Decepticon Mini-Cassette: Difference between revisions

From MediaWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
← Older editNewer edit →
undoTerrortron (talk | contribs)
173 edits
Terrortron (talk | contribs)
173 edits
Terrortron (talk | contribs)
173 edits
→Toys: SG Slugfest
Line 108: Line 108:
*''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]
*''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]
*"Shattered Glass" [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]  
*"Shattered Glass" [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]]  
===Slugfest mold===
* [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]]
* "Shattered Glass" [[Slugfest (SG)|Slugfest]]


===Other molds===
===Other molds===
Line 113: Line 117:
* [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]], [[Redeco|redecoed]] from the [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] mold.
* [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]], [[Redeco|redecoed]] from the [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] mold.
* [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]
* [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]
* [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]]


===Fiction only===
===Fiction only===

Revision as of 07:10, 13 September 2012

This article is about the subgroup sometimes referred to as Recordicons. For the comic strip about them, see Recordicons{{#switch:{{#sub:Recordicons|-1}} != .= ?= .

}}



{{#if: Kup piece.gif |

}} | }}

{{ #if: You left a piece out! |You left a piece out!
|}}

This article is a stub and is missing information. You can help MediaWiki by expanding it. {{ #if: |{{ #if: |  |
}} talk page.|}}

{{#if: {{#if: rest of the fiction, up-top links and maybe short descriptions, toy section needs fleshing out|What's needed: rest of the fiction, up-top links and maybe short descriptions, toy section needs fleshing out |}}|{{#if: rest of the fiction, up-top links and maybe short descriptions, toy section needs fleshing out|What's needed: rest of the fiction, up-top links and maybe short descriptions, toy section needs fleshing out |}}|}}

{{#ifeq: ||}}{{#ifeq: |File|}}

The Decepticon Mini-Cassettes are a subgroup of Decepticons (and in a single case, a Predacon) from the Generation 1 continuity family.
Eject! Operation: Illustration.

The Decepticon Mini-Cassettes (also known as Spy Cassettes and Recordicons) are Decepticons (and in one case, a Predacon) who, on Earth, transform into analog audio cassettes. They can fit into Soundwave's chest compartment, though their apparent relationship to Soundwave varies depending on continuity.

Many of these troops have communication or espionage roles. Recycling of body designs is common among them as well.

In the days of Megatron, Decepticons developed the art of espionage using cassette technology.{{#if:|{{{quote2}}}}}{{#if:Teletraan II"Secret Files of Teletraan II"|Teletraan II{{#if:"Secret Files of Teletraan II"|, "Secret Files of Teletraan II"|}}|}}

Fiction

Marvel Comics continuity

For the most part, the Decepticon Mini-Cassettes did not appear to have a particularly special or unique relationship with Soundwave. Soundwave occasionally carried Laserbeak within his chest compartment, releasing him for surprise attacks. Warrior School!

More often, the Mini-Cassette troops used their small alternate modes for stealth, disguise and transportation by other characters. Rumble and Frenzy frequently hitched rides in the cockpit of the Decepticon jets, for example. DIS-Integrated Circuits! Ravage used his cassette form on several occasions to spy on humans. Power Play! Three of the cassette troops were taken out of play by Omega Supreme Command Performances! and remained inoperative for quite some time, while Ravage was dropped into a mine shaft by the Autobot Skids, Showdown! taking him out of play for even longer. Only Laserbeak remained operative, acting as a sort of totem of Decepticon leadership. Command Performances!

Ratbat assumed a cassette form upon traveling to Earth, and used this disguise to monitor his human accomplices. Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom

Cartoon continuity

The Transformers cartoon

The Mini-Cassettes acted as a sort of special-missions force, under the command of their host Soundwave. Soundwave could store numerous cassettes within his chest, at times ejecting as many as four at once. The Transformers: The Movie Call of the Primitives

Laserbeak was frequently sent to spy on the Autobots at Autobot Headquarters, once using his cassette form to sneak in. Divide and Conquer Ravage likewise used his cassette mode to infiltrate Teletraan I and steal information about Earth's resources. More than Meets the Eye, Part 2 Rumble was used more often to destroy stuff, though all three frequently engaged in battle.

The less-seen Buzzsaw and Frenzy also appeared on occasion, usually acting in conjunction with Laserbeak and Rumble, respectively. Countdown to Extinction Atlantis, Arise! The Immobilizer

Years later, Ratbat joined the cassette forces; like Laserbeak, he specialized in spy work and reconnaissance, particularly in tight quarters inaccessible to Laserbeak. Secret Files of Teletraan II

Some time after that, Overkill and Slugfest also joined Soundwave's troops. Call of the Primitives

Madman The Transformers comic

In the year 2001, Soundwave unleashed his army of new Mini-Cassettes to steal the Autobot Matrix of Leadership from a secure bunker at the construction site of Autobot City on Earth. They were interrupted during their excavation by Hot Rod, who successfully disabled Soundwave and his various helpers, retrieving the Matrix. The Transformers

Japanese cartoon continuity

Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers comic

Ravage attacked Kenji and Bumblebee in Tokyo while the rest of the Autobots were occupied by Megatron's forces. Powerglide managed to sweep Kenji to safety, but Bumblebee was then confronted by Rumble, Laserbeak and Ratbat as well. Bumblebee managed to evade the Cassettes long enough for Ironhide and Cliffjumper to arrive as back-up. Using a patented Bumble Kick, the small Autobot damaged Soundwave's chest compartment, so that when Ravage and the others attempted to hide from the Autobots inside their master, they bounced fruitlessly off of Soundwave. Cliffjumper was able to grab them while they were still in their cassette forms, pulling out their magnetic tape. Harsh. Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2

When the Stunticons attempted to frame the Autobots for their evil deeds, Rumble and Frenzy appealed directly to the human race for Decepticon support. Disguised in full-body cloaks and masks, they staged rallys against the Autobots and convince mankind that the Decepticons were their true friends. Their ruse was soon uncovered by Eject and Rewind, who ripped off the Decepticons' robes to reveal their true selves. Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #7

Scramble City cartoon

Scramble City: Mobilization


{{#if: Rad-sm.gif |

}} | }}

{{ #if: I want to tell you about the Transformers! |I want to tell you about the Transformers!
|}}

This character article is a stub and is missing information on their fictional appearances. You can help MediaWiki by expanding it. {{ #if: |{{ #if: |  |
}} talk page.|}}

{{#if: {{#if: | |}}|{{#if: | |}}|}}

{{#ifeq: ||}}{{#ifeq: |File|}}

The Headmasters cartoon

The Mystery of Planet Master Birth of the Fantastic Double PrimeThe Great Cassette Operation Terror! The Six ShadowsCybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1
The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears Return of the Immortal EmperorSOS from Planet Sandra
Battle for Defense of the False PlanetHead Formation of FriendshipThe Zarak Shield Turns the TideOperation: Destroy the Decepticons


{{#if: Rad-sm.gif |

}} | }}

{{ #if: I want to tell you about the Transformers! |I want to tell you about the Transformers!
|}}

This character article is a stub and is missing information on their fictional appearances. You can help MediaWiki by expanding it. {{ #if: |{{ #if: |  |
}} talk page.|}}

{{#if: {{#if: | |}}|{{#if: | |}}|}}

{{#ifeq: ||}}{{#ifeq: |File|}}

The Headmasters comic

As the Autobots prepared to leave Earth and pursue Scorponok's forces into space, Soundblaster of all the Decepticons stayed behind to continue tormenting humanity. He dispatched Overkill and Slugfest to attack the Witwickys but they were, um...overpowered by Daniel Witwicky. After Chromedome blasted Soundblaster into the distance, his remaining Cassettes crowded around the Decepticon tapedeck as he shook the stars from his eyes. The Headmasters #8

Dreamwave comics continuity

The origin of the Mini-Cassettes as a whole is unknown. Warriors like Laserbeak and Ravage were seen working with Soundwave in their standard capacity since the beginning of the war. The War Within The sole exception is Ratbat, who was once a high-ranking Decepticon, and the leader of his own independent faction during the Dark Ages. War Within: The Dark Ages At an unknown point in history, Ratbat was apparently converted into a Mini-Cassette as punishment for some unknown offense. Countdown to Extinction

Besides Ratbat, the Mini-Cassettes were sent into stasis lock with Soundwave and the rest of the Nemesis' crew for four million years on the planet Earth. They reawakened in 1984 to battle Optimus Prime and the crew of the Ark. Prime Directive When the Transformers eventually returned to Cybertron, the Mini-Cassettes went with Soundwave under the new command of Shockwave. After Starscream made a proposal to strike out on their own, however, they turned against Shockwave. Part of the deal was Starscream reuniting Soundwave with Ratbat, whom he had apparently already used as a Mini-Cassette in the past. The Mini-Cassettes returned to Earth with Soundwave and the Seekers. War and Peace Megatron eventually returned, reclaiming leadership from Starscream, with the help of Soundwave and the Mini-Cassettes. The Route of All Evil

After returning to Earth, only Rumble and Frenzy made express appearances. Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ratbat were presumably present inside Soundwave.

IDW comics continuity

Ravage, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw worked with Soundwave from the beginning as his minions.

Frenzy and Rumble were originally energon miners like Megatron. They were the first pre-Decepticons to hitch their wagons to the rising star of Megatron. Megatron had them reformatted into the Cybertronian equivalent of mini-cassettes in order to participate in a surprise attack on the Senate. They weren't entirely happy about it, but agreed out of fear and loyalty to Megatron. Squawkbox also participated in that operation.

It is unclear if Squawkbox was already a minion of Soundwave or if he was also reformatted for that purpose.

Senator Ratbat was Soundwave's boss up until the Decepticon uprising, at which point, Soundwave slagged him but preserved his spark in a Cybertronian mini-cassette. Megatron Origin

Much later, Squawkbox served on the same space station as Sixshot. Spotlight: Sixshot

Ravage and Laserbeak traveled with Soundwave to Earth while keeping an eye on Bludgeon. Buzzsaw, Frenzy, and Rumble were not seen during this period, but the possibility that Soundwave was keeping one or more of them in reserve cannot be ruled out. (You never really know who he has hidden in there.) It was at this time that Soundwave and at least Ravage and Laserbeak picked up 1984-era Earth alternate modes. Spotlight: Soundwave

Ratbat spent some time as a regular member of Earth's infiltration unit doing reconnaissance work. Devastation issue 1 He had a non-mini-cassete alternate mode.

Laserbeak, Ravage, Frenzy, Rumble, and Ratbat all participated in Megatron's full-scale invasion of Earth as Soundwave's mini-cassette minions. All Hail Megatron

Hearts of Steel

Soundwave, Ravage, Squawkbox, and Rumble and/or Frenzy were among the Decepticons who were awakened in eighteenth century Earth and took on alternate modes from that era. Hearts of Steel

It was not revealed what those alternate modes were, but textual notes in Squawkbox's concept art included in the trade paperback indicate that his "upper body transforms into a mechanical gorilla" and his "lower part transforms into mechanical eagle."

Shattered Glass


{{#if: Rad-sm.gif |

}} | }}

{{ #if: I want to tell you about the Transformers! |I want to tell you about the Transformers!
|}}

This character article is a stub and is missing information on their fictional appearances. You can help MediaWiki by expanding it. {{ #if: |{{ #if: |  |
}} talk page.|}}

{{#if: {{#if: | |}}|{{#if: | |}}|}}

{{#ifeq: ||}}{{#ifeq: |File|}}

Shattered Glass Dungeons & Dinobots Do Over Eye in the Sky Recordicons

Toys

Frenzy mold

Laserbeak mold

1984 cassette Laserbeak

Ratbat mold

Ravage mold

Universe Ravage mold

This is an entirely new-mold version of the character, still transforming from jaguar to a cassette compatible with G1 Soundwave / Blaster.

Slugfest mold

Other molds

Fiction only

Notes

  • This sub-group was called Decepticon Cassettes in the 1984 toy catalog, but Decepticon Mini-Cassettes in all subsequent catalogs.
  • The term "Spy Cassettes" was used in advertisements featured in the Marvel UK comics and an organizational chart in the Transformers Annual 1987, while "Recordicon" was used in a 1986 Diamond Transformers: The Movie stickerbook to describe Laserbeak. "Recordicon" has seen recent use in the Shattered Glass profiles for Ravage and Ratbat.
  • The term "Cassetticon" is an unofficial term that crops up amongst the fanbase.
  • The San Diego Comic-Con 2009 reissue of Soundwave refers to the cassettes as "Deployer" figures. The term "Deployer" had previously been used for the small animal-to-weapon figures from the Beast Machines toyline.
  • In "The Agenda", Ravage still has his cassette alternate mode, despite undergoing a complete rebuilding. He fits into a compartment on his ship.
  • In addition to being retconned as deployers, Soundwave's Transformers Hall of Fame bio also presented Ravage, Laserbeak and all of Soundwave's other partners as Mini-Cons. That'll rattle a few cages. [1]
  • The Hall of Fame bio also revealed that Laserbeak and Ravage are Soundwave's favorite partners. (It's okay, Wingthing, we still love you).

Foreign names

  • Japanese: Cassettron (カセットロン Kasettoron)
Retrieved from "https://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Decepticon_Mini-Cassette&oldid=751069"