Cromar

Cromar is an Autobot from the Generation 1 continuity family.

Wait, I have a name now? woot!

Cromar seems to be the leader of the Powerdashers.

Fiction

S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers

The Powerdashers featured in two early recruiting messages sent to humans by the Autobots. The messages were almost identical in content, claiming that the Autobots marooned on Earth were becoming desperate in their battle against the Decepticons, sending an S.O.S. to Cybertron even though they didn't know if anyone would be there to receive it. Luckily, their plea was answered in the form of the Powerdashers, Omnibots, and Time Warriors. The only Powerdasher seen was the jet-form model, but the message noted that the Powerdashers' state of constant evolution meant that they might not look the same later. Reinforcements from Cybertron! The battle is far from over!

Dreamwave Generation One continuity

The three Powerdashers were created with a primitive design based on the forms of very early Cybertronians. Meant to aid the Autobots on Earth, the Powerdashers' powers and personalities were still growing when they were put into duty. More than Meets the Eye They were packed in stasis aboard the supply ship Orion, which ended up crashing on Earth after getting shot down by Sunstorm. The crew activated the Powerdashers, who awoke without a word and immediately began working on the ship. When they finished, they packed up their tools and quietly went back on board. Black Sunshine

IDW Generation 1 continuity

Cromar and the other Powerdashers fought under Ultra Magnus in a battle on Clemency. Cromar's team was ordered by Magnus to try to disable the Nightmare Engine, but the group was interrupted by a K-Class Decepticon bombing. The Gloaming

Toys

Generation 1

He uses his clown-like appearance to strike fear into the Decepticons.

• Powerdasher (Mail-order, 1984)

This version of the Powerdasher transforms into a Cybertronic jet, featuring a pull-back motor in vehicle mode, allowing it to quickly roll forward across flat surfaces. It was only available as a mail-order exclusive from Hasbro, costing $3 and 2 Robot Points. The jet-mode Powerdasher was the only one pictured in the ads, but the type you got ended up being random. The jet-form Powerdasher appears to be the most common model sent, however.

• More information on the Jet-form Powerdasher at TFU.info

Notes

• The jet Powerdasher was originally a Diaclone toy called the "Sky Dasher". The Diaclone toy uses blue plastic instead of black, and has an extra sticker sheet. And, of course, a Diaclone pilot.
• Cromar's name comes from the name given to the Diakron, GiG Italian Trasformer, and Joustra French Diaclone release of the toy.
• IDW comics made Cromar's name official for the US version of the character a scant 29 years after his release.
• The Powerdashers were the first Cybertronian (well, non-Earthly) vehicular toys released - and were released in 1984, to boot.