Tracer (Transformers)
Tracer (sometimes called Caliburst) is a fictional character from the Transformers series. He was introduced in 1988 as one of the Targetmasters for the Autobot Scoop.
Contents
1988 Transformers
Tracer transforms into a twin laser-guided ion blaster. He is partnered with the Autobot Scoop. The Marvel comics biography depicts Tracer as a reformed criminal looking for a pardon, while the Dreamwave comics biography depicts him as an anarchist musician.
In the Marvel Comics Transformers stories Nebulans are depicted as human-looking aliens, while in the animated series they are green-skinned aliens. In the Ladybird Books stories the Nebulans are human-sized robots.
Animated series
Although the animated series stopped making new episodes in the US before Tracer was released, he appeared in animated form along with the other Double Targetmasters in commercials for the toys.
Animation from the commercial was used in the opening credits for season 5 of the Transformers, which retold episodes of earlier seasons. Tracer appeared in them.[1]
When the Generation 2 animated series was aired animated bits of the Generation 1 commercial with Tracer in it were edited into the episode "More Than Meets The Eye Part 1." [2]
Books
Ladybird Books
Quickmix, Quickswitch and Scoop appeared in the Ladybird Books story Decepticons Underground, where they were sent on a mission by Optimus Prime to find the Decepticons in the Nebulos Triangle. Although the Targetmaster partners of Quickmix and Scoop appeared in gun mode in the book's illustration, they did not speak or transform to robot mode.[3][4]
Comics
Marvel Comics
Events exclusive to the Marvel UK Transformers comics appear in italics.
Tracer first appeared in issue #60 of the Marvel Comics Transformers series. Scoop wields Holepunch and Tracer during a series of fuel raids on Cybertron alongside the recently revived Grimlock, Jazz and Bumblebee. Scoop and his Targetmasters had a full page biography printed in issue #61.
In the Marvel UK Transformers comic issue #223 story called "Aspects of Evil!" Scoop and Landfill with their Targetmasters aided Rodimus Prime against Decepticon Micromaster Air Strike Patrol, who were attacking Scorponok.
Dreamwave Productions
Scoop and his Targetmasters did not appear in Dreamwave comics fiction but did receive a biography in issue #5 of their Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye series.
Toys
- Transformers Double Targetmaster Scoop with Tracer and Holepunch (1988))
- Transformers Generations Scoop with Caliburst and Holepunch (2014)
Shattered Glass
This version of Tracer is a heroic Decepticon Micromaster.
References
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVwR5Zr0goQ
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MAjbv1pDNc
- ↑ John Grant (1988). Decepticons Underground. Ladybird Books. ISBN 0721411193.
- ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiIWs2KWX08
- ↑ Lee's Guide to Loose 1988 Transformers: The Autobots. Lee's Toy Review magazine, issue #207, February 2010
- ↑ Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd.. p. 74. ISBN 0764313649.
