Mini-spy: Difference between revisions
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===Generation 1=== | ===Generation 1=== | ||
[[File:Mini-spy toys.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The Blue 'Bot Group]] | [[File:Mini-spy toys.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The Blue 'Bot Group]] | ||
*''' | *'''Motorized Transformer''' (1985) | ||
: | :Motorized Transformers toys came packaged with re-releases of the 1984 [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]] in early 1985. Motorized Transformers were the first toys to debut with [[rubsign]]s, and the only way to determine whether a given Motorized Transformer toy was an [[Autobot]] or [[Decepticon]] was by rubbing the rubsign. They also use a [[pull-back motor]] to zip along smooth surfaces. They're just packed with [[gimmick]]y goodness. | ||
:There were four different | :There were four different Motorized Transformer molds, known by the unofficial names '''4WD Type''' (or '''Jeep Type'''), '''Buggy Type''', '''FX-1 Type''' (based on the [http://members.iinet.com.au/~stepho/concept.htm#fx-1 Toyota FX-1 concept car]), and '''Porsche Type''' (based on the {{w|Porsche 928}}). Each was available in blue, white or yellow plastic, and as either an Autobot or Decepticon, making for a total of 24 different combinations. Sealed specimens that have survived to the modern day suggest that the color apparently depended on the figure they were packed with: Supposedly, [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Cliffjumper]] came with white Motorized Transformers, [[Brawn (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Brawn]] and [[Gears (G1)#Toys|Gears]] with yellow Motorized Transformers, and [[Huffer (G1)#Toys|Huffer]] and [[Windcharger (G1)#Toys|Windcharger]] with blue Motorized Transformers. (It's possible that the faction ''also'' depended on the Mini-Car figure, but that's almost impossible to tell at this point.) On top of that, each sculpt had a variation in its pull-back assembly: the seemingly more common version has an angled motor casing with 8-spoke rear hubcaps, while the other has a rounded casing with a much more complicated hubcap pattern (see comparison [http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/4wdType/4wdtype.htm here]). That's a whopping 48 Motorized Transformer variations! | ||
:The [[pre-Transformer|pre-''Transformers'']] versions of the | :The [[pre-Transformer|pre-''Transformers'']] versions of the Motorized Transformers were part of a [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] toyline called ''Mecha Warriors'' (メカ戦士, ''meka senshi''), and came in blue and red variations.<ref>[http://www.fredsworkshop.com/vminibots.html Super Mega Minibot Rampage!]</ref> | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
Revision as of 22:02, 2 May 2019
| This article is about the good and evil spies from Generation 1. For the evil informant from "Shattered Glass", see Mini Spy (SG). |
- Mini-spies are multi-factional Transformers from the Generation 1 continuity family.
Mini-spies (also known as "Motorized Transformers") are very small Transformers, used by either faction as, well, spies. They are especially suited to this because their faction symbols are not visible without vigorous rubbing.
Fiction
Dreamwave Generation One continuity
When planetary society on Cybertron descended into all-consuming warfare, there were a good number of smaller Transformers who were, by their size and nature, simply not cut out to be warriors. Instead, these little robots were swept up into medical, administrative and especially espionage functions. Their proliferation in that role in particular led this smaller, simpler class of Transformer to be referred to mockingly as "Mini-spies" by their larger counterparts. Mini-spies are naturally unassuming and clever at disguising their factions, making them perfect spies for either side.
Their more sinister uses aside, it's the Mini-spies who keep Cybertron and what's left of its society running while the bigger Transformers run around blowing scrap up. More than Meets the Eye #4
Skywarp and Thundercracker received care from three Mini-spies when they relaxed in their baths. Brothers' Burden The Mini-spies were with them too when they tried to close the entrance to Shockwave's Tower to keep Optimus Prime out. It failed; Optimus Prime may or may not have killed them. Countdown to Extinction
When the Battlechargers infiltrated Shockwave's secret laboratory, Runamuck killed a Mini-spy with his friction rifle. Night of the Combaticons
Commercial appearances
A Mini-spy once blithely drove into Autobot Headquarters and began messing around with Teletraan I. Huffer and Cliffjumper rubbed the little robot's rubsign, revealing that he was a Decepticon. The spy fled, with the two Autobots in pursuit. Mini-spies commercial
Toys
Generation 1
- Motorized Transformer (1985)
- Motorized Transformers toys came packaged with re-releases of the 1984 Mini-Cars in early 1985. Motorized Transformers were the first toys to debut with rubsigns, and the only way to determine whether a given Motorized Transformer toy was an Autobot or Decepticon was by rubbing the rubsign. They also use a pull-back motor to zip along smooth surfaces. They're just packed with gimmicky goodness.
- There were four different Motorized Transformer molds, known by the unofficial names 4WD Type (or Jeep Type), Buggy Type, FX-1 Type (based on the Toyota FX-1 concept car), and Porsche Type (based on the Porsche 928). Each was available in blue, white or yellow plastic, and as either an Autobot or Decepticon, making for a total of 24 different combinations. Sealed specimens that have survived to the modern day suggest that the color apparently depended on the figure they were packed with: Supposedly, Bumblebee and Cliffjumper came with white Motorized Transformers, Brawn and Gears with yellow Motorized Transformers, and Huffer and Windcharger with blue Motorized Transformers. (It's possible that the faction also depended on the Mini-Car figure, but that's almost impossible to tell at this point.) On top of that, each sculpt had a variation in its pull-back assembly: the seemingly more common version has an angled motor casing with 8-spoke rear hubcaps, while the other has a rounded casing with a much more complicated hubcap pattern (see comparison here). That's a whopping 48 Motorized Transformer variations!
- The pre-Transformers versions of the Motorized Transformers were part of a Takara toyline called Mecha Warriors (メカ戦士, meka senshi), and came in blue and red variations.[1]
Notes
- The figures are not actually identified as "Mini-spies" on the toys' packaging; rather, the included figure is simply referred to as a "Motorized Transformer". The name "Mini-spies" was originally only used in the TV commercial advertising the figures. 18 years later, issue 4 of Dreamwave's Transformers: More than Meets the Eye profile series finally established the name in written form, thereby providing an official spelling that includes a hyphen and a lowercase "s".
- The FX-1 type is commonly called Mazda Type by fans, in spite of being based on an old Toyota concept car, right down to the FX-1 marking on the front grille. This is due in equal parts to the fact that the FX-1 is an incredibly obscure car, and that the FX-1 marking is so small, it's very easy to misinterpret it as saying "RX-7" instead.
