Groundbreaker

This article is about the Autobot Pretender. For the similarly-named Decepticon Targetmaster, see Groundbreak.

Groundbreaker is an Autobot Pretender from the Generation 1 continuity family.

Good, bad...I'm the 'bot with the guns.

Have you ever heard the saying "shoot first, ask questions later"? Well, Groundbreaker is kind of like that, only without the "ask questions" part. If patience is a virtue, then Groundbreaker is in the fastlane straight to the Pit, and that's the way he likes it. Groundbreaker is always the first in line, the first to engage the enemy, the first to open fire and usually the first to screw up. But from Groundbreaker's point of view, whoever comes in first is the winner and what you win doesn't matter, just as long as you come in first.

Fiction

Marvel The Transformers comics

A member of Fortress Maximus's crew aboard the Steelhaven, Groundbreaker volunteered for the synthoplasmic conversion process Optimus Prime had stolen from Scorponok, transforming him into an Autobot Pretender. With Optimus Prime coordinating the Pretenders' first battle with the Decepticons, Groundbreaker and his teammates easily overwhelmed the opposing force. Pretender to the Throne!

Later, Groundbreaker and Sky High were on standby while Optimus Prime sent Cloudburst and Landmine on a mission. Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?

IDW Generation 1 continuity

Groundbreaker is stationed on board the Autobot Orbital Command Hub, eagerly awaiting the call to battle. Stormbringer #1

Later he, Cloudburst, Landmine, and Waverider were sent to investigate the Benzuli Expanse, but discovered that any probes or drones entering the area immediately ceased to function. After reporting this to Jetfire, he volunteered them for the Pretender process as a means of safely entering the expanse. Spotlight: Hardhead

Cyclonus was later patrolling the Benzuli Expanse with Galvatron to look for those who would disturb the Expansion. Upon spotting Cloudburst's ship, Cyclonus called "dibs" and Galvatron happily let Cyclonus attack the vessel. Spotlight: Doubledealer Fortunately Groundbreaker and the rest of the crew were rescued by the Technobots who transported them to their ship and presented them with new and improved Pretender shells. Now equipped to deal with the Dead Universe and its denizens, the four warriors finished off Cyclonus and entered the Benzuli Expanse, where they put the Nega-Cores once they were sent so that they would detonate inside the Dead Universe and destroy it. Spotlight: Sideswipe Everything in Its Right Place

Toys

Generation 1

• Groundbreaker (Pretender, 1988)
  • Accessories: Electron Assault Rifle, blaster, blaster base/wings, belt, helmet, 2 shoulder pads (left & right)

Groundbreaker transforms into a Cybertronic racing car, with a large spoiler/gun assembly mounted on top that also serves as a kind of crossbow-looking weapon for his Pretender Shell. Similar to Sky High and Splashdown, he has an animal design for his shell's chest panel, resembling a tiger or a bear or some such predatory mammal.

• More information on Groundbreaker at TFU.info

Notes

Foreign names

• French: Explosol (Canada)
• Italian: Felin