat" in the insect-mode back / robot-mode chest can open up and store one of the three energon cubes that come with the set (or whatever else you can get to fit in there).

As a Japanese release, it has the original "pointy" wings rather than the altered-for-safety-reasons Hasbro wings with the circular bits on the ends.

Shothole was only available in the e-HOBBY exclusive three-piece set with Salvo and Zaptrap.

This toy was later repurposed as Shattered Glass Kickback.

• More information on Shothole at TFU.info

Notes

• The term "shot hole" actually is a real and relevant term; it's the small holes left in plant matter by insects. It's also used to refer to holes created to house explosives to be detonated. Doesn't make it any less unfortunate-sounding, admittedly.