Rad (G1)
| This article is about the Generation 1 Action Master. For the human friend of the Autobots from Armada, see Rad White. |
- Rad is an Autobot from the Generation 1 continuity family.
Rad is a two-fisted 'bot of science. Equally at home on the battlefield and in the laboratory, Rad's inherent level-headedness keeps his quick-tempered partner Lionizer from atomizing everything in their path. It also makes him incredibly popular amongst his teammates because of his sheer amount of skill, though he never lets it get to his head, nor does he let those few who hate him for his skills get him down.
Fiction
Marvel Comics continuity
After the battle with Unicron, Rad is seen in the background of the combined Autobot/Decepticon headquarters. He witnesses an argument between Prowl and Grimlock over the responsibility of leading the Autobots, but does not comment on it.
Universe: The Wreckers
Rad was among the senior scientists (including Perceptor, Quickmix and Skids) who questioned Rodimus Prime's plan to send out the best of the remaining Autobot science and research members to establish deep-space reconnaissance posts. How his aerospace engineering knowledge came into the fold is uncertain.
(Note: In the first printing of The Wreckers #2, Rad and Quickmix were in entirely made-up color schemes. They were given their correct colors in the Director's Cut edition of the book.)
IDW comics continuity
Rad was present on Garrus 9 when Banzaitron and his Decepticon Secret Service bombarded the penitentiary. It is unknown if Rad survived the explosion in which he and Jackpot were caught. Spotlight: Arcee
Toys
Generation 1
- Rad w/ Lionizer (Action Master, 1990)
- Accessories: Lionizer partner, Thermal Mortar Gun
- As an Action Master, Rad is a non-transforming action figure, though his design shows parts of a vehiclular alternate mode, possibly a motorcycle. He was sold on an individual card with his transforming partner Lionizer, who transforms into a "Atom-Smashing Blaster". He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle.
Trivia
- Rad had an animated appearance in the first commercial for Action Masters. Voiced by Michael Bell, Rad was present when Optimus Prime asked a group of Autobots (including Jazz, Over-Run, Prowl, Sprocket, and Wheeljack) if they were willing to join him in giving up the power of transformation to become "stronger, faster, and more alive". Rad was only behind Jazz in volunteering, enthusiastically yelling at Prime to count him in.
- According to deco artist Joe Kyde, the deluxe Smokescreen figure in the Cybertron toyline is intended as more of an homage to Rad than the original Smokescreen himself.
