Rook (Transformers)
Rook is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers series.
Contents
Transformers: Generation 2
Rook was introduced in 1993 as a character in the Marvel Comics Transfomers: Generation 2 comic.
Comics
IDW Publishing
Rook appeared in the The Transformers: Regeneration One series by IDW Publishing.
Rook reported to Jhiaxus that someone had beaten them to Cresta Superior, and there were traces of AllSpark residue in the wreckage that implied their "ancestors" were responsible.
Marvel Comics
Rook was second in command of the second-generation transformers under the command of Jhiaxus. He was introduced as being a simple soldier under Jhiaxus' command, but as the series progressed and Jhiaxus' mindstate became unstable, Rook's character took on more of a role. However, due to the short length of the Generation 2 comic series, his character never matured.
Transformers: Universe
The second character names Rook is the name of an Autobot reporter introduced in 2002. He is renown for his neutrality in reporting and has covered the Great Wars between the Autobots and Decepticons.
Comics
3H Enterprises
Transformers: Universe - Wreckers #4 Unreleased issue. Main story would have merged the story with the other Universe comic. Artwork released on the internet contained appearances of the Dinobots, Devcon, Rook, Snarl, Skydive, Longhorn, Che and the Monsterbots. Story involved the invasion of Cybertron by the Quintessons. The first four pages of this issue were eventually finished and published in issue 16 of the Transformers Collector Club magazine.
Transformers: Universe #1 contained a story called "Abduction". Some time after the end of Beast Machines on the reformatted technorganic Cybertron Beast Machines Cheetor, Rattrap, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia were interviewed by the Autobot reporter Universe Rook. They then welcomed the Autobots Roulette, Shadow Striker as well as Generation 1 Sideswipe, Sunstreaker and Trailbreaker back to Cybertron. Rook is glad to have other Autobots back on Cybertron.
Fun Publications
In Around Cybertron by Fun Publications Rook reported on a group of Decepticons who supposedly attacked an energon refinery in Axiom Nexus, but then discovered it was a waste depot.[1]
In Around Cybertron Part 2 Rook reported on the rivalry between Transtech Bulletbike and Ego after the events of I, Lowtech.
Rook reported on the appointment of Optimus Prime as Autobot commander.[2]
Toys
- Universe Mini-Vehicle Rook (2002)
- Rook is a recolor of the Windcharger keychain. He was only available at BotCon Europe 2002.
Transformers: Armada
In the Armada series, Rook is a female Mini-Con partner of Sideways, along with Crosswise. Both Rook and Crosswise became a head for Sideways.
Dreamwave Productions
Rook was among the other Mini-Cons in Dualor's sanctuary in the Moon. He cheered with Crosswise and Dirt Boss when it seemed they had fended off an attack from Megatron and his Decepticons in Transformers: Armada #9 by Dreamwave Productions.
Rook appeared in Transformers: Armada #11.
Toys
- Armada Deluxe Sideways with Crosswise and Rook (2003)
- On most toys and in the series when Rook was the head, Sideways was an Autobot and when Crosswise was merged with Sideways he was a Decepticon but, on earlier toys it was Rook that made Sideways a Decepticon and Crosswise that made him an Autobot. This was due to an error in the animation, Hasbro quickly changed it to make it more show accurate. Rook was also able to combine with Crosswise to form Mirror who was able to ride Sideways in vehicle mode. Rook was recolored into Energon Nightscream.
Shattered Glass
This version of Rook is an evil mirror-universe counterpart to the Universe character. Unlike the Unlike character, who is unbiased, this Rook is a slanted reporter who isn't above stretching the truth and blaming the Decepticons for everything. His reporter in the field is Punch.
Fun Publications
This version of Rook first appeared in Around Cybertron Part 3 by Fun Publications, where he reported on a mysterious burst of energy, which he blamed on the Decepticons.
In Around Cybertron Part 4 Rook had his field reporter Punch make up a story on a group of Autobots meeting with the Decepticons.
In Around Cybertron Part 5 Rook reported on the execution of the Decepticon comedy duo Darkwing and Dreadwind.[3]
In Around Cybertron Part 6 Rook covered the death of Megatron on the news, commenting on how Optimus Prime would react.[4]
In Around Cybertron Part 7 Rook returned to his desk, which had been briefly taken over by Andromeda. He barely noticed Mirage, who had been being interviewed at the time.[5]
In Around Cybertron Part 8 Punch left the Rook to work for the Decepticons.[6]
Toys
Although no toy was made for this version of Rook, his appearance is based on a custom toy made by the comic strip's author using a combination of the black Windcharger keychain and the Botcon exclusive Rook figure.
Transformers: Generations
In 2015 a new character called Rook was introduced as part of the Generations Protectobots, initially taking place of Groove on the team. He has also been depicted as one of the Modulus team.
Comics
IDW Publishing
Rook was in Mirage's visions of a Caminus consumed by flame and rampaging giants!
Rook happened to be standing around when Starscream aimed the Enigma of Combination at some loosely-affiliated Autobots jokingly referred to as the "Protectobots" and then Rook was suddenly Defensor's leg.
Toys
- Hasbro Transformers: Generations Deluxe Rook (2015)
- A new mold. Turns from robot to armored vehicle. He can also become any limb of a Combiner Wars Style combiner, but his usual placement is as the right leg of Defensor.
- This toy was remolded into Generations Swindle and Hound, and less extensively remolded/repainted into Unite Warriors Roller and Nosecone and Transformers: Timelines Tarantulus and Impactor.
References
- ↑ "Around Cybertron". Transformers Collectors Club Magazine 1 (23): 16. October–November 2008. http://transformersclub.com/_images/TFmag15.pdf.
- ↑ "Around Cybertron". Transformers Collectors Club Magazine 1 (37): 16. February–March 2011.
- ↑ http://rid-nightviper.deviantart.com/art/Around-Cybertron-5-133086254
- ↑ http://rid-nightviper.deviantart.com/art/Around-Cybertron-6-138747992
- ↑ http://rid-nightviper.deviantart.com/art/Around-Cybertron-Part-7-146562607
- ↑ http://rid-nightviper.deviantart.com/art/Around-Cybertron-Part-8-151815490