Treadshot (Universe 2003)

The name or term "Treadshot" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Treadshot (disambiguation).

Treadshot is a Decepticon from the Generation 1 continuity family.

Treadshot was once friend and rival to Ultra Magnus. But, when the war broke out, the two took opposing sides, with Treadshot joining the Decepticons. His betrayal hit Ultra Magnus hard, and now the two are engaged in a bloody duel, both neglecting orders whenever the chance to smash the other comes around.

He is partnered with a presumably-evil version of the Mini-Con Nightbeat.

Fiction

IDW Generation 1 continuity

During the Great War, Treadshot, Brisko, and Wilder killed the inhabitants of Traujor for aiding the Autobots. Forever Is a Long Time Coming

After the war ended, the three plotted to steal from Starscream and begin a life elsewhere. Their plans never began, as they were killed City of Steel by Sandstorm for their crimes. Forever Is a Long Time Coming

Toys

Universe

Dead End homage or not, we are doomed.

• Ultra Magnus with Over-Run vs. Treadshot with Nightbeat (Battle in a Box, 2004)
  • Accessories: Pistol, bayonet

Treadshot is a retooling of the Armada Side Swipe toy, transforming into a Nissan Skyline sedan. His Mini-Con partner Nightbeat can store in a flip-out section of the back end of Treadshot's vehicle mode. Pressing down on the sigil plate in vehicle mode swings his car hood halves forward in a spring-loaded attack (or "dragster mode"). These hood parts end up on his arms in robot mode, giving him a spring-loaded attack in that mode. Attaching Nightbeat (or any other Mini-Con mold) to the Powerlinx plug on his back activates a "punching" action gimmick in his left arm.

He was only available as part of a "Battle in a Box" multi-pack along with Universe Ultra Magnus, Over-Run, and Nightbeat. This set was only available in "market six" stores like Kohl's.

This retooled mold was also used to make Universe Oil Slick, while a more extensively-retooled version was used to make Cybertron Runamuck.

• More information on Treadshot at TFU.info

Notes

• Treadshot's car-mode deco is fairly similar to the Generation 1 Stunticon Dead End, though the stripes are on the wrong side. Whether this is an intentional homage or mere coincidence, though, is unknown.
• Treadshot would later be homaged in BotCon 2012's Shattered Glass Treadshot, using Side Swipe's colors.