Laserbeak
Encyclopedia
Laserbeak is the name given to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes
. He is almost always a mechanical bird, and is partnered with Soundwave
.
found at Iacon One in 2006, the original name for Laserbeak was Slazer.
Laserbeak, along with Ravage
, Rumble
, Frenzy
, Buzzsaw, and Ratbat
, works in tandem with Soundwave
. Laserbeak is exceptionally loyal to Soundwave and thus Megatron. Laserbeak's name is derived from his back mounted lasers, which are powered by ruby crystals. While these powerful weapons are a great strength, they can also be a weakness since they are dependent on a supply of the rare crystals. Laserbeak is very cowardly and will only fight from afar, or in situations in which he has the overwhelming advantage. Buzzsaw and Garboil are similar in appearance to Laserbeak, but have slightly different colors.
, Skywarp
, Thundercracker
, Rumble and Frenzy, getting deactivated by Omega Supreme
.
Laserbeak and Megatron managed to escape, but Laserbeak would play a lesser role, serving Shockwave
and then Ratbat before participating in the battles against Scorponok
's Decepticons and then against the Autobots using their united force. None realized, however, that the battles were a ruse by Starscream to gain the power of the Underbase for himself. The Autobots and Decepticons would then unite to stop him, but Starscream's power was too great, and Laserbeak was one of those deactivated.
He was not seen again, apart from an appearance as part of Galvatron
's forces in a nightmare alternate reality
where Unicron had destroyed Cybertron, and Galvatron's Decepticons ruled Earth. Laserbeak was often shown to be capable of speech in the Marvel Comics
, as opposed to his mute animated rendition.
. His alternate mode was still a cassette, but his robot mode was an alien type of bird with rounded wings, looking like some form of hovercraft with his optics resembling an opaque cockpit canopy. It was Laserbeak who discovered the Autobot plan to launch the Ark
. After the reactivation of both sides on Earth, Laserbeak was given the Earth mode of a condor, quickly coming into combat with Hound
. He served as the Decepticons' chief spy, infiltrating the Ark on numerous occasions, spying on their human allies and even knocking out Optimus Prime
so that Megatron could make a copy of him. He has also proven to be successful against Optimus Prime on numerous other occasions.
Laserbeak was used countless times as a reconnaissance
platform, uncovering key plans of the Autobot
s throughout the war. He was also used to pursue and attack individuals attempting to escape. He once made use of a self-guided cannon to attack one Autobot while simultaneously pursuing another personally. He has also captured several humans during his stay on Earth.
Laserbeak's appearances in season three were diminished, mostly due to the introduction of Ratbat, whose bat mode could fit into crevices Laserbeak couldn't, making him a more effective spy. Ratbat was also available in stores at the time, unlike Laserbeak.
Laserbeak's last appearance in the U.S. animated series was a small part in the episode "Web World".
According to notes in the show bible for the series the writers were to push Laserbeak over Buzzsaw in the series to promote the sale of toy that didn't come packaged with Soundwave. Laserbeak appeared in the series many more times than Buzzsaw.
Laserbeak made a few appearances in the Japanese animated sequel to the original series called Headmasters. His first appearance was in episode #4 "Operation Cassette" and his last appearance was in episode #31 "Operation: Destroy the Destrons".
and published by Marvel Books
.
Laserbeak appeared in the 1984 sticker and story book The Revenge of the Decepticons written by Suzanne Weyn
and published by Marvel Books
.
Laserbeak was featured in the 1985 Find Your Fate Junior book called Battle Drive by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel. He also appears in Desert Flight, Decepticon Poison and Earthquake from that series.
Laserbeak was featured in the 1985 Transformers audio book Autobots' Lightning Strike and Laserbeak's Fury.
Laserbeak appeared in the 1986 story and coloring book The Lost Treasure of Cybertron by Marvel Books.
comics under the command of Soundwave. Taking place before the Transformers came to Earth, his robot mode here was identical to that seen in the original animated series episode "More Than Meets the Eye part 1". He was seen playing back recordings of the Autobots preparing to evacuate Cybertron before Megatron and Starscream, and later as Starscream examined his data to see if Cybertron's planetary engines existed.
Laserbeak came to Earth and was reformatted as a mechanical condor in a manner presumably similar to the animated series pilot.
Laserbeak was also among the Transformers who briefly fell under the control of the terrorist, Lazarus. Bumblebee
, Frenzy, Grimlock
, Laserbeak, Prowl
, Ravage, Soundwave and Starscream were forced at attack the Smitco oil refinery in the Arctic to display their power for sale to the highest bidder (Transformers: Generation One
#2).
He was later freed by Megatron and was seen perched on his shoulder during the attack on San Francisco.
Laserbeak was also seen in Dreamwave's Transformers/G.I. Joe
series, and was the first Transformer observed by the Joe team while spying on them. He was not seen again, but it is likely that he was deactivated when Snake Eyes opened the Matrix
.
and Clutch
before being decapitated by Snake-Eyes.
comics published in the Official Transformers Collectors Club magazine is set in the Marvel Comics continuity, but in a timeline where the events of Generation 2 did not occur. Laserbeak appears among Megatrons troops.
In the 2006 BotCon story and the accompanying tech spec for the Laserbeak toy released, it was revealed that after the end of The Great War, Divebomb of the original Predacons had rebuilt Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ravage into Predacons as part of a secret project to overthrow the Maximal
s. Ravage swiftly grew discontented and left to work for the Tripredacus Council. When Megatron
and his crew stole the Golden Disc, Divebomb, knowing of his plans to alter history, ordered Laserbeak and Buzzsaw's ship to assist them. They badly damaged the Axalon
, but were distracted by the Maximal ship Chromia 10 long enough for the Axalon to find their weak spot and destroy them, ending Laserbeak's career at last.
continuity in issue #2 of The Transformers: Megatron Origin
, where he, Ravage and Buzzsaw were shown to be already working with Soundwave, unlike Rumble and Frenzy. Accompanying Soundwave to a clandestine meeting with Megatron, leader of the underground gladiator games. When they realised Autobots had tracked them, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw took out one while Ravage dealt with the other. Capturing them, Laserbeak helped Soundwave to scan their captive's mind. When it was revealed he knew nothing, a furious Megatron killed him.
His next chronological appearance was in a Spotlight issue featuring Soundwave. Soundwave ordered him to tail Bomb-Burst back to his base and spy on his activities. When they left to harvest ultra energon, Laserbeak returned to picked up. Once Soundwave realized the other Decepticons' true intentions—to reanimate Thunderwing
—he and the cassettes attempted to stop them, with Laserbeak attacking Bludgeon
. However, the warrior Decepticon took him out with one slash of his saber. One year later, after Mount St. Helens
' eruption, Laserbeak's body was discovered by the human defense organisation Skywatch. The final issue of The Transformers: Escalation
revealed he had been revived, but was now a prisoner of Skywatch.
was known as Lazorbeak. Unlike Terrorsaur however, Lazorbeak did not feature in the animated series. Although his biography mentions that he has the same motto as the original Laserbeak, this was done as a homage to the original.
He is described as a high flying sky pirate with a thirst for battle. Tends to use up his power quickly.
comic series as a Maximal protoform who was turned into a Predacon by Magmatron
's shell program. He was one of five aerial Predacons assigned by Ravage
to find the Maximal lair. When they found it, Lazorbeak was one of those who attacked—only to be blasted when Maximal reinforcements under Torca arrived.
He appears among the Predacons on the cover of the first issue of the sequel story Beast Wars: The Ascending.
Lazorbeak had a biography printed in the Beast Wars Sourcebook by IDW Publishing
.
.Oddly enough, in the second year of the toy line, Terrorsaur was recast as a transmetal
in the toy line (not in the television series), but while Lazorbeak was not made into a transmetal toy, the transmetal Terrorsaur toy was closer in colors to Lazorbeak, being mostly purple. Some fans go so far as to consider it a transmetal
version of that character, despite the name "Terrorsaur" printed on the model.
to help them aid the Autobots during their mission to recover the Mini-Con
s from planet Earth. In terms of his role, Lazerbeak was relegated to performing aerial reconnaissance for the Autobots, delivering messages to them when the children were in need of help, and acting as a method for the humans to defend themselves. In addition to his cybernetic bird mode, he can transform into a camcorder
and a stun weapon. In Armada's Japanese equivalent, Micron Legend, his name is Cyberhawk.
, Lazerbeak is a sentient, though minor character. He is most often seen spying on the Decepticons (particularly Demolishor
) for the Autobots.
that transforms into a battery bomb that can be stored within Soundwave. He seems to be an extension of Soundwave, and like his G1 predecessor, was used for spying. His Japanese name is Killer Condor.
published in issue #15 of the Transformers Collectors Club Magazine the original lineup pitched for the Decepticons in the live action Transformers film was Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Ravage, Laserbeak, Rumble, Skywarp and Shockwave.
The Sector Seven viral marketing
web site featured several videos recording supposed evidence of Transformers on Earth. These featured cameos by Generation 1 Transformers, including scenes of Grimlock
destroying a construction site, Reflector
transforming during a birthday party, as well as scenes of Kickback, and Laserbeak being video taped by people accidentally, and a security video showing bits of a robot looking a lot like Generation 1 Bumblebee
transforming in a parking garage.
Laserbeak appears in the third film, Dark of the Moon, as Soundwave's mechanical condor minion once again. Unlike other robots in the film series, he has multiple alternate modes. Unique to this incarnation, he is intelligent and able to speak.
video game, and can be played in mission IV. He is sent into a former Sector 7 base by Soundwave when he is unable to enter, and disables several parts of the base and allows Soundwave access.
when she discovered Soundwave's hidden base beneath the Autobots headquarters. He transformed into guitar mode, with Soundwave using the sonic blast to knock Sari into a wall. He was unable to prevent her from escaping, however. In part 2, he attacked Sari again. Optimus then forcibly transforms him into guitar mode and uses him to dismantle Soundwave and seemingly destroy Ratbat. Unfortunately, Soundwave ends up as a media player again and Laserbeak carries him off. Laserbeak is one of only eight Decepticons still loose on Earth. it is unknown what became of both Soundwave and Laserbeak after that.
.
, Lazerbeak appears in the Autobot campaign, where Optimus Prime and his team must defeat Soundwave to save Zeta Prime. Lazerbeak is one of Soundwave's minions alongside Rumble and Frenzy.
Transformers universes
is an entertainment franchise. It began with the Hasbro Transformers toy line, centered on two factions of warring alien robots which are called the Autobots and the Decepticons...
. He is almost always a mechanical bird, and is partnered with Soundwave
Soundwave (Transformers)
Soundwave is the name of several characters in the various series Transformers series. His most famous disguise is that of a microcassette recorder and has an iconic voice done by a vocoder.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
.
Transformers: Generation 1
According to original tech spec notes written by Bob BudianskyBob Budiansky
Bob Budiansky is an American comic book writer, editor, and penciller, best known for his work on Marvel's Transformers comic. He also created the Marvel character Sleepwalker and wrote all 33 issues of that comic.-Career:...
found at Iacon One in 2006, the original name for Laserbeak was Slazer.
Laserbeak, along with Ravage
Ravage (Transformers)
Ravage is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. Due to the inability to trademark the common word "ravage", he is sometimes called Battle Ravage, Command Ravage or Tripredacus Agent...
, Rumble
Rumble (Transformers)
Rumble is a fictional character in the Transformers universes. In order to trademark the name, Hasbro referred to the Alternators character as Decepticon Rumble.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Frenzy
Frenzy (Transformers)
Frenzy is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. Wired Magazine once nominated him as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Buzzsaw, and Ratbat
Ratbat
Ratbat is the name of several fictional characters who appeared in various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:As is the case with many Transformers characters, the various continuities in which Ratbat has appeared have portrayed him widely differently in terms of size, personality,...
, works in tandem with Soundwave
Soundwave (Transformers)
Soundwave is the name of several characters in the various series Transformers series. His most famous disguise is that of a microcassette recorder and has an iconic voice done by a vocoder.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
. Laserbeak is exceptionally loyal to Soundwave and thus Megatron. Laserbeak's name is derived from his back mounted lasers, which are powered by ruby crystals. While these powerful weapons are a great strength, they can also be a weakness since they are dependent on a supply of the rare crystals. Laserbeak is very cowardly and will only fight from afar, or in situations in which he has the overwhelming advantage. Buzzsaw and Garboil are similar in appearance to Laserbeak, but have slightly different colors.
Reception
According to X-Entertainment Laserbeak was the most of the Decepticon cassettes in the Transformers cartoon.Marvel Comics
Laserbeak was one of the original ten Decepticons that fell to Earth in the Ark. Being reactivated and given the Earthen mode of a condor, Laserbeak would participate in many of the early battles against the Autobots—until a disastrous raid by Megatron led to Buzzsaw, StarscreamStarscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
, Skywarp
Skywarp
Skywarp is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers toy line. He is usually depicted as a black or purple Decepticon jet with teleportation powers.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Thundercracker
Thundercracker
Thundercracker is the name given to multiple fictional characters in the Transformers universes. Thundercracker is almost always depicted as a blue color Decepticon who turns into a jet fighter.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Rumble and Frenzy, getting deactivated by Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme is the name of a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. He is always an Autobot and is often depicted as a gigantic transformer with vast strength and/or overwhelming firepower.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
.
Laserbeak and Megatron managed to escape, but Laserbeak would play a lesser role, serving Shockwave
Shockwave (Transformers)
Shockwave is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series. Throughout his incarnations, he is usually distinguished by a laser cannon in lieu of one of his hands and his distinctive face, which is featureless save a single robotic eye...
and then Ratbat before participating in the battles against Scorponok
Scorponok
Scorponok is the name shared by several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons that turn into Scorpoins.- Transformers: Generation 1:...
's Decepticons and then against the Autobots using their united force. None realized, however, that the battles were a ruse by Starscream to gain the power of the Underbase for himself. The Autobots and Decepticons would then unite to stop him, but Starscream's power was too great, and Laserbeak was one of those deactivated.
He was not seen again, apart from an appearance as part of Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
's forces in a nightmare alternate reality
Parallel universe (fiction)
A parallel universe or alternative reality is a hypothetical self-contained separate reality coexisting with one's own. A specific group of parallel universes is called a "multiverse", although this term can also be used to describe the possible parallel universes that constitute reality...
where Unicron had destroyed Cybertron, and Galvatron's Decepticons ruled Earth. Laserbeak was often shown to be capable of speech in the Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
, as opposed to his mute animated rendition.
Animated series
Prior to the Transformers' arrival on Earth, Laserbeak worked with Soundwave on CybertronCybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
. His alternate mode was still a cassette, but his robot mode was an alien type of bird with rounded wings, looking like some form of hovercraft with his optics resembling an opaque cockpit canopy. It was Laserbeak who discovered the Autobot plan to launch the Ark
Ark (Transformers)
The Ark is an Autobot spacecraft in the Transformers Universe. It has appeared as a central fixture of the Transformers storyline ever since its creation, as the Autobots main method of transport to Earth and as a base once they arrive....
. After the reactivation of both sides on Earth, Laserbeak was given the Earth mode of a condor, quickly coming into combat with Hound
Hound (Transformers)
Hound is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. He is sometimes referred to as Autobot Hound for trademark purposes.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
. He served as the Decepticons' chief spy, infiltrating the Ark on numerous occasions, spying on their human allies and even knocking out Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
so that Megatron could make a copy of him. He has also proven to be successful against Optimus Prime on numerous other occasions.
Laserbeak was used countless times as a reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
platform, uncovering key plans of the Autobot
Autobot
Autobot, a faction of sentient robots from the planet Cybertron, are usually the main protagonists in the fictional universe of the Transformers, a collection of various toys, graphic novels, paperback books, cartoons and movies first introduced in 1984. In all but one Transformer story, the...
s throughout the war. He was also used to pursue and attack individuals attempting to escape. He once made use of a self-guided cannon to attack one Autobot while simultaneously pursuing another personally. He has also captured several humans during his stay on Earth.
Laserbeak's appearances in season three were diminished, mostly due to the introduction of Ratbat, whose bat mode could fit into crevices Laserbeak couldn't, making him a more effective spy. Ratbat was also available in stores at the time, unlike Laserbeak.
Laserbeak's last appearance in the U.S. animated series was a small part in the episode "Web World".
According to notes in the show bible for the series the writers were to push Laserbeak over Buzzsaw in the series to promote the sale of toy that didn't come packaged with Soundwave. Laserbeak appeared in the series many more times than Buzzsaw.
Laserbeak made a few appearances in the Japanese animated sequel to the original series called Headmasters. His first appearance was in episode #4 "Operation Cassette" and his last appearance was in episode #31 "Operation: Destroy the Destrons".
Books
Laserbeak appeared in the 1984 sticker and story book Return to Cybertron written by Suzanne WeynSuzanne Weyn
Suzanne Weyn is an American author. She primarily writes children's and young adult science fiction and fantasy novels. she has written over fifty novels and short stories, and is best known for The Bar Code Tattoo and The Bar Code Rebellion books...
and published by Marvel Books
Marvel Books
Marvel Books refers to prose books licensed by Marvel Entertainment or its division in the 1980s that published coloring books and sticker books...
.
Laserbeak appeared in the 1984 sticker and story book The Revenge of the Decepticons written by Suzanne Weyn
Suzanne Weyn
Suzanne Weyn is an American author. She primarily writes children's and young adult science fiction and fantasy novels. she has written over fifty novels and short stories, and is best known for The Bar Code Tattoo and The Bar Code Rebellion books...
and published by Marvel Books
Marvel Books
Marvel Books refers to prose books licensed by Marvel Entertainment or its division in the 1980s that published coloring books and sticker books...
.
Laserbeak was featured in the 1985 Find Your Fate Junior book called Battle Drive by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel. He also appears in Desert Flight, Decepticon Poison and Earthquake from that series.
Laserbeak was featured in the 1985 Transformers audio book Autobots' Lightning Strike and Laserbeak's Fury.
Laserbeak appeared in the 1986 story and coloring book The Lost Treasure of Cybertron by Marvel Books.
Dreamwave Productions
Laserbeak appeared first in the Transformers: The War WithinTransformers: The War Within
This article is about the comic book series. For other uses, see The War Within .Transformers: The War Within is a series of comic book mini-series written by Simon Furman and published by Dreamwave Productions featuring Generation One characters with brand new pre-Earth designs.The series focuses...
comics under the command of Soundwave. Taking place before the Transformers came to Earth, his robot mode here was identical to that seen in the original animated series episode "More Than Meets the Eye part 1". He was seen playing back recordings of the Autobots preparing to evacuate Cybertron before Megatron and Starscream, and later as Starscream examined his data to see if Cybertron's planetary engines existed.
Laserbeak came to Earth and was reformatted as a mechanical condor in a manner presumably similar to the animated series pilot.
Laserbeak was also among the Transformers who briefly fell under the control of the terrorist, Lazarus. Bumblebee
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
, Frenzy, Grimlock
Grimlock
Grimlock is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a tough leader who turns into a mechanical dinosaur...
, Laserbeak, Prowl
Prowl (Transformers)
Prowl is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers series. "Prowl" is one of the most re-used American names in the assorted Transformers series, and its use has become almost synonymous with Autobots who possess a police car alternate mode...
, Ravage, Soundwave and Starscream were forced at attack the Smitco oil refinery in the Arctic to display their power for sale to the highest bidder (Transformers: Generation One
Transformers: Generation One (Dreamwave)
Transformers: Generation One was a Dreamwave Productions comic book series, consisting of two 6-issue limited series and an ongoing title. Within the same continuity were 3 other Dreamwave series: a series of character profiles entitled Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, a prequel miniseries...
#2).
He was later freed by Megatron and was seen perched on his shoulder during the attack on San Francisco.
Laserbeak was also seen in Dreamwave's Transformers/G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier , Action Sailor , Action Pilot , Action Marine and later on, the Action Nurse...
series, and was the first Transformer observed by the Joe team while spying on them. He was not seen again, but it is likely that he was deactivated when Snake Eyes opened the Matrix
Autobot Matrix of Leadership
The Matrix of Leadership or Creation Matrix in the fictional Transformers universes is the Autobot talisman of legend, passed down from leader to leader. It consisted of an oval-shaped container, holding a glowing crystal. To open the Matrix is to release an unpredictable wave of power from the...
.
Devil's Due Publishing
In the first G.I. Joe/Transformers crossover, Laserbeak, along with Soundwave and the other cassettes, were recovered from the Ark and used as weapons by the terrorist organization Cobra. Attacking an energy center to gain the technology needed to create energon, the attack force met G.I. Joe, who were waiting for them. During the battle, Laserbeak injured Gung-HoGung-Ho (G.I. Joe)
Gung-Ho is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books, and cartoon series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's original Marine and debuted in 1983.-Profile:...
and Clutch
Clutch (G.I. Joe)
Clutch is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and cartoon series. He is one of the G.I. Joe Team's motor vehicle drivers and debuted in 1982.-Profile:...
before being decapitated by Snake-Eyes.
Fun Publishing
The Transformers ClassicsTransformers Classics
Transformers Classics is a line of Transformers toys based on and resembling the first generation characters introduced in the 1980s. The toy line was created to fill the gap in Transformers product releases between the end of the Transformers: Cybertron series and the start of 2007 live-action...
comics published in the Official Transformers Collectors Club magazine is set in the Marvel Comics continuity, but in a timeline where the events of Generation 2 did not occur. Laserbeak appears among Megatrons troops.
In the 2006 BotCon story and the accompanying tech spec for the Laserbeak toy released, it was revealed that after the end of The Great War, Divebomb of the original Predacons had rebuilt Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ravage into Predacons as part of a secret project to overthrow the Maximal
Maximal (Transformers)
Maximals are a faction in the Transformers series by Hasbro. They are generally depicted as respecting all life and following a path of peace before war. They follow the tenets of the Pax Cybertronia. The Maximals are opposed by the Predacons...
s. Ravage swiftly grew discontented and left to work for the Tripredacus Council. When Megatron
Megatron (Beast Wars and Beast Machines)
The Beast Wars and Beast Machines version of Megatron is the main antagonist from the aforementioned parts of the Transformers animated series, toy lines, and multiverse...
and his crew stole the Golden Disc, Divebomb, knowing of his plans to alter history, ordered Laserbeak and Buzzsaw's ship to assist them. They badly damaged the Axalon
Axalon
The Axalon is the name of the fictional Maximal ship in the Beast Wars cartoon and comic books. In addition, in the Transformers: Armada cartoon, the Autobots constructed a space ship that was also named the Axalon, possibly in reference to the original Maximal ship.-History:The Axalon, commanded...
, but were distracted by the Maximal ship Chromia 10 long enough for the Axalon to find their weak spot and destroy them, ending Laserbeak's career at last.
IDW Publishing
Laserbeak made his first chronological appearance in the IDW PublishingIDW Publishing
IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title "Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share" for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic...
continuity in issue #2 of The Transformers: Megatron Origin
The Transformers: Megatron Origin
The Transformers: Megatron Origin is a comic book limited series by IDW Publishing exploring the origin of Megatron in its rebooted G1 universe...
, where he, Ravage and Buzzsaw were shown to be already working with Soundwave, unlike Rumble and Frenzy. Accompanying Soundwave to a clandestine meeting with Megatron, leader of the underground gladiator games. When they realised Autobots had tracked them, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw took out one while Ravage dealt with the other. Capturing them, Laserbeak helped Soundwave to scan their captive's mind. When it was revealed he knew nothing, a furious Megatron killed him.
His next chronological appearance was in a Spotlight issue featuring Soundwave. Soundwave ordered him to tail Bomb-Burst back to his base and spy on his activities. When they left to harvest ultra energon, Laserbeak returned to picked up. Once Soundwave realized the other Decepticons' true intentions—to reanimate Thunderwing
Thunderwing
Thunderwing is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series. Introduced in 1989, he was a major villain in the Marvel Comics Transformers series. Although Thunderwing was created after the US Transformers television series ended, the character of Black Shadow did appear in...
—he and the cassettes attempted to stop them, with Laserbeak attacking Bludgeon
Bludgeon (Transformers)
Bludgeon is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. For trademark reasons, he is now marketed by Hasbro as Decepticon Bludgeon. They are all Decepticon warriors who turn into tanks.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
. However, the warrior Decepticon took him out with one slash of his saber. One year later, after Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano located in Skamania County, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is south of Seattle, Washington and northeast of Portland, Oregon. Mount St. Helens takes its English name from the British diplomat Lord St Helens, a...
' eruption, Laserbeak's body was discovered by the human defense organisation Skywatch. The final issue of The Transformers: Escalation
The Transformers: Escalation
The Transformers: Escalation is a six-issue comic book mini-series, published by IDW Publishing, based on the Transformers and following on from The Transformers: Infiltration. The series launched in November 2006 and ended in April 2007....
revealed he had been revived, but was now a prisoner of Skywatch.
Toys
- Generation 1 Laserbeak (1984)
- The toy that became Laserbeak was original part of the Takara MicromanMicromanis a line of toys manufactured by Takara from 1974 to the present. Microman toys were originally imported to the United States by Mego Corporation as Micronauts until the company went bankrupt in 1982...
line. His toy, when in microcassetteMicrocassetteA Microcassette is an audio storage medium introduced by Olympus in 1969. It uses the same width of magnetic tape as the Compact Cassette but in a much smaller container. By using thinner tape and half or a quarter the tape speed, microcassettes can offer comparable recording time to the compact...
form, could fit inside Soundwave, a microcassette player. He was packaged with fellow cassette Frenzy. Versions of Laserbeak released in 1984 had no rub-symbol, while those released in 1985 had one. - In 2007, Soundwave was released as part of the Transformers: Classics line of figures. A transforming Laserbeak and Battle Ravage were included with Soundwave. Laserbeak was identical to the original Generation 1 toy.
- In 2005, the on-line Japanese store E-Hobby released an exclusive recolor of Laserbeak named Garboil. Along with Howlback (a repaint of Ravage), he forms one half of the Cobalt Sentries, an arm of the Decepticon secret policeSecret policeSecret police are a police agency which operates in secrecy and beyond the law to protect the political power of an individual dictator or an authoritarian political regime....
. His name means " a state of commotion and noise and confusion," and his function is information control. - Various knockoffs of Laserbeak were released from the toy market in China. These included faithful reproductions of Laserbeak and versions of him in various altered colors.
- Timelines Basic Laserbeak (2006)
- Laserbeak was recast as a repaint of Energon Divebomb as a BotConBotConBotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual convention for Transformers fans and collectors. BotCon has been held annually since 1994...
2006 exclusive figure. This Laserbeak was supposed to be a PredaconPredaconThe Predacons usually refer to the name of several fictional Decepticon-like teams led by Megatron, however Transformers: Armada, Predacon is the name of a single character.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
upgrade of the original Decepticon.- Titanium Laserbeak (2006)
- In 2006, Soundwave was released as part of the Transformers: TitaniumTransformers: TitaniumTransformers: Titanium is a sub-line of toys debuted in 2006 from Hasbro as an expansion of their existing Star Wars: Titanium line of die cast action figures....
line of die-cast transforming figures. A transforming Laserbeak was included with Soundwave.
Beast Wars
With Hasbro not having the license to the name "Laserbeak" at the time, the red and purple recolor of the Predacon TerrorsaurTerrorsaur
Terrorsaur is the name of several fictional characters from the world of Transformers universes.Terror-Saur is an amalgamate of terror and saur .-Beast Wars:...
was known as Lazorbeak. Unlike Terrorsaur however, Lazorbeak did not feature in the animated series. Although his biography mentions that he has the same motto as the original Laserbeak, this was done as a homage to the original.
He is described as a high flying sky pirate with a thirst for battle. Tends to use up his power quickly.
Animated series
Laserbeak's stasis pod was presumably among those who were launched into orbit around prehistoric Earth in the Beast Wars series pilot.IDW Publishing
Lazorbeak finally appeared in the IDW Beast Wars: The GatheringBeast Wars: The Gathering
Beast Wars: The Gathering is a four-issue comic book mini-series, published by IDW Publishing. The series was launched with #1 in February 2006 and ended with #4 in May. It has since been republished as a trade paperback....
comic series as a Maximal protoform who was turned into a Predacon by Magmatron
Magmatron
Magmatron is a Transformers character who first appeared in the Japanese Beast Wars Neo series, was later released in the American Beast Machines Dinobots toy line, and most recently in official Beast Wars comic continuity.-Beast Wars Neo:...
's shell program. He was one of five aerial Predacons assigned by Ravage
Ravage (Transformers)
Ravage is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. Due to the inability to trademark the common word "ravage", he is sometimes called Battle Ravage, Command Ravage or Tripredacus Agent...
to find the Maximal lair. When they found it, Lazorbeak was one of those who attacked—only to be blasted when Maximal reinforcements under Torca arrived.
He appears among the Predacons on the cover of the first issue of the sequel story Beast Wars: The Ascending.
Lazorbeak had a biography printed in the Beast Wars Sourcebook by IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title "Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share" for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic...
.
Toys
- Beast Wars Lazorbeak
- Lazorbeak is a redeco of Terrorsaur. He is a flip changer with a hidden gun weapon. The toy was later released in JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
with a slightly different color scheme but now called HydraHydra (Transformers)Hydra is the name given to two fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. Both are villainous flyers and are Japanese exclusives.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
. It was again redecoed into BotConBotConBotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual convention for Transformers fans and collectors. BotCon has been held annually since 1994...
Fractyl and as
Swoop (Transformers)
Swoop is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers fictional series and toy line. He was first introduced in 1985 and was voiced by Michael Bell in the animated The Transformers series.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
.
Transmetals
Transmetals are a subgroup of the Beast Wars and Beast Machines characters in the fictional Transformers universe. Ordinary Transformers in the Beast Wars universe have a mechanical robot form and a techno-organic animal form, also known as a "beast mode"...
in the toy line (not in the television series), but while Lazorbeak was not made into a transmetal toy, the transmetal Terrorsaur toy was closer in colors to Lazorbeak, being mostly purple. Some fans go so far as to consider it a transmetal
Transmetals
Transmetals are a subgroup of the Beast Wars and Beast Machines characters in the fictional Transformers universe. Ordinary Transformers in the Beast Wars universe have a mechanical robot form and a techno-organic animal form, also known as a "beast mode"...
version of that character, despite the name "Terrorsaur" printed on the model.
Transformers: Armada
Laserbeak is the name of a small Transforming robot given to Rad, Carlos, and Alexis by Red AlertRed Alert (Transformers)
Red Alert is the name of several characters in the various fictional Transformers universes.- Transformers Generation 1:Red Alert is the Autobot security director. He has enhanced senses and is usually depicted as a friend of the Autobot Inferno.- Marvel Comics :Red Alert did not appear in the U.S...
to help them aid the Autobots during their mission to recover the Mini-Con
Mini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
s from planet Earth. In terms of his role, Lazerbeak was relegated to performing aerial reconnaissance for the Autobots, delivering messages to them when the children were in need of help, and acting as a method for the humans to defend themselves. In addition to his cybernetic bird mode, he can transform into a camcorder
Camcorder
A camcorder is an electronic device that combines a video camera and a video recorder into one unit. Equipment manufacturers do not seem to have strict guidelines for the term usage...
and a stun weapon. In Armada's Japanese equivalent, Micron Legend, his name is Cyberhawk.
Dreamwave Productions
In the Armada comic published by Dreamwave ProductionsDreamwave Productions
Dreamwave Productions was a Canadian art design studio and comic book publisher founded in 1996 and is best known for their multiple Transformers comic book series...
, Lazerbeak is a sentient, though minor character. He is most often seen spying on the Decepticons (particularly Demolishor
Demolishor
Demolishor is the name of several different fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Armada:Demolishor is one of the earliest created Decepticons of the toyline; and in the storyline, also one of the first to come to Earth from his homeworld - the fictional planet...
) for the Autobots.
Transformers: Cybertron
Unrelated to Armada Lazerbeak, this new character named Lazerbeak is a Decepticon droneUnmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
that transforms into a battery bomb that can be stored within Soundwave. He seems to be an extension of Soundwave, and like his G1 predecessor, was used for spying. His Japanese name is Killer Condor.
Fun Publications
Laserbeak was used by Soundwave to recover the Dark Matrix from Cybertron.Transformers
According to an interview with producer Tom DeSantoTom DeSanto
Tom DeSanto is an American film producer and screenwriter. DeSanto is best known for his work with long time friend Bryan Singer, especially with his contributions to the first two X-Men movies.-Education:...
published in issue #15 of the Transformers Collectors Club Magazine the original lineup pitched for the Decepticons in the live action Transformers film was Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, Ravage, Laserbeak, Rumble, Skywarp and Shockwave.
The Sector Seven viral marketing
Viral marketing
Viral marketing, viral advertising, or marketing buzz are buzzwords referring to marketing techniques that use pre-existing social networks to produce increases in brand awareness or to achieve other marketing objectives through self-replicating viral processes, analogous to the spread of viruses...
web site featured several videos recording supposed evidence of Transformers on Earth. These featured cameos by Generation 1 Transformers, including scenes of Grimlock
Grimlock
Grimlock is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a tough leader who turns into a mechanical dinosaur...
destroying a construction site, Reflector
Reflector (Transformers)
Reflector is the name of three Decepticon characters from the fictional Transformers toy range and associated universe. Their names are Viewfinder, Spectro, and Spyglass. The can combine into one robot on several occasions...
transforming during a birthday party, as well as scenes of Kickback, and Laserbeak being video taped by people accidentally, and a security video showing bits of a robot looking a lot like Generation 1 Bumblebee
Bumblebee (Transformers)
Bumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In most incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
transforming in a parking garage.
Laserbeak appears in the third film, Dark of the Moon, as Soundwave's mechanical condor minion once again. Unlike other robots in the film series, he has multiple alternate modes. Unique to this incarnation, he is intelligent and able to speak.
Films
Laserbeak kills Alexi Voskhod after he brings NEST to Chernobyl. Later, on the orders of Megatron, Laserbeak kills all of the human collaborators except Dylan Gould, at one point transforming into a small pink version of Bumblebee to infiltrate a house. After Jerry Wang tells Sam what he knows, Laserbeak shoves him out a window and chases Sam through his office. Along with Soundwave and Gould, he takes Carly Spencer captive to force Sam to cooperate with the Decepticons. Later, in the form of a TV screen, he guards Gould's Chicago penthouse; he attacks Sam when the latter arrives trying to rescue Carly. While fighting with Sam, Sam manages to push Laserbeak's head in front of a gunship's weapon, which blows off Laserbeak's head and destroys him.Video games
Laserbeak appears in the 2011 Dark of the MoonTransformers: Dark of the Moon (video game)
Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a third-person shooter video game which was released on June 14, 2011 in North America. The game is a tie-in and prequel to the film of the same name. Transformers: Dark of the Moon was first revealed on February 12, 2011 along the release of the trailer for the game...
video game, and can be played in mission IV. He is sent into a former Sector 7 base by Soundwave when he is unable to enter, and disables several parts of the base and allows Soundwave access.
Toys
- Dark of the Moon Deluxe Laserbeak (2011)
- A new mold of Laserbeak. His heliplane mode closely resembles the Dragonhawk from G.I. Joe: Sigma 6G.I. Joe: Sigma 6G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 is a line of military-themed action figures and toys produced by Hasbro, re-imagining the characters of the 1980s toyline, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.The Sigma 6 toy line served several purposes for Hasbro...
. He comes with two Mech Tech blasters that feature barrels that switch between two different modes. Both blasters can combine into a larger rifle.- Dark of the Moon Human Alliance Soundwave with Laserbeak and Mr. Gould (2011)
- Laserbeak comes with the Human Alliance Soundwave figure. He transforms into a blaster with a mounting point for any human figure.
Transformers: Timelines
This Laserbeak is an alternate version good of the Generation 1 character from the BotCon exclusive "Shattered Glass" comic, in which the Decepticons are on the side of good and the Autobots on the side of evil. Presumably like all Decepticons of his world, he is heroic and opposed to the evil Autobots. This version of Laserbeak seems to be colored as a homage to the Generation 1 Ramhorn, solid red.Fun Publications
Laserbeak appeared as a member of Megatron's forces in the "Shattered Glass" story. During the attack on the Ark Buzzsaw perched on Megatron.Transformers Animated
Laserbeak is one of Soundwave's support drones, used to either attack individually or transform into an electric guitar for Soundwave to use in his attacks.Animated Series
Laserbeak first appeared in "Human Error" (part one). He attacked SariSari Sumdac
Sari Sumdac is a fictional character in the Transformers Animated cartoon series.-Transformers Animated:The eight-year old adopted daughter of Dr. Isaac Sumdac, Sari lived a sheltered life until she befriends the Autobots after they saved her upon their reawakening.She is the primary source of...
when she discovered Soundwave's hidden base beneath the Autobots headquarters. He transformed into guitar mode, with Soundwave using the sonic blast to knock Sari into a wall. He was unable to prevent her from escaping, however. In part 2, he attacked Sari again. Optimus then forcibly transforms him into guitar mode and uses him to dismantle Soundwave and seemingly destroy Ratbat. Unfortunately, Soundwave ends up as a media player again and Laserbeak carries him off. Laserbeak is one of only eight Decepticons still loose on Earth. it is unknown what became of both Soundwave and Laserbeak after that.
Fun Publications
Laserbeak's biography was printed in issue #25 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine.Toys
- Animated Deluxe Soundwave with Laserbeak (2008)
- Laserbeak transforms from electric guitar to mechanical bird. He can mount on Soundwave's roof (in car mode) or forearms (in robot mode).
Transformers: Prime
Laserbeak appears in the new Transformers continuity, Transformers: PrimeTransformers: Prime
Transformers: Prime, also known as Transformers: Prime –The Animated Series, is an American computer-animated television series based on the Transformers toy franchise by Hasbro. It airs on the The Hub in the United States...
.
Animated series
Laserbeak (as referred to by the writers of the show) appears in the animated series as Soundwave's chestpiece. He is used in the Darkness Rising miniseries to attempt to shoot down Agent Fowler's helicopter, then in Masters & Students to follow Starscream to the location of Megatron's barely alive body.Video games
In the 2010 video game Transformers: War for CybertronTransformers: War for Cybertron
Transformers: War for Cybertron is a third-person shooter video game developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision. It was released in North America on June 22, 2010 and in PAL regions on June 25, 2010 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Two portable versions were released for the...
, Lazerbeak appears in the Autobot campaign, where Optimus Prime and his team must defeat Soundwave to save Zeta Prime. Lazerbeak is one of Soundwave's minions alongside Rumble and Frenzy.