Needlenose (Transformers)

For other uses, see Needlenose.

Needlenose is the name of two fictional characters from the Transformers series. The first is a Decepticon double Targetmaster who turns into a jet and was introduced in 1988.

Transformers: Generation 1

Transformers character
Needlenose toy box art
Name	Needlenose
Decepticon
Series	Transformers: Generation 1
Information
Alternate modes	Jet
Function	Aerial Warrior
Motto	"Get hip or get hit!"
Partner	Sunbeam & Zigzag
Rank	5
Sub-group	Double Targetmasters, Mayhem Attack Squad

Needlenose is a Decepticon jet and double Targetmaster.

Fictional biography

The coolest Decepticon ever to crush an Autobot. Believes the secret to being bad is to be "BAD". Trendy. Fascinated by Earthly fads. Always tries to fit in, even when it's impossible. So busy being cool he seldom joins in battle. Teamed with Sunbeam, a solar powered beach bum who transforms into a light burst discharger and Zigzag, who transforms into a slightly-inaccurate, twin electrostatic overloader rifle.

Animated series

Although the animated Transformers series ended in the US before Needlenose was released, he appeared in animated form along with the Double Targetmasters in commercials for the toys. While an animated Transformers series continued in Japan at the time, the Double Targetmasters were not released in Japan, and therefore didn't make it to television there.

Comics

Condor Verlag

In a story called "By their Blasters you shall know them ...!" from Transformers Comic-Magazin issue #12 by German comic publisher Condor Verlag Optimus Prime instructs Backstreet, Bumblebee and Ruckus on how to identify Autobots from Decepticons in battle using the Ark's computer. Needlenose is one of those he displayed to the Autobots.

In a story called "Memories of Bumblebee" from Transformers Comic-Magazin issue #15 by German comic publisher Condor Verlag Bumlebee views a recording of Optimus Prime where he identifies Autobots and Decepticons in battle using the Ark's computer. Needlenose is among those he displays.

Dreamwave Productions

Needlenose and his Targetmasters did not appear in Dreamwave comics fiction but did receive a biography in issue #4 of their Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye series.

Fun Publications

Crankcase, Ruckus and Needlenose were referenced in Around Cybertron by Fun Publications where they attacked a waste depot that they mistook for an energon refinery in Axion Nexus.

Needlenose and his two Targetmasters appeared in the Fun Publications story "Cheap Shots", where they were employed by Ruckus as part of the Mayhem Attack Squad against the Autobot Nightbeat.

IDW Publishing

Needlenose appeared in The Transformers: Spotlight issue #11 on Blaster.

Marvel Comics

Needlenose appeared in issue #229 and #239 of the UK Marvel Comics Transformers comic, but he used guns that did not appear to be his Targetmaster partners.

Needlenose appeared in the "Matrix Quest" story working for Thunderwing in issues #62-#65. He carries two guns that look like his Targetmaster partners, but they never spoke or transformed.

Needlenose and his Targetmasters had a biography printed in the back of issue #64 of the US Marvel Transformers comic.

Transformers: Mosaic

Needlenose appeared in the Transformers: Mosaic story "Downcast" by Mike Priest.

Toys

Transformers Subscription Service Needlenose toy

• Generation 1 Needlenose with Sunbeam and Zigzag (1988)

An original mold. Turns from jet to robot. Came with his two Targetmaster partners.

• Timelines Deluxe Needlenose with Sunbeam and ZPuddy (2016)

A remold of Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Firefly. Turns from robot to jet. Forms the left arm of Thunder Mayhem.

Shattered Glass

Fun Publications

Needlenose appeared in Another Light where he and Spinister had set up shop on New Cybertron. Needlenose is portrayed in the form of Generation 1 Needlenose in the colors of Generation 1 Scoop.

External links

• http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/g1-1988/needlenose/982/
• http://www.tfu.info/1988/Decepticon/Needlenose/needlenose.htm