Mirage (Transformers)

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Mirage is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series. Mirage is one of the single most re-used names in the Transformers series, and is almost entirely synonymous with characters possessing Formula One racing car alternate modes. The first Mirage was introduced in 1984 as an Autobot spy.

1984 The Transformers

Transformers character
240px
Classic Mirage toy
Name Mirage
Autobot, sometimes Decepticon
Series Transformers: Generation 1
Transformers: Generation 2
Machine Wars
Transformers: Alternators
Transformers: Universe
Transformers Classic
Transformers: Timelines
Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy
English voice actor Frank Welker
Japanese voice actor Takuro Kitagawa
Information
Alternate modes Cybertronian car, 1979 Ligier JS11-Ford Formula One racer, Various other F-1 racer styles, 2004 Ford GT, Cobra Ferret
Function Spy
Motto "Who and what I am, I hide from my enemy."
"Can you keep up with my speed?"
Partner Optimus Prime and Red Alert
Rank 7
Sub-group Autobot Cars, Go-Bots, Basic Vehicles, Deluxe Vehicles, Spy Changers

Some might say that Mirage (Ligier in Japan, Mistero in Italy, Miragem in Portugal) was created with a silver sparkplug in his mouth. On Cybertron, he was one of the planet’s elite upper class, preferring to spend his days hunting turbo-foxes instead of involving himself in conflict. When that became unavoidable, Mirage enlisted with the Autobot forces, although he is often unsure about his motivations for doing so, which leaves his fellow Autobots finding it hard to trust him – a problem not helped by the fact that Mirage can rarely hide that he is often unwilling to fight directly, or his contempt for the “commoners” he is now forced to interact with. He has no lost love for Earth, and would happily return to his old life on Cybertron if he could.

Although unwilling to fight, Mirage is a superior hand-to-hand combatant, and a skilled sharpshooter, having honed his talents hunting game on Cybertron. He is armed with a rifle which fires explosive, armor-piercing darts, but the most important piece of his arsenal in his function as a spy is his shoulder-mounted electro-disruptor, which can bend photons to make Mirage invisible, or appear to be where he is not, or even alter his physical appearance, hence his name.[1][2]

Mirage is sometimes a combiner who forms part of Betatron or Optimus Maximus.

Reception

In the WTF@TFW podcast for July 9th, 2009 Henkei! Deluxe Electro Disruptor Ligier was selected as one of the New Picture Picks.[3]

Mirage is one of the favorite Autobots of IGN.[4]

Animated series

The animated series opted to present Mirage’s desire to return to Cybertron as a genuinely sad longing, rather than as a result of any great dislike of Earth; and his unwillingness to fight was portrayed in "More than Meets the Eye" more as a semi-pacifistic nature. This shaped him into a more gentle character, not especially like the snob suggested by his profile. His actions immediately after the Transformers’ reactivation on Earth in 1984 were heroic ones, working with Hound on a plan to dupe the Decepticons, and using his invisibility powers to sneak aboard the villains’ space cruiser as it launched, sabotaging it from within and forcing it to crash back to Earth.

Be it as a result of his own desire not to engage in combat or not, Mirage’s role in the Autobots’ battles on Earth was a distinctly minimal one, leaving him confined to the background on the battlefield, or not present at all. In early 1985, however, the spotlight shone on Mirage again when Cliffjumper suspected him of disloyalty. The discovery of a Decepticon installation in a sector Mirage had recently observed caused Cliffjumper to leap the incorrect conclusion that he was a traitor to the Autobots, having concealed the information. After a battle with the Decepticons, Mirage risked the trust of his comrades by sneaking away to perform a plan of his own, framing the Decepticons for stealing Energon Cubes from the Insecticons. Spotted carrying the cubes by Cliffjumper, Mirage’s guilt seemed all but confirmed, and before he could reveal his innocence, he was captured and brainwashed by one of Bombshell’s mind-controlling cerebro-shells. Under Bombshell’s control, Mirage led the Autobots into an ambush, but at the battle’s end, the assorted manipulations were revealed and Cliffjumper apologised to Mirage.

Towards the end of the year, Mirage was among the team of five Autobots who disguised themselves as the Stunticons, with Mirage’s alternate mode making him the perfect choice to masquerade as Drag Strip. Penetrating the Decepticons’ camp, the Autobots ran into trouble when the real Stunticons arrived, trying to prove their identities by forming Menasor. With a combination of Windcharger’s magnetic powers and Mirage’s illusion-creating ability, the Autobots were able to appear as Menasor too, but the deception was soon revealed, though they were still able to thwart the Decepticons’ plans.

Mirage was absent from the events of 2005 and 2006 without explanation; however, a storyboarded scene from The Transformers: The Movie featuring Mirage was cut from the finished film. In the removed scene, amidst the transformation of Autobot City, Mirage shot the Insecticon Bombshell as a corridor Mirage was in retracted, before the corridor was then blown up by Megatron. Whether or not this would have killed Mirage is not made clear, though some fans believe that since there was a high body count, his death is still likely.

Books

Mirage was featured in the 1985 Transformers audio books Autobots' Lightning Strike and Megatron's Fight for Power.[5]

Mirage appeared in the 1986 Ladybird Books story Decepticon Hideout by John Grant.[6]

Comics

Dreamwave Productions

Dreamwave Productions’ 21st Century re-imagining of the G1 universe presented a Mirage much closer to the cold, snobbish character his tech specs originally suggested.

As ever, when the civil war on Cybertron broke out, Mirage eventually sided with the Autobots, and even maintained his allegiance to them when the two warring forces split off into several smaller factions following the disappearance of Optimus Prime and Megatron. During this period of unrest, when The Fallen attacked the Autobot base in order to capture Blitzwing, Mirage was among the Autobots who tried to stop him.

As one of the Autobots on the Ark, Mirage participated in the battles on Earth, awakening in 1984 and developing a loathing of the planet. It was no doubt a relief for him to head back to Cybertron in 1999 after the Autobots defeated and captured the Decepticons, but when an act of sabotage caused their craft to explode shortly after leaving Earth, Mirage was among the Transformers who were able to avoid having their bodies appropriated by the terrorist, Lazarus. He was reactivated by Optimus Prime in 2002 and participated in the ensuing battles against the Decepticons that culminated in a nuclear explosion above San Francisco.

The following year, when Shockwave arrived on Earth to arrest Prime and Megatron’s forces as war criminals, the Autobots were naturally resistant to the idea. Mirage was among a squad who monitored Shockwave’s movements on Earth, but upon discovering that Ultra Magnus was under Shockwave’s command, surrendered himself and the others, recognising this as his chance to return to Cybertron. When Optimus Prime then overthrew Shockwave, who was revealed to possess sinister ulterior motives, Mirage was among the Autobots who voted to stay on the planet rather than return to Earth, even though he had discovered that Shockwave had divided up his old estate and holdings amongst others.

Fun Publications

When Needlenose was being interviewed by ANN he mentioned givng a new lavender and green alligator paint job to a Mirage.

Classicverse
The Autobots confront Megatron in Fun Publications comics

Classic Mirage's biography was featured in issue 13 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine.

In the story Crossing Over by Fun Publications Mirage was among Autobot troops of Optimus Prime who responded to the sighting of Megatron and arrived in time to save the dimensional traveling Autobot Skyfall from Megatron's wraith.

In the Transformers: Timelines story "Games of Deception" Mirage was captured by the Decepticons and rescued.

Rhetoricverse

In the Renegade Rhetoric stories Mirage's spark was used in the creation of the Renegade Puzzler combiner Jig Saw.

IDW Publishing

There was a Spotlight issue on Mirage. This story addresses Mirage's conflicted loyalties, raising the prospect that Mirage is either insane, or has swapped places with a Mirage of different loyalties from an alternate time-line. While there has been no conclusive evidence either way, the events of "All Hail Megatron" seem to indicate that Mirage is simply conflicted about his loyalties, and not from an alternate time-line.

Mirage was on the Autobot Orbital Command Hub in Spotlight: Blaster. He was present when Blaster was recovered and returned to the Autobots.

In "All Hail Megatron", Mirage is accused by several other Autobots of being a traitor. Despite a lack of hard evidence, and his protests of innocence, Mirage was beaten and severely injured by Ironhide (issue 8). During the beating, Mirage's faction sigil, (printed on his chest), was damaged, mirroring art from the "Spotlight: Mirage" special. Despite waiting to have the sigil restored, Mirage apparently remained loyal to the Autobots, saving Ironhide's life in battle. (issue 10.)

Marvel Comics

Following the awakening on Earth, Mirage immediately made clear his desire to return to Cybertron, even going so far as to question where his loyalties lay, if a different alliance would allow him to return to his home world. Attacked by Ravage in an early battle, Mirage attempted to reason with him, seeing no reason that two Transformers should fight, viewing co-operation as the best way to get back to Cybertron. However, when he clashed with Ravage for a second time, and had his arm severed by the Decepticon’s fangs, Mirage came to the realisation that only by fighting on the side of the Autobots did he truly stand a chance of returning to the world he loved.

Mirage did not play any major role in battles which immediately followed and managed to avoid being among the ranks of the injured following the Autobots’ climactic clash with Shockwave.

During the UK-only story 'Crisis of Command', Mirage hawkishly supported Prowl's party who advocated exploiting the Creation Matrix to animate dedicated war machines. However, Mirage and Hound (a bitter opponent of this ethically questionable strategy) put aside political differences to combine their special abilities and capture the Decepticon spy, Ravage.

He remained largely absent from combat situations until the Underbase-empowered Starscream threatened the world; attempting to defend New York with a large number of his fellow Autobots, Mirage was deactivated by the Decepticon. His damaged body was stored in a stasis pod on the Ark, until he and his fellow fallen comrades were brought back online through the power of nucleon.

After the end of their original Transformers comic book series, Marvel continued the story with its Transformers: Generation 2 series a few years later, accompanying the toyline of the same name. In the comic, Mirage was among a team led by Grimlock onto the Twilight, the flagship of the second-generation Cybertronians led by Jhiaxus. Overwhelmed by the troops on board, the Autobots were captured but eventually mounted an escape attempt. The first to rush into battle, Mirage was destroyed by a flamethrower to his neck; his death was soon avenged in battle by Ironhide.

Games

Mirage is one of the light blue robots in the 2010 card game Monopoly Deal Transformers.

Toys

  • Hasbro Transformers Autobot Car Mirage (1984)
The toy that was to become the Autobot Mirage was originally designed by Koujin Ohno in 1982 and released as part of the Japanese Diaclone series by Takara.[7] Mirage transforms into a Ligier JS11-Ford Formula One racing car, which is the origin for his Japanese name. He bears the racing number 26 – denoting the vehicle as that which was driven by Jacques Laffite in the 1980 season – and sponsorship logos for "Citanes", a reference to the cigarette company, Gitanes. It was announced at Botcon 2005 that the mold for Mirage's original toy, first released in 1984, has been lost, meaning that the toy cannot be reissued like many others have. However, Chinese manufacturers have used Reverse Engineering to remake the Mirage mold, making knockoffs of it along with the original packaging.
  • Generation 2 Go-Bot Mirage (1995)
A new incarnation of Mirage was introduced to the toyline in 1995 - still a racing car, Mirage was now part of the smaller, simpler line of Go-Bots figures, and shared his mold with another figure named Double Clutch.[8]
The figure was later repainted into a new Spy Changer Mirage for the Robot in Disguise toyline (see below) and then brought back in new colors as the original Mirage for the Transformers: Universe line.
  • Generation 2 Autobot Car Mirage (unreleased)
A recolor of the Generation 1 toy was considered for the Generation 2 line, in pink and green. Concept art and a hand painted prototype were created, but the figure was never made.[9]
  • Machine Wars Basic Mirage (1997)
In 1997, the small Machine Wars toyline was released exclusively in KB Toys stores, and featured a new Mirage figure with a spring-loaded transformation and the traditional racing car alternate mode(now a Champ Car), shared by the line’s Prowl figure. The lack of any supporting fiction for the line leaves its place in continuity hard to define, but Mirage’s bio-card makes it clear that the figure represents a new version of the G1 character, presenting him to possess the same personality, ability and function - the only difference is his new motto, "Can you keep up with my speed?"
The figure was repainted as Skid-Z for the Transformers: Robots in Disguise anime and toy line.
  • Robot Masters Basic Rijie (2004)
The original Mirage returned in 2004 as part of the new Japanese-exclusive toyline, Transformers: Robot Masters. Released as Rijie (an alternate romanization of Ligier, Mirage's Japanese name), the figure was a recolor of his Machine Wars toy, recolored to resemble the G1 incarnation of the character, and the toy's profile - which spun out of the animated series at a point prior to The Transformers: The Movie - made it clear that this was the original Mirage, still wielding his electro-disruptor and possessing his invisibility powers.
  • Alternators Mirage (2006)
2006's Transformers: Alternators toyline, featuring updated versions of classic G1 characters with modern vehicular alternate modes, 1:24 scale and complex transformations, introduced a new versions of Mirage, who transforms into a Ford GT with a Michigan license plate. Although the American toyline offers no supporting fiction for the Alternators toys, the line's Japanese counterpart, Binaltech, has featured a growing storyline, a new chapter released with each toy, making it clear that the Alternators/Binaltech timeline branches off from the animated series continuity prior to Transformers: The Movie. However, with the line currently stalled in Japan, it seems unlikely that a new chapter of the story will be written to precisely explain the specifics of Mirage's acquisition of his new form, or any of its special features, any time soon. Fan made sticker sheets have been produced to make Alternators Mirage look more like his Generation 1 version. A red version of Mirage's Ford GT mold, identified as Hot Rodimus has been issued in the Kiss Players toyline, with a new head sculpt and a number of additional accessories.[10]
  • Universe Spy Changer Mirage (2006)
Released in mid 2006, a re-package of the transparent green recolor of RiD Spy Changer Mirage made it out at discount stores as a Universe toy. According to the bio on the box this toy was now representing Generation 1 Mirage. This is only fitting since the mold was previously used for Generation 2 Mirage.
This toy shouldn't be confused with the first Universe Mirage, who was a repackage of the Armada Mini-Con Mirage in the Universe line.
  • Classic Deluxe Mirage (2006)
The original Mirage received an upgrade in 2006 in the Transformers: Classics line. This Deluxe class car came out in the second wave of the Classics line. Instead of having advertisements from Ligier on it, this Mirage advertised Witwicky Sparkplugs on his spoiler, a reference to the human character from the original Transformers animated series, Sparkplug Witwicky. This toy was designed by Alex Kubalsky.[11] The transformation of this Mirage is very faithful to the original toy.[12]
The mold for this figure was also used for Universe Decepticon Drag Strip[13] and Transformers: Allspark Battles Decepticon Fracture.[14]
  • Timelines Deluxe Mirage (2007)
A version of the Classics Deluxe figure remolded in translucent blue plastic was given out at BotCon 2007 for free to preregistered guests. This represents Mirage as he turns invisible.[15]
A reproduction of this toy was released by Chinese toy company CHMS.
  • Henkei! Henkei! C-04 Deluxe Ligier (2008)
The Japanese version of the Classics Deluxe figure by Takara Tomy is repainted in more Generation 1-accurate colors with chrome parts.[16]
  • Gentei! Gentei! C-04 Deluxe Electro Disruptor Ligier (2009)
A Million publishing mail-order exclusive remold of the Henkei Deluxe figure in black and transparent plastic.[17]
A reproduction of this toy was released by Chinese toy company CHMS.
  • Machine Wars Deluxe Mirage and Deluxe Thundercracker (2013)
Mirage is recolor of Classic Deluxe Mirage. Thundercracker is a remold of Revenge of the Fallen Dirge.
A BotCon 2013 exclusive set.
  • Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Mirage (2015)
A recolor of Combiner Wars Drag Strip.
  • Hasbro Transformers Generations War for Cybertron Trilogy Deluxe Decepticon Mirage (2020)
This toy was repurposed by ToyHax into Shattered Glass Mirage.
Reproduction clear Generation 1 Mirage toy in box
  • Generation 1 Zhong Jin Clear Mirage
An unlicensed reproduction of Generation 1 Mirage done in mostly clear plastic made by Chinese toy company Zhong Jin.
  • Generation 1 Zhong Jin Red Mirage
An unlicensed reproduction of Generation 1 Mirage done in mostly red plastic made by Chinese toy company Zhong Jin.
  • Generation 1 Zhong Jin Translucent Black Mirage
An unlicensed reproduction of Generation 1 Mirage done in mostly translucent black plastic made by Chinese toy company Zhong Jin.

Gallery


1999 Beast Machines

Transformers character
Name Mirage
Vehicon
Series Beast Machines
Information
Alternate modes Cybertronian race car (somewhat resembling a Honda RA106.)
Function Warrior
Motto "Eat my dust!"
Rank 5
Sub-group Basic Vehicles

The first truly new, different character to bear the name of Mirage appeared in the 1999 Beast Machines toyline, a portent of the frequent reuse the name would soon receive. A member of the evil Vehicons, with the requisite (albeit stylised and alien) racing car alternate mode, this Mirage did not appear in the accompanying animated series, but was characterised as an experiment by Megatron in bridging the intelligence gap between Vehicon drones and their generals.

Mirage’s biography presents him as a trickster who enjoys playing cruel pranks on his comrades, making him unpopular with his fellow Vehicons. He is not particularly smart and would be entirely useless without Megatron's own supervision and orders. He possesses the power of teleportation, able to appear from nowhere to attack his foes, and is armed with a plasma blaster and dual missile launchers. Interestingly, with the exception of his weaponry, Mirage’s biography is a carbon copy of that of the G1 Decepticon, Skywarp.

3H Enterprises

The Mirage Vehicon drones, as well as the original, made a cameo in the BotCon "Wreckers" comic. The original Mirage appeared being sent by Megatron to investigate a transwarp anomaly - which in reality bore the forces of Primal Prime. Mirage was caught up in a battle with the Wreckers, and he and Apelinq were sucked into the anomaly. While Apelinq survived, Mirage's fate is unknown.

The Mirage drones appeared under the command of Quake and Blastcharge. They battled the Wreckers, but were largely destroyed in the ensuing battle.

Toys

  • Beast Machines Basic Mirage (1999)
Beast Machines Mirage features pressure-launching missiles, and was later repainted and released in as part of the Robots in Disguise line, as an Autobot named Mirage GT (see below). The box art for the Mechatron vehicle also depicted Mirage as piloting it, though this was never seen in any fiction.
Plans existed to remold and redeco the toy into the Autobot bounty hunter, Devcon, to be released as an exclusive for a future BotCon. By extension, the toy would have been a Transformers: Universe figure, but plans were abandoned when 3H Enterprises lost the license to the hold the convention. Although the toy was not produced, the character did appear in the Transformers: Universe - Wreckers comic series.


2001 Transformers: Robots in Disguise

Transformers character
Ironhide-mirage-rid-card.jpg
Robots in Disguise Ironhide and Mirage on card
Name Mirage/Mirage GT
Autobot
Japanese name Counter Arrow
Series Transformers: Robots in Disguise
Voiced by Wally Wingert (English)[18]
Ryou Naito (Japanese)
Information
Alternate modes Ferrari F2004 F-1 racer, Cybertronian Indy race car
Motto "You can't hit a speeding target!"
Partner Ironhide, Nightcruz, Scavenger
Rank 7
Sub-group Spy Changers, Elite Guard, Deluxe Vehicles

The parallel universe of the 2001 line, Transformers: Robots in Disguise introduced another new Mirage, known as Counter Arrow in the original Japanese version, Car Robots. Mirage is the fastest of the Spy Changers, which makes him the best choice for spying on the enemy – he’ll be in and out before anyone is the wiser. As an excellent marksman, he is fittingly armed with a sniper rifle, and, like the other Spy Changers, possesses optical camouflage powers that can make him appear invisible and is able to drive over any surface, including water, and even upside-down

Animated series

Mirage made his debut with the rest of the Spy Changers rescuing a plutonium generator from the clutches of the Predacons. His most focal role, however, proved to be an unintentional homage to G1 Mirage's own biggest role, when the other Spy Changers inaccurately suspected Mirage of betraying the Autobots to the Predacons.

After an incident where Mirage, fearing collateral damage, allowed the Predacons to get away, the others on the team accused him of failure. A furious Mirage walked out, realizing the Predacons had put a bug on him. His best friend Ironhide attempted to talk him out of it, but snapped and punched him when Mirage threatened to join the Predacons, much to the listening Predacons' delight. Slapper, Gas Skunk and Darkscream soon approached him, and he seemingly joined up with them. Mirage called the Spy Changers to Megatron's latest weapon, ostensibly to lure them into a trap. He managed to communicate his true intentions to the other Spy Changers, and they destroyed the laser. A guilty Ironhide demanded Mirage hit him to even things out between them - but Mirage simply prodded his friend, claiming they were now even before challenging him to a race back to base.

Fun Publications

"Ask Vector Prime" later revealed that the Mirage featured in the animated series-or at least a variation of him-would later become the toy line exclusive "Mirage GT." His change in appearance was facilitated by a temporal anomaly clone of Beast Wars Megatron, who invaded Cybertron and joined forces with the villainous Cryotek in a bid to conquer it. Mirage was rebuilt as a Vehicon, but through the Genetronic Translink System was able to control his form even after his Spark was stolen from him by this Megatron. After Megatron's defeat, Mirage GT was recruited to travel back in time as a guide for Optimus Primal in pursuit of Cryotek, and there joined the Elite Guard. Together they would face numerous threats, most often Jhiaxus and his Destructicons but also villains like the Elder Gods. [19]

Toys

  • Car Robots Spy Changer Counter Arrow (2000)
A redeco of the toy previously released as Generation 2 Mirage released as part of the Car Robots line in Japan by Takara. Instead of a standard Autobot logo on his chest it features a heat-sensitive rub-symbol of the logo.
  • Car Robots Jusco Clear Counter Arrow (2000)
A Jusco store exclusive of Counter Arrow redone in clear blue and green plastic.
  • Robots in Disguise Spy Changer Mirage (2001)
A slight redeco of Counter Arrow, particularly change to a painted Autobot logo to his chest.
The toy, originally sold in a two-pack with Ironhide and packaged with a Tiny Tin.
  • Kaybee Clear Mirage (2001)
A Kaybee store exclusive with clear plastic replacing the white, representing Mirage as he turns invisible.
  • Kaybee Clear Mirage Recolor (2001)
A Kaybee store exclusive with green and blue (the opposite of the Jusco Counter Arrow) clear plastic replacing the white, representing Mirage as he turns invisible. This toy was later repackaged in the Transformers: Universe line as a new form og Generation 1 Mirage.
  • Car Robots Super Counter Arrow (2003)
A red recolor of Counter Arrow available only in blind packaged boxes in Japan which represent Counter Arrow powered up by Ultra Magnus. Addly, this and all following Takara versions of Counter Arrow would have the painted Autobot symbol added by Hasbro for Mirage.
  • Car Robots Clear Super Counter Arrow (2003)
A recolor of Super Counter Arrow available only in blind packaged boxes in Japan which represent Counter Arrow powered up by Ultra Magnus and going invisible.
  • Robots in Disguise Mirage GT (2002)
A yellow/black redeco of Beast Machines Mirage as an Autobot named Mirage GT, sold in a three-pack with Nightcruz and Scavenger (also repaints of Beast Machines vehicon toys). The toy was exclusive to the Robots in Disguise line, not having been a part of Car Robots and hence the character did not appear in the animated series.


2002 Transformers: Armada

Transformers character
Name Mirage
Mini-Con
Japanese name Indy
Series Transformers: Armada
Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Cybertron
Information
Alternate modes Jordan EJ15 Toyota F1 car look alike
Function Warrior
Motto "Hide yourself, but never your ideals."
Partner Dirt Boss, Downshift, Hot Shot, Override
Sub-group Race Team

The alternate universe of Transformers: Armada introduced another Mirage (known in Japan as Indy) in 2002, this time a member of the diminutive Mini-Con faction and one third of the Race Team, alongside Dirt Boss and Downshift. In the early days of the war, his skills in stealth and speed lead him to prefer running and hiding to fighting, but upon witnessing the atrocities of war, he viewed his cowardice as the worst crime of all, and stepped up to a command position in hopes of doing something about it. Although smart, observant and direct, Mirage still carries with him the guilt from the earlier part of his life, when he ignored his principles in favor of his own self-preservation.

Animated series

As a Mini-Con, Mirage possessed no given personality in the Armada animated series, communicating only in bleeps and spending most of his time onscreen in the merged form of the Skyboom Shield as the Autobots and Decepticons battled for ownership of it and the other Mini-Con weapons.

Mirage appeared in episode #49, called "Alliance." He is among the Mini-Cons assisting the Autobots and Decepticons evacuating from Cybertron when it was attacked by Unicron.

Dreamwave Productions

Mirage remained without any characterisation until Dreamwave Productions produced the character profile above, which presented Mirage to be the leader of the Race Team. Like his G1 progenitor, Dreamwave presented Armada Mirage to possess a light-bending invisibility power, capable of rendering himself and other objects imperceptible, which he used in defence of the Mini-Con's moonbase in the Dreamwave comic book storyline.

In Transformers: Armada #9-11 by Dreamwave Productions the Race Team were among the Mini-Cons survived crashing on Earth's moon. Under the leadership of Dualor they built a fortress there and defended it from an attack by Megatron, Starscream, Thrust and Cyclonus. Once Megatron overpowered the base the Mini-Cons escaped to Earth.

Mirage appeared among the Mini-Cons in issue #18 of the Transformers: Armada comic book who aided Over-Run using the Mini-Con Matrix in the defeat of Unicron.

Mirage was brought to the Speed Planet under the protection of Hot Shot, where he quickly overcome his sadness at his separation from Downshift and Dirt Boss when he discovered the planet's perfect raceways. Now he and Hot Shot are a nearly unbeatable racing team.

Cybertron story

Mirage ended up on the Speed Planet, where his damaged body was found by Override who recognized his potential and took him in. Repaired by her, Mirage became her willing parter, helping her win race after race. Upon discovering that Mirage's team-mate, Downshift, had been captured by Speed Planet native Dirt Boss (no relation to the Race Team member), the team have dedicated themselves to hunting down the villain and rescuing Downshift.

Toys

  • Armada Race Team Mirage (2002)
Packaged with Dirt Boss and Downshift as the Race Team, Mirage's mold is based on an earlier figure, Swindle – the transformation of the toy is identical, aside from an additional waist swivel, but every piece is molded differently – and, naturally, transforms into a Formula One racing car. He can combine with the rest of the Mini-Con Race Team into the Skyboom Shield.
Mirage was recolored in green and black to become the Japanese exclusive figure, Topgear, available only with the third DVD volume release of the series. His teammates were also released in such a manner, as "Midship" and "Tailside", and together, the "Speed Chaser Team," as they were dubbed, could combine into the "Magnawing," and featured in the Linkage manga included with the DVDs as servants of Unicron.
The original version of Armada Mirage (and the rest of the Race Team) was repackaged individually with a collectible Tiny Tin.
  • Armada Road Assault Mirage (2003)
The Race Team was later redecoed in red and white as the Road Assault Team. In Japan, Mirage was later redecoed in blue and white.
The Road Assault Mini-Con Team was repackaged with the Space Team as a discount six pack of Mini-Cons under the Energon label. These toys were identical to the Armada version.
  • Cybertron Mirage (2005)
A recolor of Armada Mini-Con Mirage in a Tiny-Tin was released as a promotional item inside the boxes for Hot Shot and Override as a Wal-Mart exclusive promotion. While this seemed like a novel way to keep Mini-Cons in the Unicron Trilogy toy and story lines, neither Cybertron’s Hot Shot, nor Override had Mini-Con powerlink points on them.

Transformers: Energon

Transformers character
Name Mirage
Decepticon
Japanese name Shockfleet
Series Transformers: Energon
Transformers
English voice actor Doug Parker
Japanese voice actor Jin Yamanoi
Information
Alternate modes Assault speedboat
Function Spy
Motto "I am your funeral at sea"
Partner Snow Cat, Demolishor

Despite occupying the same continuity as Transformers: Armada and its Mirage, Transformers: Energon introduced its own Mirage (named Shockfleet in Japan) in 2004, an upgraded version of the lumbering Decepticon battleship, Tidal Wave. Unusually for a character bearing the name, he transforms into a high-speed gunboat. This Mirage has proved himself as much a threat on land as he is on water, turning destruction into an art form.

Animated Series

Mirage first appeared in "Unicron Unleashed", where he lead a large force of Terrorcons down to Cybertron as a distraction to allow Shockblast to sneak in with the main force. The plan worked and Unicron was restored to functionality. He later helped to defend Unicron from the Autobots and followed Megatron into the rift in space that had opened up during the crisis.

Mirage eventually became a comic relief character, serving as Megatron's lapdog, and later becoming a bumbling henchman, along with Snow Cat and Demolishor. His loyalty to Megatron/Galvatron proved to be his downfall in "The Sun", where he followed Starscream and Galvatron into an energon sun and died, burning up in the intense heat.

Transformers

Transformers character
Name Mirage
Autobot
Series Transformers
Information
Alternate modes Ford GT
Function Spy

Mirage is among the characters which appeared in the Transformers 3D Battle Card Game by Wizards of the Coast. He is a blue and white Ford GT almost identical to his Alternator form, with exception to the movie-style exposed facial robotics and joints.

Toys

  • Transformers 3D Battle Card Game Mirage (2007)
Mirage is among the characters which appeared in the Transformers 3D Battle Card Game by Wizards of the Coast. He is a blue and white Ford GT almost identical to his Alternator form, with the exception of movie-style exposed facial robotics and joints.


Shattered Glass

Transformers character
240px
Shattered Glass Mirage
Name Mirage
Autobot
Series Henkei
Information
Alternate modes F-1 racer
Partner bumblebee,sideswipe
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles

An evil mirror-universe version of Mirage serves as one of Optimus Prime's Autobots in the Shattered Glass universe. Mirage is a former bank robber who was experimented on by Ratchet. He is now permanently partly transparent.

Fun Publications

Mirage gets interviewed by Andromeda in Around Cybertron issue 6.

Toys

  • Henkei Deluxe Electro Disruptor Liger
A recolor of Classic Mirage. This toy was repurposed as Shattered Glass Mirage.
  • Hasbro Transformers Generations War for Cybertron Trilogy Deluxe Decepticon Mirage (2020)
This toy was repurposed by ToyHax into Shattered Glass Mirage.


Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Transformers character
Mirage, a transformers -a.jpg
The Ferrari 458 Italia
Name Mirage/Dino
Autobot
Series Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Transformers
English voice actor Francesco Quinn (film)
Dave Wittenberg (2011 video game)
Japanese voice actor Fumihiko Tachiki
Information
Alternate modes Ferrari 458 Italia
Function Spy
Motto "I'm no illusion."
Partner Wheeljack, Sideswipe, Bumblebee
Rank 4

Mirage appears in Transformers: Dark of the Moon as a red Ferrari 458 Italia. In the film, he is known as "Dino" and he speaks in an Italian accent. He also wields two wrist blades that can be detached onto a length of cable.[20]

Development

Film concept art of Sentinel Prime by artist Josh Nizzi named the character who would become Mirage as "Rush".[21]

Books

Mirage appears as a character in the Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Junior Novel. In it, he is decapitated by Starscream. His remains were used by Soundwave to taunt Bumblebee, Ratchet, Wheeljack, and Sideswipe before preparing to execute them.[22]

Comics

IDW Publishing

Mirage appeared in the graphic novel version of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Here, his head was ripped off by Soundwave during the Decepticon occupation of Earth, taking Wheeljack's place as the Autobot who gets executed.

Films

Mirage appears in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, where he is referred to as "Dino." and serves as one of the main Autobot characters. He first appears at the Nuclear facility with Bumblebee, Sideswipe and Que/Wheeljack. He is seen at the Washington D.C nest base and informs Charlotte Mearing that Optimus is in a bad mood. He later appears when he battles Hatchet on the highway and kills him with help from Bumblebee and Sideswipe. He is among the Autobots that are exiled from Earth on the Xantium - and though having been thought to have been killed by Starscream, he escapes with along with all the other Autobots.

Mirage participates in the final battle and is among several other Autobots who are being held captive by Soundwave, Barricade and several other Decepticons. After witnessing the death of Wheeljack and the Decepticon ships raining down on them, Mirage escapes and battles the Decepticons whom held him captive. Mirage is one of the surviving Autobots at the end of the film, alongside Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Sideswipe, and the three Wreckers.

After the battle for Chicago, Harold Attinger's CIA taskforce "Cemetery Wind" was tasked with hunting down the surviving Decepticons on Earth, but also hunted down the Autobots as well. Mirage received a message from Optimus Prime, instructing all Autobots to flee for their lives. Five years after the Battle of Chicago, Mirage was not listed as "deceased" by Cemetery Wind, indicating that he may have survived the organization's Autobot hunt and is currently in hiding.

But even if he survived, presumably soon he being killed by TRF because he never showed up again.

Games

Mirage is a playable character in the Dark of the Moon video game. The level starts with Mirage having to avoid Starscream on a highway in South America. During his mission, he meets up with Bumblebee and Sideswipe and together they pursue Starscream and try to foil his attempts to launch a rocket into space. Despite defeating Starscream in the end, the rocket however successfully launches.

Toys

  • Dark of the Moon Speed Stars Mirage (2011)
A diecast car of Mirage. It is part of the trans-scan line of the Speed Stars vehicles for the third film.
  • Transformers Cyberverse Legion Mirage (2012)
A remold of Revenge of the Fallen Legends Sideways with an added weapon. This toy is to be made available with waves of Transformers: Prime Cyberverse figures.
  • Age of Extinction Movie Advanced Series Deluxe Autobot Dino (2014)
  • Dark of the Moon Masterpiece Deluxe Dino (2017)
A unofficial screen-accurate figure on Alien Attack Toys. This toy is a Deluxe figure with about 15cm robot height, rubber tyres, ABS+ Die cast material, due to arrive by 4th quarter of 2017.

Aligned continuity family

Transformers character
MiragePrimetoy.jpeg
Name Mirage
Autobot
Series Transformers: Robot in Disguise (2015)
Information
Alternate modes Audi R8

Books

Mirage appears in Transformers: Retribution When Optimus Prime and the others were captured by the Quintessons, the remaining Autobots aboard the Ark contemplated their next move. Sunstreaker mentioned Mirage as part of a strike force he would assemble to rescue the big guy and their friends. As Sideswipe flew the Autobot spaceship through the Quintesson artillery, Mirage, Sunstreaker, and the rest of Strike Force Zero dropped from the ship to reinforce their fellow Autobots, who had already broken free and engaged the Sharkticons.

Animated series

Following the restoration of Cybertron from the Great War, Mirage was one of the many Autobots blacklisted by the new High Council for being a supporter of Optimus Prime.

Toys

  • Cyberverse Legion Mirage (2011)
A redeco/retool of Revenge of the Fallen Legends Class Sideways, he transforms into an unlicensed mock Audi R8.



Transformers Animated

Transformers character
Name Mirage
Autobot
Information
Alternate modes Cybertronian race car
Function Spy
Motto "Now you see me, now you don't!"

Mirage appears in Transformers Animated, though he was never shown in the animated series. His appearance is based on his Generation 1 counterpart, along with his ability to turn invisible. Cliffjumper distrusts him due to this power, and because he was an outspoken critic of Ultra Magnus' and Sentinel Prime's polices.

Fun Publications

Mirage made a cameo in The Stunticon Job, taking place after the events in the cartoon series, attending The Motor Master's stunt convoy show.

Kre-O Transformers

Transformers character
Name Mirage
Autobot
Series Kre-O Transformers
First appearance "Last Bot Standing"
Information
Alternate modes Race car
Function Autobot Hand-To-Hand Fighter
Gender Male
Partner Kreon Mirage and Race Driver

Mirage is an Autobot spy, and is based on the Generation 1 version of the character.

Fictional biography

Some call me the best AUTOBOT spy ever assembled. I guess I am pretty quick. And I don't know of any other KREON characters that can match my stealth and cunning... Does that make me the best ever? I don't know. I'll let history decide. All I can do is keep risking my life day in and day out…

Favorite Pastime: Watching the KRE-O Grand Prix with my fellow AUTOBOTS.

Most Prized Possession: My rubberized, detachable, ENERGON infused race wheels.

Person You Most Admire: Brick, James Brick, secret agent.

Animated series

Kreon Mirage appeared in the animated short "Last Bot Standing."[23]

Kreon Mirage appeared in the animated short "Bot Stars."[24]

Kreon Mirage appeared in the animated short "The Big Race."[25]

Games

Kre-O Mirage appears in the flash video game Kre-O Transformers Konquest. In this game Kreon Optimus Prime attempts to avoid bombs and collect parts to rebuild Kre-O Ratchet, Mirage, Prowl, Oprimus Prime and Bumblebee.[26]

Toys

  • Kre-O Transformers Mirage (2011)
A Lego-like building block kit of Mirage with 119 pieces to assemble in either car or robot mode. Comes with 2 Kreon figures of Mirage and a human race driver.


References

  1. Bellemo, Mark (2007). Transformers Identification and Price Guide. Krause Publications. p. 20. ISBN 978-0-89689-445-7. 
  2. Furman, Simon (2004). Transformers: The Ultimate Guide. DK Publishing Inc.. p. 110. ISBN 1-4053-0461-8. 
  3. Vangelus (July 9th, 2009). "WTF@TFW". http://www.tfw2005.com/ (Podcast). TFW2005. http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/wtf-tfw-transformers-podcast/249490-wtf-tfw-51-july-9-2009-a.html. 
  4. http://movies.ign.com/articles/992/992629p1.html
  5. Autobot's Lightning Strike. Ladybird Books. 1985. ISBN 0-7214-0895-8. 
  6. Decepticon Hideout. Ladybird Books. 1986. ISBN 0-7214-0989-X. 
  7. Bellomo, Mark (2010). Totally Tubular '80s. Krause Publications. p. 115. ISBN 1-4402-1282-1. 
  8. Brereton, Erin (2006). Transformers: The Fantasy, The Fun, The Future. Triumph Books. p. 22. ISBN 1-57243-983-1. 
  9. http://www.tf-1.com/articles/other_frame.php?art=g2mirage
  10. http://mastercollector.com/articles/reviews/tfcons-review.htm
  11. PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Transformers’ Toy Design
  12. Grimlock image
  13. TFW2005.com - Decepticon Drag Strip
  14. TFW2005.com - Fracture
  15. TFW2005.com - BotCon Stealth Mirage
  16. TFW2005.com - Henkei Rijie
  17. TFW2005.com - Rijie (Electro Disruptor Version)
  18. Lenburg, Jeff (2009). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Third Edition. Infobase Publishing. p. 657. ISBN 978-0-8160-6599-8. 
  19. https://www.facebook.com/AskVectorPrime/posts/722214847910488
  20. Automodifiedesign.com - Transformers: Dark of the Moon Car List
  21. http://gods-of-art.com/transformers-3-concept-art
  22. Michael Kelly (2011). Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Junior Novel. Ballantine Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-316-18629-2. 
  23. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7sVJOl-eMw
  24. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRMBgjktWPQ
  25. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvzTuyfctN4
  26. http://www.hasbro.com/kre-o/en_GB/play/details.cfm?R=D811F020-5056-900B-108E-35F4CF2DAD32:en_GB

External links