Swindler

This article is about the Autobot Micromaster. For the assorted (mostly treacherous) characters with the similar name, see Swindle (disambiguation).

Swindler is an Autobot Micromaster from the Generation 1 continuity family.

"My Cybertronian name translates to what?"

Swindler knows when to hold 'em, and more importantly, he knows when to fold 'em. The physically weakest of the Race Car Patrol, Swindler instead relies on his brains to get through tight spots. Extremely bright, he knows how to accomplish his goals using as little energon as possible, all while keeping a cool head and a straight face.

Japanese name: Glorean

French-Canadian name: Virage

Fiction

Marvel Comics continuity

Events from the UK-only comic stories are in italics.

A Small War!

The Race Car Patrol was brought from Cybertron to Earth via trans-dimensional portal in order to reinforce the Autobot forces on the planet. They were all pretty cynical about it, with Swindler complaining that the higher-ups had been looking for a good reason to get them off Cybertron. Along with the Off Road Patrol, they were sent to investigate suspected Decepticon activity near New Jersey. After meeting the human Cecilia Santiago, Swindler and his comrades learned that Iguanus was up to no good in New York City, and made their way there. While they had some problems with police officers and elevators on the way, the Race Car Patrol eventually stopped Iguanus and decided to stay in New York. King Con! When Roadhandler decided to get into pro wrestling some time later, Swindler acted as his manager. The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!

(Double) Deal of the Century!

Zone OVA, manga and story pages

When Victory Saber initiated the "Zone Project", the Race Car Patrol helped rebuild Planet Micro into Planet Zone. To counter this threat, Violen Jiger began conquering planets in order to create his own Decepticon Zone. The Race Car Patrol and all other Micromaster teams were then sent on patrol across the galaxy, specifically to planets where their unique skills could do the most good. Zone Part 1

When King Poseidon and Trypticon attacked the aquatic planet of Wall, the Race Car Patrol team were deployed to defend it. With the aid of Commanders Overload, Erector, Missile Bull and Skywave, they emerged triumphant. Zone Part 3

The Race Car Patrol were one of the numerous Micromaster teams that helped defend Planet Zone from the Nine Great Demon Generals. Unfortunately, they were not able to prevent Overlord from stealing the planet's Zodiac energy capsule. Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas! Transformers: Zone

When the Powered Masters flew off to the Tenth Planet for their showdown with Violen Jiger, all the Micromaster teams took command of Zone and vowed to keep it safe in their Commander's absence. Zone Part 10

Dreamwave comics continuity

Swindler was among the Micromasters in Little Iacon who watched Big Daddy challenge Roadhandler to a race. The Gray Race

Toys

"Dammit, McFly, I can't go that fast!"

Generation 1

• Race Car Patrol (Micromaster Patrol, 1989)

Swindler transforms into a gray DeLorean DMC-12 sports car. He was sold only as part of a Patrol four-pack with Roadhandler, Free Wheeler and Tailspin.

• more information on Swindler at TFU.info

Zone

• Race Car Patrol Team (Micro Transformer Team, 1990)
  • Japanese ID number: C-334

The Race Car Patrol Team was sold in Japan as part of the Zone series. The toys are identical to the Hasbro versions.

Trivia

• Swindler's name may well have been a jab at carmaker John DeLorean's dubious business practices.

• Swindler is gang molded with his teammate Tailspin and they share plastic colors.

• Swindler's membership in the Race Car Patrol is extremely difficult to explain, considering his alternate mode's top speed is about 80 mph (Sadly, 8 mph off from what we want.) and corners like a rhinoceros. (Amusingly, his Dreamwave-penned bio claims he's extremely maneuverable in vehicle mode.)

• His sad lack of a Flux Capacitor keeps him from being one of the greatest Transformers ever.