Stormcloud (Energon)

This subject of this article goes by multiple names that apply to other articles as well. See Stormcloud (disambiguation), Vortex (disambiguation).

Stormcloud is a Decepticon from the Energon portion of the Unicron Trilogy continuity family.

File:Stormcloud 1232277268.jpg

My artwork says I'm a Major Stormcloud, but the caption of Alpha Trion disagrees.

Stormcloud is a member of the Destruction Team, five super-energon-powered military vehicles who combine to form the mighty Bruticus Maximus. Gifted with an awesome name, fit for the cover of one of the better heavy metal albums, he had no such destiny. No, his fate was to become a cloud—a cloud of ionized particles, that is.

Sometimes he is known as Vortex.

Fiction

Energon cartoon

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

When Six Shot pinpointed an Autobot signal on the planet's surface, Galvatron sent Constructicon Maximus and Bruticus Maximus out to investigate. The two combiners came upon Autobot refugees looking about the crashed Miranda II for survivors, and decided to have some fun by beating them up. Arcee and Kicker sped by to allow the Autobots to escape, and Bruticus Maximus split into Stormcloud and his other components to give them chase. They were unable to catch the pair, but came upon them again after the Omnicons had managed to clog up an energon pipeline, hindering the Decepticons' planetary defense grid. Bruticus Maximus assumed his combined form to gun them down, but was countered by the arrival of Optimus Prime and other Autobot reinforcements. Break Through

During a virtual training match between the Autobots and Decepticons, Stormcloud was part of Barricade's Destruction Team, fighting the Air Team alongside the Construction Team. They combined into Bruticus Maximus to defeat Superion Maximus, only to be defeated in turn by Optimus Supreme. Distribution

Stormcloud and the other Destruction Team member eventually paid for their treachery during a final show down with the Air Team. Bruticus Maximus and Constructicon Maximus double teamed Superion Maximus, who held his own and destroyed Constructicon's spark before the Autobot was reduced to Storm Jet. However, the ghost of Superion's brother appeared, destroying Blackout, giving Storm Jet the chance to procure Constructicons's dead limbs and recombine into Superion. Before Bruticus could recover, the Autobot pierced his spark causing an explosion which engulfed them all. Spark

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

Games

3D Battle-Card Game

Vortex served under Megatron as one of his Decepticon soldiers, battling Optimus Primal's many Autobot allies in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. 3D Battle-Card Game

Toys

Super Link

• Bruticus (Multi-pack, 2004)
  • Japanese ID number: SD-21
  • Accessories: Energon blaster, Decepticon-type energon star

In Japan, Stormcloud (aka "Vorter") was only available as part of a complete set of all five Destruction Team members, never as an individual. While Vorter uses a darker blue plastic than the Hasbro version, his blue paint operations are lighter than Stormcloud's.

Energon

• Stormcloud (Basic, 2005)

File:Energon Stormcloud toy.jpg

With him on rhythm, Storm Jet on bass and Duststorm on drums, The Stormbringers were set to rock Cybertron! But Stormcloud had bills and decided to join the Decepticons - a 9 to 5 job, sure, but he could quit later and it wouldn't change him, right? Right?

• • Team ID number: D1
  • Accessories: Energon blaster, Decepticon-type energon star

Stormcloud shares a mold with his teammate Blackout, transforming into an assault helicopter somewhat similar to an AH-1 Cobra. He can also form the arm or leg to any "Powerlinx Combiner" super robot combination, though his nominal placement is as the right leg to Bruticus Maximus. He comes with a quintuple-barreled "super energon" cannon that forms a hand or footplate for his limb-modes, plus a blue Decepticon-style energon chip.

This mold was also used for the Fun Publications Transformers Collectors' Club-exclusive Timelines Topspin, and the Universe (2008) Bruticus Maximus team members Vortex and Swindle, who in turn double as Revenge of the Fallen Vortex and Swindle. Another planned redeco, movie Reverb, was canceled.

• More information on Stormcloud at TFU.info
• Comparison between Stormcloud and his Japanese counterpart Vorter at Autobase Aichi

Merchandise

3D Battle-Card Game

Orange you glad to see me?

• Vortex (2007)

A 29-point "uncommon" character in the 3D Battle-Card Game, Vortex "transforms" into an orange helicopter. He uses the same parts layout as Blackout, Evac and Whirl.

Notes

Foreign names

• Japanese: Vorter (ボルター Borutā)