Blitzwing (G1)

The name or term "Blitzwing" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Blitzwing (disambiguation).

Blitzwing is a Decepticon Triple Changer from the Generation 1 continuity family.

"Blitzwing has no feet. Blitzwing needs no feet!"

Blitzwing is loud. He likes to think he has a sense of humor, but what he considers funny is, more often than not, offensively cruel. Obnoxious, belligerent, and nasty, he makes even his fellow Decepticons feel uneasy. His anti-social tendencies can relegate Blitzwing to an outsider status. Due to his social isolation, he's able to see the bigger picture; he can see when his teammates are being played by unseen forces. Of course, if he thinks the trap is amusing enough, he might just let it happen anyway.

“	Tell me what's on your mind, or I'll splatter it on the wall and see for myself!	”
—Blitzwing, "Triple Takeover"

French-Canadian name: Le Blitz ("The Blitz")

Hungarian name: Villámszárny ("Lightning Wing")

Italian name: Triplex Due ("Triplex Two")

Chinese name (Taiwan): Shǎn-tìen Yì (閃電翼, "Blitz Wing" or "Lightning Wing")

Chinese name (China): Shan Dian (閃電, "Blitz" or "Lightning")

Fiction

Cartoon continuity

Voice Actor: Ed Gilbert (English), Keiichi Nanba (Japanese), Masashi Ebara (Japanese, The Movie only)

Poor guy got crushed 49 times.

In an unknown battle, Blitzwing is crushed under the foot of Omega Supreme. The damage looks extensive, but he is picked up by Scrapper and hauled away. Season 2 introduction

LANDMASTERS!!!

Blitzwing appeared out of nowhere to join Megatron's forces on Earth in 1985, and was first seen on a mission to steal energon from Dinobot Island. Dinobot Island, Part 1 The Autobots eventually arrived to halt their scheme, and Blitzwing got into a tank duel with Warpath. Dinobot Island, Part 2 Later adventures of Blitzwing included suffering from Cybertonium depletion just like everybody else Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1, then fighting Warpath again and coating himself in electrum. The Golden Lagoon Quest for Survival

For someone as powerful as he is, Blitzwing does not have the best track record when it comes to decision-making. First, he and fellow Triple Changer Astrotrain decided to do away with both Megatron and Starscream and strike out on their own in search of fame, fortune, and energon. While this would normally be considered suicidal, the two Triple Changers somehow pulled it off and were free to finally do whatever it took to wipe out those pesky Autobots once and for all.

IMMA EAT CHOO!

The way they chose to do this, however, did not do much to inspire confidence in their abilities. While his partner went off to play with some trains, Blitzwing's personal strategy for victory was to kidnap a football coach under the mistaken impression that the human was some kind of master strategist. Blitzwing brought the Constructicons in on his plan, and used them to build a maze surrounding the entry to his base/stadium. To Blitzwing's credit, a lot of the Autobots crashed into each other, but soon, the Constructicons demanded a share of the leadership, and then Astrotrain arrived. All three were beaten so quickly by Megatron that it was almost embarrassing, and Blitzwing crept carefully back to the Decepticon ranks, hoping that nobody would remember what had happened. Triple Takeover

Not long afterwards, Megatron was impressed by Lord Chumley's Autobot-capturing skills, and sent Blitzwing and Astrotrain to negotiate a deal with the human. Shortly after arriving at Chumley's castle, Blitzwing got himself caught in a trap meant for Optimus Prime, and Chumley captured both Triple Changers for getting in the way of his Autobot hunting. After all of his traps failed, Chumley released Blitzwing and Astrotrain as a last ditch attempt to capture Prime, but they just tried to stomp him to death before flying back home. Prime Target Cosmic Rust

Viagra.

Blitzwing was also present during the infamous assault on Autobot City in 2005, where he was at the head of the first attack. Together with Shrapnel, he battled Hot Rod and Kup at Lookout Mountain, a fight that did not go in his favour (Kup being surprisingly nimble for an old guy). Blitzwing is also shown participating in the general carnage at Autobot City a short time later, and is one of the several Decepticons who ran afoul of Optimus Prime. Unlike his less fortunate comrades, Blitzwing was able to avoid getting run over, and even managed to shoot back a little before Prime beat him, which is more than most Decepticons expect when facing Optimus Prime. In fact, Blitzwing made it through the entire battle more or less intact, which meant he got to ride all the way to Cybertron without anyone trying to kick him out the back door when he wasn't looking. This is exactly what happened to Megatron, however, and Blitzwing's old desire for leadership blossomed back up as he joined in on the scuffle for leadership that followed. Ultimately Starscream was the winner, and Blitzwing attended his coronation as the new Decepticon leader. The Transformers: The Movie

When the Quintessons arrived on Chaar to bribe the Decepticon army with promises of energon and revenge, Blitzwing was the only one of his comrades to turn down their offers. He had met their kind before (or at least he thought they seemed familiar to him for some reason) and did not trust them, though he could not remember why. Upon the triumphant return of Galvatron, Blitzwing was the only Decepticon left to greet him. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3

It's the look of absolute shock on Galvatron's face that sells this.

Later, during an assault on Cybertron, it was Blitzwing who discovered that the Quintessons were lying to Galvatron and plotting to destroy all Transformers (instead of just the Autobots, which Blitzwing had no problems with). He tried to report this to Galvatron, but when he could not convince the Decepticon leader, he turned to Rodimus Prime for help. Together, Blitzwing and Rodimus were able to stop the Sharkticon commando team that had infiltrated Cybertron. Galvatron, unfortunately, suspected that Blitzwing was trying to betray the Decepticons and steal the "Decepticon Matrix of Leadership" for himself and threw the Quintessons' nullifying switch, deactivating Transformers galaxy-wide until Spike Witwicky destroyed it. With the Quintessons' deception revealed, Galvatron attempted to renew hostilities with Rodimus, but Blitzwing drew his weapon and targeted Galvatron, stating that the battle was over for now. Seething, but seeing little alternative, Galvatron accepted and withdrew his forces from Cybertron, but banished Blitzwing from the Decepticon ranks forever. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5

In the original script for Five Faces of Darkness, after Blitzwing's banishment, Rodimus extended his offer to Blitzwing a second time, and in this instance, he did not accept, but did not refuse, saying that he would think about it. The later episode, "Starscream's Ghost" was originally written to feature Blitzwing, but was later re-written to be about the newest Decepticon Triple Changer, Octane, although there is no explanation offered for why Octane is friendly with the Autobots. It would seem that this would have originally been Blitzwing following up on Rodimus' offer. Blitzwing would reappear briefly in several crowd scenes, such as "Fight or Flee" and "The Ultimate Weapon", likely as the result of carelessness in production. Then again. Galvatron did forgive Scourge for his antics. Plus, Galvatron is pretty insane.

Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers manga

Blitzwing, Starscream and Megatron attacked the Japanese city of Yokohama, causing destruction using Megatron's "Super Megatron Gun" form. Warpath stood against them, but Blitzwing simply charged onwards, crushing the Mini Vehicle under his tracks. The Decepticons were eventually vanquished when Tracks used his aerial manueverability to trick Blitzwing and Starscream to crash into their leader, followed by all three getting a "Prime-Magnus Double Cross Kick" to their backs. Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4

The Headmasters cartoon

Even though The Headmasters was a sequel to the first three seasons of the original cartoon, Blitzwing was back in the ranks of the Decepticons, and with an almost regular presence, from the first to the last episode. This, however, would not be the most inexplicable reappearance in the series.

If I blow up pretty boy here, then maybe Galvatron would forgive me. Or not...

In the year 2011, Blitzwing participated in an all-out Decepticon assault on Cybertron, and was seen chasing Sunstreaker around the planet until he took cover and Blitzwing crashed into a wall. Four Warriors Come out of the Sky He later helped Astrotrain, Octane and the Combaticons fight the Aerialbots on Earth, but the Autobot team was really just distracting them so that Twincast could sneak into Trypticon. The Great Cassette Operation The three Triple Changers proceeded to help the Decepticon Headmasters steal the Solar-1 satellite The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok and watch Scorponok reveal his Transtector. Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears

In a rare occasion of being separated from Astrotrain and Octane, Blitzwing was set with patrolling Chaar's perimeter and guard it from intruders. Chromedome and Hardhead snuck past him easily, only for Blitzwing to return and reveal that it was a trap. He took Chromedome for a spin before throwing him to Scorponok, who punched both Autobots back into space. Return of the Immortal Emperor Blitzwing and Astrotrain were present in the climactic battle against the Autobots in the Arctic, and fled into space when it seemed like the Earth was going to be destroyed. The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)

Marvel Comics continuity

Generation 1

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

Blitzwing was one of the most feared and deadly killers on Cybertron, and a specific target in Operation: Volcano. He'd have been killed in a Wreckers ambush if Megatron hadn't abruptly called most of the gang to Earth. Target: 2006

Dern rickets!

Blitzwing, Astrotrain and Octane were commissioned by Ratbat to investigate the loss of his priceless cargo that had arrived on Earth via a low-cost freighter, but hadn't checked in as scheduled. Upon making contact with the crashed ship, Blitzwing and his companions were infected with Scraplets, and began to slowly waste away. Lucky for them, the Autobot Blaster was also infected, Crater Critters and his friends managed to re-discover the strange and wondrous chemical that acted as a cure. In saving Blaster, the Triple Changers were incidentally saved as well. The Cure!

Blitzwing and the Triple Changers hooked up with Ratbat and Shockwave full-time after that, operating out of the Decepticons' tropical island starship. At that time, the Ark had left Earth, allowing the other Decepticons to launch increasingly brazen raids; it was the happiest time in Blitzwing's life. Toy Soldiers! He was later part of a major offensive against the Autobots on the moon, when the crews of the Ark and Steelhaven all gathered together as one big target. Blitzwing's fortunes changed, however, when he came sword-to-sword with Grimlock — it seems the energo-sword is mightier than the electron scimitar. Blitzwing was left in two pieces on the lunar landscape, and one can only assume his fellow Decepticons collected his pieces before fleeing. Totaled!

Still smarting from his last fight, Blitzwing eagerly rushed into battle with Scorponok's Decepticons when conflict broke out between the two factions. Turnabout is fair play, as this time it was Blitzwing who cut an opponent in two, slicing through Horri-Bull's mid-section. Cold War! Blitzwing was later destroyed in Buenos Aires along with the other Triple Changers as they tried to fight an Underbase-empowered Starscream. Dark Star

Earthforce

These stories do not fit into the normal Marvel continuity. See Earthforce for details.

Blitzwing was loyal to Shockwave during the split in the Decepticon faction, a precursor to his later career moves. At the Enclave between Megatron and Shockwave's troops, Blitzwing was seen talking to a Stunticon, and was later present during the huge melee initiated by the Autobots. The Bad Guy's Ball! Later, having received insider information from a traitor in Megatron's camp, he joined Shockwave and the other Triple Changers in stealing an energon shipment right out from under Megatron himself, tossing the other Decepticon leader off a cliff in the process. Secrets

After the Decepticon factions reunited, they staged a major strike on the Autobot Earthbase. Blitzwing joined Dirge, Thrust and Octane in an airstrike on the Autobot compound, but they were eventually driven off. Divide and Conquer! Later, he and Astrotrain received an SOS from their fellow Triple Changer, Octane, who had somehow driven himself into the middle of a military testing range. While fending off the live ammunition that threatened to set off their tanker truck comrade, Blitzwing demanded to know how this could have happened. Octane finally relented and told his fellow Decepticons that he had been "playing" again, attacking human vehicles for sport, when one of them led him on a merry chase right into his current predicament. Infuriated by the idiot's antics, Blitzwing and Astrotrain left him to his fate in the combat zone. Manoeuvres!

Marvel UK future timelines

In 2004, Blitzwing joined Astrotrain and Shockwave in an assault on Autobot City, but they were driven away when the rash and illogical Hot Rod confused Shockwave's plans. Aspects of Evil!

When Scourge and Cyclonus forced the Decepticons into an ill-advised assault on Autobase in 2008, Blitzwing was right there on the front lines, charging headlong into battle with... Grapple?!? The Legacy of Unicron! Uh, somehow he survived that terrifying encounter, and was present at the second major Decepticon offensive of 2008, acting as one of Soundwave's sub-commanders to ready his "team" for combat. Things turned ugly, however, when the Quintesson Trident attack crafts ambushed the Decepticon on their way to Autobase. Amusingly enough, Blitzwing and his fellow Decepticons only survived because Ultra Magnus and the Autobots came to their rescue against the Quints. Space Pirates!

Generation 2

Blitzwing was seen shouting Decepticon battle slogans like "Rip!" and "Tear!" just before the Cybertronian Empire ripped and tore them a new one. New Dawn

Dreamwave comics continuity

This probably didn't happen.

Shortly after Optronix was upgraded into Optimus Prime, Blitzwing participated in Shockwave's assault on Iacon where he demonstrated triple-changing abilities. He was at Shockwave's side when the latter declared victory in Iacon with only a few Autobots left to mop up, though Blitzwing and the other Decepticons did not have long to savor it - they were forced to retreat when Starscream accidentally-on-purpose destroyed the entire city-state. The War Within

This may have happened, but he probably didn't look like that.

After the disappearance of Optimus Prime and Megatron in a space bridge explosion, Blitzwing remained with Shockwave's Decepticon forces, but was captured and imprisoned by the Autobots as an experiment too dangerous to be set free. Due to some unique property of his spark, Blitzwing was abducted from Autobase by the Fallen as part of the Unbinding, and presumably released back to the Decepticons after the temporary truce that resulted from the Fallen's defeat. The War Within: The Dark Ages

This could have happened.

Following the departure of the Ark, Blitzwing served as Shockwave's lieutenant, overseeing the introduction of Micromasters into the Decepticon ranks. Shortly before the return of Skystalker and Skyhopper, Blitzwing appeared to be undergoing some sort of mutation which Shockwave did not fully understand, but which was also affecting Astrotrain. Shockwave wanted to analyze and concentrate this mutation but his plans were cut short by the arrival of the two Micromasters - Blitzwing was knocked offline by Skyhopper, while Skystalker turned Shockwave into a glove puppet. Recipe for Hate

This almost certainly didn't.

At some point Blitzwing was reactivated and made his way to Earth, where he was seen among the Decepticons captured and deactivated during Operation Liberation. Prime Directive issue 5

Did this happen?

Somehow he avoided becoming one of the Transformers recovered and controlled by Lazarus, returning instead to Cybertron where he fell once more under Shockwave's command. During this time, Shockwave had unified the Autobots and Decepticons, and Blitzwing now served alongside his former enemies as part of a combined force. Alongside his fellow Triple Changers, Blitzwing accompanied Shockwave to Earth to capture the renegade forces of Optimus Prime and Megatron and even managed to cause Megatron some damage before he was badly bent out of shape by Grimlock in the battle that ensued.

While Shockwave returned to Cybertron with the captive Nemesis crew, Blitzwing remained behind on Earth to assist Security Team Dion in apprehending the Autobots. New World Order Despite his mutual antagonism with the team's commander, they managed to capture Prime's crew without incident, except when Blitzwing's goading of Optimus Prime caused him to smack the Triple Changer down. Blitzwing returned to Cybertron along with the prisoners aboard Sky Lynx. Brothers' Burden

When the Dinobots attacked Shockwave's citadel Blitzwing crossed swords once more with Grimlock and though it was Ultra Magnus who took the Dinobot commander down, it was Blitzwing who made sure he stayed down. Passive Aggression Later, during Optimus Prime's uprising of the Autobot resistance, Shockwave ordered Blitzwing to rally the troops and activate the defences. Countdown to Extinction Blitzwing subsequently joined Astrotrain on the front lines, and was about to take out that Autobrat Hot Rod when he was pummelled into the ground by a rejuvenated Grimlock and thrown at an approaching Omega Sentinel. Revelation

Shockwave, Blitzwing, Astrotrain and the Coneheads went to ground in the Cybertronian wastelands, operating out of a hidden base. When their perimeter alarm was tripped by a reanimated Air Warrior, Shockwave ordered Blitzwing and Astrotrain to investigate. The mindless drone was merely a distraction for a Predacon attack and though Astrotrain surrendered and agreed to serve Megatron, Blitzwing's loyalty to Shockwave proved too great - he resisted and the Predacons tore him to pieces. Lost and Found

Eh, doesn't matter anymore.

His remains were then examined by an unknown Transformer. The Route of All Evil

Blitzwing's history in Dreamwave Comics was rather convoluted and contradictory. His appearance among the captured Decepticons on Earth in Prime Directive is at odds with his later appearances on Cybertron in War and Peace and Micromasters. Furthermore, his earliest chronological appearance in The War Within depicts him as a triple changer, while his appearances in The Dark Ages and Micromasters show him mutating into his triple changer form for the first time. The answers to these conundrums, and the identity of the being who examined his fallen form (though it was likely Sixshot) will remain forever unanswered, due to the bankruptcy and collapse of Dreamwave.

Devil's Due G.I. Joe vs. Transformers comics continuity

When Teletran 3 sent a random selection of Transformers careening through the timeline, Blitzwing was one of the unfortunate victims. He was locked into the form of a private commuter jet in mid-70's San Francisco until a number of Autobots and G.I. Joes located him and slapped a disruption unit on him. Having no idea what the slag was going on, Blitzwing's first reaction was to attack the Autobots, only to be transported back to present-day Cybertron. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1 Upon arrival, he was overpowered and tied up by the Autobots. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2 He was presumably saved when the Autobots were defeated and captured by Shockwave. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4

After Serpent O.R. took control of the Decepticon army, Blitzwing joined Astrotrain, Sixshot and Buzzsaw in an attack on an Autobot peace ceremony. The Art of War issue 3

IDW comics continuity

This section covers fiction that is ongoing. It will be added to as the story progresses. If it isn't current, you can help by updating it.

Blitzwing is part of a Decepticon infiltration unit that has operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. In this continuity, Blitzwing appears to be a MiG-31. He is assigned along with Skywarp to destroy all traces of the Nebraska operation, including Megatron. Thus he was guarding the abandoned bunker when Bumblebee, Ratchet, and their human companions came to investigate it. Ratchet attempted to down him, but Blitzwing fired a direct shot from his tank-mode and then ran the doc right over. Infiltration issue 4 Unfortunately, he and Skywarp were interrupted in their bombing when Megatron, both obviously unhurt and seriously pissed, erupted from the rubble. Blitzwing, giving up on apologies, tried to actually fight "the Big Meg". This didn't end well. Infiltration issue 5

Apparently, Megatron forgave Blitzwing for the attempted coup (after nearly destroying him in Nebraska), as he was seen working alongside the Decepticon leader in their Russian operation a few weeks later, his tank form playing a key role in the plot. He showed the power to cloak himself and had a chance to take out Optimus, Escalation issue 3 but was blasted to bits by Optimus Prime's Roller drone. Escalation issue 4

He and the other Decepticons crapped themselves when Sixshot was called in and realized Megatron was losing it, but didn't dare tell him that — and so went with Astrotrain's plan to bring back Starscream to do it for them. Devastation issue 1 When the Reapers attacked, Blitzwing gave Megatron a very lame report on what was going on and tried to cover for an absent Astrotrain, Devastation issue 5 before joining the fight against the aliens. With Megatron now knowing they'd plotted behind his back, Blitzwing still optimistically tried to say "well, it all worked out, eh guys?" and might have been killed by Megatron if Starscream hadn't pointed out that Earth was now aware of them. Devastation issue 6

When the Decepticons defeated the Autobots on Earth and planned to feed them to the Swarm on Cybertron, Optimus Prime punched Blitzwing and stole his gun, which allowed him to seal the Space Bridge before the other Decepticons could follow. All Hail Megatron issue 7

One year later, Blitzwing participated in the massive Decepticon attack on New York City, joining the other flying Decepticons in repelling an attack by human fighter jets. All Hail Megatron issue 1 They then blew up the Brooklyn Bridge to prevent any humans from escaping. All Hail Megatron issue 2 Blitzwing later approached Megatron in Israel, worried about his leader going off on his own without any Mini-Cassettes to disrupt human missiles. Megatron replied that he needed some time alone, and that human weaponry was of no concern to him. All Hail Megatron issue 6 As the Decepticons returned to New York, Blitzwing witnessed Starscream incite a minor rebellion against Megatron. All Hail Megatron issue 10 He then fought back against European jets and the Autobots who had returned from Cybertron onboard Omega Supreme. All Hail Megatron issue 11 The Decepticon forces were defeated All Hail Megatron issue 12, and Blitzwing and the others fled into space on Astrotrain. Uneasy Lies the Head

The events of Spotlight: Mirage possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.

Blitzwing accompanied Starscream's small strike team to the Pegasus Star Cluster, hunting down the last pockets of Autobot resistance. Blitzwing and Astrotrain both attacked Optimus Prime after the mercenary Mirage destroyed the Autobot bunker's security system, allowing the Decepticons in, but was swiftly defeated by Hound. He held Optimus Prime back when Mirage prepared to carry out Megatron's order to kill the Autobot prisoners. Spotlight: Mirage

Toys

Generation 1

Transforms from back-to-front tank to unflyable plane to feetless robot and back!

• Blitzwing (Triple Changer, 1985/2005)
  • Japanese ID number: 43, TFC-17
  • Accessories: "Gyro-Blaster Rifle", "Electron Scimitar", 3 "Concussion Missiles"

Originally a Diaclone toy (the only Transformers Triple Changer who had a previous Diaclone release), Blitzwing can transform from robot mode to two different vehicle modes; a Soviet MIG-25 fighter jet or a Japanese Type-74 assault tank. Like most G1 toys, he has little or no articulation in robot mode, with only his arms being able to move up and down a little. Although he does have a swivveling turret and deployable front landing gear in his vehicle modes.

Originally released in 1985, he was re-issued two decades later in Takara's "bookbox" Transformers Collection series, despite being included in the instruction manual, the rub face decal was no where found on this version.

All US versions had the spring-loaded missile launchers severely weakened. The Japanese releases, however, kept the full-strength launching mechanisms.

This mold was returned to its Diaclone coloration and re-released in 2005 as Overcharge, an e-Hobby exclusive.

Merchandise

Decoy

• Blitzwing (1986)

Decoy Blitzwing is a small, purple, soft-rubber figure that came randomly packed with smaller carded toys.

Robot Heroes

German accent not included.

• Autobot Hound vs Blitzwing (2008)

A super-deformed Blitzwing sculpted holding his electron scimitar. He has articulation in his neck and shoulders and came in a two-pack with Hound.

Trivia

File:DBlitzFace.jpg

No feet, no face, no service.

• Blitzwing's earliest Diaclone artwork had him with a somewhat odd faceless head.

• Blitzwing's Tech Spec Bio has a probable typographical error on it which gives him the function of "Ground and Air Commander" at a rank of six. The actual function, which appears in other merchandise (such as the action cards) is "Ground and Air Commando".

• In the episode "Cosmic Rust" several of the Stunticons fit inside of Blitzwing in his jet mode in a similar way to how Decepticons usually go inside of Astrotrain in his shuttle mode. It would seem as though Blitzwing can mass shift to make his flying alternate mode large enough to fit other Decepticons the way that fellow Triple Changer Astrotrain often does.

The War Without?

• A Cybertronian battle scene from TV Magazine (reprinted in Transformers Generations) appears to depict (one of?) Blitzwing's original alt mode(s) as a double-barreled tank - a good decade and a half before he received a Cybertronian makeover in The War Within.

• The opening sequence of Season 3 features a large row of identical tanks that look suspiciously identical to Blitzwing's tank mode, before zooming in on the barrel of one particular tank. The reason for this is unknown.

• For a very large portion of his time in the Dreamwave comics, Blitzwing was Grimlock's personal punching bag. Ouch.

External links

• Blitzwing at TFU.info
• Blitzwing's Universe profile at NTFA.net