Springer (G1): Difference between revisions
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===Foreign names=== | ===Foreign names=== | ||
*''Japanese:'' '''Sprang''' or '''Sprung''' (スプラング ''Supurangu'') | *''Japanese:'' '''Sprang''' or '''Sprung''' (スプラング ''Supurangu'') | ||
*''Mandarin:'' '''Tán Huáng''' (China 弹簧 "Springs"), '''Bǎi Zhàng Tiào''' (China 百丈跳 "Thousand-feet jump") | |||
*''French:'' '''Ricochet''' (Canada) | *''French:'' '''Ricochet''' (Canada) | ||
*''Hungarian:'' '''Szökkenő''' ("Springer") | *''Hungarian:'' '''Szökkenő''' ("Springer") | ||
Revision as of 18:22, 1 May 2014
| The name or term "Springer" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Springer (disambiguation). |
- Springer is an Autobot from the Generation 1 continuity family.
Springer is the archetypical action hero: great in a fight, unselfconsciously brave, confident, and always ready with a dead-pan sarcastic quip to lighten the moment. Someone you can depend on to ride in, save the day and be smug about it.
Though his easy self-confidence is one of his most notable features, actually being responsible for others weighs heavily upon his otherwise jocular personality. Nonetheless, Springer ascended to lead the Wreckers. He has twice been named as Rodimus Prime's successor to take the Matrix of Leadership and lead the Autobots, though neither one actually came to pass.
Springer combines the thrusting power of his legs with his retro thrusters to move rapidly through the battlefield, leaping tall structures in a single bound. Although he is quite speedy, he is not faster than a speeding bullet.
Fiction
Generation 1 cartoon continuity
The Transformers cartoon
- Voice actor: Neil Ross (English), Kenyū Horiuchi (Japanese), Willi Röbke (German, "Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1–4" and "Nightmare Planet"), Peter Musäus (German), Ulrich Bernsdorff (German, "Webworld"), Bernd Simon (German, "Fight or Flee" and "Ghost in the Machine"), Frank Muth (German, The Movie TV dub), Pierre Hatet (French, The Movie), Roberto Alexander (Spanish)
Springer was among the first Autobots to leap into the Battle of Autobot City in 2005. He helped Arcee transform the city into its heavily-armed, armored fortress configuration, and later used an oversized piece of artillery to bombard Devastator.
When Unicron made his existence known to the Autobots by destroying two of Cybertron's moons, Springer was among those who left Earth aboard a shuttle to stop the Chaos-Bringer somehow. The ship Springer was aboard crashlanded on the planet Junk, where a battle erupted between the Autobots and the native Junkions, during which Springer dueled with the Junkion chieftain, Wreck-Gar.
After arriving at Cybertron, Springer and the other Autobots wound up inside Unicron himself, where they desperately fought off Unicron's internal defenses. Luckily, just as one of the defensive claws was about to crush him, Hot Rod opened the Matrix of Leadership, destroying Unicron and becoming Rodimus Prime. Springer and the rest escaped the monster by driving out through its eye and into space. The Transformers: The Movie
A year later, Springer attended the first Galactic Olympics alongside his fellow Autobots. Unfortunately, the festivities were interrupted by an alien mercenary who turned the Olympic torch into a giant flash/smoke grenade, and then a battalion of Sharkticons attacked. Springer was able to douse the torch from the air, but by then, the attackers had already fled, having captured Ultra Magnus, Kup and Spike Witwicky. Springer immediately volunteered to track the escaped alien saboteur, and was joined by Arcee. They followed their quarry to his strange base ship, an asteroid-like spacecraft referred to as a "Rockeroid". The mercenary fled after misleading his pursuers into believing that the Decepticons were behind the attack, and Springer was fortunately able to pilot his ship (barely). Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1
Springer flew the Rockeroid to the distant planet Chaar, where he arrived just in time to save Rodimus Prime and Grimlock from being beaten to scrap by a mob of Decepticons. Later, a badly-damaged Rodimus prepared to pass the Matrix on to Springer in anticipation of his imminent demise. Fortunately, the Autobot leader did not die, but rather experienced the Cybertronian equivalent of a near-death experience, wherein his "life force" left his body to embark on a very trippy (and poorly animated) journey into the Matrix itself. Immediately afterwards, Springer participated in a daring rescue mission to save Ultra Magnus and the others from the Quintessons, only for the group's ship to get caught in the explosion of Quintessa. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2
Before long, they all wound up on Goo 8739B, where Springer was disassembled by the planet's mobile garbage disposal unit. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3 Fortunately, he was rebuilt and restored to life by the Junkions. As Rodimus contemplated the mysteries of the Quintessons, Springer advised the others to leave him alone, give him some room to think, and trust him not to do anything rash. When he found that Rodimus had scrambled his own circuitry to enter the Matrix, Springer expressed his disapproval to his commanding officer in a calm and respectful manner. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4
Springer and the others returned to Cybertron in time to defend against a major Decepticon offensive. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5
Sometime later, Springer, Perceptor, Grimlock and Skydive were on-hand when Optimus Prime miraculously returned from the dead, telling tales of how Rodimus, Arcee and an Autobot shuttle crew gave their lives against the Quintessons so that he could escape, and return to Cybertron. Springer eagerly jumped on the bandwagon to follow Optimus and the entire Autobot fleet to hunt down the Quintessons and avenge Arcee and his friends. Especially Arcee. He was on board the flagship when Rodimus and the others, alive and well, intercepted the fleet and stopped the Quintesson trap from being sprung. Dark Awakening
When a strange unidentified ship entered Cybertronian air space, Rodimus Prime sent Blurr and Springer out to rescue the occupant before he crash-landed. Inside, they found the long-lost Autobot Triple Changer known as Sandstorm, who now lived on a peaceful planet called Paradron which had just been invaded by the Decepticons. As the Autobots returned to Paradron to overthrow the Decepticon oppressors, Springer teamed up with Rodimus and Sandstorm to free the captive Paradronians. Fight or Flee
Springer and Ultra Magnus picked up an electromagnetic disturbance in a remote region of Cybertron, and drove out with Rodimus Prime to investigate. They were ambushed by a Predacon assassination squad, but all the Transformers were ambushed again by the Quintessons' latest toy: a device which turned the nightmarish dreams of Daniel Witwicky into physical reality. Springer and the Predacon commander Razorclaw were kidnapped by a massive dragon and flown off to an isolated castle. Tossed into the dungeon, Springer and Razorclaw met a princess being held captive by the dragon. Going with the flow, Springer took up her quest to defeat the dragon and return the princess to her father. Knight Springer and his faithful steed Razorclaw, whom the princess had promised gold as reward, escaped the dungeon and took up the search for the "magic lance" necessary to kill the dragon. Riding into battle atop the Predacon's back, Springer plunged the lance into the dragon's chest and then followed the yellow brick road back to his friends. Nightmare Planet
While on monitor duty on Cybertron, Springer and Blurr caught sight of Astrotrain on what appeared to be an attack vector. After the Protectobots shot him down, the Autobots learned his "assault" was just the latest in a series of recent events involving Scourge and Starscream's ghost, who had stolen the eyes of Metroplex and Trypticon for Unicron. Springer joined Ultra Magnus and the Protectobots on a spy mission to Unicron's head in order to investigate further, but they were violently repulsed by the Planet-Eater's internal defenses. Things got even more complicated once Scourge turned on his "partners" and reported to the Autobots that Unicron planned to use Trypticon's transforming cog to connect himself to Cybertron, and convert the entire planet into his new body. Luckily, Springer and the others were able to casually chuck plant energon explosives at the base of Unicron's head as he touched down, blasting him back out into space before he could connect with the planet. Ghost in the Machine
On a geological survey to uncover isidrite for their weaponry, Springer and the Autobots were attacked by Galvatron's forces, seeking the mineral for their own purposes. Luckily, Galvatron beat up most of his own troops for them, giving the Autobots a chance to depart. Webworld
When Perceptor finished construction of a new experimental power core for Cybertron, Springer used his helicopter mode to lower the core into place. Naturally, the Decepticons attempted to acquire the power core for themselves, but were led astray by their Quintesson "allies" who instead directed them towards the Hibernation Chamber of the Trans-Organics. Springer and the other Autobots caught up with the 'Cons just in time to find them in pitched battle with the unleashed Trans-Organics, including the massive and monstrous power-sapping Dweller. The Dweller drained the energy from its victims on contact, then placed them inside incubation tubes on its back. Wreck-Gar and three Sweeps were among its first victims. Springer valiantly scaled the creature and tore open its rear casing to free his friend and renew his series for another season. No good deed goes unpunished, though, for the creature had transformed Wreck-Gar into a vampiric extension of itself, an undead robot who drained energy from others to feed it back into the Dweller itself. Springer became a victim of the very robot he tried to save. Luckily, Perceptor was able to concoct a method of correcting their power imbalance, restoring Springer, Wreck-Gar and the other victims to normal. The Dweller was launched into space once it latched onto the power core, thanks to Perceptor's bizarre security measures which allowed him to jettison the entire unit with the pull of a lever. The Dweller in the Depths
Somewhere on Earth (it doesn't really matter where) a crime spree was raging, and the Autobots were called in to help. Springer lent his helicopter mode to rescue civilians trapped in burning buildings during a series of bombings. Springer, Arcee, Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime were called in by an anonymous tip that would be their "big break in the case". Springer laughed off the police chief when he suggested it might be a dangerous trap, but he stopped laughing when Victor Drath and "Old Snake" captured the Autobots inside of a minute. Not one to waste resources, Drath eliminated his enemies and developed powerful new weapons at the same time by converting the four Autobots' mental essence into synthetic organic forms. He ordered the organic material destroyed but, surprisingly, it seemed to form itself into four genuinely human bodies for the Autobots. Springer and the "Autobots" escaped Drath's thugs in the scrapyard where they were being disposed of, and sought cover in a nearby shed. In the sort of plot contrivance not revived until Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers years later, the Autobots found four matching jumpsuits inside, each perfectly replicating their individual color schemes. As a human, Springer faced some tough lessons, like shaving and dealing with sidewalk preachers.
After finding Drath's men test-driving the Autobots' now-inanimate bodies in the city, Springer ingratiated himself with the gang due to his ability to "pilot" the Autobot like a pro. The gang was set to infiltrate Autobot City inside their robot drones and then detonate Metroplex from the inside-out. After learning the plan, Springer carjacked himself (rescuing the captured Ultra Magnus in the process) and then flew to intercept the other Autobots before they reached Autobot City. Desperate to keep the Autobots from innocently letting their "friends" inside, Springer opened fire on Autobot City himself in order to force the Autobots to raise their defenses before the explosive-laden vehicles got too close. He succeeded in getting himself shot out of the sky, but at least Metroplex was put on alert and the bombing of Autobot City was stopped. Perceptor whipped up a reversal-transference doodad, and Springer and the others were returned to their rightful bodies. Only Human
After Galvatron's goons sabotaged the master power generator on Cybertron with anti-electrons, the Autobots began experiencing system irregularities. In Springer's case, he was attempted to fly Sky Lynx to the repair bay when he transformed in mid-air and crashed instead. The problem was eventually corrected, but surely Springer missed out on a good opportunity to tease Sky Lynx about tarnishing his "oh so perfect" flight record. Grimlock's New Brain
On a barren planetoid, Springer was fighting alongside Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Blaster against the Decepticons. They were pinned down in the trenches, waiting for "Commander Modesty" to arrive and lend some air support. Once he arrived, though, Sky Lynx and the other "primitives" on both sides were called into space by a signal only they could hear. Before either side could fully comprehend what had happened, a massive energy creature known as Tornedron arrived, draining them dry of their energy. Luckily, Grimlock and the primitives eventually managed to save the universe and undo the power loss suffered by Springer and the others. Call of the Primitives
During a skirmish in Japan, Springer was present when Rodimus temporarily reverted to Hot Rod. He and the other Autobots held off an attack by the Decepticons when Scourge briefly took control of them and the Matrix of Leadership. The Burden Hardest to Bear
The Headmasters cartoon
Alongside Sandstorm and Broadside, Springer was sent from Athenia to Cybertron in order to defend against a major Decepticon assault. Four Warriors Come out of the Sky The Triple Changers then travelled to Earth, where they helped Twincast sneak into Trypticon by keeping their Decepticon counterparts busy with a dogfight. The Great Cassette Operation
Marvel Comics continuity
Marvel UK The Transformers comic
Springer was a member of the Wreckers commando squad, originally meant (with the other Triple Changers) to substitute for Ultra Magnus in Operation: Volcano to fend off the Decepticon reinforcements while the other Wreckers dealt with Cybertron's deadliest. and could 'spring' forwards really far. Emirate Xaaron decided to the best way to convince Impactor that Springer, Broadside and Sandstorm were up to replace Magnus was by having them pretend to be Decepticons and beating the slag out of him. So that's more or less what they did. Except they had to gang up against him. While he was unarmed. And with an inhibitor claw on his back. Nonetheless they did impress the Wreckers leader, and quickly begun training in Debris. But even as Volcano began, there were still worries that the three newcomers might not be enough to replace Magnus. Ultimately, Volcano did not take place, instead being replaced by Impactor having half his head blown off by a nobody Decepticon. After blowing Macabre away, Springer and the Wreckers watched Impactor's life pass away. Evidently particularly impressed by Springer, Impactor chose him as his replacement to lead his motley crew.
He felt unworthy of the role and suffered from worries that he couldn't handle it, worries made worse when Kalis was overrun by the undead, the Wreckers were captured, and Springer had to face Impactor's zombie! Unable to blast his old comrade, Springer instead succeeded in getting Impactor's mind to resurface, allowing him to carry on to meet up with Ultra Magnus' team. Legion of the Lost! Alongside a host of allies, Springer helped end the zombie threat. Meltdown!
That done, it was time for the main mission: Take the Wreckers to Earth to face Galvatron. Unfortunately, by accident they found themselves sent by the space bridge to a human city, and the fight against Galvatron began causing major destruction and endangerment of human life. Springer quickly decided to take the fight out of the city, pretending he'd captured Galvatron's time-jump device and leading Scourge and Cyclonus away from the humans. Springer led the Wreckers back to Cybertron with the intent of returning for Galvatron later. Wrecking Havoc Unfortunately, that "later" was the Time Wars. Even with the support of the Decepticon Mayhem Attack Squad, the Wreckers were massacred, with Springer's order to retreat and fight a running battle doing nothing to stop the slaughter. However, Springer's heroism impressed Mayhem leader Carnivac so much he disobeyed his orders to kill the surviving Autobots; the two also saved each other's life during the battle. Time Wars
Left stranded on Earth, Springer and the other Time Wars survivors decided to band together as the eponymous Survivors after a proposal from Carnivac. Springer was originally reluctant but soon became the leader of that group too. Survivors! Carnivac eventually chafed under his leadership, whacked Springer one, and then left—right when the new Mayhems were arriving to kill him! Way of the Warrior Springer was convinced by the others to go to Carnivac's aid, but while Carnivac was saved, Catilla was killed. A Savage Place!
Earthforce
Springer wanted to wait for the Mayhem Attack Squad to make the first mistake before seeking vengeance for Catilla, but Carnivac couldn't wait. He set off on his own to enact his revenge. Without time to formulate a decent plan, Springer realized the Survivors would need raw numbers to defeat the Mayhems, and that meant dealing with Grimlock and Earthforce. Asking for help to save a Decepticon... Springer ruminated that Grimlock was likely to declare them all traitors on the spot. Wolf in the Fold! Still, they went to Earthforce, pledging the Survivors' allegiance in return for them helping rescue Carnivac. They were successful, and half the Mayhems were captured while the other half died at Carnivac's hands. Where Wolf? Soon thereafter, Springer led his men against Starscream, protecting a human oil tanker in the Gulf of Mexico. Divide and Conquer! Springer's final act as a member of Earthforce was standing around with Grimlock and Prowl as they coerced Irwin Spoon into removing the cerebro shell from Superion's brain. Inside Story!
Marvel UK future timelines
In 2008, Springer was briefly seen among a massive melee between the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron. The Legacy of Unicron!
In one future, set in the year 2510, the war with the Decepticons finally came to a conclusion. Springer led his Wreckers into battle in Cybertron's northern hemisphere, wiping out the last of the remaining Decepticon warriors. When Rodimus Prime officially declared the war over, he decided to nominate Springer to carry on the Matrix for him. Tragically, however, things wouldn't be that simple. A deep-cover Decepticon named Triton stirred up trouble at the meeting by declaring Ultra Magnus a better choice for the new Autobot leader. His antics led to a brawl between Springer's Wreckers and the Technobots, who favored Ultra Magnus. Although Triton was killed in the fight, it was too late: the war began again, this time with Autobot vs. Autobot. Peace
"Another Time & Place"
When Grimlock and the Dinobots rushed off half-cocked searching for a cure for Nucleon on Hydrus Four, it was up to the Autobots to bail them out of trouble when they were caught by the Decepticons. Working with a small group (including Prowl, Nightbeat, Ironhide and Blaster), Springer caught the Decepticon Fangry alone and pulled him into the sea. Before he could fight back, Springer used a thermal knife to amputate both of his arms, leaving the Headmaster helpless against his Autobot attackers.
Cold, Springer. Awesome, but cold. Another Time & Place
Generation 2
When the Cybertronians ambushed the Autobots on the planet Ethos, Springer was in charge of a squad consisting of former Wreckers buddies Inferno and Broadside, Inferno's buddy Smokescreen, and Ironhide. Although Springer warned his squad to stay close together, Smokescreen broke formation, resulting in his death and the injuring of Ironhide. Smokescreen's death caused Inferno to lose his temper, and he subsequently also died despite Springer's warnings. Escalation!
Springer later helped lay Sky Sniper mines on Earth, in preparation for a final stand against the coming of the Swarm. A Rage in Heaven!
Classics
Springer seems to be much more of a loner, never having been part of the Wreckers, and having mainly worked alone against the Decepticons until after Bludgeon's defeat on Klo. Fearing the end of the conflict that was so important to him, he was eager to sign on with Grimlock's crew.
Fifteen years after the Autobot/Decepticon war ended on Klo, Springer was head of security under Substitute Commander Ultra Magnus aboard the Graviton as it tracked Bug Bite to Earth. Springer was looking forward to seeing Grimlock again. Once on Earth, Springer and Ultra Magnus were spying on a meeting between the Decepticons that had followed Bludgeon and those that had thrown their lot in with Starscream. After observing Mirage get captured and Bug Bite using modified cerebro-shells to control some of the assembled Decepticons, they withdrew. Later using modified cerebro-shell jammers, Springer was part of the Autobot force that disrupted Bug Bite's meeting with Megatron. The disrupted meeting led to Decepticon firing on Decepticon and in the chaos that followed, Springer disabled the Decepticon computers, allowing the raiding party to withdraw with a rescued Mirage. Games of Deception
Later, Acid Storm, Drag Strip, and Overkill were waiting on a dusty planet when Springer's rogue team of Autobots attempted to hunt them down. At Fight's End
Regeneration One
Springer interrupted Kup's holographic training session (just before Kup would have been defeated by Megatron) to tell him that the Skyscorchers were holed up in the Pax Cybertronia Decommissioning Depot, where they feared they would detonate cobalt-60 warheads. Though disapproved by Optimus Prime, Springer and the Wreckers invaded the facility and captured the Deluxe Insecticons, saving countless lives. The Wreckers joined Kup in his quest to help the other planets affected by the Great War, and travelled to Earth, hitching a ride aboard the Cosmic Carnival. Unfortunately they learned the entire planet had been devastated, and were summarily blown out of the sky by nuclear missiles, launched by Megatron. Loose Ends #1
Using escape pods, they crash-landed on Earth. To send a message of their findings to Cybertron, Springer and the Wreckers targeted the Deep Space Network. While Sandstorm, Leadfoot and Roadbuster drew off most of the pursuing zombie-cons, Kup, Whirl and Springer made for the dish. When more pursuers appeared, Kup peeled off to deal with them, urging Springer and Whirl to get the message through. Loose Ends #2 After Rack'n'Ruin discovered and was attacked by Circuit Smasher, Springer and the other Wreckers quickly surrounded the super-human until a truce was reached. Circuit Smasher, a.k.a. Spike Witwicky took the Wreckers to Argus Base where they met with G.B. Blackrock. As they all discussed the fate of Earth and of Spike, they received a broadcast from Megatron holding Kup hostage—an obvious trap, but one that gave Springer an idea. Loose Ends #3
Springer took fellow helicopters Sandstorm and Whirl to engage Megatron's forces—knowing it was likely a suicide mission—to give the other Wreckers and Spike's team a chance to storm the Ark. After Springer was brought down by Starscream, Megatron told him that though killing has lost his appeal, he occasionally must use it to teach a lesson. Before Megatron could follow through, Optimus Prime and his team arrived. Loose Ends #4
Prime commanded Megatron to let Springer go, but the Decepticon leader coldly executed him, sending Prime into a furious attack. Loose Ends #5 Kup was very upset over Springer's death, and blamed his death on Optimus's inaction. Natural Selection #1
Sticker Adventures
Springer was one of four Autobots working on mapping the universe when their shuttle is hit by a meteor. Forced into an emergency landing on the Junk Planet, they were attacked by Junkions until Hot Rod & Kup arrived to save their skidplates. Battle on the Junk Planet
3H comics
Not long after the signing of the Pax Cybertronia, the Wrecker Springer attempted (fruitlessly) to cheer up Arcee, who had become severely depressed following the death of her surrogate son and Headmaster companion Daniel Witwicky. Afterward, he and Hot Rod, now called simply "Rodimus", both checked out and later underwent the Maximal Upgrade. Departure
Dreamwave Generation One continuity
After Optimus Prime disappeared along with Megatron in a test of the space bridge, Fragmentation Springer broke off from the Autobot army and formed the Wreckers. Springer was leading the Wreckers into an investigation of the Tagan Heights Industrial Quadrant East, but they were discoved by Ratbat, who unleashed Devastator upon them. Springer, alongside his fellow Wreckers, attacked the Ultracon Combiner but ended up tangled in cabling. This gave Ratbat the chance to gloat at Springer. Once news of Devastator aligning with the Ultracons reached Hot Spot and the Protectobots, they moved in to aid the Wreckers, combining into Defensor and battling Devastator. Escalation
Freed in the confusion, Springer leapt at Ratbat, screaming at the Ultracon leader for violating the Crisis Intervention Accord. The Combiner teams were downgraded from combat status and monitored for a reason. Ratbat mocked Springers newfound concern for treaties. Springer stated that there's enough destructive potential in the Tagan Heights to knock Cybertron out of orbit, and an accident in the Combiner throwdown would light the fuse. A stray blast from Defensor in fact, did just that. Springer chastised the Protectobots for taking such a huge risk. The Protectobots vacated the area leaving Springer alone against the Ultracon Combiner. Fortunately, the individual Protectobots managed to overload and defeat Devastator, saving Springer. Devastation
Millions of years later, after the Great Shutdown, Springer, together with Hot Rod and Blurr, spotted a Decepticon shuttle emerging from transwarp over the Wastelands of Cybertron. Cold War Springer reported to Optimus Prime that the situation in Iacon had become worse and that the Guardian robots had been reactivated. Passive Aggression Whilst fighting the Guardian robots outside of Shockwave's fortress, Springer saw the matrix fire a beam of light towards an unknown entity. Countdown to Extinction
Later still, whilst Hot Rod and Kup were training, Springer took the opportunity to hang out with Arcee on Landing Platform A as they observed Prowl and his group of Autobots heading back to Earth.Lost and Found
G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers continuity
Springer accompanied Sandstorm in searching for a missing team of Autobots and G.I. Joes. However, their radars were jammed by Serpent O.R., so their search was fruitless. The Art of War #3
IDW Generation 1 continuity
During the rule of Zeta Prime, Springer was a member of Ultra Magnus's security force. Once they learned that Zeta was draining civilians of their energon, they turned on him and helped Orion Pax and the Decepticons overthrow him. Overthrown The Decepticons then betrayed the Autobots and imprisoned them, but Springer managed to get his hands on a gun, break out together with his cellmates, and join some other escapees in the search for Orion Pax. Once they found him, they were shocked to learn that he had acquired the Matrix of Leadership and become Optimus Prime. Rise Alongside many other Autobots, Springer rallied behind the new Prime and helped chase the Decepticons out of Iacon. Endgame
Springer acted as a security guard at Starsreach Spaceport during the mass exodus of neutrals in the early days of the war. Massacre Some time later, he participated in a battle that the Autobots couldn't win. Ironhide suggested they counter-attack from the west, but the young Autobot leader realised that it was a trap,and advocated falling back to Polyhex. Optimus was proven right when Springer, acting as aerial support, spotted Trypticon arriving to the west. Old Ways
Early in the war, Springer had a simple view of the war: the Autobots were the good guys, the Decepticons were the bad guys, and the Autobot Code was a way of life. Years of fighting changed him, however, as he stopped seeing everything in black and white and realized being a decent 'bot was only holding him back. After witnessing Wrecker leader Impactor single-handedly bring down a Decepticon shuttle, he was inspired to sign up as a Wrecker reservist. Later, as he was working with the Heliobots in the Toxic Sludge Swamps, Impactor approached him in the midst of battle to recruit him. Zero Point Dead Men's Boots
A member of the Wreckers' 17th lineup, Springer became Impactor's first officer and began seeing him as an older brother. However, as the war grew more violent and dirty, so did the Wreckers, and they began breaking more and more rules of war. Springer convinced himself that it wasn't his problem if he wasn't the one doing it, but as time went on he became desensitized and began intervening less and less. Unlike the others, Springer's moral compass required him to have an excuse for killing Decepticons, so before the final showdown with the Wreckers' Decepticons counterparts Squadron X, he had to pump himself up by telling stories of all the crimes they had committed. The other Wreckers thought this only served to make Impactor even more unstable than he already was. Zero Point
The Wreckers' rivalry with Squadron X came to an end on the planet Pova, where they found themselves in a bad way after Springer was trapped under some collapsed rubble. Despite Springer's pleas, Impactor used his own body as a shield against Squadron X's advancing troops, firing through it. This helped turn the tide, and the Wreckers rounded up all of Squadron X for transport offworld. Unfortunately, Impactor snapped when Prowl told him that Pova was neutral territory, and that he was ordered to set them free or else the Autobots would face diplomatic repercussions. Impactor locked himself in their ship, and as Springer tried to break through the door, personally executed every member of Squadron X while they were restrained. Last Stand of the Wreckers #5
Horrified by Impactor's actions, Springer reported him to Autobot High Command as soon as he got the chance. Before the trial took place, Springer was visited by the other Wreckers, each believing they were alone in approaching him. They all pleaded with him that they hadn't seen Impactor's murders coming and were worried that High Command might shut down the Wreckers because of them. Springer promised to testify that they had nothing to do with it and to become their new leader once everything was over. Zero Point
Springer testified against Impactor through Aequitas, and the disgraced Wreckers leader was sentenced to be imprisoned on Garrus-9. A cover story for what happened on Pova was released which involved Springer suggesting Impactor fire through his torso and Squadron X later escaping their restraints, necessitating their execution. Last Stand of the Wreckers #4 As Impactor was dragged to his cell, Springer told his former commander something he didn't want to hear, something he would dwell upon for the length of his incarceration: Squadron X deserved to die for their crimes, but Impactor didn't have the right to kill them. Last Stand of the Wreckers #5
Years later on the planet Varas Centralus, Springer, now commander of the Wreckers, was coordinating the counter-offensive against a Phase Six Decepticon siege bunker when he got the call from Optimus Prime that Thunderwing might be active again on Cybertron. Pulling the Wreckers out of Varas Centralus, Springer was of the opinion that if Thunderwing was still alive, they should nuke Cybertron and take the monster with it. Stormbringer #2 After Nosecone and Afterburner were rescued, the Wreckers prepared to breach Bludgeon's cultist lair at Thunderhead Pass. Springer tried to persuade Optimus Prime from joining the battle, but the Autobot leader was not to be deterred. After routing the cultists, a new problem arose: Thunderwing, sent off to wreak havoc on Nebulos, was returning. Stormbringer #3 The Wreckers gave it their all against Thunderwing, but were seriously outmatched, with Springer's rotors being destroyed by the monstrous titan. As Thunderwing bore down on him, unexpected help came from the Decepticon battleship Thanatos, and the combined efforts managed to stagger the giant, forcing it to draw more Ultra-Energon from the environment, whose side effects eventually forced it to shut down. Stormbringer #4
Not long thereafter, Springer excused himself from actively leading the Wreckers when he heard his old mentor Kup had finally been found, after being MIA for some time. Rescue conditions were hardly ideal, however: the planet the old warhorse was stuck on was permeated with highly unstable energy crystals which produced massive amounts of debilitating radiation and a single spark might set off an explosive chain reaction that would destroy the planet. Kup, meanwhile, had somehow survived exposure to this environment, yet had gone over the brink of madness, attacking the Autobot teams that beamed down to retrieve him because their thick radiation armors made them appear monstrous to his eyes. Despite these complications, Springer insisted rescue efforts continue, even after many Autobots were destroyed in the attempt. Finally, Trailbreaker arrived as a defensive specialist, and used his force field to block the radiation and get Kup to recognize him. Kup was brought in for repairs, and Springer returned to the Wreckers. Spotlight: Kup
Later, Springer, along with Autobots across the galaxy, watched an Autobot news report heralding the miraculous return of Blaster. Spotlight: Blaster
When the denizens of the Dead Universe stepped up their plans to merge the living and unliving universes together, Springer and the Wreckers were called in once again to battle Thunderwing when he was found guarding a cave on planet Corata-Vaz. Spotlight: Hardhead They didn't have much luck. Spotlight: Doubledealer However, once Jetfire managed to take control of Thunderwing, Springer and the Wreckers snuck past it and into the cave to retrieve one of the Nega-Cores, which were crucial to the Dead Universe plans. Unfortunately, as they were doing so, Jhiaxus regained control of Thunderwing, and the Wreckers were forced to hold the line until the Nega-Core could be removed and deposited back into the Dead Universe via a portable space bridge. Spotlight: Sideswipe
Springer was making regular trips to the Ark-17 to check up on Kup, but one day found that the old warrior had been transferred to the Kimia Facility without his knowledge. Filled with rage, Springer traveled to the facility and delivered an uppercut to Prowl's chin, only to learn that Kup had been fully repaired using Pretender technology. While he was skeptic at first, Springer's spirits were soon lifted when he got to meet the rejuvenated Kup. Everything in Its Right Place
Led by Kup, Springer later helped rescue a number of Wreckers who had been captured by the Decepticon Turmoil. Following this mission, Springer and his fellow Wrecker Roadbuster joined Kup's personal strike force on board the starship Trion. He argued against letting Drift into the team, but Kup felt that everyone deserves a second chance. Spotlight: Drift Shortly afterwards, the team caught a distress call from Hot Rod, who was being chased by Decepticons. Kup's team went to his aid, but unfortunately their opponent was the abominable Monstructor, who melted Springer's rotor blades with acid. Eventually, the giant was toppled by Perceptor's new sniping skills. Lost & Found
While chasing the Decepticon cruiser Torment, the Trion was lured into a trap and shot down above the planet Cybertron. The crew was "bonded" with the ship at the time, and Springer refused to disconnect from the doomed vessel as he attempted to steer it into a crash landing. He succeeded, and later met with another Autobot unit that had also ended up on the abandoned planet. Kup's team decided to show the others how badass they were, a showcase which ended with Springer being wrestled to the floor by Jazz and his weapon being used to hold Kup at gunpoint. All Hail Megatron issue 5 After this little show of force, the two groups teamed up to fight off the Insecticon swarm that was inhabiting the planet along with them. All Hail Megatron #6
When the Autobots relocated to another base, Springer participated in the caravan in his ground vehicle mode. All Hail Megatron #7 At the new base, Springer helped set up a large defensive cannon to use against the incoming swarm. All Hail Megatron #9 Despite Springer's best use of fisticuffs, the Autobots were overrun by the thousands of Insecticons, and only saved by the intervention of Omega Supreme. All Hail Megatron #10 Omega took everyone to New York City on Earth, where Megatron and his forces were located. During the great battle, Springer shoved his knee hard in Viewfinder's abdomen. All Hail Megatron #11
Springer had medics at key facilities look out for messages from Agent 113, a spy in the Decepticon Justice Division with a unique way of sending reports. One of these medics was First Aid, who contacted him when Agent 113 reported the Decepticon occupation of Garrus-9. Bullets After Megatron's defeat on Earth and the general collapse of the Decepticon war effort, Prowl formulated a desperate plan to use the Wreckers to retake Garrus-9 from the Decepticons and retrieve the potentially damaging war criminal trial data from supercomputer Aequitas. Springer began recruiting new members into the Wreckers, noting with irony that he had now assumed Impactor's role, though the main difference was Springer offered the potential recruits a choice, and sometimes they said no. Dead Men's Boots
On Ultra Magnus's ship Springer introduced himself to the new team members: Rotorstorm, Ironfist, Pyro, and Guzzle. He told them that their first mission was to clean up Garrus-9 and warned them that their first day as a Wrecker could be their last. When Ironfist fainted, Springer felt he needed to keep an eye on him. Afterward he spoke with Kup and shared thoughts about Impactor until Ultra Magnus called for him to return to the bridge. He arrived just in time to see a Decepticon starship explode, revealing the former Wrecker. Last Stand of the Wreckers #1
Once Impactor was aboard, Springer asked him how he got out of Garrus-9. After hearing Impactor's tale of escape and the revelation that infamous Overlord was now the death camp warden, Springer felt that the mission was finally getting interesting. He then shared words with Impactor about the incident on Pova. Impactor stormed out, but Springer still felt it would be a good idea to use him on the team. Ultra Magnus then relayed something that Prowl wanted done, but only revealed the name: Aequitas.
While nearing Garrus-9 orbit, Springer assisted Ultra Magnus with the mission briefing. He outlined the mission, dividing them into two teams to penetrate the lattice forcefield via drop pods. He took control of one of the pods before relaying control over to Rotorstorm for a simultaneous hit against the forcefield. Once through the pod came under instant attack, but Springer managed a crash landing. Last Stand of the Wreckers #2
Upon planetfall, Springer's team ran from an oncoming horde of Decepticons. He took a look at Twin Twist's wounds while Guzzle, Kup, and Impactor held off the Decepticons. Springer ordered Guzzle into tank mode to bring down the ceiling, granting them an moment's reprieve. He then sent Kup and Guzzle to get backup while Twin Twist drilled through the floor. He drilled into an open area, but was saved by Springer, who jumped through and quickly transformed into helicopter mode. On the ground they found the demolished remains of Kick-Off, but Twin Twist warned them that they had just set off a defense mechanism. Springer attempted to escape but was zapped unconscious, ending up in Stalker's Spark Extinction Chamber. Last Stand of the Wreckers #3
Springer came to after a torturing round from Stalker and began arguing with Impactor about the events that led to the former Wreckers command to be imprisoned on Garrus-9. Springer expressed the desire to forgive Impactor and himself for what happened on Pova, but this couldn't happen until Impactor admitted that what he did was wrong. They were interrupted by the return of Stalker, who had retrieved his latest instrument of torture, the endoscopic claw. After Twin Twist died as a result of Topspin's sacrifice to activate Aequitas, Stalker was about to move onto the others when help arrived in the form of Guzzle, Kup and Snare. Kup sprang Springer, who brought a quick end to Stalker with the torturer's own endoscopic claw. This respite didn't last long, as Overlord blasted through the wall having been radioed by Stalker. The large Decepticon simply asked if the Wreckers were ready, with Springer replying affirmative. Last Stand of the Wreckers #4
Oh, you know.
The battle with Overlord took the combatants to Garrus-9's roof, but it soon became apparent that Springer's team were fighting a losing battle. After Impactor was seemingly defeated, Ironfist, Perceptor and Verity arrived with a large rotary cannon for Springer to use that would supposedly turn the tide. The Wreckers commander emptied the massive weapon into Overlord, who at merely seemed annoyed at the attack, knocked the weapon away and tore Springer's face off. As he advanced on Ironfist, the diminutive Autobot detonated the payload of deterrence chips that the Springer had fired into Overlord, and Verity broke his will by revealing that Megatron had since died, robbing the insane Overlord of his obsessive desire to face the Decepticon leader in combat. After Impactor disabled Overlord, he refused to kill him, stating that it was not what Springer wanted. With G-9's liberation, Ultra Magnus took the survivors back to Earth, where Springer was still alive but on life-support, with Kup by his bedside. Last Stand of the Wreckers #5
Though his body was repaired, Springer was left in a coma due to a zero point, an affliction that kept his spark from moving through his body. After the liberation of Garrus-9, the comatose Springer was transferred to Debris, where he was left under the care of Roadbuster and Whirl. Zero Point Convinced their leader would never wake up, Whirl attempted to euthanize him using Roadbuster's Sparkeater weapon, but was caught in the act by Roadbuster and punished. Interiors At Rung's suggestion, Roadbuster began reading the Wreckers: Declassified datalogs to Springer in hopes that an emotional response might cause his subconscious to bypass the zero point. When he came to the complete lie of a datalog detailing Pova, Roadbuster gave up and chose to tell Springer the truth: the Wreckers had been glad to see Impactor kill Squadron X, and they had only asked Springer to lead them because they didn't want to be thrown in prison alongside him. Just as he went on to admit that Springer had still proven to be their greatest leader, Springer began showing signs of life again. Zero Point
Commercial appearances
- Springer featured in his own 1986 commercial alongside Wreck-Gar. In an animation sequence narrated by Optimus Prime and loosely based on the events of The Transformers: The Movie, Springer's shuttle is shot down over the planet of Junk, where he does battle with an aggressive Wreck-Gar (introduced by Megatron). Prime describes him as "the toughest of the Autobot Triple Changers".
Games
The Transformers (PS2)
- Voice actor: Phil Gibbon (English)
When Shockwave threatened the universe using Zel Quartz in 2010, Springer was one of the Autobots warriors who travelled back in time to 2003 to prevent Zel Quartz from ever being cultivated for use by Cybertronians. Separated from the rest of his team in the crash, he rejoined the present and future Autobots in their campaign after the first false lead for the quartz on Zel Samine. The Transformers
Transformers Legends
When Ultra Magnus, Kup and Spike were abducted by Skuxxoids during the Galactic Games, Arcee and Springer gave chase. Instead of finding the Skuxxoids, they caught up with Rodimus Prime, just as their leader was having a vision that the Quintessons were behind the kidnapping. Five Faces of Darkness: Part 1
Toys
Generation 1
- Springer (1986/1991)
- Japanese ID number: C-84
- Accessories: "Light saber" rotor blade, "laser" rifle
- Springer was one of three Autobot Triple Changers. He transforms from a robot to a futuristic armored car to a helicopter that doesn't look terribly different from the car. In robot mode, his articulation is limited entirely to his arms. His copter rotor blades snap together to form a sword.
- Very early releases of Springer had a die-cast metal chestplate which was then changed to plastic in subsequent releases. When he was released in the European Classics line in 1991, he retained the plastic chest.
Timelines
- Sold together in a bag with Huffer and their instructions, keys and bio cards, Timelines Springer is a Classics-themed BotCon 2007 attendee exclusive. A paint-heavy green and grey redeco of Cybertron Cybertron Defense Hot Shot, Springer transforms into a modified M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle. When Springer's Cyber Key is inserted into the back of the turret, the two gun barrels open up into dual (non-firing) missile launchers. Compartments on his shoulders and his thighs can also open up to reveal additional missile launchers. He also comes with a dagger that stows between his legs and sort-of acts as an exhaust pipe in vehicle mode; when he's in robot mode, the dagger can be hand-held via 5mm post, pegged into the front of his fist, or stored in a sheath on his leg. The same sheath can be used to store his Cyber Key in vehicle mode.
- Springer is assembled differently from the other uses of this mold. The panels covering the missile racks on each shoulder are swapped, finally following the assembly shown in the instructions.
- The mold was later used as Universe Roadbuster in the Target-exclusive Autobot Ambush Comic 2-Pack.
Universe (2008)
- Standoff Beneath the Streets (Voyager-Deluxe Comic two-pack, 2008)
- A Target-exclusive redeco of Cybertron Evac, Universe Springer transforms into a Eurocopter Dauphin rescue helicopter. His "energon blades"/rotor blades spin using a geared push-button, and become a spinning-blade weapon mounted on his robot mode's left arm. He has an adjustable winch, which retracts with the push of a button: this gimmick ends up on his right robot-mode arm. Inserting a Cyber Key into his back end (backpack in robot mode) swings around a pair of spring-loaded "plasma rocket launchers"/missile launchers. His (conveniently color-coded) red Cyber Key is unpainted, save for its silver Autobot symbol. He was available only with Ratbat.
- His packaging stock photography has both of his modes flipped.
- Packaging Springer with Ratbat is an homage to their rivalry in The Dark Ages. Likewise, Springer's deco is directly inspired by his color layout in The Dark Ages, down to the blue "cockpit" painted on his chest, and that he does not have three modes (yet). This connection is further enhanced by having Ratbat possess a humanoid robot mode and jet-like altmode. See above.
- In its first release in Canada, the set did not include a comic (in spite of the INCLUDES COMIC! marking on the package), and in the US, the set included the wrong comic. Instead of a reprint of "Target: 2006" parts 5 and 6, which was meant for the "Autobot Ambush" Deluxe-Voyager two-pack of Roadbuster and Dirge, the right comic was to be The Dark Ages issue "Escalation", which was similarly and erroneously included with the "Autobot Ambush" two-pack.
- This mold was also used to make Universe Blades and Timelines/Shattered Glass Galvatron.
Generations
- Autobot Springer (Deluxe, 2012)
- Accessories: Left & right missile launchers, two missiles, sword
- An Asian market exclusive, Generations Springer is a redeco and retool of Transformers Hunt for the Decepticons Tomahawk, with a new head and sword. He transforms into a slightly futuristic strike helicopter with a rotating camera array under its cockpit, sporting an amalgamation of features from both the Eurocopter Tiger and the ADH-02 Hellhound attack helicopter from Patlabor. He comes with spring-loaded missile launchers that mount under his wings. In robot mode, he is armed with "snapping pincers" on his right forearm, while his missile launchers end up over his shoulders. They can also be detached and held in his hands via 5mm post, or clipped onto the mini-guns on his wings or onto his forearms using the C joint system. The new sword can be held at the handle, or be held via the two Mini-Con-compatible posts on its hilt. The sword has no dedicated spot to store in either mode, and has to use the one of the mounting points on the wings where the launchers usually store, meaning one of these launchers has to mount via C joint instead.
- Springer was originally only to be released as part of a big block of toys developed exclusively for release in China and other Hasbro Asia markets. However, ToysЯUs picked up Springer as part of a massive group of Transformers exclusives for US market release, just in time for the 2012 holiday shopping season.
- The original version of this mold was retooled into Dark of the Moon Vortex, and redecoed (but with Vortex's head) into Timelines Spinister.
- Autobot Springer (Voyager, 2013)
- Series / Number: 02 / 001
- Japanese ID number: TG21
- Accessories: Dual missile launcher, two missiles, rotor blades/sword
- Part of the third wave of 2012-2013 Generations Voyager Class toys, 'Thrilling 30' "Autobot Springer" is based on Nick Roche's design of the character from Last Stand of the Wreckers, and is a Triple Changer, transforming into both an armored car and a helicopter. Yup.
- His helicopter rotors detach to transform into a sword that is held by his hands via 5mm post, and can store underneath his car mode. He also comes with a dual missile launcher that fires its two missiles in succession via a two-step pressure launch. The launcher features a jointed 5mm handle to allow it to pivot, and can mount underneath the helicopter cockpit. He has two 5mm ports on his back, the sword hilt has an additional post, and the launcher has additional ports at the top and bottom.
- The Japanese release of Springer features some differences in plastic colors, including a duller shade of yellow and a uniform silver color replacing the Western release's light and dark grays. He also has green feet.
Notes
- The Hasbro design team chose the Cybertron Evac mold for Universe Springer because the BotCon 2007 version already had the ground vehicle alternate mode of the original covered, and they wanted to give some attention to the original's helicopter mode.
- Fun Publications' Jesse Wittenrich used an unwanted Universe Springer to come up with Shattered Glass Galvatron.
- Springer's name comes from his ability to jump good. Jump real good. As you'd expect from someone who has a flying altmode, it's not an ability he uses much.
Foreign names
- Japanese: Sprang or Sprung (スプラング Supurangu)
- Mandarin: Tán Huáng (China 弹簧 "Springs"), Bǎi Zhàng Tiào (China 百丈跳 "Thousand-feet jump")
- French: Ricochet (Canada)
- Hungarian: Szökkenő ("Springer")
- Italian: Bora
- Russian: Sprinter (Спринтер)
