Wideload (Energon)

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

Wideload is a Decepticon combiner limb from the Energon portion of the Unicron Trilogy continuity family.

He could have survived if his brother Heavy Load hadn't joined in the bullying to protect himself. In the end, he felt he could be nothing but a leg. It's a tragedy they couldn't put on a kids show.

A weighty tome could no doubt be written about Wideload, an ancient warrior from Cybertron's deep past, but nobody really cares about him anyway. He is able to combine with team leader Steamhammer into the towering Constructicon Maximus.

Why was he so obscure? Were there bullies in primary programming who destroyed his self-confidence, ridiculing him for his name and awkward, deformed arm? Who can say?

Japanese name: Gren

Fiction

Energon cartoon

Shortly after awakening from their long slumber, Constructicon Maximus and Bruticus Maximus were ordered by Galvatron to pursue the fleeing Superion Maximus after the Autobot attempted to attack the Decepticon leader. Both combiners separated into their individual components and gave chase. They later pledged their allegiance to Galvatron, believing he was the future of Cybertron. Galvatron!

During a virtual training match between the Autobots and Decepticons, Wideload and the other Constructicon team members fought alongside the Destruction Team against Storm Jet and his Air Team. Both sides combined and clashed, with Superion Maximus losing the battle. However, they were quickly defeated by Optimus Supreme in the next round. Distribution

Wideload and the other Constructicon Team members eventually paid for their treachery during a final showdown with the Air Team. Bruticus Maximus and Constructicon Maximus double-teamed Superion Maximus, who held his own and destroyed Constructicon's spark before the Autobot was reduced to just Storm Jet. However, the ghost of Superion's brother appeared and destroyed Blackout, giving Storm Jet the chance to procure Constructicons's dead limbs (including Wideload) and recombined into Superion. Before Bruticus could recover, the Autobot pierced his spark, causing an explosion which engulfed them all. Spark

Wideload was never referred to by name, nor was he ever presented as a sentient, individual being. Most of his appearances were as the right leg of Constructicon Maximus.

Toys

Energon

File:Energonwideload toy.jpg

You're so fat, when you... uh... build a house, you... build around it?

• Wideload (Basic, 2005)
  • Team ID number: C2
  • Accessories: Energon claw, Decepticon-style energon chip

Wideload, identical in mold to his teammate Duststorm, transforms into a heavy-lifting mobile crane. He can also form a leg or arm to any Energon-series "Powerlinx Combiner" super robot, though his nominal placement is as the huge right boot of Constructicon Maximus. He comes with a giant "energon" claw, which can be wielded in hand or affixed to his boom, and a blue "super energon" Decepticon-style energon star.

This mold was used to make Classics Hightower and Long Haul.

• More information on Wideload at TFU.info

• Buildron (Gift set, 2004)
  • Japanese ID number: EX-01
  • Accessories: Energon claw, Decepticon-style energon chip

All five members of Constructicon Maximus were only available in Japan as part of a Toys "R" Us exclusive box set. The Takara version of "Gren" has some slight deco differences from the Hasbro one, mainly the use of lighter gray plastic for the wheels and robot shoulders.

• Comparison between Wideload and Gren at Autobase Aichi

Universe (2003)

• Wideload (Basic, 2006)
  • Accessories: Energon claw, Decepticon-style energon chip

Wideload was repackaged on a Universe-themed card and put on the shelves of discount chains. No mention of his combining ability is made on the cardback, likely because only some of the Constructicon Maximus components were made available in this fashion.