Dirge (G1): Difference between revisions
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:''Dirge is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].'' | :''Dirge is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].'' | ||
[[Image: | [[Image:G1Dirge_MTMTE.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Death comes to he who-- wait, no, death comes to ME. I've been saying that wrong this whole time."]] | ||
'''Dirge''' is a master of using fear as a weapon. Mournful, morose, and silent, his behavior gives even close comrades like [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] the creeps. Dirge actively cultivates this atmosphere; his engines are even tuned to generate fear in all who hear them. Few realize, however, that this need to instill fear is part of an overwhelming need for control over his own situation. Should things spiral out of control, Dirge falls victim to paralyzing fear himself and his usefulness as a warrior vanishes. | '''Dirge''' is a master of using fear as a weapon. Mournful, morose, and silent, his behavior gives even close comrades like [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] the creeps. Dirge actively cultivates this atmosphere; his engines are even tuned to generate fear in all who hear them. Few realize, however, that this need to instill fear is part of an overwhelming need for control over his own situation. Should things spiral out of control, Dirge falls victim to paralyzing fear himself and his usefulness as a warrior vanishes. | ||
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Dirge was on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] serving under [[Straxus]] when contact was first made with the long-lost [[Earth]]bound Decepticons. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}} After Straxus's death, Dirge and his fellow "coneheads" were the second team of Decepticons to travel to Earth via the [[space bridge]]. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}} [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had instructed that their jet modes be altered to resemble "Terran craft" which had previously been seen in a [[G.B. Blackrock|Blackrock]] aerospace plant under [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] control. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} | Dirge was on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] serving under [[Straxus]] when contact was first made with the long-lost [[Earth]]bound Decepticons. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}} After Straxus's death, Dirge and his fellow "coneheads" were the second team of Decepticons to travel to Earth via the [[space bridge]]. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}} [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had instructed that their jet modes be altered to resemble "Terran craft" which had previously been seen in a [[G.B. Blackrock|Blackrock]] aerospace plant under [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] control. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} | ||
[[image:Dirge_DeathSerpentor.jpg|thumb| | [[image:Dirge_DeathSerpentor.jpg|thumb|left|200px|He couldn't even kill Duke, but he wasted ''you?'']] | ||
Their mission was to defend a giant drill that would bore through [[Hoover Dam]] and siphon the Colorado River through the space bridge to the waterless Cybertron, where Decepticon turbines would generate "enough energy to power Cybertron for years." But just as the drill began its work, the [[Aerialbot|Aerialbots]] intervened. Dirge found his fear-inducing ability was particularly effective against the acrophobic [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], but the other Decepticons fared poorly enough that a retreat was eventually called. | Their mission was to defend a giant drill that would bore through [[Hoover Dam]] and siphon the Colorado River through the space bridge to the waterless Cybertron, where Decepticon turbines would generate "enough energy to power Cybertron for years." But just as the drill began its work, the [[Aerialbot|Aerialbots]] intervened. Dirge found his fear-inducing ability was particularly effective against the acrophobic [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]], but the other Decepticons fared poorly enough that a retreat was eventually called. | ||
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The explosion tore Dirge apart, and he wouldn't be seen again for years.{{ - }} | The explosion tore Dirge apart, and he wouldn't be seen again for years.{{ - }} | ||
====Generation 2==== | ====Generation 2==== | ||
[[image:Dirge_DeathSwarm.jpg|thumb| | [[image:Dirge_DeathSwarm.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Death by [[Furmanism]].]] | ||
Dirge reappeared among the Decepticon forces just long enough to sacrifice himself futilely against the [[Swarm]], self-destructing alongside [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]. Moments later, Megatron showed up with the [[rheanimum]] that could have saved him.{{ - }} | Dirge reappeared among the Decepticon forces just long enough to sacrifice himself futilely against the [[Swarm]], self-destructing alongside [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]. Moments later, Megatron showed up with the [[rheanimum]] that could have saved him.{{ - }} | ||
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:''(<b>Note:</b> This series follows from Marvel G1 but disregards the UK and G2 comics.)'' | :''(<b>Note:</b> This series follows from Marvel G1 but disregards the UK and G2 comics.)'' | ||
[[image:Dirge_DeathTimelines.jpg| | [[image:Dirge_DeathTimelines.jpg|left|150px|thumb|You only get so many do-overs, pal.]] | ||
While the war seemingly ended with [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon's]] defeat at [[Klo]], Megatron was quietly gathering the remains of forgotten Earthbound casualties and rebuilding them. Dirge was among his resurrections, but the Seeker chose to follow the exiled Bludgeon instead.<ref>[[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s bio card</ref> This would prove an unfortunate choice, as Dirge soon ended up in the [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shelled]] thrall of [[Bug Bite]]. | While the war seemingly ended with [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon's]] defeat at [[Klo]], Megatron was quietly gathering the remains of forgotten Earthbound casualties and rebuilding them. Dirge was among his resurrections, but the Seeker chose to follow the exiled Bludgeon instead.<ref>[[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s bio card</ref> This would prove an unfortunate choice, as Dirge soon ended up in the [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shelled]] thrall of [[Bug Bite]]. | ||
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:''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (US), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japan) | :''Voice actor:'' [[Bud Davis]] (US), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japan) | ||
[[image:DinobotIslandPt2-Dirge.jpg|thumb| | [[image:DinobotIslandPt2-Dirge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Not a good start, is it?]] | ||
Dirge appeared without explanation on Earth under Megatron's command a year or two after the [[Ark]]-borne Transformers awoke. His first notable activity was joining in a raid on [[Dinobot Island]], where he was eventually chewed on and thrown bodily by one of the time-lost dinosaurs. | Dirge appeared without explanation on Earth under Megatron's command a year or two after the [[Ark]]-borne Transformers awoke. His first notable activity was joining in a raid on [[Dinobot Island]], where he was eventually chewed on and thrown bodily by one of the time-lost dinosaurs. | ||
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Megatron said Dirge and the other two coneheads were "supposed to be the most powerful jets in the galaxy." {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}} But if Megatron was serious, then they certainly didn't do much to live up to that reputation. They were loyal enough troopers, participating in all the usual Decepticon mischief, but not much more than that. | Megatron said Dirge and the other two coneheads were "supposed to be the most powerful jets in the galaxy." {{storylink|The Girl Who Loved Powerglide}} But if Megatron was serious, then they certainly didn't do much to live up to that reputation. They were loyal enough troopers, participating in all the usual Decepticon mischief, but not much more than that. | ||
[[image:Dirge_DeathUnicron.jpg|thumb| | [[image:Dirge_DeathUnicron.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Turns out Unicron didn't have a secret weak spot in his mouth. Thanks for trying, though!]] | ||
Dirge's first apparent death was during [[Unicron]]'s attack on Cybertron in 2005. All three coneheads (or Seekers who looked like them) were seen flying into Unicron's mouth and exploding. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)}} However, Dirge soon turned up again in [[Carbombya]], hiding with Ramjet amongst [[Abdul Fakkadi|President Fakkadi]]'s air force. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} Fakkadi denied their presence to the Autobots, but [[Outback]] psyched the two Decepticons out by walking around the airfield with what he claimed was a "[[Decepticon detector]]." When the coneheads tried to escape, Outback used a smoke grenade to make them crash, then tore the location of [[Chaar]] out of them with his steely gaze. | Dirge's first apparent death was during [[Unicron]]'s attack on Cybertron in 2005. All three coneheads (or Seekers who looked like them) were seen flying into Unicron's mouth and exploding. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)}} However, Dirge soon turned up again in [[Carbombya]], hiding with Ramjet amongst [[Abdul Fakkadi|President Fakkadi]]'s air force. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} Fakkadi denied their presence to the Autobots, but [[Outback]] psyched the two Decepticons out by walking around the airfield with what he claimed was a "[[Decepticon detector]]." When the coneheads tried to escape, Outback used a smoke grenade to make them crash, then tore the location of [[Chaar]] out of them with his steely gaze. | ||
[[image:Dirge_toondeath.jpg|thumb| | [[image:Dirge_toondeath.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Maybe he shouldn't take his nitroglycerin collection everywhere with him.]] | ||
The two hapless Decepticons somehow escaped Autobot captivity, though, because they later participated in a full-scale assault on Cybertron. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}} They chose to strafe [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], who dispatched them both with well-timed punches that sent them careening into buildings. They exploded quite utterly (even Ramjet, who you'd think would be used to it). | The two hapless Decepticons somehow escaped Autobot captivity, though, because they later participated in a full-scale assault on Cybertron. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}} They chose to strafe [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], who dispatched them both with well-timed punches that sent them careening into buildings. They exploded quite utterly (even Ramjet, who you'd think would be used to it). | ||
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And yet they later appeared again on Chaar, failing to defend [[Trypticon]] against the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}} In fact, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] tried to execute the coneheads and the [[Battlecharger]]s for their inability to stop the wraith. But they were saved when Starscream possessed Trypticon himself and launched into space, Dirge and the others onboard. When they saw that Starscream was using Trypticon to connect Unicron's head to Cybertron, they sabotaged the dinosaur from within. It's unknown whether that got them back in Galvatron's good graces; this was their last appearance. | And yet they later appeared again on Chaar, failing to defend [[Trypticon]] against the ghost of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}} In fact, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] tried to execute the coneheads and the [[Battlecharger]]s for their inability to stop the wraith. But they were saved when Starscream possessed Trypticon himself and launched into space, Dirge and the others onboard. When they saw that Starscream was using Trypticon to connect Unicron's head to Cybertron, they sabotaged the dinosaur from within. It's unknown whether that got them back in Galvatron's good graces; this was their last appearance. | ||
[[image:Dirge_AlmostDeath.jpg|thumb| | [[image:Dirge_AlmostDeath.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Uncharacteristically AVOIDING death somehow.]] | ||
''<b>Note:</b> When [[Octane]] was seeking refuge in the Decepticon Crypt, he paused in front of a statue and said, "I know, 'Death comes to anyone who hides behind my marker.'" {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}} This may have been intended to be a reference to Dirge, who sometimes spoke that way. But the statue bore only a very vague resemblance to him, and he would appear prominently in [[Ghost in the Machine]], which had to take place afterwards. Plus it's highly unlikely the Decepticons would've been able to - or bothered to - erect the monument on Autobot-controlled Cybertron.'' | ''<b>Note:</b> When [[Octane]] was seeking refuge in the Decepticon Crypt, he paused in front of a statue and said, "I know, 'Death comes to anyone who hides behind my marker.'" {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}} This may have been intended to be a reference to Dirge, who sometimes spoke that way. But the statue bore only a very vague resemblance to him, and he would appear prominently in [[Ghost in the Machine]], which had to take place afterwards. Plus it's highly unlikely the Decepticons would've been able to - or bothered to - erect the monument on Autobot-controlled Cybertron.'' | ||
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===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comics=== | ===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comics=== | ||
[[image:Dirge_DeathArmada.jpg|thumb| | [[image:Dirge_DeathArmada.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Even in a new continuity, he can't get a break.]] | ||
An alternate version of Dirge appeared briefly as one of Unicron's heralds, along with [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], and Galvatron. He was blown up when [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] detonated the Decepticon headquarters that they had taken over. | An alternate version of Dirge appeared briefly as one of Unicron's heralds, along with [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], and Galvatron. He was blown up when [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] detonated the Decepticon headquarters that they had taken over. | ||
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: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''97''' | : ''Japanese ID number:'' '''97''' | ||
[[Image:G1Dirge_toy.jpg| | [[Image:G1Dirge_toy.jpg|left|thumb|Closet [[Conehead]] ]] | ||
: A [[retool]] of the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] mold, Dirge transforms into a modified F-15 fighter jet with different wings. The spring-loaded missile launchers were replaced with simplified non-firing... rifle barrels? | : A [[retool]] of the [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] mold, Dirge transforms into a modified F-15 fighter jet with different wings. The spring-loaded missile launchers were replaced with simplified non-firing... rifle barrels? | ||
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*'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007) | *'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007) | ||
[[Image:Classics_Dirge_Toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Conehead uncloseted.]] | [[Image:Classics_Dirge_Toy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Conehead uncloseted.]] | ||
: Dirge is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bugbite]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. He is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Ramjet toy, transforming into an f-15 fighter jet with customized wings. He also comes with two spring-loaded missile launchers that can mount on his biceps, under his wings, or be used as hand-held weapons. | : Dirge is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bugbite]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. He is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Ramjet toy, transforming into an f-15 fighter jet with customized wings. He also comes with two spring-loaded missile launchers that can mount on his biceps, under his wings, or be used as hand-held weapons. | ||
Revision as of 16:18, 4 September 2007
| The name or term "Dirge" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Dirge (disambiguation). |
- Dirge is a Decepticon in the Generation 1 continuity family.
Dirge is a master of using fear as a weapon. Mournful, morose, and silent, his behavior gives even close comrades like Ramjet the creeps. Dirge actively cultivates this atmosphere; his engines are even tuned to generate fear in all who hear them. Few realize, however, that this need to instill fear is part of an overwhelming need for control over his own situation. Should things spiral out of control, Dirge falls victim to paralyzing fear himself and his usefulness as a warrior vanishes.
True to his name, he tends to die a lot.
- French-Canadian name: Funébro
Italian name: Sparviero
Fiction
Marvel Comics continuity
Generation 1
Dirge was on Cybertron serving under Straxus when contact was first made with the long-lost Earthbound Decepticons. The Smelting Pool! After Straxus's death, Dirge and his fellow "coneheads" were the second team of Decepticons to travel to Earth via the space bridge. Aerialbots over America! Megatron had instructed that their jet modes be altered to resemble "Terran craft" which had previously been seen in a Blackrock aerospace plant under Shockwave's control. Brainstorm!
Their mission was to defend a giant drill that would bore through Hoover Dam and siphon the Colorado River through the space bridge to the waterless Cybertron, where Decepticon turbines would generate "enough energy to power Cybertron for years." But just as the drill began its work, the Aerialbots intervened. Dirge found his fear-inducing ability was particularly effective against the acrophobic Silverbolt, but the other Decepticons fared poorly enough that a retreat was eventually called.
When the Decepticons later allied with Cobra, Dirge was assigned to be an emissary among the humans. Ashes, Ashes... This would be unfortunate for the luckless Seeker. When Serpentor realized the Decepticons were going to destroy the Earth, he needed a token of conciliation to show the Autobots. So in the middle of a battle against Omega Supreme, Serpentor goaded Dirge into attacking the giant with everything he had. Serpentor then pressed a button in the cockpit of his own jet, "jamming" Dirge's "frequencies," which caused the Seeker's weapons to lock up and explode when he tried to fire.
The explosion tore Dirge apart, and he wouldn't be seen again for years.
Generation 2
Dirge reappeared among the Decepticon forces just long enough to sacrifice himself futilely against the Swarm, self-destructing alongside Nightbeat. Moments later, Megatron showed up with the rheanimum that could have saved him.
Timelines Classics
- (Note: This series follows from Marvel G1 but disregards the UK and G2 comics.)
While the war seemingly ended with Bludgeon's defeat at Klo, Megatron was quietly gathering the remains of forgotten Earthbound casualties and rebuilding them. Dirge was among his resurrections, but the Seeker chose to follow the exiled Bludgeon instead.[1] This would prove an unfortunate choice, as Dirge soon ended up in the cerebro-shelled thrall of Bug Bite.
When Bug Bite decided to try and subvert Megatron himself, Dirge was on the team accompanying him to Earth. Games of Deception As Bug Bite and Megatron confronted each other, the Autobots ambushed them, freeing many of Bug Bite's troops with a cerebro-shell jammer. It's unclear whether Dirge's shell was disabled, but the point is somewhat moot; Grimlock shot him in the chest, leaving him lying on the floor with extinguished optics.
Animated continuity
- Voice actor: Bud Davis (US), Keiichi Nanba (Japan)
Dirge appeared without explanation on Earth under Megatron's command a year or two after the Ark-borne Transformers awoke. His first notable activity was joining in a raid on Dinobot Island, where he was eventually chewed on and thrown bodily by one of the time-lost dinosaurs.
Megatron said Dirge and the other two coneheads were "supposed to be the most powerful jets in the galaxy." The Girl Who Loved Powerglide But if Megatron was serious, then they certainly didn't do much to live up to that reputation. They were loyal enough troopers, participating in all the usual Decepticon mischief, but not much more than that.
Dirge's first apparent death was during Unicron's attack on Cybertron in 2005. All three coneheads (or Seekers who looked like them) were seen flying into Unicron's mouth and exploding. The Transformers: The Movie (1986) However, Dirge soon turned up again in Carbombya, hiding with Ramjet amongst President Fakkadi's air force. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1 Fakkadi denied their presence to the Autobots, but Outback psyched the two Decepticons out by walking around the airfield with what he claimed was a "Decepticon detector." When the coneheads tried to escape, Outback used a smoke grenade to make them crash, then tore the location of Chaar out of them with his steely gaze.
The two hapless Decepticons somehow escaped Autobot captivity, though, because they later participated in a full-scale assault on Cybertron. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5 They chose to strafe Ultra Magnus, who dispatched them both with well-timed punches that sent them careening into buildings. They exploded quite utterly (even Ramjet, who you'd think would be used to it).
And yet they later appeared again on Chaar, failing to defend Trypticon against the ghost of Starscream. Ghost in the Machine In fact, Galvatron tried to execute the coneheads and the Battlechargers for their inability to stop the wraith. But they were saved when Starscream possessed Trypticon himself and launched into space, Dirge and the others onboard. When they saw that Starscream was using Trypticon to connect Unicron's head to Cybertron, they sabotaged the dinosaur from within. It's unknown whether that got them back in Galvatron's good graces; this was their last appearance.
Note: When Octane was seeking refuge in the Decepticon Crypt, he paused in front of a statue and said, "I know, 'Death comes to anyone who hides behind my marker.'" Starscream's Ghost This may have been intended to be a reference to Dirge, who sometimes spoke that way. But the statue bore only a very vague resemblance to him, and he would appear prominently in Ghost in the Machine, which had to take place afterwards. Plus it's highly unlikely the Decepticons would've been able to - or bothered to - erect the monument on Autobot-controlled Cybertron.
Find Your Fate Junior
Desert Flight This is a multipath adventure with no one fixed outcome.
Dirge is the Decepticon defending the anti-gravity base, striking fear in the Autobots. In one outcome, he succeeds in destroying Optimus Prime, only to be destroyed himself by the Autobot leader's final shot. In the end, Prime' sacrifice spurs the Autobots to fight on to victory! Some days, you just can't win.
Dirge is the most overpowering Decepticon in this story, but he can be defeated by a surprise attack. Alternately, if both Ramjet and Thrust are defeated, Dirge will retreat.
Dreamwave Armada comics
An alternate version of Dirge appeared briefly as one of Unicron's heralds, along with Scourge, Bludgeon, Thunderwing, and Galvatron. He was blown up when Jetfire detonated the Decepticon headquarters that they had taken over.
Toys
Generation 1
- Dirge( Decepticon Jet, 1985/2001/2004)
- Japanese ID number: 97
- A retool of the Starscream mold, Dirge transforms into a modified F-15 fighter jet with different wings. The spring-loaded missile launchers were replaced with simplified non-firing... rifle barrels?
- Dirge never had a full release in Japan, where he was only available as a mail-away in 1986 (for 1980 yen and 4 robot points), and at the 20th Century Toy Museum in 2001. He was also re-released in the US as part of the Toys "R" Us Commemorative Series.
- This mold was also used to make Ramjet, Skywarp, Sunstorm, Thrust, and Thundercracker.
Timelines
- Games of Deception! (Multi-pack, 2007)
- Dirge is part of the Classics-themed BotCon 2007 box set, along with Bugbite, Dreadwind, Thrust and Thundercracker. He is a redeco of the Classics Ramjet toy, transforming into an f-15 fighter jet with customized wings. He also comes with two spring-loaded missile launchers that can mount on his biceps, under his wings, or be used as hand-held weapons.
- As with most Classics toys, he features a heat-sensitive rubsign.
- There were 1500 Classics Dirge figures produced.
Merchandise
- Heroes of Cybertron
Trivia
- Simon Furman originally planned for Dirge and the other "coneheads" to appear and defend the Nemesis in the conclusion to Beast Wars, but this plot point was dropped due to time and budget constraints. Furman was so disappointed at his missed chance to use Dirge (whom he appreciated because he has a "...a cool doom-laden name"), that he chose the character to be one of Unicron's heralds in the Armada comic's "Worlds Collide" arc.
- The day after final colors were applied to the Timelines comic where Dirge apparently falls dead, colorist Drew Eiden found this article and noted to editor Pete Sinclair how ironic it was. Whether the comic was actually intended to continue Dirge's death-trend is unknown. (This was revealed by Eiden during the Collector's Club panel at BotCon 2007.)
Footnotes
- ↑ Classics Thundercracker's bio card
