Smokescreen (Transformers)

Smokescreen is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.

Transformers: Generation 1

Smokescreen

Alternators Smokescreen
Autobot
Information
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles
Function Diversionary Tactician
Rank 6
Motto "A look can be deceiving; a touch can be lethal."
Alternate modes Nissan Fairlady Z (Datsun 280ZX-R), Subaru Impreza WRC rally car, Nissan 350Z
Series Transformers: Generation 1
Transformers: Alternators
Transformers: Titanium
Transformers: Universe
English voice actor Jack Angel
Japanese voice actor Masashi Ebara (Television Series)
Takurō Kitagawa ("The Master Builders", "Trans-Europe Express", "Masquerade")
Kōki Kataoka ("Microbots", "Quest for Survival")
Yoku Shioya ("The Golden Lagoon", "The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1")
Kenyū Horiuchi ("The Secret of Omega Supreme")
Kōki Uchiyama (Q Transformers: Mystery of Convoy)

Smokescreen is one of the second year Autobot Cars in the Transformers series. His toy was remolded from Prowl and Bluestreak, itself originating from an earlier Japanese line named Diaclone. Smokescreen's vehicle mode was based on an actual existing car—a 1979 Nissan Fairlady Z race car in the Electramotive team livery. Team founder Don Devendorf's car was accurately recreated, except that his number 83 was changed to a 38.[1]

Smokescreen's bio originally indicated that while he appeared calm and easy-going, he was in reality the closest thing the Autobots had to someone who thought like a Decepticon. He would cheat to win without hesitation, and often covers his true goals from his fellow Autobots. Autobot leaders use him as a spy amongst the ranks at times.

Marvel Comics

Smokescreen first appeared in issue 14 of the Marvel Transformers comic. Here, he was brought to life alongside Grapple, Hoist, Skids and Tracks via the downloading of their personalities and Sparks from storage. Bumblebee took all but Grapple on a tour of the surrounding area—but ended up in a trial by fire when the Decepticons tried to steal sonic energy from a rock concert. The group battled Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker, defeating them, but left when the humans accused them of sabotaging the concert.

After this, Smokescreen played more of a peripheral role, battling the Decepticons, but not having any major roles. He was one of the many casualties when trying to stop the Underbase-powered Starscream. He was not shown to be revived, but returned in the pages of the Transformers: Generation 2 comic, where he accompanied Grimlock on a disastrous raid on Jhiaxus' forces. After this, he battled against Jhiaxus forces under Optimus Prime's command—only to be killed by a squad of Jhiaxus' troopers alongside Ironhide.

The Smokescreen of the post-movie universe appeared in the Marvel UK comics, most prominently in the "Legacy of Unicron" arc. He and Inferno were dispatched to escort Wreck-Gar back to the planet Junk. There, they discovered it had been taken over by the decapitated head of Unicron. The two escaped to warn Rodimus Prime, leaving Wreck-Gar behind to free his people, with Inferno being badly injured by the mind-controlled bounty hunter Death's Head. The two arrived on Cybertron—only to discover that Unicron's puppets Cyclonus and Scourge had launched an all-out Decepticon assault. The Decepticons badly damaged the shuttle, and Smokescreen refused to leave his injured friend. Inferno had other ideas and bodily threw him through the windshield to safety, before crashing and killing as many Decepticons as he could. Smokescreen returned to Junk with Prime and the Dinobots, determined to avenge Inferno, and contributing to the Chaos-Bringer's eventual defeat.

Animated series

Smokescreen originally appeared in "Dinobot Island pt 1". Smokescreen was used quite frequently in season 2, taking the starring role in the episode "The Gambler". This saw him strike a deal with a gambler named Bosh in order to save his fellow Autobots—he would win energon for Bosh if Bosh used some to restore the others. Predictably cheating his way to victory, he was caught and lost all his winnings. With the help of Devcon, he and Bosh ended up battling and defeating Astrotrain, Dirge and Ramjet. After this Bosh freed the other Autobots. The cartoon actually made use of his abilities—in "The Key to Vector Sigma", for example, his smoke saved the Autobots' super-fuel after Prowl's security detail was compromised, and in "Auto Berzerk" he downed the famed Seekers—including Starscream—with his disruptors.[2]

Smokescreen was not amongst the Autobots whose death was shown in The Transformers: The Movie, although an animation mistake which colored the body of the deceased Wheeljack in red did caused some speculation—indeed, the storyboard of this scene clearly depicts Smokescreen's dead body, not Wheeljack's. Smokescreen did not appear in the post-movie Season Three, and so it is generally assumed that, even if he was not featured in this particular scene (or even the movie for that matter), that he was killed in the attack on Autobot City, or even in the years before the movie. If this was not the case, neither animators nor series editors for Season 3 made an effort to alleviate confusions regarding which characters' deaths in the movie were included, or excluded.

Smokescreen appears in the Japanese opening for season 3, as the movie was not shown in Japan at the time.

Smokescreen also made a brief appearance in the first episode of Transformers: The Headmasters.

Other media

Smokescreen is one of the characters appearing in the unlicensed comic book Transformers Chronicles Book One by Hirofumi Ichikawa. This story has him working with the Autobot Axelerators against the Skyscorchers, facing Dreadwing, and being reformatted into the Generation 2 Decepticon jet Smokescreen.

Toys

A red/blue redeco of the Nissan Fairlady robot toy used for Prowl and Bluestreak.[3]
Smokescreen was the first Transformer to be released in the highly anticipated Transformers: Alternators/Binaltech toy line by Hasbro/Takara. Smokescreen's alternate mode is a Subaru Impreza WRC (2003). Smokescreen captures a fantastic amount of detail from the real car while still providing plenty of poseability in robot form. Smokescreen includes an intercooler from on top of the engine that can be turned into an "Electro-Disruptor Rifle". The Alternators rear view mirror is inset and painted silver while the Binaltech is reflective and solid.
Smokescreen was still a racing version of a production car—this time, however, the 2003 Subaru Impreza World Rally Championship car, driven by Tommi Mäkinen . His character card explained that he had been revived by Subaru's STI tuning group, who had built his new body, and that he was more dedicated to dispelling fear and apprehension amongst his comrades than ever.
Smokescreen is very faithful to the original Generation 1 incarnation. He has many similarities beyond the name and the fact that he is a blue vehicle which makes him easily recognizable.[4]
While the Alternator line only released one Smokescreen, the Binaltech line released two. They were very similar, but had a few minor differences to accurately depict the two distinct WRC cars: The number seven or eight was printed on the top and on the doors. The number seven version license plate is "S40WRT" while the number eight license plate reads "S30WRT" There is an image of a cartoon pig on the side view mirrors of only the number seven version. The number seven version of the car has the names of Solberg and Mills on the rear door windows while the number eight version has the names of Makinen and Lindstrom, indicating the names of the drivers of each respective car. Each name has the flag of that drivers' nationality next to it.
Smokescreen was later remolded into Silverstreak and Smokescreen GT. His bio indicates he still plays his morale boosting role within the Autobot ranks.
In 2004, the seventh Binaltech character was released, as Smokescreen GT. Based on the first Binaltech incarnation of Smokescreen, BT-01, the GT version was modified to resemble the 2004 World Rally Championship Subaru Impreza. Changes to the mold included revised front bumper, grille and wheels, and deco changes included revised sponsor labels and driver details. Smokescreen GT also included a missile launcher accessory, and was available in variations with either "1" or "2" on the door. Smokescreen GT was not released into the Alternators toy line.
To explain the presence of the Smokescreen GT, the Binaltech story offers the following, also translated by Doug Dlin: "In conjunction with Smokescreen's volunteering, the EDC's Advanced Technologies Development Bureau conducted the customization and function expansion of a GT System-compatible model in an experimental base, using the latest BT-model body frame made by Subaru. The "life force" that is the source of a Transfomer's life is propagated through its entire body by a "laser core", which is at the center of a force field. The GT System separately contains this laser core outside the body in subspace storage, and by synchronously connecting with translink ports installed on each BT terminal, it is able to breathe life into each of the multiply duplicated personality data. Each unit's memory data undergoes integration processing after it returns from an operation."
Smokescreen was released in 2006 as a non-transforming 3 inch tall member of the Transformers: Titanium line. His form is based on the Alternators version of Smokescreen. Because this toy lacks a vehicle mode, it did not require a license from the car maker like the Alternators version did.
A red redeco of Universe Deluxe Silverstreak with a racing livery faithful to the original G1 toy.
The Japanese version of the Universe figure by Takara Tomy has the weapons remolded in chrome silver and the rear spoiler repainted in a metallic red finish. The number labels are also printed in a larger font.[5]
Like Masterpiece Prowl and Bluestreak, this Smokescreen figure is a faithful redesign of the original G1 Nissan Fairlady Z toy with modern articulation and details. Set for release on September 2013. No official pictures have been released yet, but Smokescreen is expected to be painted in his original #38 racing livery.

Transformers: Generation 2

Smokescreen
Decepticon
Information
Partner Dreadwing
Alternate modes Jet
Series Transformers: Generation 2

In addition to the appearance of the original Smokescreen in the Generation 2 comic, the 1994 Generation 2 toy line featured a different character with the name Smokescreen: a Decepticon who transformed into a fighter jet and combined with Dreadwing, who transformed into a stealth bomber.

Toys

A new mold. This toy was later redecoed into an unreleased Generation 2 Starscream, Beast Wars Second Starscream, Robots in Disguise Smokejumper and Robot Masters Smokesniper.[6]

Transformers: Armada

Smokescreen/Hoist
Autobot
Information
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles
Function Diversionary Tactician
Partner Liftor, Refute
Motto "Strike hard, strike straight."
Alternate modes Crane truck, Backhoe
Series Transformers: Armada
Transformers: Universe
English voice actor Dale Wilson[7]

The name Smokescreen is reassigned to an Autobot who transforms into an orange construction crane. The name is unrelated to his personality or function, but his Japanese name in 'Micron Legend' is Grap; the Japanese name for G1 Grapple who also transforms into a construction crane. However, due to copyright reasons the name Grapple could not be used.

His bio indicated that he was an Autobot who was always in the thick of battle — not because he enjoyed it, but because he can't be bothered thinking about complex tactical maneuvers. He was immensely strong, but sometimes this habit of rushing in without thinking rebounded against superior odds.

In Transformers: Armada, Hoist (Grap Super Mode in Japan) is the new name adopted by Smokescreen after he was rebuilt following severe damage at the hands of Megatron and the Requiem Blaster. He transforms into a white backhoe, and is partnered with the Mini-Con Refute.

Animated series

In the cartoon, Smokescreen is the first Autobot reinforcement to join the Autobots on Earth. In his first mission, he encountered Rad, Alexis and Carlos, who unwittingly foiled his attempt to rescue the Mini-Con Drill Bit. However, after he rescued them from Cyclonus, he revealed his role to them. Smokescreen served as one of Optimus Prime's most trusted soldiers, acting as the group's sniper. He put up the most resistance when Prime welcomed the double agent Scavenger into the group, eventually making up with him after he contributed to an Autobot victory.

Later, he was nearly killed when he sacrificed himself after to stop Megatron using the Requiem Blaster on the other Autobots. Megatron gunned him down at point-blank range, although Smokescreen refused to give up until the Decepticons had retreated. Only then did he allow himself to go offline, much to his comrades' grief. This was not the end for him, as he was rebuilt by Red Alert into a new and improved body. After this, he renames himself Hoist.

After nearly being killed by Megatron's requiem blaster, Smokescreen was rebuilt by Red Alert as Hoist. Hoist went on to have many further battles against the Decepticons, and survived the battles against Unicron.

Dreamwave Productions

In Dreamwave Productions's accompanying Armada comic, Smokescreen would play a smaller role than his animated counterpart. One of the first Autobots to appear, he was unable to prevent the fall of Cyber City to the Mini-Con enhanced Decepticons. One million years later, when the signal from the escaped Mini-Cons was received, he was one of the Autobots who journeyed to Earth under Optimus Prime. After battling the Decepticons and gaining his Mini-Con partner, he disappeared, revealed in issue #12 that he and Scavenger had been sent to an observation post in California. He was subsequently recalled to the Autobot base after Prime's disappearance — only to be confronted by a full-scale Decepticon assault. Scavenger and Smokescreen battled Megatron and Demolishor, only for Smokescreen to get shot in the head by Megatron at point blank range. Hot Shot, Red Alert and Scavenger subsequently avenged him by knocking Megatron into Unicron's gaping maw.

Although it was not clear if Smokescreen survived or not, Hoist appeared in the subsequent Transformers: Energon comics, indicating he had died at one point, making it likely that as in the animated continuity, Smokescreen was resurrected as Hoist.

Armada Hoist continued to appear among the Autobots in the Transformers: Energon comic series by Dreamwave. His back story was never fully explained, but he mentioned he had died at one point, indicating that as in the animated continuity, he was Smokescreen in a new body.

3H Enterprises

In the Transformers: Universe comic, Armada Smokescreen and Generation One Smokescreen were both been abducted from their home dimensions by Unicron, and were forced to fight each other to the death in gladiatorial combat. Armada Smokescreen prevails in the contest. Please note that the depictions of these two combatants are of the original G1 Smokescreen and the original Armada Smokescreen; the comic was written before the Universe Smokescreen toys were created.

Toys

A Deluxe class toy.[8]
Combines with the other McDonalds Armada Autobots.
The mold used for Armada Hoist was repainted and remolded into a Decepticon for the character of Universe Ransack. The mold first used for Armada Hoist was remolded again into Transformers: Cybertron Longrack, a homage to Beast Wars Neo Longrack.
Armada Smokescreen was repainted blue for Universe and released as part of a "Battle in a Box". He and his Mini-Con Liftor fought against Ransack and his Mini-Con Refute.

Transformers: Cybertron

Smokescreen

Cybertron Smokescreen toy
Autobot
Information
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles
Rank 6
Alternate modes Bugatti Veyron
Series Transformers: Cybertron

Smokescreen was the original name given to the Autobot who was based on the Galaxy Force character Autovolt, but later Hasbro changed their minds and called him Crosswise.

Fun Publications

Smokescreen appeared in the text story from Fun Publications called Force of Habit. This story explained where he was during the events of the Cybertron story. Ultra Magnus was the commander of various Autobot ships sent to other planets in search for the Cyber Planet Keys. He also served as captain of the Iron Hope which was crewed by Bonecrusher, Grimlock, Ironhide, Knock Out, Overcast, Prowl, Quickstrike, RipTide, Skyblast, Smokescreen, Swoop, Wreckage and the Sky Scorcher Mini-Con Team.

Toys

Cybertron Smokescreen was released as a repaint of Cybertron Crosswise in colors based on his Generation 1 counterpart. The name Smokescreen was intended to be unveiled at a Transformers convention during early 2006 but never materialized. He was falsely rumored to be a remold of an Armada toy, likely to incorporate a Cyber Planet Key. The toy of Smokescreen is 13 centimeters long in vehicle mode, whereas a real Bugatti Veyron is 447 centimeters long, so the toy is at a scale of about 1:34. The toy stands about 14 centimeters tall, which means Smokescreen would stand about 481 centimeters or 15 feet 10 inches tall.

His head colors are more intended as an homage to Rad (Transformers) the Action Master.

Transformers

Smokescreen
Autobot
Information
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles, Fast Action Battlers, Legends
Function Diversionary Tactician
Rank 7.5
Alternate modes Cybertronian car, Pontiac Solstice
Series Transformers
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Smokescreen is the Autobot in charge of diversionary tactics. He's fully loaded with sonic burst weapons, magnetic smoke bombs and oil slicks designed to scramble Decepticon sensors.

IDW Publishing

Smokescreen appears in Transformers: Defiance by IDW Publishing. In issue #2 Smokescreen sides with Optimus Prime against Megatron's orders to counter-attack their invaders. In issue #3 Megatron learned that Optimus has broken into his room he sent Bumblebee, Camshaft, Cliffjumper, Jazz, Prowl and Smokescreen to arrest Optimus for treason. Optimus demanded to speak directly to Megatron, but when the group was traveling to Megatron's location they were ambushed by Barricade, Brawl, Crankcase, Frenzy, Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker who had orders to kill the lot of them. Smokescreen was able to cover Optimus and his group's retreat in the confusion of an explosion. In issue #4 Arcee, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Jazz and Smokescreen ambush Ironhide, who they believe works for Megatron, but Ironhide instead joins Optimus Prime's Autobots.

Smokescreen is among the Autobot forces who witness the launching of the Decepticon ship Nemesis.[9]

In Reign of Starscream the Decepticon Starscream barely makes it to the Nemesis on Mars before he runs out of power. His return is noted by the Autobot Cosmos, who alerts Arcee, Cliffjumper, Smokescreen, Camshaft and Air Raid. Aided by Thundercracker on the Nemesis Starscream recovers and sends the information Frenzy had gathered back to Cybertron just as Hardtop spots the Autobots closing on the Nemesis. When the Autobots attack the Decepticons Smokescreen is seemingly killed by Starscream.

After being rescued from control by the Initiative, Armorhide, Blaze Master, Brawn and Smokescreen join the Autobots at the NEST base on Diego Garcia. Optimus Prime insists they spend time there recovering.[10]

In the Transformers: Rising Storm series, Smokescreen officially meets his end at the hands of Shockwave.

Toys

All toys of this character (except the Revenge of the Fallen Legends figure) are officially licensed from General Motors.

A Deluxe-sized toy with simplified transformation for younger children. Repaint of Autobot Jazz.[11]
Smokescreen is among the characters which appeared in the Transformers 3D Battle Card Game by Wizards of the Coast. He is a blue redeco of movie Jazz.
A redeco of the Jazz figure.[12]
A redeco of Universe Legends Rodimus packed together with Legends Starscream.

Transformers (Decepticon)

Smokescreen
Decepticon
Information
Sub-group Scouts
Partner Dreadwing
Alternate modes Stealth bomber
Series Transformers

At the 2010 Tokyo Toy Show, Takara Tomy released a Decepticon version of Smokescreen as an homage to the Generation 2 incarnation. In keeping with the homage, both Smokescreen and Dreadwing sport Generation 2 Decepticon symbols.

Toys

A Tokyo Toy Show exclusive in Japan, this figure is a blue redeco of Scout Skystalker, while Dreadwing is a blue redeco of Voyager Mindwipe.[13]

Transformers: Prime

Smokescreen
Autobot
Information
Sub-group Elite Guard, Team Prime, Stealth Team
Function Stealth Fighter
Rank Soldier
Partner Bulkhead, Arcee, Jack Darby, Bumblebee
Motto "I'm destined for greatness."
Alternate modes Lotus Exige
Series Transformers: Prime
English voice actor Nolan North

In Transformers: Prime, Smokescreen is a young Autobot, he greatly admires Optimus Prime which makes him a loyal Autobot, even though he is a rookie, he is shown to be the joker of the group, he appears to have an aspiration of becoming a great warrior like Optimus where his ego occasionally annoys most of the other Autobots, but as the series goes on he develops into a loyal friend who thinks less about himself and more about his teammates including Bumble Bee, Arcee, Bulkhead. Aside from having a color scheme similar to G1 Jazz, Smokescreen still carries some elements from his original character, most notably the number "38" on the doors of his car mode. In the midpoint of season 3 Smokescreen receives a new paint job which makes him resemble his G1 counterpart even more, the exception being the 38's on the doors becomes 7's. His weapons include energon blasters in both his arms, along with his signature weapon the Phase Shifter which allows him to move between objects and stray immune to blaster fire. Many fans have considered him a variation of Hot Rod due to Smokescreen idolizing Optimus Prime and almost becoming the next prime.

Animated series

Smokescreen was a former student of Cybertron's Elite Guard during the Cybertronian War, and while he passed the training never had a formal graduation ceremony. He ended up becoming a guard at the Vault of Iacon where he guarded Alpha Trion during the final days of the war. Though initially unhappy with the assignment, he came to respect Alpha Trion's wisdom and considered him a valued mentor and friend. Trion apparently reciprocated the feeling of trust, as he shared with Smokescreen the knowledge that he had supported Optimus for the position of Prime, recommending him to the Autobot High Council. When the Vault of Iacon was attacked, Smokescreen was the last defense willing to fight the Decepticons for the first time until everything went black, in reality he was knocked out by Alpha Trion himself to which he then stored one of the Omega Keys within him as a means of keeping the key safe, he then woke up on a Decepticon ship. Smokescreen gave a Vehicon guard the slip and managed to enter a long-distance escape pod to Earth which returned him to stasis.

Smokescreen first appears in "New Recruit", where he came from a downed Decepticon escape pod and arrived to help the Autobots fend off the Vehicons and an Insecticon. He then introduces himself to Optimus Prime and ended up recapping his history to the rest of Team Prime. Ratchet and Arcee had some trust issues with Smokescreen. When Optimus Prime asked about Alpha Trion, Smokescreen said that he didn't know what happened to him. Optimus then suggested to Smokescreen that he needed to become accustomed with his surroundings. Jack then gives him full run of the base, where Smokescreen discovered the Polarity gauntlet, the repaired Immobilizer, Phase Shifter, and the Spark Extractor, as well as Airachnid's stasis pod. Later, when Red Energon (which can make any Cybertronian faster) was first reported, Optimus Prime had Smokescreen obtain an Earth-based vehicle form and go through training. After picking the right vehicle, Smokescreen heard about Starscream attacking Optimus Prime and asks to be sent in, only to be denied. Smokescreeen simply ignored him and joined the battle, using the Phase Shifter to get Starscream out of the Apex Armor. Optimus Prime tells Smokescreen standard procedure is required on the team.

In "The Human Factor", Smokescreen suggested using the Apex Armor to Bulkhead, but was violently turned down. He later fought alongside his new team when they learned about the Decepticons' plan to use the Damocles Satellite as a weapon at the time when M.E.C.H.'s field commander Silas (who had been merged with Breakdown's lifeless shell) in the form of C.Y.L.A.S. (short for Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis) collaborated with Megatron. Smokescreen helped Bulkhead battle and defeat C.Y.L.A.S. who ends up retreating on Megatron's orders. Bulkhead then gained a newfound respect for the newbie as Smokescreen mentioned that he also reviewed the fights of the Wreckers.

In "Legacy", Bumblebee and Smokescreen are driving on the road looking for the next Iacon artifact. When Bumblebee states to Smokescreen that he should obey the speed limit, Smokescreen states that the people who built his vehicle form should've made it to do that. Smokescreen ends up speeding and nearly causes a tough driver to be driven off the road. When the tough driver plans to dismantle Smokescreen, Smokescreen transforms and tells him to "bring it." Bumblebee intervenes as the man takes their picture of them. Smokescreen ends up in trouble with the other Autobots as Optimus Prime states that they are all responsible for this incident. Optimus Prime then pairs up Smokescreen with Jack Darby in order to bring Smokescreen up to speed with Autobot operations on Earth. After Smokescreen leaves with Jack Darby, Optimus Prime tells Arcee that Smokescreen's spark is in the right place. After some time on the town with Jack which involved an incident with Vince, Arcee was not pleased with what Smokescreen did. When Optimus Prime is unavailable, Jack and Smokescreen end up heading to the where the next Iacon project is with the artifact being the Star Saber (a sword forged by Solus Prime that can wield the power of the Matrix) as Megatron, some Vehicons, and some Insecticons try to remove a part of the mountain that the Star Saber is embedded in (the Star Saber can only be removed from the rock by a Prime). When Jack states to Smokescreen that they have to wait for backup, Smokescreen states that "backup is not available" and attacks the Decepticons before Megatron can commence transport of the large rock that the Star Saber is in. When Smokescreen is unable to remove the Star Saber from the rock, the Vehicons surround Smokescreen upon knocking him down. While Jack flees from an Insecticon, Smokescreen is brought before Megatron just as Ratchet arrives with the other Autobots (who had been led astray by a Decepticon decoy trap). Smokescreen joins the other Autobots in fighting the Vehicons and Insecticons as Optimus Prime makes his way to the Star Saber. After Optimus Prime claims the Star Saber, Smokescreen was impressed with Star Saber's powers. Arcee was not pleased with Smokescreen putting Jack in danger and has him sent home. Smokescreen tries to apologize to Arcee as Optimus Prime tells Smokescreen that disregarding the human safety will not be tolerated.

In "Alpha: Omega," Smokescreen goes with Arcee to Egypt to find the first Omega Key. Whilst in Eqypt Smokescreen tries to apologize for bringing Jack on a dangerous mission as he now knows humans aren't the same build as Cybertronians, Arcee explains that he needs to protect his teammates, she reveals that she lost Two Partners and she didn't want to lose Smokescreen as well. When the two find the Omega Key Megatron attacks them with the newly formed Dark star saber which manages to throw Smokescreen into a wall, it is later revealed that he survived due to bringing the Phase shifter which activated he was blown away he appears with the Omega key when Optimus and Megatron are fighting, he runs to the battle and saves Optimus from a powerful wave, the two escape in the Groundbridge while at the base he explains to the other Autobots how he survived, he asked Ratchet if he could keep the Phase shifter as his signature weapon Ratchet reluctantly allows him to keep it.

In "Hard Knocks", Smokescreen begins to talk about his destiny as a great warrior like Optimus, when Arcee and Bumble Bee return from their mission after failing to retrieve the Omega Key his constant chattiness annoys Arcee, Bulkhead then says to him that he needs to stop acting above others and to be more patient about his role. He and Bulkhead then go to find another Omega Key. They are caught in a trap set by Dreadwing, and Smokescreen heads for the relic while Bulkhead fights with Dreadwing. He unearths the key, but is attacked from behind by Starscream, who takes the key. He is angered by the fact of losing the key and complains what a great warrior he is becoming, Arcee scolds him saying that he needs to act more like a team player, he leaves to go drive believing that he is not good enough for the team. It is later revealed to the Autobots and the Decepticons in the Iacon Database that Smokescreen is the final Omega Key.However, by the time the Autobots arrive Soundwave knocks Smokescreen out with the Resonance blaster and captures him.

In "Inside Job," Smokescreen awakens on Knock Out's table. Ratchet states to Optimus Prime that Smokescreen was the container of the Omega Key and that Alpha Trion had knocked Smokescreen out so that he can place the final Omega Key in it before the Decepticons could get to it. Meanwhile, Knock Out begins to operate on Smokescreen using the Phase Shifter. After Megatron leaves, Smokescreen breaks free and fights Knock Out while confiscating the Phase Shifter. Smokescreen then runs off to find the Omega Key that the Decepticons have and manages to make off with the two Omega Keys right under Megatron's nose. Smokescreen is cornered by the Vehicons, but uses the Phase Shifter to trick the Vehicons into shooting themselves. Smokescreen makes it to the roof of the Nemesis as Megatron and the Vehicons arrive. Smokescreen then jumps off the Nemesis while Megatron sends the flying Vehicons after him. Smokescreen then contacts the Autobots asking for a Ground Bridge. While in free-fall, Smokescreen is attacked by Megatron and the flying Vehicons but manages to phase underground as Megatron and the Vehicons search for Smokescreen's body. Smokescreen then contacts Ratchet to set up the Ground Bridge and gives the two Omega Keys to the Autobots where they all congratulate him. Smokescreen then joins Arcee and Bumblebee into taking precautions at the Autobot base when Optimus Prime, Ratchet, and Bulkhead go to where Starscream is going to meet with them.

In "Regeneration", Smokescreen joins the other Autobots in the Battle of Cybertron. He uses his phase shifter to give himself an advantage over the Decepticons. He later uses the Spark Extractor to kill all of the Vehicons supporting Megatron. In the following episode, "Darkest Hour", as the Decepticons prepare to destroy the Autobot base, Smokescreen bridged to an unknown location in the U.S. to avoid capture.

In "Darkmount, NV", it is revealed that just as the Autobot base was being destroyed, Smokescreen returned the base via the ground bridge, managing to keep the phase shifter on him. He manages to rescue Optimus Prime just before the Decepticons begin searching the destroyed Autobot base . In "Scattered", Smokescreen has returned after trying to find medical supplies for his wounded leader, when Optimus mutters "The Forge Of Solus Prime" this gives Smokescreen the idea of using the Forge on Optimus in order to repair him, he then decides to sneak into Darkmount to retrieve It. In "Prey", Smokescreen returns to Optimus with the Forge in tow. However, it is reveled that Forge is running out of usable energy, and Optimus instructs Smokescreen to reserve the power of the Forge to rebuild the Omega Lock and restore Cybertron. When Smokescreen protests, Optimus tells him, "The time for a new leader is upon us... in my Spark, I believe that leader stands before me right now." In "Rebellion", Smokescreen objects to Optimus' words as he feels that he is not ready to become a prime, Optimus however informs him that the Matrix will choose the next Prime. Later, when Optimus goes into limbo, eventually Optimus dies and the Matrix is presented to Smokescreen choosing him to be the next prime, Smokescreen hesitantly uses the remaining energy of the Forge to bring Optimus back in a powerful, new form. However, Smokescreen is knocked unconscious by an energy wave generated by the Forge, by the time he wakes up, the Decepticon citadel had been destroyed. He later confesses to Ratchet that he only did what he thought was right, but Ratchet tells him he made the right choice in saving Optimus.

In "Project Predacon", Smokescreen recolors himself in a new blue and yellow color scheme, reminiscent to his Alternators counterpart. He also begins to show a desire to become the next Prime, due to events from "Rebellion" however when Ultra Magnus assigns him to stack empty energon cubes he feels as if he is still treated like a rookie. When Optimus returns with a Predacon bone, revealing that the Decepticons are seeking to recreate them, he takes Smokescreen and Bumblebee along when they separate Smokescreen asks Bumble Bee if he ever wanted to be a Prime, Bumble Bee says that his only aspiration is to become a warrior, when asked why he hasn't been promoted yet, he tells Smokescreen he would like to be promoted on Cybertron, Smokescreen agrees with this and Smokescreen and decides to take a que from him from then on he decides to be patient. They both come across a few vehicons which prove little challenge they then find Shockwave though they were able to fend him off the Predacon bone was lost

In "Evolution", Smokescreen, Arcee, Bulkhead and Bumblebee have become uncomfortable with Ultra Magnus, the new second in command, treating them like soldiers whereas Optimus treats them like family. Smokescreen then assisted in gathering energon from a Decepticon mine and assisted the Wreckers in searching the mine, he is paired with Bulkhead but the two do not find anything.

In "Minus One", Smokescreen bets that Ultra Magnus' new claw/hand will become his signature weapon, comparing it to Bumblebee's voice box. This offends the scout and he walks off. Later Smokescreen partakes in a raid to capture Soundwave which works but the con refuses to talk and deactivates himself. But Ratchet is able to deduce that the Decepticons are attempting to rebuild the Omega Lock. Later, when the Autobots head to the South Pole to fend off a Decepticon attack, Bulkhead and Smokescreen stay behind with Ratchet to guard a temporarily deactivated Soundwave. However, Laserbeak invades the base and hooks back up with Soundwave, who reactivates and incapacitates Smokescreen and Bulkhead before advancing on Ratchet. In "Persuasion" Smokescreen blames himself for letting Soundwave take Ratchet but was able to shoot part of Laserbeak's wing off, giving the Autobots a means of finding him by creating a transponder to locate Ratchet. However Starscream attacks their base, again, and tries to destroy it forcing the Autobot's to trade paint jobs with one of the other hangers.

In "Synthesis" the transponder is destroyed by Starscream but the Autobot's receive a call from Ratchet on board the Decepticon warship, having escaped custody by revealing Megatron's betrayal to Predaking and causing a rampage from the Predacon, and the doctor lowers the shields as he reveals the Decepticons are about to cyberform Earth.

In "Deadlock" Smokescreen, Arcee and Bumblebee are tasked with taking the Omega Lock controls but Smokescreen sees Megatron from a distance about to battle Optimus with the Dark Star Saber. While en route Smokescreen goes his own path to find the original Star Saber and brings it to the others and Bumblebee is able to use it to finally kill Megatron as the other Decepticons retreat in the escape pods. Smokescreen then witnesses as Ratchet uses the lock to restore Cybertron and as Knock Out tries, and fails, to join Team Prime and is knocked down by Miko. Smokescreen later bids farewell to their human friends as he, Wheeljack and Ultra Magnus solute Agent Fowler as they leave for Cybertron.

Predacons Rising

In the true conclusion TV movie Smokescreen witnesses Bumblebee's ceremony as he is promoted from scout to warrior by Optimus. As Optimus leaves Cybertron with Wheeljack to bring the AllSpark back to Cybertron, Ultra Magnus and Smokescreen partake in patrols to find Starscream, Shockwave and Predaking. However, when searching Magnus and Smokescreen encounter two more Predacons Skylynx and Darksteel. Though Smokescreen is able to hold his own against Darksteel, Skylynx severely wounds Magnus and almost kills him forcing Smokescreen to bridge Magnus to base as Ratchet returns to fix him. Smokescreen later accompanies Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Arcee as they look for answers and find Predaking who has abandoned the Decepticons but refuses to be considered and Autobot. Predaking also refuses to help the Autobots look for his brothers so the group heads to the fortress Darkmount. Smokescreen also sits in Megatron's former high chair jokingly declaring himself "Emperor of Destruction" but moments later Unicron, in possessing of Megatron's body, arrives and attacks them forcing them to retreat to the Nemesis. Later the Autobots discover that Unicron is attempting to create and amry of Terrorcons from the remains of the Predacons at Predaking's refuge, aiming to destroy Primus with them. Smokescreen tries to gather the remaining relics they have which include the 'Phase Shifter', 'Polarity Gauntlet' and 'Immobilizer' but Smokescreen is ambushed by Knock Out, who escaped captivity with Starscream, and placed back inside the wall until Knock Out betrays Starscream and frees him. During the final battle when the Predacons come to their aid, Smokescreen finally reveals to Bumblebee that he almost became a Prime . When the Nemesis was shot down the Autobots stepped outside ready to fight and were soon joined by the Predacons. Optimus and Wheeljack returned and joined the fight in which Unicron was defeated and Megatron was freed, though he abandoned his cause and exiled himself much to everyone's shock. Smokescreen was present when Optimus sacrificed himself to restore the AllSpark to Cybertron's core.

Robots in Disguise

Smokescreen is confirmed to appear in the second season of the sequel series Transformers: Robots in Disguise, with Nolan North reprising his role.

Toys

A Takara Tomy Japan-exclusive white remold of Deluxe Knock Out with a different head sculpt and a Micron figure that transforms into his bow. Changes to his mold include a rear spoiler and a redesigned rear end to accommodate the Micron in weapon mode. The figure comes unpainted with a foil sticker sheet in the package.
Comes with snap-off armor.[14]
The mold for this figure is also used for the Transformers Collectors' Club exclusive Deluxe Barricade.

References

  1. ↑ Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd. p. 27. ISBN 0-7643-1364-9.
  2. ↑ Transformers Season Two Box Set, Part 1 by Brian Cirulnick, February 2003
  3. ↑ Seibertron.com
  4. ↑ A brief history of the Transformer by MICHAEL CHEANG Tuesday November 9, 2004
  5. ↑ TFW2005.com - Henkei Smokescreen
  6. ↑ Brereton, Erin (2006). Transformers: The Fantasy, The Fun, The Future. Triumph Books. ISBN 1-57243-983-1.
  7. ↑ Lenburg, Jeff; Bailey, Chris (2009). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Third Edition. Infobase Publishing. p. 657. ISBN 978-0-8160-6599-8.
  8. ↑ "Smokescreen (2002) - Autobot". www.tfu.info. Retrieved 2013-07-19.
  9. ↑ John Barber (w), Andrew Griffith (p), Priscilla Tramontano (i). Transformers: Foundation 3: 14/1 (April 2011), IDW Publishing
  10. ↑ John Barber (w), Carlos Magno (p), Aburtov and Graphiksslava (i). Transformers: Rising Storm 1 (February 2011), IDW Publishing
  11. ↑ TFW2005 - The 2005 Boards
  12. ↑ TF08.net
  13. ↑ TFW2005.com - Tokyo Toy Show Exclusives Revealed: Elite Guard Prowl and Dreadwing/Smokescreen
  14. ↑ "Beast Hunters Deluxe Bulkhead and Smokescreen - Transformers News". TFW2005. Retrieved 2013-07-19.

External links

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