Caliburst (G1)
| This article is about the Generation 1 Nebulan Targetmaster. For the Universe Micromaster partner to Megazarak, see Caliburn. |
- Caliburst is a Decepticon-allied Nebulan Targetmaster from the Generation 1 continuity family.
Like his binary bonded partner Slugslinger, Caliburst is merely putting on an act and playing the role of the cold and fearless Decepticon warrior he outwardly projects; it's just that he's generally more adept at keeping the mask up because of his former life as an actor. While not a good actor, more the kind to be found in the freezer section next to the other pork products, Caliburst does know the importance of staying in character. Given that he joined the Transformer conflict for the money because there was no one left on Nebulos that could stomach appreciate his "talent", he has an incentive to not screw up.
Slugslinger treats his partner fairly well, mostly due to the direct link between the condition of the Decepticon's backbone infrastructure in combat and the condition of his weaponry.
Fiction
Cartoon continuity
The Rebirth cartoon
Caliburst was a member of the Hive, the secret ruling body of Nebulos who could control machines with their very thoughts, and used that power to dominate the peasants. Their sole regret was that the development of their mental powers had left the Hive's physical bodies all but useless. When the Decepticons arrived on Nebulos, the Hive's leader Zarak saw an opportunity for rebirth, and the Hive joined forces with the Decepticons in order to undergo the bio-mechanical engineering necessary for them to move once more. While some of the Hive physically linked with the Decepticons as Headmasters (as the Autobots had recently done with Nebulan rebels), Caliburst was one of the newly conceived Targetmasters who binary bonded with Decepticon blasters instead. When paired up with Slugslinger, Caliburst suggested that name for himself because he'd never missed a shot in his life. Slugslinger retorted that was because Caliburst had never fired a shot in his life. The Rebirth, Part 2
The Headmasters cartoon
Caliburst and his five friends were refugees, having fled their home planet of Master when Scorponok and the Decepticons began an all-out siege on the world. They were being chased through space in their starship by the Decepticons when they came across the Battleship Maximus. Fortress gave them safe haven aboard his starship, and the Master citizens attempted to show their gratitude by removing the deadly plasma energy bombs Fortress was trying to dispose of. Their efforts came too late, however, as the plasma energy bombs exploded aboard their ship in space, bathing everyone nearby with energy. Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)
Although they survived the explosion, for Caliburst and two of his fellow refugees, the ending was not a happy one. The plasma energy somehow fused each of them to a different one of the Decepticon trio who had been attacking them, creating Targetmasters. Caliburst was now the eternal partner of Slugslinger and became a member of the Decepticon army at his side. As a Decepticon, Caliburst was forced to join in the invasion of his own planet. Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 2)
Marvel Comics continuity
Caliburst would have been a really bad Shakespearean actor, had he been born on Earth. Once appreciated by the acting world, he eventually became known more for overplaying his parts than playing them. Looking for a venue where his craft would be appreciated, Caliburst joined the Decepticons when Lord Zarak offered to pay for his services, and underwent the Targetmaster process to binary bond him to the equally outspoken Slugslinger. Shortly after the Decepticon Targetmasters had their trial run against Fortress Maximus and his Autobots, the Decepticons of Nebulos left the planet and made their way towards Earth. Brothers in Armor!!
Toys
Generation 1
- Slugslinger with Caliburst (Targetmaster, 1987)
- Caliburst transforms into a gun with single large barrel. Caliburst's transformation, like Blowpipe's, is slightly more involved than many Targetmaster's weapons, his gun barrel is a separate piece that plugs into his back. Once his legs are folded up, the barrel has to be snapped into place where the legs were, the resulting weapon longer than many of the other first year Targetmasters. Caliburst could be placed in either Slugslinger's hands or on top of his vehicle mode.
