| 1 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 2 | |
| 3 | !!Humans |
| 4 | !!!Autobot Allies |
| 5 | [[folder:Spike Witwicky]] |
| 6 | [[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/73b66c83_825c_4590_a470_a7a92884b8b8.jpeg]] |
| 7 | ''[[caption-width-right:200: "You know… family?… Then you know how much of a pain in the ass they can be."]]'' |
| 8 | A teenage boy who dreams of becoming an astronaut, like his older brother. |
| 9 | ---- |
| 10 | * AdaptationalAngstUpgrade: In the original G1 comics and cartoons, Spike's family life was shown to be relatively stable. In this comic, he has a deceased brother named Jimmy, and his father's become a depressed alcoholic in his grief. All the while Spike is desperately trying to become an astronaut as a way of processing his own trauma over his brother's death. |
| 11 | * AdaptationalDyeJob: In previous continuities, Spike has either brown or blond hair. Here, he has black hair. |
| 12 | * AdaptationalRelationshipOverhaul: |
| 13 | ** In the G1 cartoon, Spike doesn't start dating Carly until partway through the second season. Here, they're established as dating before they even meet the Autobots. |
| 14 | ** Spike usually bonds with Bumblebee in various adaptations. Here, the Autobot he bonds with is Optimus Prime [[spoiler:due to Bumblebee being killed off in the first issue of the series.]] |
| 15 | * AscendedFanboy: The boy who wants to become an astronaut winds up making friends with a bunch of aliens. |
| 16 | * CollateralDamage: [[spoiler:In issue #3, Spike is accidentally shot by a stray bullet, leaving him on the brink of death. The hospital manages to stabilize him in issue #4 but he remains in a coma until the end of issue #6]]. |
| 17 | * EmptyShell: Spike admits after recovering from his coma and hearing of his [[spoiler:father's death]] he's feeling like this. |
| 18 | * ItBeganWithATwistOfFate: He and Carly end up in the center of the conflict just because Spike wanted to go star gazing on a whim. |
| 19 | * PutOnABus: [[spoiler:Spike sat out issues #4-6, due to being left in a coma after being caught in the crossfire of the humans firing upon Optinus and Skywarp.]] |
| 20 | ** And at the end of Issue #6 [[spoiler:he wakes up asking where his dad is.]] |
| 21 | [[/folder]] |
| 22 | |
| 23 | [[folder:Carly]] |
| 24 | [[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/9355897b_cd3e_459d_bff9_86f8e55ffd9e.jpeg]] |
| 25 | ''[[caption-width-right:200:"New for you?! I'm sorry, last I checked, I'm the one who has to deal with the fact that there are apparently giant robots from space that now live on Earth."]]'' |
| 26 | Spike's girlfriend and an aspiring artist. |
| 27 | ---- |
| 28 | * ActionGirl: When the Decepticons attack the dam, she immediately uses a pistol to attack them, [[ShootingSuperman futile as that may be]]. |
| 29 | * AdaptationalDyeJob: In previous continuities Carly is blonde, but she has black hair in this series. |
| 30 | * AdaptationalEarlyAppearance: Her original G1 incarnation was introduced early in Season 2, long after Spike had met the Autobots. Here, she's present from the start, even getting to meet the Transformers shortly after they reawaken. |
| 31 | * AdaptationalJerkass: She's noticeably less lenient than other counterparts in letting the Decepticons survive, and has become dead set on killing the Decepticons to get revenge for killing her father. |
| 32 | * AdaptationalRelationshipOverhaul: In the G1 cartoon, Spike doesn't start dating Carly until partway through the second season. Here, they're established as dating before they even meet the Autobots. |
| 33 | * AdaptationalSkill: |
| 34 | ** Rather than being an electronics prodigy in MIT, she’s instead an artist. |
| 35 | ** Issue #5 shows she also knows her way around a gun, something the original Carly was never hinted at being capable of. |
| 36 | * AmbiguouslyAbsentParent: [[spoiler:While her father is shown and is killed by Starscream]], the status of Carly's mother has yet to be divulged. Given Carly says in issue #5 that [[spoiler:her family is "gone"]] it's very likely she's out of the picture. |
| 37 | * TheApprentice: She becomes Arcee’s iron apprentice in issue #8, though it’s implied Arcee did it so she can dissuade Carly from her pursuit of vengeance. |
| 38 | * BareMidriffsAreFeminine: She's the most prominent human female character and she wears a lavender shirt that shows her navel. |
| 39 | * BrokenBird: Carly's heart hardens after Starscream killed her father and she herself nearly killed by him due to Cliffjumper losing the chance to shoot him due a moment of emotional weakness, resulting in her becoming much more dour and focused on training with firearms. Arcee tries to befriend and console her but Carly just ignores her attempts. |
| 40 | * StarvingArtist: She's trying to get into art school, but her family's financial situation means they have to pull extra shifts just to fund her tuition. |
| 41 | * YouKilledMyFather: In Issue #5, she tries to go with Optimus and the Autobots in retaking The Ark, feeling she has nothing left to lose. |
| 42 | -->'''Carly:''' "Spike's in a coma. My family's gone. I deserve to see this to the end, Sparky." |
| 43 | [[/folder]] |
| 44 | |
| 45 | [[folder:Sparkplug Witwicky]] |
| 46 | [[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/c09a088a_a864_4fb7_9e72_402b9bc6f04e.jpeg]] |
| 47 | ''[[caption-width-right:200:"I’ve been in war, Carly. It doesn't matter whose team they're on, or what glorious cause they fight for. When the shooting starts, people die."]]'' |
| 48 | Spike's shell shocked father, an alcoholic veteran and factory worker who tries to drink away his trauma from warfare and grief of losing his eldest. |
| 49 | ---- |
| 50 | * AdaptationalAngstUpgrade: In the original G1 continuity, the Witwicky family was shown to be relatively stable. In this comic, his wife and son, Jimmy, are established as dead, and he's shown to have PTSD from his service in the military, becoming a depressed alcoholic to cope with his trauma. |
| 51 | * AdaptationalBadass: Sparkplug is traditionally a mechanic who aids the Autobots through his repair skills. This Sparkplug is a ''war veteran'' who knows ways to physically damage Cybertronians. |
| 52 | * CommonalityConnection: Optimus and Sparkplug come to an understanding with each other, as both recall their experiences in the wars they have fought in. |
| 53 | * FantasticRacism: Downplayed. Sparkplug is at first terrified and murderous toward all Cybertronians after [[spoiler:Starscream kills Davey]], but [[DefrostingIceKing gets over it]] when [[spoiler:Optimus saves his son's life.]] |
| 54 | * GoodParents: Despite his alcoholism and trauma leaving him a wreck of a man, he still does everything he can for Spike, as he’s the only family he has left. |
| 55 | * HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:Gives his life to power the Matrix of Leadership back up to save Optimus from death, understanding and knowing the Autobots and Earth need him]]. |
| 56 | * LastRequest: [[spoiler:With his final words he begs Optimus and the Autobots to protect Earth and to tell his son Spike [[SoProudOfYou he's proud of him]]]]. |
| 57 | * KilledOffForReal: [[spoiler:He sacrifices himself to power the Matrix of Leadership, not even leaving a body behind.]] |
| 58 | * MyGodWhatHaveIDone: His reaction to [[spoiler:Spike getting hit by a stray bullet when he orders the militia to fire on Optimus and Skywarp]]. |
| 59 | * MyGreatestSecondChance: [[spoiler:Views sacrificing himself to save Optimus as this]]. |
| 60 | -->[[spoiler:"My men, Jimmy, Spike. Whenever something bad happened to them... I'd always think "If only I could have taken their place. If only it was me instead of them.". Maybe now is my chance]]. |
| 61 | * OutlivingOnesOffspring: His eldest son Jimmy died in a shuttle accident years ago and it's made clear he's still not over it. |
| 62 | * ShellShockedVeteran: His time in the military has clearly taken a toll on him, as he spends most of his days drinking at a bar to try and drown out the memories. |
| 63 | * WrongGenreSavvy: Once he witnesses Starscream's attack on the power plant he rallies a militia made up of fellow veterans and takes steps to keep his family safe, but most human weaponry isn't very effective against Cybertronians and he doesn't realize that the Autobots are friendly [[spoiler:until after a bullet he fires ricochets and hits his son and Optimus rushes them to a hospital.]] |
| 64 | [[/folder]] |
| 65 | !!!Minor Humans |
| 66 | [[folder:Jimmy Witwicky]] |
| 67 | [[quoteright:189:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rco019_1708541232.jpg]] |
| 68 | %%[[caption-width-right:189:some caption text]] |
| 69 | Spike’s deceased older brother, he was an astronaut who died in a shuttle explosion. |
| 70 | ---- |
| 71 | * CanonForeigner: While Spike did have a brother in prior continuities named Buster, Jimmy is clearly meant to be a different character. |
| 72 | * PosthumousCharacter: Has been dead for some time. |
| 73 | [[/folder]] |
| 74 | |
| 75 | [[folder:Davey]] |
| 76 | [[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/37c2dd04_e913_4c7b_81de_0bf9e871a85c.jpeg]] |
| 77 | %%[[caption-width-right:200:some caption text]] |
| 78 | Sparkplug's coworker and Carly's father. |
| 79 | ---- |
| 80 | * CanonForeigner: [[spoiler:Carly's parents have never been shown in previous continuities]]. |
| 81 | * CruelAndUnusualDeath: The poor guy gets slowly ''squeezed'' to death by a callous Starscream, who takes a sadistic pleasure from seeing how 'squishy' and 'fragile' humans are. |
| 82 | * GoodParents: [[spoiler:He supports his daughter's aspirations for art and also attempts to convince Sparkplug to reconcile with Spike]]. |
| 83 | * SacrificialLamb: Set up as Sparkplug's friend [[spoiler:and gets brutally killed by Starscream to show the Decepticons are a major threat]]. |
| 84 | * SmallRoleBigImpact: [[spoiler:Killed off in the first issue but his death will undoubtedly hang over his daughter Carly's head long afterward. His death is also a huge factor in Sparkplug donning his old military garb and trying to fight back against the Transformers]]. |
| 85 | * WeHardlyKnewYe: Is killed off at the end of issue #1 at the hands of Starscream. |
| 86 | [[/folder]] |
| 87 | [[folder:Frosting]] |
| 88 | A jet pilot who was in the middle of escorting Duke back to base, ultimately to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. |
| 89 | ---- |
| 90 | * AcePilot: Shows off some pretty skilled moves as a pilot. Sadly though, it's not enough to save him from Starscream. |
| 91 | * CanonForeigner: An original character created for the Energon Universe. |
| 92 | * CruelAndUnusualDeath: Is literally clapped like a bug by Starscream, leaving him a red smear. |
| 93 | * RealMenWearPink: Downplayed but his pink helmet is implied to be partly the source of his nickname. With the other part coming from his last name Frost. |
| 94 | * WeHardlyKnewYe: Yet another innocent human who died to Starscream's hands. The ''{{ComicBook/Duke}}'' miniseries would expand on some of his life, including that he had a wife and kid waiting for him back home. |
| 95 | [[/folder]] |
| 96 | [[folder:Duke]] |
| 97 | [[quoteright:185:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/duke_close_up_5.PNG]] |
| 98 | ''[[caption-width-right:185:"With all due respect colonel Hawk. I know what I saw."]]'' |
| 99 | A man of action and a [[Franchise/GIJoe Real American Hero]] who finds his life changed forever after an encounter with a flying robot. See {{ComicBook/Duke}} for more. |
| 100 | ---- |
| 101 | [[/folder]] |
| 102 | |
| 103 | [[folder:Crew of the U.S.S. Henry Harrisson]] |
| 104 | The crew of an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean, they were alerted to the recent activity of the newly-awakened Autobots and Decepticons. |
| 105 | ---- |
| 106 | * LeaveNoSurvivors: [[spoiler:Subjected to this by Soundwave, who kills the entire crew to keep their existence on the down low]]. |
| 107 | * SacrificialLamb: Their debut set them up as playing a major role in the second arc, [[spoiler:but all end up being killed by Soundwave to show that he isn’t above killing humans, he just needs a reason to]]. |
| 108 | * SmallRoleBigImpact: [[spoiler:The U.S.S. Henry Harrisson is hijacked and used to power the Nemesis, allowing Soundwave to contact Shockwave]]. |
| 109 | [[/folder]] |
| 110 | |
| 111 | !!Autobots |
| 112 | |
| 113 | [[folder:As A Whole]] |
| 114 | [[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_0518.jpeg]] |
| 115 | A group of rebels who fights to defend the old ways of Cybertron that their people once upheld. Outgunned and overpowered, the Autobots had no choice but to abandon their home to their oppressors. A team led by Megatron himself pursued them to Earth, where the story picks up. |
| 116 | ---- |
| 117 | * DeathByAdaptation: It is confirmed that most of the Autobots were killed in the war, the ones on the Ark are pretty much the last ones. |
| 118 | ** Specific 'Bots include Beachcomber and Blaster, who were shown being gunned down by the Decepticons in issues #2 and #5 respectively. |
| 119 | * ThereIsAnother: The Earthbound Autobots believe themselves to be the last of their kind, [[spoiler:but it’s later revealed that there are still a few Autobots left on Cybertron. Not to mention Hot Rod’s wandering the universe, looking for lost allies.]] |
| 120 | * UndyingLoyalty: To Optimus Prime. |
| 121 | [[/folder]] |
| 122 | !!!Main Autobots |
| 123 | [[folder:Optimus Prime]] |
| 124 | [[quoteright:188:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cb2cdedc_d0f8_4550_99df_0111e3191d68.jpeg]] |
| 125 | '' [[caption-width-right:188: "I brought our war to this beautiful place… even if by accident. It is my duty to now defend it."]]'' |
| 126 | The heroic and noble leader of the Autobots, bearer of the Matrix, and [[TheHero the main protagonist]] of the series. A gentle soul who vows to do whatever it takes to protect Earth and defeat his enemies. |
| 127 | ---- |
| 128 | * AccidentalMurder: In the second issue, while being taken in by Earth's natural beauty, Optimus accidentally steps on a deer, killing it. Optimus is horrified by this action, causing him to state how fragile life on Earth is. |
| 129 | * AdaptationalBadass: While Optimus has always been one of the strongest Autobots, here [[spoiler:he obtains Megatron’s fusion cannon which allows him to vaporize any Decepticon that he can land a shot with. He also manages to throw Devastator with his two bare hands.]] |
| 130 | * AppendageAssimilation: After Optimus loses his right arm, Ratchet attaches Megatron's to him as a substitute, [[ArmCannon Fusion Cannon]] and all. He is still able to transform even with the replacement, with his new weapon ending up where his smokestack would be in truck mode. |
| 131 | * AFatherToHisMen: As seen with the death of Bumblebee by the hands of Starscream, Optimus regards all of his followers as if they are his family. |
| 132 | * AGodIAmNot: When Optimus uses the power of the Matrix to restore energy to the hospital, potentially saving hundreds of lives, both the doctor treating Spike and Sparkplug himself begin to see Optimus as some sort of God. Optimus laughs it off, saying that it's humanity that impresses ''him.'' |
| 133 | * AllLovingHero: As usual, Optimus cares ''deeply'' for the wellbeing of others at his own expense, even lifeforms different from himself. [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone He grieves over accidentally stepping on a deer]] he had been unaware of, valiantly champions humanity almost immediately upon being introduced to them, and despite the conflict wearing him thin, he does still sought to show mercy to his enemies given how he was seeking to disable Skywarp from causing any more harm in their fight than outright kill him. [[spoiler:It is only when Skywarp [[KickTheDog callously seeks to kill a wounded Spike for kicks]] that Optimus [[BewareTheNiceOnes swears enough and beats the Decepticon an inch of his life]].]] |
| 134 | * AnArmAndALeg: [[spoiler:He gets his right arm critically injured and then rips it off to bludgeon Skywarp with in a desparate move to stop him.]] |
| 135 | * ArmCannon: [[spoiler:After losing his right arm, Ratchet offers to replace it with a little something to give them an edge against the Decepticons. A grey and black arm with a very familiar and large cannon mounted on it's side.]] |
| 136 | * BewareTheNiceOnes: Optimus may be kind, selfless and filled with boundless compassion for every form of life, but woe to any Decepticon that endangers innocent lives. |
| 137 | * BigGood: As always, Optimus both serves this role and the role of TheHero in the series. |
| 138 | * EstablishingCharacterMoment: The first thing he does when he's awoken from stasis is beating the absolute scrap out of Starscream to stop him from executing anymore Autobots. The second thing he does is notice the two humans in the room, and despite not even knowing ''what they are'', he immediately tells them to get behind him for protection because of how much smaller and weaker they are than a Cybertronian. Even if you've never heard of Transformers before, you know instantly what kind of guy Prime is. |
| 139 | * EyeScream: His stasis-locked body from when the Ark crashed into Earth and before Teletraan 1 repaired him is missing an eye. Issue #2 revealed through a flashback that Megatron jammed his thumb into that eye. |
| 140 | * GentleGiant: Optimus towers over the other Autobots and even some of the Decepticons, and is a ferocious fighter. He's also a gentle, caring soul, who is horrified by his accidental killing of a deer. Even when critically injured, [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDsbEzWXcAA07KA.jpg he obliges the request of a sick patient to see him transform]]. |
| 141 | * GhostMemory: After [[spoiler:Sparkplug sacrifices himself to heal Optimus by climbing into the Matrix]], Optimus begins to experience warped flashbacks to events he never lived through, such as [[spoiler:a memory of holding an infant Spike, only it's his hands in the memory rather than Sparkplug's.]] |
| 142 | * GrievousHarmWithABody: [[spoiler:After getting his arm critically injured by both Sparkplug's Militia and Skywarp, plus the fact that Skywarp is about to kill an already critically injured Spike. In a moment of desperation, he actually rips off his injured arm and proceeds to bludgeon Skywarp with it.]] |
| 143 | * GoodIsNotSoft: Optimus may be a kind hearted protector of all living things and an admirer of humanit and nature, but he is ''not'' to be taken lightly and has proven to be a skilled warrior. |
| 144 | * IntriguedByHumanity: On Optimus' relative short time on Earth, he becomes a devout advocate for humanity. Not only does he not regard them as insignificant compared to himself and his fellow Cybertronians, he in many ways regards them as ''superior.'' |
| 145 | * HeWhoFightsMonsters: Optimus fears that he'll lose sight of his ideals in the ever-continuing war against the Decepticons, especially after having Ratchet transplant Megatron's cannon arm onto him. |
| 146 | * HumbleHero: Optimus is an incredible warrior, a skilled leader who has earned the undying loyalty of his men, and the wields the Matrix of leadership- a powerful mystical artifact. None of that matters to Optimus, though, as he is far more impressed with humanity and what they are capable of. |
| 147 | * MyGreatestFailure: Feels this way about failing to stop the War on Cybertron. |
| 148 | * MyGodWhatHaveIDone: Prime feels ''immense'' guilt for not only failing to end the war on Cybertron, but in bringing it to Earth. |
| 149 | * NatureLover: Optimus is enchanted by Earth's natural beauty when he first comes across it. |
| 150 | * NiceGuy: After several previous series depicted Optimus as a morally complicated hero, this series re-positions him back as the kind hearted, courageous and morally righteous hero he was established as in the 80's. |
| 151 | * OneManArmy: In the comics first arc, Optimus is the lead Autobot tackling the Decepticon threat. The other Autobots provide support where they can, but it's clear Optimus is the one doing most of the fighting on his own. And more often than not, it's enough. |
| 152 | * WrestlerInAllOfUs: This Optimus is prone to busting out wrestling moves against his opponents, performing a supplex on Starscream in issue 1, and hitting Skywarp with Kenta Kobashi's Burning Hammer (hoisting someone over their shoulders and slamming them into the ground head-first) in issue 3. |
| 153 | [[/folder]] |
| 154 | |
| 155 | [[folder:Ratchet]] |
| 156 | [[quoteright:188:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/68a077be_6380_4a4e_8c8a_f8d9cb6087ab.jpeg]] |
| 157 | ''[[caption-width-right:188: "If we lose you, we lose everything."]]'' |
| 158 | The chief medical officer of the Autobots and Optimus' right-hand. |
| 159 | ---- |
| 160 | * AdaptationalJerkass: Downplayed as he's still ultimately heroic, but Ratchet in most other continuities holds all life sacred and would often risk going against orders to save it. In contrast, going hand in hand with Ratchet being more of a PragmaticHero in this version, Ratchet disapproves of Optimus's use of the Matrix power to save innocent humans at a hospital, feeling the power could have been put to better use elsewhere. |
| 161 | * AnArmAndALeg: Gets his left leg sliced off by Scavenger in Issue #5 and the other one ripped off by Devastator in Issue #6. |
| 162 | * CombatMedic: Shows no qualms with getting involved with fights, his first panel even has him kicking Starscream in the face. |
| 163 | * TheMedic: As per usual. |
| 164 | * NumberTwo: The old medic serves as this to Optimus. |
| 165 | * PragmaticHero: |
| 166 | ** Whenever Optimus suggests using the Matrix to revive their fallen comrades, Ratchet stops him, as the Matrix is connected to his life force and they cannot risk losing their leader during a desperate situation. |
| 167 | ** Ratchet had already been shown trying to resurrect Wheeljack, but in issue #4, when Optimus needs backup against the Decepticons, Ratchet decides to reactivate Jazz instead, as he’s much more capable in combat. |
| 168 | ** He's the one who suggests [[spoiler:Optimus use Megatron's severed arm and fusion cannon to replace the one he lost in the fight with Skywarp]]. Optimus refuses on moral grounds initially but concedes when Ratchet reminds him how desperate the situation is. |
| 169 | [[/folder]] |
| 170 | |
| 171 | [[folder:Cliffjumper]] |
| 172 | [[quoteright:188:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/9bf470ca_d048_44ba_a13e_002d46259fdc.jpeg]] |
| 173 | ''[[caption-width-right:188: "Hey! This is all new for me! I'm used to metal and steel! There's too much-- stuff here."]]'' |
| 174 | An overeager and excitable Autobot soldier. |
| 175 | ---- |
| 176 | * AdaptationalNiceGuy: Cliffjumper is usually one of the most bloodthirsty of the Autobots but in this [[spoiler:he ultimately can't bring himself to kill Starscream when he's helpless]]. |
| 177 | * AscendedExtra: Most of the time, the franchise usually ignores Cliffjumper in favor of Bumblebee, leaving him in a background role if not quickly killing him off. Cliff gets the chance to become a main character, though this is due to Bee [[spoiler:being killed in the first issue.]] |
| 178 | * CompositeCharacter: Has Bluestreak's backstory of losing his home to the Decepticons and joining the war soon after, as well as a reluctance to fight as seen when he can't bring himself to kill Starscream. |
| 179 | * DarkAndTroubledPast: Reveals in Issue #4 that his entire clan was murdered by Starscream. |
| 180 | * FantasticRacism: Downplayed, Cliffjumper isn't as enthralled by terrestrial life as Optimus is, but after a dressing-down from Carly over his attitude and a proper introduction, he's much more cordial. |
| 181 | * PintSizedPowerhouse: Despite his size, he's not afraid to throw down with the Decepticons when needed. |
| 182 | * SecondEpisodeIntroduction: He’s properly introduced in Issue #2, having been reactivated by Ratchet off-panel. |
| 183 | * VengeanceFeelsEmpty: When he has Starscream at his mercy and prepares to end him to avenge his clan and Carly's father, he's suddenly overcome with a sense of tiredness of the fighting and killing he's done, inadvertently allowing the Seeker the opportunity to escape and nearly kill Carly. |
| 184 | [[/folder]] |
| 185 | |
| 186 | [[folder:Jazz]] |
| 187 | [[quoteright:210:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/energon_universe_jazz_8.PNG]] |
| 188 | [[caption-width-right:210:''"Time to change up this tune baby!"'']] |
| 189 | A smooth-talking Autobot soldier who likes to pepper his speech the musical terms. The most talented warrior of the Autobots. |
| 190 | ---- |
| 191 | * TheAce: Ratchet clearly considers him this as he's his first choice for a temporary revival to help Optimus and Cliffjumper. Jazz shows his skills in action by taking down both Starscream and Soundwave in short order. |
| 192 | * GodzillaThreshold: The subject of this. The situation becomes so dire with the Decepticons, Ratchet revives Jazz early for a brief time for the ensuing fight. |
| 193 | * PungeonMaster: Loves to use musical-based references and puns whenever he can. |
| 194 | --> '''Jazz:''' Time to wrap this ballad up! |
| 195 | --> '''Cliffjumper:''' I don't understand that reference! |
| 196 | [[/folder]] |
| 197 | |
| 198 | [[folder:Arcee]] |
| 199 | [[quoteright:188:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/6f857499_e4f9_4bca_be49_0e0c93cdc194.jpeg]] |
| 200 | [[caption-width-right:188:''"I don't know who you are… but if Optimus cares about you, then '''I''' care too."'']] |
| 201 | An Autobot soldier and Ratchet's old friend, Optimus considers her one of his best warriors. |
| 202 | ---- |
| 203 | * ActionGirl: She keeps an incredibly cool head and springs into action when the Autobots are immediately attacked upon her revival. Worth noting is that out of all his warriors, Optimus chose to revive her first. |
| 204 | * AdaptationalEarlyAppearance: Her original G1 incarnation first appeared in WesternAnimation/TheTransformersTheMovie, long after the show began. Here, she's a part of the starting Autobot cast. |
| 205 | * BigSisterMentor: She takes in Carly as her iron apprentice, which is described as a sacred bond between two beings and the start of a new clan, which is akin to a family. |
| 206 | * CoolCar: Instead of the usual alien/futuristic car, Arcee's vehicle mode is a Lamborghini Revuelto. |
| 207 | * EstablishingCharacterMoment: Mere ''seconds'' after being woken up, she pushes Ratchet out of the way of a missile attack, helps him permanently revive Jazz, and rescues Carly by driving up the side of a dam. |
| 208 | * ReluctantWarrior: As she admits to Carly after the immediate crisis is over, she's not comfortable with the conflict. |
| 209 | * SoleSurvivor: Like Cliffjumper, the rest of her clan was massacred by Decepticons. |
| 210 | [[/folder]] |
| 211 | |
| 212 | [[folder:Wheeljack]] |
| 213 | [[quoteright:188:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/2123fdc2_3b82_4a3c_919e_e0daf8598885.jpeg]] |
| 214 | [[caption-width-right:188:''"Cybertronian ingenuity for ya!"'']] |
| 215 | The Autobots’ friendly and eccentric gadgeteer. |
| 216 | ---- |
| 217 | * AdvertisedExtra: Was marketed in promotional material as being part of the main Autobot cast. He’s so far been shown deactivated for the first four issues, was finally reactivated in Issue #5 but missing his legs, and is completely absent from Issue #6. |
| 218 | * DisabledInTheAdaptation: Wheeljack didn’t have his legs at first, and had to replace them with treads in order to move around until he was fully repaired. |
| 219 | * HalfTheManHeUsedToBe: When Wheeljack is first brought online, he's only functional as the top half at first. He seems chipper enough about it. [[spoiler:He's finally fully restored in issue #8 by Skywarp-Teletraan.]] |
| 220 | * GadgeteerGenius: Of course; this is Wheeljack, after all. Such is his brilliance that the power converter he installs at the local dam is potent enough to power the nearby town for ''ten years.'' |
| 221 | [[/folder]] |
| 222 | [[folder:Elita-1]] |
| 223 | [[quoteright:214:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/energon_universe_elita.PNG]] |
| 224 | An Autobot soldier back on Cybertron. |
| 225 | ---- |
| 226 | * ActionGirl: Leads the rescue mission to save Ultra Magnus, and ends up being the sole survivor of her team. |
| 227 | * BetterToDieThanBeKilled: As they try to escape a Decepticon POW camp in issue #8, Elita-One reluctantly promises a crippled and despairing Ultra Magnus that if they get caught, she'll kill them both so Magnus won't have to go back to the prison and she won't suffer as he has. |
| 228 | [[/folder]] |
| 229 | [[folder:Ultra Magnus]] |
| 230 | [[quoteright:381:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_0912_8.jpeg]] |
| 231 | [[quoteright:613:[[labelnote:Click here to see him in his current state]]https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_0913.jpeg[[/labelnote]]]] |
| 232 | |
| 233 | Arcee’s former teacher during the Cybertronian War. He saved her after her clan was eradicated and taught her how to fight. |
| 234 | ---- |
| 235 | * BodyHorror: His body’s been stripped down to the skeleton, and to top it all off, he’s ''still'' alive. |
| 236 | * DeathSeeker: After spending centuries being tortured and mutilated by the Decepticons, he begs Elita to just kill him. |
| 237 | * MentorOccupationalHazard: While he is alive, he was taken captive and tortured by the Decepticons. His old student Arcee thinks he's dead and blames herself for it. |
| 238 | [[/folder]] |
| 239 | [[folder:Jetfire (Spoilers!)]] |
| 240 | [[quoteright:241:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jetfire_headshot_7.PNG]] |
| 241 | [[caption-width-right:241:''"I have failed in my mission. Cybertron will die. Everything will die..."'']] |
| 242 | An old friend of Starscream and Optimus before the war who laid dormant for centuries. [[ComicBook/VoidRivals Having recently awakened]], he tracked them down to Earth and resurrected them, whereupon he soon realized he made a grave mistake in doing so. |
| 243 | ---- |
| 244 | * BackFromTheDead: [[spoiler:After dying in issue #1, Jetfire was eventually revived by the Autobots in #8, though their lack of resources and complications from Jetfire's spark means he's stuck in his jet mode.]] |
| 245 | * DamagedSoul: [[spoiler:After his resurrection, Jetfire is left a depressed shell, unable to see, unable to move, only being able to serve as transportation for the Autobots. Optimus does express regret and stays with him so he won't be alone.]] |
| 246 | * HeroicSacrifice: Despite being wounded, he still fights Starscream and Skywarp to allow the Autobots to escape, which gets him fatally injured in the process, and he dies not long after. |
| 247 | * ItsAllMyFault: His last moments are spent apologizing to Optimus for unleashing the Decepticons on Earth. |
| 248 | * LockedOutOfTheLoop: As he had been deactivated for centuries, he was unaware that the Autobot-Decepticon War occurred, and that Starscream had become a murderous tyrant. |
| 249 | * UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom: Jetfire was unaware of the war, so he resurrected Starscream, who then proceeded to revive the other Decepticons. |
| 250 | * SmallRoleBigImpact: Dies after one issue (Two if you count ComicBook/VoidRivals) but his actions are what lead to the Autobots and Decepticons awakening on Earth. |
| 251 | * WeUsedToBeFriends: After Starscream reveals his true colors by executing Bumblebee, Jetfire immediately turns on him. Later, when the Autobots are fleeing, Jetfire provides cover fire for their escape and laments that he’s forced to fight his former friend. |
| 252 | [[/folder]] |
| 253 | !!!Minor Autobots |
| 254 | [[folder:Bumblebee (Spoilers!)]] |
| 255 | One of Optimus Prime's followers and closest friends. Killed off by Starscream in the first issue. |
| 256 | ---- |
| 257 | * DeathByAdaptation: As a staple of the franchise, Bumblebee always lives to fight another day. Not in this continuity, since Starscream makes sure he doesn't even get a chance to come back online. |
| 258 | * MauveShirt: Well known throughout the franchise as the resident KidAppealCharacter, his death sets the tone that no one is safe. |
| 259 | * SacrificialLamb: Starscream casually kills Bumblebee off in the first issue, establishing the high stakes of the series and how it will differ from what came before. |
| 260 | * WalkingSpoiler: Hard to discuss the series without mentioning killing off one of the most identifiable characters in the entire franchise. |
| 261 | * WeHardlyKnewYe: Casually shot in the face by Starscream without even having a chance to be ''reactivated.'' |
| 262 | [[/folder]] |
| 263 | [[folder:Brawn]] |
| 264 | One of the Autobots aboard the Ark. |
| 265 | ---- |
| 266 | * RedShirt: Is killed by Megatron after he breaks into the Ark. |
| 267 | [[/folder]] |
| 268 | |
| 269 | [[folder:Huffer]] |
| 270 | An Autobot soldier back on Cybertron, part of Elita-One’s team on the mission to rescue Magnus. |
| 271 | ---- |
| 272 | * BarrierWarrior: Can summon forcefields to shield his allies. It doesn’t save him, though. |
| 273 | * CompositeCharacter: His role as the guy with a forcefield is usually Trailbreaker's. |
| 274 | * DiesDifferentlyInAdaptation: In the original [=G1=] continuity, he died offscreen during the events of the film defending Autobot City. In the comic, he instead perishes on Cybertron in a rescue mission to save Ultra Magnus. |
| 275 | * KilledOffForReal: He's gunned down by the Combaticons in issue #7. |
| 276 | * RedShirt: Serves this purpose, to demonstrate how dangerous Cybertron has become, and how outgunned the Autobots are against the Decepticon forces. |
| 277 | [[/folder]] |
| 278 | |
| 279 | [[folder:Warpath]] |
| 280 | An Autobot soldier back on Cybertron, part of Elita-One’s team on the mission to rescue Magnus. |
| 281 | ---- |
| 282 | * ChestBlaster: Has a large turret protruding from his chest, which served as his primary weapon. |
| 283 | * DeathByAdaptation: Is blown to bits in the opening of issue #7. |
| 284 | * RedShirt: Serves this purpose, to demonstrate how dangerous Cybertron has become, and how outgunned the Autobots are against the Decepticon forces. |
| 285 | [[/folder]] |
| 286 | |
| 287 | [[folder:Kup]] |
| 288 | An old Autobot sergeant back on Cybertron, part of Elita-1’s team. |
| 289 | ---- |
| 290 | * BoomHeadshot: How he dies. |
| 291 | * DeathByAdaptation: Is blown to bits in the opening of issue #7. |
| 292 | * RedShirt: Serves this purpose, to demonstrate how dangerous Cybertron has become, and how outgunned the Autobots are against the Decepticon forces. |
| 293 | [[/folder]] |
| 294 | |
| 295 | !!Decepticons |
| 296 | |
| 297 | [[folder:As a Whole]] |
| 298 | [[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/img_0517_6.jpeg]] |
| 299 | An extremist organisation that leads a brutal campaign to destroy those who are weaker, and conquer distant lands to fuel their greed. |
| 300 | ---- |
| 301 | * AsskickingLeadsToLeadership: Due to their MightMakesRight philosophy, the strongest must rule over the organisation. Thanks to him shooting Megatron off the Ark when it was crashing into Earth, Starscream stood up to lead, but his actions have costed their forces. [[spoiler:In issue 7, Soundwave challenges Starscream's position and the Decepticons all gather around to witness the trial by combat. Soundwave's victory places him in charge]]. |
| 302 | * AdaptationalVillainy: While the Decepticons have always been a villainous faction, they usually were either incompetent, funny or with redeeming qualities that made them nicer. In this continuity, they enjoy murdering humans ForTheEvulz and try to kill as many as they can [[spoiler:at least when Starscream was leading them]]. |
| 303 | * TheSocialDarwinist: To the point that it almost seems to be a part of their maniacal culture, Starscream and Skywarp express a lot of contempt at those who are either being weak or protecting the weak. |
| 304 | [[/folder]] |
| 305 | |
| 306 | !!!Main Decepticons |
| 307 | [[folder:Starscream]] |
| 308 | [[quoteright:198:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/69b3e95a_14ae_4455_916a_c9f29fc7c2de.jpeg]] |
| 309 | ''[[caption-width-right:198:"Do not say his name. I am leader of the Decepticons now."]]'' |
| 310 | A cruel yet insecure Decepticon who seeks to destroy the Autobots and conquer Earth for its resources. But after his many failures to destroy the Autobots, Soundwave had challenged Screamer for the leadership over their faction, Starscream's seeming death places Soundwave in charge |
| 311 | ---- |
| 312 | * AdaptationalDumbass: While most iterations of the character get blindsided by their ego and treachery, many of them also tend to be rather pragmatic and often demonstrates surprising moments of cunning and are capable to at least tolerate anyone who serves his interests. This Starscream however let his bloodthirsty desires to [[EvilIsPetty make him willing to make pointless cruel raids for the sake of hurting the Autobots]] [[StupidEvil over the general benefit of the Decepticons (and himself by proxy)]] and doesn't even have the usual silver tongue that usually saves him from many problems, the only attempt to talk his way out done in his duel against Soundwave [[GeneralFailure despite having nothing he cold use to bargain for his own life.]] |
| 313 | * AdaptationalPersonalityChange: A minor case. In most ''Transformers'' media, Starscream is a DirtyCoward who prefers to hide from danger and only fights whenever he has the advantage. Here, he's a BloodKnight who starts fights whenever he can and is practically one of the most ruthless incarnations out there. [[spoiler:Although when facing against someone who is actually ''stronger'' than him, like Soundwave, [[TheStarscream when he has had enough of his bullshit as leader]], he defaults back to his classic cowardly behavior rather quickly and is groveling for mercy [[CurbStompBattle before being brutally beaten an inch of his life]] and thrown, [[UncertainDoom seemingly]] to his death in the volcano.]] |
| 314 | * AdaptationalVillainy: Most versions of Starscream pay humans no mind with them more as a means to an end. This Starscream happily kills humans just because he can to the point he calls them "squishy ones" compared to the more common "insects" or "vermin". |
| 315 | * AssholeVictim: There is not a single hint of remorse for Starscream as Soundwave ''guts him'' in their leadership deathmatch, which is just as well, considering that ''this'' Screamer is the epitome of Cybertron's worst. |
| 316 | * ArcVillain: Of the First Arc. Due to Megatron's disappearance, Starscream became the new leader of the Decepticons. But despite being a powerful threat in his own right, [[BigBadWannabe Starscream is still Starscream and lost the leadership]]. |
| 317 | * AxCrazy: He has shades of this in most continuities, but his cowardice ''[[DependingOnTheWriter usually]]'' cancels out the worst of it. This incarnation doesn't have this cowardice to hold him back, so he comes across as the Decepticon equivalent of [[Characters/StarWarsKyloRen Kylo Ren]]. |
| 318 | * BadBoss: |
| 319 | ** Like usual, Starscream doesn't have any respect for those under his command. When Soundwave dares to mention Megatron's name in his presence, he smacks him to the ground. |
| 320 | ** [[spoiler:In Issue #4, he tears apart a wounded Skywarp and recycles his components to repair Teletraan 1.]] |
| 321 | ** [[DeconstructedTrope Starscream's cruel treatment of his underlings finally backfires in Issue #7]] [[spoiler:when Soundwave, sick of being treated like garbage alongside the other Decepticons and losing to the Autobots, decides to take control of the faction by beating Starscream in combat and tossing his body down a volcano]]. |
| 322 | * BerserkButton: Starscream feels insecure about his leadership compared to Megatron's own style, causing him to react strongly to any mention of Megatron's name or actions. |
| 323 | -->'''Soundwave:''' Megatron would have-\ |
| 324 | (''Starscream smacks Soundwave to the ground'')\ |
| 325 | '''Starscream:''' I told you! [[PunctuatedForEmphasis Do! Not! Say! His! Name!]] |
| 326 | * BloodKnight: Old Screamer seems to have it out for just about anyone he can crush between his hands, killing without mercy. |
| 327 | * BigBadWannabe: He leads the Decepticons at the beginning but his focus on causing as much needless destruction as possible, dismissal of the lives of his subordinates as well as ignoring practical ideas offered to him causes the Decepticons to lose faith in him. When Soundwave has enough and challenges Starscream to combat for leadership, Starscream can only plead as he is brutally defeated by Soundwave in a CurbStompBattle. |
| 328 | * CardCarryingVillain: As evidenced by this exchange at the start: |
| 329 | -->'''Jetfire:''' ''(after [[spoiler:Starscream kills Bumblebee]])'' Stop! This is madness!\ |
| 330 | '''Starscream:''' Exactly. ''(shoots Jetfire)'' |
| 331 | * CombatPragmatist: Starscream fights dirty and does everything in his power to win. |
| 332 | -->'''Optimus''': "Shooting beings while they lie helpless? Starscream, I thought you were a warrior." |
| 333 | -->'''Starscream''': Unlike you, Optimus Prime, I do whatever it takes--" |
| 334 | * DirtyCoward: Despite being more aggressive, bloodthirsty, and cruel in this continuity, Starscream's underlying cowardice remains evident when things don't go his way. In Issue #7, [[spoiler:when Soundwave challenges his leadership, Starscream attempts to weasel his way out. However, the other Decepticons, fed up with Starscream's bad decisions and nasty treatment, refuse to let him off the hook. Thundercracker takes matters into his own hands by pushing Starscream into the arena and telling him to face Soundwave in combat. When Soundwave starts to win with barely a scratch on him, Starscream, battered and injured, offers the prospect of co-leadership and says he'll look past Soundwave's "betrayal," claiming he can still choose the right path for their species. However, Soundwave, unmoved by Starscream's empty promises and still angry after he kicked Ravage, ruthlessly removes another one of his vital components before dropping Starscream's broken form into the fiery depths of a volcano]]. |
| 335 | * EvilIsPetty: Stops Soundwave before he can execute Optimus so he can have him watch as he shoots up a hospital. |
| 336 | * EyeScream: [[spoiler:Part of Soundwave's NoHoldsBarredBeatdown is to deploy Laserbeak and have him eat Starscream's left eye.]] |
| 337 | * {{Foil}}: To Soundwave. Starscream is hyper-fixated on destroying the Autobots above all else, [[BadBoss abuses his allies as much as his enemies]], constantly [[StupidEvil commits needless cruel acts for his own pleasure]], and mentions of Megatron are his BerserkButton. Soundwave is focused on reviving the other Decepticons, [[BenevolentBoss caring for his cassettes]], any rare cruel acts are [[PragmaticVillainy out of pragmatism]], and his loyalty to Megatron is apparent. |
| 338 | * ForTheEvulz: Likes to kill humans just because he can. |
| 339 | * HateSink: This Starscream is probably one of the most intentionally detestable versions of the character across the franchise, [[KickTheDog kicking dog after dog]] with a general disconcern for friend and foe alike. The ''very first thing'' he does on-panel is kill a helpless Bumblebee, and immediately after he fatally injures his old friend Jetfire— [[UngratefulBastard who revived him, mind you]]— for trying to stop him from hurting the rest of the Autobots. He only gets worse from there. ''Much'' worse. |
| 340 | * HeroKiller: He offlines [[spoiler:Bumblebee]] in the first issue, and later does the same to [[spoiler:Jetfire]]. |
| 341 | * KickTheDog: |
| 342 | ** Shoots up [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDs18tvWkAACfm6?format=jpg&name=orig a hospital]] solely to spite Optimus because he was defending it. |
| 343 | ** A literal example occurs when Soundwave opts to use [[spoiler:the newly repaired Teletraan-1]] to repair Ravage, only for Starscream to [[https://i0.wp.com/aiptcomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/transformers-51.jpg?ssl=1 punt away the latter]] in favor of repairing [[spoiler:Thundercracker]] first. |
| 344 | * LaserGuidedKarma: Starscream's hasty decisions, terrible treatment of the other Decepticons, and multiple losses against the Autobots finally rear its ugly head in Issue #7. [[spoiler:Soundwave decides enough is enough and challenges Starscream to fight for a change in leadership. Starscream tries to chicken out, but the other Decepticons aren't having any of it, with Thundercracker shoving him into the arena. In the end, Soundwave comes out on top, with Starscream badly beaten and thrown into a burning volcano]]. |
| 345 | * NiceJobFixingItVillain: Starscream has no way of knowing this, but by killing Frosting in Issue #2, he's set in motion events that will lead to the formation of G.I. Joe. |
| 346 | * TheResenter: He has a massive chip on his shoulder towards Megatron. The other Decepticons prefer Megatron and his leadership over Starscream's, and the latter's reckless actions (i.e., killing humans and picking fights with the Autobots) aren't making Starscream a good leader in his subordinates' eyes. |
| 347 | * TheSocialDarwinist: As a part of the Decepticon culture, Screamer has the most contempt for even the ''idea'' of helping weaker beings, be they Autobot or human, to the point that he shoots up a hospital just to spite Optimus Prime for defending it. |
| 348 | -->'''Starscream:''' You fools are weaker than us in every way! You don't deserve to function! |
| 349 | * TheStarscream: [[TropeNamer To absolutely no one's surprise]] it turns out the reason Megatron is out of the picture and Starscream is in control of the Decepticons is because he shot the former off the Ark when it was crashing into Earth. [[spoiler:Ironically, eventually Starscream falls victim to his own trope as Soundwave, sick and tired of Starscream's incompetence, decides to challenge Screamer for leadership position. And unlike the TropeNamer, Soundwave easily usurps Starscream due to the latter's cowardice and lack of skills]]. |
| 350 | * StupidEvil: Not only does he show no regard for stealth or subtlety, this Starscream spends a good amount of his time picking fights with Autobots and humans rather than focus on the more pressing issues his troops face (namely, a lack of resources). |
| 351 | * {{Sucksessor}}: It's immediately clear that despite his grandiose showboating, Starscream is in ''no way'' a leader comparable to Megatron in any form, with the overwhelming evidence painting him as an idiot who places far too much importance on ''himself'' over everyone else. Inverted with Soundwave, who has proven to be much more competent. |
| 352 | * UncertainDoom: We don't see much of Starscream after Soundwave throws him into the volcano, but he's definitely not coming back unscathed. |
| 353 | * WeHaveReserves: A lot of Starscream's combat strategies regarding the Decepticon troops involves simply sending them out in droves until they either overwhelm the enemy or die trying, his supposed mindset simply being that they can be replaced with more troops or easily repaired. Unfortunately for Starscream, he is blatantly ignorant of the fatal flaw in this logic: the Decepticons at the moment are ''far'' too little in number to successfully make use of this strategy, and all he does is waste resources that would've been more effective if allocated towards a more long-term plan of attack. Starscream's stubborn refusal to back out of this strategy along with indulging in more of his other typical habits is what finally causes Soundwave to instigate his coup, with the full support from the other Decepticons. |
| 354 | [[/folder]] |
| 355 | |
| 356 | [[folder:Soundwave]] |
| 357 | [[quoteright:198:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/e47f49bf_865b_4be9_a103_961fe402147b.jpeg]] |
| 358 | ''[[caption-width-right:198: "Extermination protocol… active."]]'' |
| 359 | The pragmatic spymaster of the Decepticons. But after Starscream's many leadership blunders cost them victory over the Autobots, Soundwave defeats him in single combat, and takes command of the Decepticons |
| 360 | ---- |
| 361 | * ApologeticAttacker: Just because he slaughtered the crew of an aircraft carrier out of pragmatism doesn't mean that he didn't feel any sorrow over doing so. |
| 362 | * BadassBoast: He makes one to the assembled Decepticons in issue 7 [[spoiler:after usurping Starscream]]. |
| 363 | -->"These pieces will help heal Ravage. But I will not just heal my own. We will rebuild. '''Together'''. We will conquer. Together. We will '''destroy'''. Together." |
| 364 | * BenevolentBoss: Unlike Starscream, he treats his cassettes well, serving as a father figure, much like Optimus. [[spoiler:After taking leadership, Soundwave declares he will not just repair Ravage using parts gutted from Starscream, but will work to rebuild everyone in his faction.]] |
| 365 | * BigBad: After Starscream's many leadership blunders cost them victory over the Autobots, Soundwave challenged him in single combat, and took command of the Decepticons. Before exterminating the rest of the Autobots, Soundwave aims to find a stable fuel source first and foremost. |
| 366 | * CrazyPrepared: Wheeljack theorizes that Soundwave deliberately kept Skywarp alive just in case the Autobots took back the Ark. |
| 367 | * CompositeCharacter: In addition to his G1 body, this Soundwave incorporates traits of other versions; he retains his original IDW self's care for his minions and the ruthless pragmatism and combat prowess from his ''Prime'' counterpart. This is all combined with ''Cyberverse'' Soundwave's ''intense'' dislike of Starscream. |
| 368 | * {{Foil}}: To Starscream. Soundwave is focused on reviving the other Decepticons, [[BenevolentBoss cares for his cassettes]], any rare cruel acts are [[PragmaticVillainy out of pragmatism]], and his loyalty to Megatron is apparent. Starscream is hyper-fixated on destroying the Autobots above all else, [[BadBoss abuses his allies as much as his enemies]], constantly [[StupidEvil commits needless cruel acts for his own pleasure]], and mentions of Megatron are his BerserkButton. |
| 369 | * EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: While Soundwave does show care for his subordinates, he seems especially fond of Ravage. After Ravage was shot by Optimus, Soundwave was usually seen cradling his body, tried to get him revived first when Teletraan was repaired, and Starscream kicking him ended up being the last straw for Soundwave to [[spoiler:usurp Starscream and become the new Decepticon leader]]. |
| 370 | * EveryoneHasStandards: He may be one of elite Decepticons but he is disgusted of the poor treatment that the other Decepticons suffer because of Starscream, [[spoiler:brutally defeating him in combat to take control of the Decepticons after the rest agree to replace the Seeker with Soundwave.]] He also does consider having to [[spoiler:kill the U.S.S. Henry Harrisson crew to be a regrettable action, but does so in order to not alert the higher-ups]]. |
| 371 | * AFatherToHisMen: After Optimus shoots Ravage, Soundwave is clearly distraught, and spends the rest of the issue cradling Ravage's body. When the repair tech is ready, he seems eager to fix Ravage first. [[spoiler:In fact, Starscream's [[WeHaveReserves repeated stupidity in caring for their men]] when they are so few is what finally ''breaks'' Soundwave to [[TheStarscream usurp control]] of the Decepticons from him.]] |
| 372 | * HopeSpot: [[spoiler:After the Autobots force the Decepticons to retreat from the Ark in Issue #6, Soundwave is one of the last to leave. Optimus faces Soundwave and offers him a truce with a chance to save their home together. For a brief moment, Soundwave considers it as he looks at Ravage in his arms, whom Optimus shot in Issue #1, and tries to punch him. Thundercracker picks up Soundwave shortly after. Peace was so damn close]]. |
| 373 | * ItsPersonal: [[spoiler:Despite being the OnlySaneMan of the Decepticons, when Optimus approaches him with the offer for peace between their factions after Starscream is incapacitated, because Optimus [[AFatherToHisMen nearly killed Ravage when they first awoke on Earth]], Soundwave forgoes ''any'' option of laying down arms and tries to attack Optimus after a brief consideration out of rage. Also, when he fights Starscream over leadership of the Decepticons, he makes a point of telling Starscream, to his face, that he's doing this because Starscream kicked Ravage.]] |
| 374 | * KlingonPromotion: After getting sick of Starscream’s recklessness and refusal to prioritize survival over wanton destruction, he challenges Starscream to a battle to decide who shall lead the Decepticons. [[Soundwave wins, presumably killing Starscream and tossing his body into the volcano]]. |
| 375 | * OnlySaneMan: Of the initial Decepticons active, Soundwave is by far the most calm and professional of the lot. |
| 376 | * NotSoAboveItAll: |
| 377 | ** While he is the calmest and most rational Decepticon he's still the one who suggests ruthlessly tearing apart Skywarp for parts, to fix Teletraan 1. Although, given the desperation of their situation as Skywarp was left in such a critical state at Optimus's hands to begin with (cutting their active number by a very significant portion), it is probable he was being [[PragmaticVillainy ruthlessly pragmatic to even their odds]] than simply [[EvilIsPetty the blatant cruelty the other Decepticons are shown to indulge in]]. |
| 378 | ** [[spoiler:After usurping command from Starscream, he promises the other Decepticons that they will not just conquer together, they will ''destroy'' together as well, much to their approval.]] |
| 379 | * PragmaticVillainy: Unlike his comrades, Soundwave prioritizes finding a stable fuel source first and foremost, and doesn’t see the point in needlessly killing humans like Starscream. Mind you, he is as much a sadist as any other Decepticon, he's just more practical about how he operates. |
| 380 | ** The first time he actually takes human lives, when he kills the survivors of an aircraft carrier he and Thundercracker destroyed, he only does it to avoid them reporting their existence to the government, which would make future missions much more difficult and doesn't take any sadistic glee out of the ordeal. |
| 381 | * ShootTheDog: Compared to his allies committing random acts of violence for the hell of it, Soundwave's first major act of violence, using a wounded Skywarp as raw material to repair Teletraan 1, was done to help his allies overall. |
| 382 | * TheStarscream: He not only becomes Starscream's second-in-command, [[spoiler:he ends up usurping [[{{Irony}} Starscream himself as the leader of the Decepticons]] after one too many bad decisions from his leadership.]] |
| 383 | * SuperiorSuccessor: Soundwave only took full command of the Decepticons in issue #8, but he already proved to be a far better leader than Starscream ever was for the first 7 issues. |
| 384 | [[/folder]] |
| 385 | |
| 386 | [[folder:Skywarp]] |
| 387 | [[quoteright:198:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/b6b9d9ef_9003_4418_beb1_059a8cfa92d2.jpeg]] |
| 388 | ''[[caption-width-right:198: "Starscream was right. This is fun!"]]'' |
| 389 | A thuggish Decepticon soldier with teleportation powers. |
| 390 | ---- |
| 391 | * AdaptationalBadass: Skywarp's teleportation ability has always been limited to being able to teleport himself and sometimes a few others in the near vicinity. In this series Skywarp can teleport parts of his body to a different location without fully teleporting there. Such as when he teleports his hand behind Optimus's head to throw him down. |
| 392 | * AdaptationalIntelligence: Skywarp's original bio mentioned that he was pretty much useless without constant supervision. To the point where he didn't know how to use his power of teleportation most effectively. While Skywarp is still depicted as a lovable moron he's shown in issue 3 to make clever use of his teleportation powers. |
| 393 | * AssholeVictim: He's very cruel and commits random violence comparable to Starscream, so it's unlikely anyone was shedding tears when [[spoiler:Starscream and Soundwave cannibalize him for parts]]. |
| 394 | * CruelAndUnusualDeath: Nothing more cruel than [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDpV-UtX0AAmm7S?format=jpg&name=orig being ripped apart by your own allies with their bare hands just for spare parts.]] [[spoiler:Subverted later when, it's revealed that Skywarp is [[NotQuiteDead still technically alive]] as a part of Teletraan]]. |
| 395 | * DefiantToTheEnd: [[spoiler:Even while being barely alive, half-conscious, and at the Autobots' mercy as part of Teletraan-1, he still has the will to halt their efforts at reviving their comrades, all while cursing them. This is eventually subverted in issue #8, when Optimus reminds him it was ''his'' teammates who scrapped him for parts rather than heal his injuries, which finally prompts Skywarp to help them out.]] |
| 396 | * HumanResources: Starscream and Soundwave tear him to shreds to obtain the necessary parts to repair Teletraan-1. |
| 397 | * OhCrap: He understandably freaks out as soon as Starscream and Soundwave start tearing him apart for parts to fix Teletraan-1 with. |
| 398 | * KickTheDog: He doesn't have as many as Starscream but he still has his moments. [[spoiler:Notably trying to finish off a gravely wounded Spike who had been shot in the crossfire.]] |
| 399 | * MistreatmentInducedBetrayal: [[spoiler:Optimus and Wheeljack manage to get him to cooperate with them by playing footage of Skywarp’s dismemberment by his fellow Decepticons, which leads to Skywarp allowing them to use Teletraan-1 to repair and revive their allies.]] |
| 400 | * NotQuiteDead: [[spoiler:Issue 7 reveals that Skywarp is still alive and integrated into Teletraan-1. It's not a pleasant existence and he's "not all there" but he is stopping the computer from reviving more Autobots]]. |
| 401 | * PaletteSwap: As is tradition, Skywarp has the same body as Starscream, but purple and black. |
| 402 | * UndyingLoyalty: [[spoiler:Even as basically a flicker of a spark left deep within the Teletraan-1 after being cannibalized for parts and energy by his fellow Decepticons he begged his life for, he ''still'' defends the Decepticon cause firmly as he keeps the Autobots from being revived to fight them.]] |
| 403 | ** Eventually subverted, after [[spoiler:Optimus reminds Skywarp his fellow Decepticons are the ones responsible for his current state, which makes Skywarp help them to get even with Starscream.]] |
| 404 | * YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: Or rather, he's more useful as dead spare parts than he is alive, as Starscream and Soundwave conclude in Issue 4. |
| 405 | [[/folder]] |
| 406 | |
| 407 | [[folder:The Cassettes]] |
| 408 | [[quoteright:210:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/8bc1c23d_853a_424c_8b84_b727ff7bb4e5.jpeg]] |
| 409 | ''[[caption-width-right:210: "Ravage, activate."]]'' |
| 410 | Soundwave's minions, consisting of Laserbeak, Rumble, Frenzy, and Ravage. They are Minicons who deploy from his chest to do his bidding. |
| 411 | ---- |
| 412 | * AdaptedOut: Ratbat and Buzzsaw don’t seem to be present in this incarnation. |
| 413 | * AnArmAndALeg: Rumble lost his right arm after the dam battle, while his left is stuck in piledriver mode. |
| 414 | * BrutalBirdOfPrey: Laserbeak serves as this. |
| 415 | * DroppedABridgeOnHim: While it's ambiguous in the issue itself, Johnson confirmed in the letters pages that Frenzy was killed by Optimus in Issue #5. |
| 416 | * FeatheredFiend: Laserbeak is a bird-like Decepticon. |
| 417 | * PaletteSwap: As usual, Frenzy and Rumble are the same body in red and blue colors respectively. This comic follows the "FIRRIB"[[note]]"Frenzy is red, Rumble is blue"[[/note]] color scheme, in keeping with the Sunbow cartoon. |
| 418 | * RedShirt: Frenzy was resurrected in issue #5, only to die in the subsequent dam battle. A somewhat literal example, as he has the red-and-black color scheme in this series. |
| 419 | * SpyBot: Laserbeak serves as this for the Decepticons, scouting potential fuel sources and tracking down enemies. |
| 420 | ** In issue #2, it hunts down Carly after spotting a picture of Optimus Prime she drew on her van earlier. |
| 421 | * UndyingLoyalty: To Soundwave. |
| 422 | * VillainousFriendship: In addition to Soundwave and his fellow Cassettes, Frenzy is shown to be friends with Reflector, shouting his name in horror as Optimus vaporizes him, even calling him "buddy". |
| 423 | [[/folder]] |
| 424 | |
| 425 | [[folder:Thundercracker]] |
| 426 | [[quoteright:323:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/energon_universe_thundercracker.PNG]] |
| 427 | [[caption-width-right:323:''"Justice For Skywarp!"'']] |
| 428 | The [[TokenGoodTeammate most honorable]] of the Decepticons and Soundwave's lieutenant, he is a warrior with the strongest sense of morality among his vile comrades. |
| 429 | ---- |
| 430 | * AvengingTheVillain: Thundercracker is dead set on avenging his fellow Seeker, unaware it was Starscream and Soundwave, not the Autobots. |
| 431 | * TheDragon: To Soundwave. |
| 432 | * EarlyBirdCameo: In issue #1, Thundercracker was briefly seen about to be revived by Teletraan 1, until Optimus destroyed the computer, preventing his reactivation. Thundercracker is later revived in issue #5. |
| 433 | * EstablishingCharacterMoment: Upon being reactivated, he is horrified to see Skywarp's remains installed into Teletraan 1 and asks what "evil Autobot" did this to him, showing him to have a stronger moral compass than his allies but still on the wrong side of the war. |
| 434 | * EvenEvilHasLovedOnes: He cares a great deal for his fellow Decepticons, being horrified at [[spoiler:Skywarp's death]] and setting out to avenge him during the attack on the dam. |
| 435 | * EvenEvilHasStandards: Compared to his fellow Decepticons, he not only seems much less brutal and cruel, but he also seems to have much more empathy for humans |
| 436 | ** When he's woken up in issue #5 he is immediately horrified upon seeing Skywarp's current state as components for Teletraan 1. |
| 437 | ** In Issue #8 (in a moment paralleling Starscream's murder of Davey) he picks up the captain of an aircraft carrier but spares him when the man pleads for his life. |
| 438 | ** He opposes Soundwave's subsequent murder of the Aircraft Carrier crew due to them not only being innocent but also being unable to hurt them. |
| 439 | * LockedOutOfTheLoop: Starscream lied to Thundercracker and claimed that it was the Autobots who tore Skywarp apart rather than himself and Soundwave. |
| 440 | * NobleDemon: Of all the Decepticons introduced so far, Thundercracker seems to be the one who has the strongest sense of mortality. He's the only one who seems to be bothered and appalled by what had been done to Skywarp. He's also visibly bothered by the needless killing of humans and has to be talked into it by Soundwave. |
| 441 | * PaletteSwap: As is tradition, Thundercracker has the same body as Starscream, but black and blue. |
| 442 | * TheSocialDarwinist: Thundercracker abides by the Decepticons' might make right philosophy and prevents Starscream from backing out of Soundwave's leadership challenge. His mercy towards humans is also because of how little threat they pose to the Decepticons, ergo they aren't worth killing. |
| 443 | [[/folder]] |
| 444 | [[folder:Constructicons/Devastator]] |
| 445 | [[quoteright:500:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rco020_1708541232.jpg]] |
| 446 | [[caption-width-right:500:The Constructicons]] |
| 447 | [[quoteright:500:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rco022_1708541232.jpg]] |
| 448 | [[caption-width-right:500:Devastator]] |
| 449 | |
| 450 | A group of Decepticon engineers. They can all combine with one another to form the towering powerhouse known as Devastator. |
| 451 | ---- |
| 452 | * AdaptationalBadass: Par for the course as most adaptations beef up Devastator from the {{Jobber}} he was in the cartoon. In this version [[spoiler:he beats Optimus so badly that Prime would have died had Sparkplug not sacrificed himself to revive him]] whereas in Devastator's debut in the cartoon, Optimus put him out of commission with one shot. [[DownplayedTrope Granted, Optimus still beats him one-on-six-in-one as soon as he recovers and the combiner no longer has the element of surprise.]] |
| 453 | * AdaptationalEarlyAppearance: They weren't part of the initial line up of the Decepticons in the original Marvel comic and cartoon. |
| 454 | * TheBrute: Devastator is easily the strongest of the current Decepticon forces and primarily acts as their muscle. |
| 455 | * CombiningMecha: The six Constructicons can combine to form Devastator. |
| 456 | * DynamicEntry: Long Haul introduces himself and the group by ramming Optimus off the road. |
| 457 | * {{Fingore}}: Optimus rips off the ring finger of Devastator's right hand and uses it to bludgeon Thundercracker. |
| 458 | * GodzillaThreshold: Starscream resurrects all six in a last-ditch attempt to destroy the Autobots. |
| 459 | [[/folder]] |
| 460 | |
| 461 | [[folder:Megatron]] |
| 462 | [[quoteright:466:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/17c38332_865d_4387_b5e5_4a595dceafad.jpeg]] |
| 463 | %%[[caption-width-right:466:some caption text]] |
| 464 | The original leader of the Decepticons and its most powerful warrior. A brutal and tyrannical madman who led his brethren to conquest. After finally escaping captivity, Megatron seeks to destroy the one who betrayed him. |
| 465 | ---- |
| 466 | * AdaptationalLateAppearance: Unlike most depictions of ''Generation 1'', he is not part of the first active batch of Decepticons. |
| 467 | * AnArmAndALeg: [[spoiler:Thanks to him being partially embedded in ice, offline, and badly damaged. Ratchet decides to make him an unknowing "donor" for Prime's new right arm. While being studied in Cobra-La, the scientists removed his other arm]]. |
| 468 | * AssholeVictim: ''ComicBook/CobraCommander'' reveals [[spoiler:he’s been found by the citizens of Cobra-La where he’s routinely tortured by the future Cobra Commander. Considering what little we’ve seen of him show that he’s nothing but a brutal tyrant that made the situation on Cybertron worse, led the Decepticons on a near successful genocide on the Autobots, and clearly has very sinister plans for Earth, it’s hard to feel bad for him.]] |
| 469 | * CapturedSuperEntity: [[spoiler:Cobra-La obtained his body for study and experimentation.]] |
| 470 | * EyeScream: [[spoiler:Starscream added to Megatron's [[AnArmAndALeg many injuries]] by shooting him in the face, taking off a significant chunk of his right eye leaving a skull-like impression where it once was. When breaking out of Cobra-La, Golobulus stabbed him in the other eye, but he was still able to escape while blinded.]] |
| 471 | * GreaterScopeVillain: While he’s [[spoiler:currently held captive by Cobra-La]] he's the founder of the Decepticons and Optimus's ArchEnemy. His threat looming in the background for now. |
| 472 | * HandicappedBadass: When we first see him in the present day he is way worse for wear with missing limbs and a missing eye ([[spoiler:and then both eyes missing during the relevant event]]), but he still manages to [[spoiler:break himself out of Cobra-La]]. |
| 473 | * PetTheDog: Something that immediately distinguishes him from Starscream's gratuitous cruelty is how [[spoiler:after the surviving Cobra-La scientist (who claims to have two children) tells him where his limbs are, Megatron lets him be as thanks]]. |
| 474 | * PsychoticSmirk: [[spoiler:The moment Cobra Commander leaves the lab holding Megatron, the Decepticon leader lifts his head and smiles. Why Megatron is smiling is unclear, but it could imply he's not as helpless as everyone thinks]]. |
| 475 | [[/folder]] |
| 476 | |
| 477 | !!!Minor Decepticons |
| 478 | [[folder:Reflector]] |
| 479 | [[quoteright:209:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/energon_universe_reflector_9.PNG]] |
| 480 | [[caption-width-right:209:''"It is good to be back in focus Starscream!"'']] |
| 481 | A Decepticon who likes to speak in camera-based puns. |
| 482 | ---- |
| 483 | * AdaptationalWimp: Usually Reflector is three guys (Sometimes joined by a single mind) but here he's just one bot. |
| 484 | * DroppedABridgeOnHim: Optimus obliterates him with a fusion cannon blast. |
| 485 | * EarlyBirdCameo: In issue #1, Reflector was briefly seen about to be revived by Teletraan 1, until Optimus destroyed the computer, preventing his reactivation. Reflector is later revived in issue #5, but it doesn’t last very long. |
| 486 | * OhCrap: Realizing his target sees him and is set to vaporize him, Reflector's last words and expression indicate his regret at having made himself an easy target. |
| 487 | * PungeonMaster: Most of his lines incorporate some sort of photography-related pun. |
| 488 | * RedShirt: Ultimately existed just to get blown to pieces during the upcoming fight. |
| 489 | * WeHardlyKnewYe: Shortly after being reactivated, he tries to jump Optimus…and is swiftly vaporized by laser fire. |
| 490 | [[/folder]] |
| 491 | |
| 492 | [[folder:Astrotrain]] |
| 493 | [[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/energon_universe_astrotrain.PNG]] |
| 494 | %% [[caption-width-right:381:some caption text]] |
| 495 | A Decepticon soldier with the ability to transform into two distinct vehicles. He seeks vengeance against Megatron for currently undisclosed reasons. |
| 496 | ---- |
| 497 | * TheBerserker: Astrotrain's great power is made into a very real hazard when paired with a very fiery temper, and his first instinct after being released is to smash up anyone in his path. If Soundwave's pragmatism wasn't at play the CommunicationsOfficer-turned-leader would've left the guy locked up indefinitely. |
| 498 | * TheBigGuy: The currently second-largest Decepticon in the series, only being topped by Devastator. |
| 499 | * TheBrute: His primary weapons of choice? His own massive metal mitts. |
| 500 | * CompositeCharacter: Astrotrain's design is based on the [[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers G1 cartoon]], as usual, but his status as a towering giant who has an ''intense'' dislike for Megatron comes from ''WesternAnimation/TransformersCyberverse''. |
| 501 | * EstablishingCharacterMoment: If Soundwave being reluctant to release him didn't tell enough about him, then the fact that he started attacking the other cons like a roaring beast while demanding Megatron's location should definitely say a lot more. |
| 502 | * GodzillaThreshold: He was powerful but dangerous enough that Megatron felt the need to lock him up. As he is down to Thundercracker and the Constructicons, Soundwave needs all the troops he can get so reluctantly orders his release. |
| 503 | [[/folder]] |
| 504 | [[folder:Shockwave]] |
| 505 | [[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/energon_universe_shockwave.PNG]] |
| 506 | %% [[caption-width-right:444:some caption text]] |
| 507 | The guardian of the mostly-depleted Cybertron. In issue #8, he finally manages to reestablish contact with the Decepticons on Earth. |
| 508 | ---- |
| 509 | * EarlyBirdCameo: First appeared in ComicBook/VoidRivals issue #4, before next appearing in issue #8 of this series. |
| 510 | [[/folder]] |
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