Rattrap is the name of a fictional character from the
TransformersThe Transformers is a line of toys produced by the American toy company Hasbro. The Transformers toyline was originally created and produced by Japanese company Takara Tomy and branded as Diaclones and Microman. In 1984, Hasbro bought the distribution rights to the Diaclone and Microman toylines...
toyline that appeared in the
Beast WarsBeast Wars: Transformers was a Transformers toyline released by Hasbro between 1995 and 1999, and a full-CG animated television series spawned by it that debuted in 1996...
and
Beast MachinesBeast Machines was an animated television series produced by Mainframe Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. It was a direct sequel to Beast Wars taking place within the continuity of the original Transformers series. The cause of much controversy among the fanbase, the show ran for...
series. He is a
MaximalMaximals are a faction in the Transformers toyline by Hasbro and the accompanying animated television series Beast Wars. They respect all life and follow a path of peace before war. They follow the tenets of the Pax Cybertronia. The Maximals are opposed by the Predacons...
and takes the beast form of a rat.
Beast Wars
Rattrap is a
MaximalMaximals are a faction in the Transformers toyline by Hasbro and the accompanying animated television series Beast Wars. They respect all life and follow a path of peace before war. They follow the tenets of the Pax Cybertronia. The Maximals are opposed by the Predacons...
who turned into a Giant
RatRats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents of the superfamily Muroidea. "True rats" are members of the genus Rattus, the most important of which to humans are the black rat, Rattus rattus, and the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus...
from the
Beast WarsBeast Wars: Transformers was a Transformers toyline released by Hasbro between 1995 and 1999, and a full-CG animated television series spawned by it that debuted in 1996...
Transformers universe, an infiltrator, sharpshooter, saboteur and demolitions expert. An unflinching pessimist, he is famous for delivering the line
“We're all gonna die!.” when things look grim for the Maximals, which usually reacted the immediate response from his fellow Maximals:
“Shut up, Rattrap!”; barring two instances: once in the episode "Coming of the Fuzors Pt. 2", to which Rhinox replies, "It happens" and once in the series finale "Nemesis pt 2": after
MegatronThe 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...
used the ancient Decepticon battleship
NemesisThe Nemesis is a Decepticon spaceship in the fictional Transformers universe. It was built by Megatron as the flagship of his Decepticon space fleet, and was described by Optimus Primal as the most powerful Decepticon battleship ever. The ship was never named in the original series, only being...
to uncover the resting place of the
ArkThe Ark is an Autobot spacecraft in the fictional Transformers Universe. Transformers: The Ultimate Guide by Simon Furman classifies it as a Vanguard-class Deep Space Interceptor, with a crew complement of 300.-Crew of the Ark:...
. The only response was a grim "Yep" from
RhinoxRhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came...
. After delivering the line in a Season 2 episode, he follows it with "I know, I know. 'Shut up, Rattrap.'" In the episode “Dark Voyage” he mentioned that he used to be an energon miner. It is humorously suggested in the show that he is a distant relative of
AutobotAutobot, 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...
ArceeArcee is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe.-Transformers: Generation 1:-Marvel Comics:Note: All stories exclusive to Marvel U. K. are in italics.Arcee was absent from the U. S...
(
"What in the name of my great-aunt Arcee is going on here?!" "Transmutate"). Although never seen in the television series, a toy of him from the 2006 Botcon says he turned into a Cybertronian motorcycle before being reformatted as a rat. From what we know of his past life on Cybertron, he was a gambler, a womanizer and spent his free time at
bars-Plurals:*Plural of:**Bar , a drinking establishment**Bar , a diacritical mark**Bar , a measure in music**Bar , or pressure*Dessert bars*Uneven bars, a gymnastics apparatus*The quality of the reception on a mobile phone...
, referenced in his comment to
SilverboltThe second Silverbolt is a character in Beast Wars . This Silverbolt seemingly had no connection to the original Aerialbot Silverbolt, and is a completely new character.-Beast Wars:...
concerning a place in which the servant bots walk around "minus their torso plates" ("The Agenda" Part 1). Rattrap is the most eager of the Maximals to return home.
Second to
RhinoxRhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came...
, Rattrap has some knowledge about mechanics, especially
sabotageSabotage is a deliberate action aimed at weakening another entity through subversion, obstruction, disruption, or destruction. In a workplace setting, sabotage is the conscious withdrawal of efficiency generally directed at causing some change in workplace conditions...
and demolition/explosives, managing to create an effective countermeasure to
TarantulasTarantulas is a Predacon in theBeast Wars series. Due to problems in trade-marking the name, later releases of the character were called Predacon Tarantulus by Hasbro.-Beast Wars:...
's shield around a
VokThe Vok are a race of fictional aliens from the Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:In Transformers history, the Vok were mysterious and powerful aliens who had evolved beyond the corporeal world. Their base of operations—be it another planet, location in space, or entire dimension—is dubbed "Nexus...
ship in one episode. Rattrap often criticizes
Cheetor- Beast Wars :Cheetor's original industrial spec indicated he was a seasoned and confident warrior always in search of battle with the Predacons, seemingly in contrast to his youthful and impulsive portrayal in the original show. The tech spec released with his Tenth Anniversary Toy would be much...
's immaturity and stupidity and at times defies
Optimus PrimalOptimus Primal is a fictional character from the Transformers toyline, and the leader of the Maximal forces and the main protagonist in the Beast Wars television series...
when he feels Optimus's ideas are unreasonable, too risky or stupid. Rattrap also expresses frequent suspicions of
DinobotDinobot is a fictional character from the Beast Wars Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:He originally debuts in the series' premiere as a subordinate of Megatron, leader of the villainous Predacons. However, Dinobot challenges Megatron's leadership, and is shortly expelled from his crew. He...
's loyalty throughout his time as a Maximal. For his part, Dinobot never likes Rattrap either, often referring to him as "vermin" and making jokes about Rattrap's odor. Though the two often bicker, their relationship evolves over time and they become friendly rivals right up until the time of Dinobot's betrayal in "Maximal, No More". Although Rattrap never quite trusts him after Dinobot's brief return to his original
PredaconPredacons are a faction in the fictional Transformers universe created by Hasbro. Previously the name Predacon had been associated with the Transformer group which combined to form Predaking. The faction made their first appearance in the Beast Wars toyline and animated series, and have been...
allegiance, it is Rattrap who is shown to be the most affected by Dinobot's bravery and passing as Dinobot lay dying in
Code of Hero. After Dinobot's death, Rattrap is often partnered with the fuzor
SilverboltThe second Silverbolt is a character in Beast Wars . This Silverbolt seemingly had no connection to the original Aerialbot Silverbolt, and is a completely new character.-Beast Wars:...
. The consummate
wisecrackWisecrack is a 2005 stand-up comedy series from the LGBT television network Logo. The show was taped at the West Hollywood, California gay club The Abbey...
er, he is constantly giving his comrades nicknames, both derogatory and friendly. Despite his tendency to give his comrades nicknames, Rattrap is, in fact, capable of being leader, and has more than once, in Primal's absence takes the mantle of leadership, albeit reluctantly (
Chain of CommandIn a military context, the chain of command is the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed.Chain of Command may also refer to:In television:...
, "Coming of the Fuzors" Parts 1 & 2):
“Optimus, how did ya do it?”.
In the original English version of the show, Rattrap speaks with a
BrooklynBrooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City, located southwest of Queens on the western tip of Long Island. An independent city until its consolidation with New York in 1898, Brooklyn is New York City's most populous borough, with 2.5 million residents, and second largest in area...
accent.
In the episode "Code of Hero" Rattrap is seen in his original state during Dinobot's funeral, even though he had already become a
transmetalTransmetal may refer to:* Transition metals, a group of elements in the periodic table* Transmetal , a Mexican thrash/death metal band* Transmetals, a type of Transformer technology in the fictional Transformers universe...
, most likely a goof on the show's animators.
The show bible for
Beast Wars describes Rattrap as a wise guy who is inspired by
Bud AbbottWilliam Alexander “Bud” Abbott was an American actor, producer and comedian. He is best remembered as the straight man of the comedy team of Abbott and Costello, with Lou Costello.-Early life:...
. He is described as being a five foot long rat. His gun is called a fusion rifle. He has infrared-vision and enjoys
jazzJazz is a musical art form which originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States from a confluence of African and European music traditions....
music.
The television series depicts transmetal Rattrap as having his backpack in robot mode rotating 180 degrees so that his rear wheels are at his shoulder level, but the toy does not do this, leaving his rear wheels alongside his hips. The show also depicts the wheels as removable, so they can be used as shields, but on the toy they cannot be removed.
Rattrap was one of only three characters (along with Cheetor and Waspinator) to survive from the beginning of Beast Wars to the end of Beast Machines (Although Optimus Primal, Megatron, Tarantulas and Rhinox returned to life in the comic storylines after Beast Machines).
Beast Wars season one
Rattrap was the navigator of the crew of the Maximal exploration ship called the
AxalonThe 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...
commanded by
Optimus PrimalOptimus Primal is a fictional character from the Transformers toyline, and the leader of the Maximal forces and the main protagonist in the Beast Wars television series...
. He worked alongside
Cheetor- Beast Wars :Cheetor's original industrial spec indicated he was a seasoned and confident warrior always in search of battle with the Predacons, seemingly in contrast to his youthful and impulsive portrayal in the original show. The tech spec released with his Tenth Anniversary Toy would be much...
and
RhinoxRhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came...
. The
Axalon chased the Predacon criminal
MegatronThe 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 band of Predacons on their ship the
Darksyde through transwarp space after the theft of the
Golden Disk-Beast Wars:The Golden Disk is a relic from the Beast Wars Transformers timeline, and a key plot device for the events of the show. Considered a revered artifact, it is actually the Voyager Golden Record, which includes information on Earth and humanity, and is presumably the only source of...
artifact. The Maximals and Predacons crashed on prehistoric Earth, where high
energonIn the fictional universe of the Transformers, Energon is the primary source of power for Transformers. Using Energon, Transformers live, power their machinery, and even craft weapons.-Generation 1/Beast Wars:...
levels threatened to destroy the crew unless they adopted organic alternate modes. Rattrap was given the form of a rat. At this point Rattrap had not developed his later loyalty, flatly disobeying Optimus Primal at several points if it contradicted his survival instincts, and openly criticizing him for accepting
DinobotDinobot is a fictional character from the Beast Wars Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:He originally debuts in the series' premiere as a subordinate of Megatron, leader of the villainous Predacons. However, Dinobot challenges Megatron's leadership, and is shortly expelled from his crew. He...
into the group. Despite this, Rattrap would soon prove there was more to him than wisecracks and constant complaints: when Cheetor was captured by the sadistic
TarantulasTarantulas is a Predacon in theBeast Wars series. Due to problems in trade-marking the name, later releases of the character were called Predacon Tarantulus by Hasbro.-Beast Wars:...
, Rattrap personally tracked down and rescued him, battling and defeating the spider Predacon. This led to a short-lived rivalry between the two, and they clashed on several occasions afterwards.
When it appeared that Optimus Primal was killed by an
alienThe Vok are a race of fictional aliens from the Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:In Transformers history, the Vok were mysterious and powerful aliens who had evolved beyond the corporeal world. Their base of operations—be it another planet, location in space, or entire dimension—is dubbed "Nexus...
probe in "Chain of Command", Dinobot attempted to seize command of the Maximals, but Rattrap was appointed second in command by Primal, when he contacted the Maximals from inside the probe. Although he led the Maximals in freeing Optimus he informed Optimus that he did not wish to command again. Indeed, ever afterward, he is seen deferring to Rhinox.
Eventually Rattrap developed an intense loyalty to Primal (despite his numerous complaints) and accompanied him on many missions. He was instrumental in sabotaging
TerrorsaurTerrorsaur is the name of several fictional characters from the world of Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Terrorsaur was one of the original members of Megatron's Darksyde crew who stole the Golden Disk artifact from the Cybertron archives....
's floating mountain of
energonIn the fictional universe of the Transformers, Energon is the primary source of power for Transformers. Using Energon, Transformers live, power their machinery, and even craft weapons.-Generation 1/Beast Wars:...
, and his spying experience came in handy when he temporarily "defected" to the Predacons in order to find out how the Predacons were bugging the Maximal communications. His small size and infiltration talents were also displayed when the Maximal defense computer
SentinelSentinel is the name of a computer defense grid from the Transformers television series Beast Wars.Sentinel was created by the Maximal scientist Rhinox in order to provide adequate defenses for the Axalon. The system included a wide variety of weapons, including the Axalon's external guns, internal...
went haywire. Despite the numerous traps and defenses the malfunctioning computer threw at him, Rattrap was able to make his way to the computer core and shut it down. The other Maximals were convinced Rattrap was destroyed in the process, until the somber moment was broken by Rattrap himself. He was also nearly killed by Dinobot's Predacon created clone (Note: this was the only episode where Rattrap referred to Dinobot by his name). Rattrap accompanied Primal to free
AirazorAirazor is the name of three fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:The original Airazor figure has the honor of being the first mass-produced, U.S. released female Transformer figure...
from the
VokThe Vok are a race of fictional aliens from the Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:In Transformers history, the Vok were mysterious and powerful aliens who had evolved beyond the corporeal world. Their base of operations—be it another planet, location in space, or entire dimension—is dubbed "Nexus...
ship, and was also present as Optimus flew a modified stasis pod to destroy the Vok planet killer - only to watch helplessly as Primal was destroyed by Megatron's treachery.
Beast Wars season two
At the beginning of season two, Rattrap was reformatted into a
transmetalTransmetals are a subgroup of Beast Wars in the fictional Transformers Universe, featuring toys with mechanical animal modes and techno-organic robot modes...
rat with the additional mechanical attributes of a dragster (wheels and an engine) by the quantum surge that was created from the explosion which destroyed Optimus Primal. Following the (temporary) death of Optimus Primal, Rhinox took the initiative, leading the remaining Maximals in defending the base from overwhelming Predacon forces. In the fight, Rattrap became the first Maximal to face the newly transmetal Megatron in a brief one on one showdown. Though no match for Megatron's raw might, he still managed to score a rather embarrassing hit against the giant by taking out his legs when Megatron charged at him. However, Rattrap was accidentally taken out by an out-of-control Cheetor, and the two would have been killed if not for the intervention of Rhinox.
With Rhinox offline searching for Primal's
spark-Transformers: Generation 1:Although not officially the soul of a Transformer at this point, Marvel comics would occasionally refer to the "spark of life" given to a Transformer by the Matrix....
(having cowed Dinobot into submission beforehand) Rattrap found himself in the position he disliked most – being left in command. With no other options he led Cheetor and Dinobot in a stand against the Predacons to buy time for Rhinox to succeed. Although they fought valiantly (even sparing
SilverboltThe second Silverbolt is a character in Beast Wars . This Silverbolt seemingly had no connection to the original Aerialbot Silverbolt, and is a completely new character.-Beast Wars:...
as a tribute to Primal) the Predacon numbers and firepower proved too much. All three would have been killed, but Optimus returned as a transmetal and single-handedly fought off the entire Predacon force. Later, Rattrap would be forced into a peace-maker role of sorts again. When Megatron used the Golden Disc to take control of a
VokThe Vok are a race of fictional aliens from the Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:In Transformers history, the Vok were mysterious and powerful aliens who had evolved beyond the corporeal world. Their base of operations—be it another planet, location in space, or entire dimension—is dubbed "Nexus...
ship that abducted
AirazorAirazor is the name of three fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:The original Airazor figure has the honor of being the first mass-produced, U.S. released female Transformer figure...
and
Tigatron-Beast Wars:Tigatron tends to patrol solo, modeled after the solitary behavior of tigers in the wild. Tigatron and Airazor share a love of the Earth, as each considers it their home. They both prefer to remain outside the Maximal Base and roam the planet free in beast mode. Airazor would often save...
, using it to capture Primal, Rattrap was the one who convinced the other Maximals of the necessity of an alliance with
TarantulasTarantulas is a Predacon in theBeast Wars series. Due to problems in trade-marking the name, later releases of the character were called Predacon Tarantulus by Hasbro.-Beast Wars:...
to stop Megatron taking the ship back to Cybertron. Rattrap infiltrated the ship and freed Primal, leaving him to battle with Megatron as Tarantulas took out the ship's power systems.
Rattrap's friendship with Dinobot would be sorely tested when the warrior Transformer returned briefly to the Predacon fold. Captured by the Predacons, Megatron ordered Dinobot to kill the helpless Maximal but Dinobot refused and turned on the Predacons once again. Although Rattrap would make the decision to accept Dinobot back into the fold, after this Rattrap never fully trusted Dinobot again. However, events would be taken out of his hands. After an argument with Rattrap Dinobot set out to redeem himself in the eyes of his friends – and died doing so. Single-handedly driving off a full-scale Predacon attempt to wipe out the early humans, Rattrap and the other Maximals arrived just in time to hear Dinobot's last words. Tellingly, Rattrap was the first to salute the fallen warrior's
spark-Transformers: Generation 1:Although not officially the soul of a Transformer at this point, Marvel comics would occasionally refer to the "spark of life" given to a Transformer by the Matrix....
as it joined the Matrix.
When
RavageRavage 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...
arrived from Cybertron to capture Megatron, Rattrap took part in the daring assault on the Predacon ship, capturing Megatron. However, on viewing a recording made by the
original MegatronMegatron is a character from the Transformers franchise, created by toy companies Hasbro and Takara. He is the primary antagonist and leader of the "evil" faction in most of the various Transformers universes....
Ravage switched sides and attacked the
Axalon in his ship. Rattrap launched a solo assault on the ship, destroying it (and Ravage) with a few well planted bombs. Megatron's plan to alter history was then revealed and Rattrap and the other Maximals journeyed to
The ArkThe Ark is an Autobot spacecraft in the fictional Transformers Universe. Transformers: The Ultimate Guide by Simon Furman classifies it as a Vanguard-class Deep Space Interceptor, with a crew complement of 300.-Crew of the Ark:...
to stop him. Taking out the
AutobotAutobot, 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...
defense gun with a well placed blast, Rattrap was nonetheless too late to stop Megatron from shooting
Optimus PrimeOptimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. He is the main protagonist and leader of the "heroic" faction in most of the various Transformers continuities.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
in the head and causing a timestorm that threatened to rewrite all of history.
In the second-season episode
Transmutate, Rattrap makes an off-hand remark about his "
great-aunt Arcee". This is an
in-jokeAn in-joke is a joke whose humor is clear only to those people who are "inside" a social group, occupation or other community of common understanding; an esoteric joke. It is only humorous to those who know the situation behind it...
to
Susan BluSusan Blu , sometimes credited as Sue Blu, is an American voice actress, voice director, and casting director in American and Canadian cinema and television...
, who was not only voice director on
Beast Wars, but the voice of Arcee in the original Transformers cartoon series and Transmutate in that episode.
Beast Wars season three
Prime's life was saved by the unexpected side-switching of
BlackarachniaBlackarachnia is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Originally, this character was intended to be a quick retool of the Tarantulas toy, but the animators ended up giving Blackarachnia a very feminine design and shapely figure.- Season 1...
, who helped the Maximals repair the damage to Prime's body. However, Megatron was able to destroy the Maximal base, and the Maximals were forced to move into the Ark to defend it from Predacon attack. To help defend it Rattrap was sent in a submersible, as he was the only one small enough to fit, (which he sorely resented, but actually quite enjoyed once in the water) to recover the defense computer Sentinel. The mission was far from smooth, as he was attacked by
RampageRampage is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Rampage was a member of the Predacons, the other members being Razorclaw, Divebomb, Headstrong, and Tantrum. He can combine with them to form Predaking, becoming the right arm...
, and was only saved by
Depth ChargeDepth Charge is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Depth Charge was originally a Maximal Security Commander on Colony Omicron, when Protoform X suddenly escaped custody. The colony was wiped out - with Depth Charge being the sole survivor...
. Once on land Rattrap and Silverbolt were ambushed by the Predacons, recovering Sentinel through teamwork – until a mid-air collision with Depth Charge (who had reluctantly come to assist) made them lose it, much to Rattrap's fury.
Rattrap would subsequently regard Blackarachnia with suspicion for her Predacon origins (similarly to his suspicions about Dinobot). When she went missing during a battle Dinobot's clone, Rattrap refused to allow Silverbolt to go after her – until the noble Maximal brought up his friendship with the original Dinobot. Surprisingly, he was seen expressing regret at her death in the episode "Crossing the Rubicon" (although she returned as a Transmetal II). Rattrap was subsequently seen mostly assisting the other Maximals in battle and guarding the
Ark. After Megatron was captured, Rattrap returned with the other surviving Maximals to Cybertron on board the Autobot shuttle Omega Delta.
Unaired Beast Wars episode
One episode entitled
Dark Glass would highlight Rattrap and his friendship with Dinobot. Set during season three, Rattrap discovered a copy of the original Dinobot's personal datatracks (downloaded in
Bad Spark). Deciding to attempt to use them to bring Dinobot back to life in the body of the clone Dinobot, Rattrap recruited
Depth ChargeDepth Charge is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Depth Charge was originally a Maximal Security Commander on Colony Omicron, when Protoform X suddenly escaped custody. The colony was wiped out - with Depth Charge being the sole survivor...
to hunt down Dinobot. Although successful in finding the clone Dinobot and uploading the datatracks, Dinobot resisted being taken over by the new personality. Dinobot would have killed Rattrap and Depth Charge if it wasn't for the timely help of
RhinoxRhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came...
. In the end, Rattrap would have to accept that the Dinobot he knew as his friend was gone. However, the episode never made it beyond the planning stage.
Beast Machines
Rattrap would reappear in the follow-up series to
Beast Wars:
Beast MachinesBeast Machines was an animated television series produced by Mainframe Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. It was a direct sequel to Beast Wars taking place within the continuity of the original Transformers series. The cause of much controversy among the fanbase, the show ran for...
.
In
Beast Machines, he was reformatted into a technorganic rat. This reformatting resulted in the loss of all of his weapons, making him almost useless in combat. He was also the last of the Maximals to learn how to transform, leaving him stuck in beast mode. These issues, as well as him being the smallest Maximal, made him depressed as he felt that he was a liability for the Maximals. However, the revelation of his technical and computer hacking abilities having been greatly enhanced by his new form eventually made him an indispensable member of the team in their mission to discover the reasons behind their lost memories and
MegatronThe 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...
's takeover of a virtually abandoned Cybertron.
Eventually, Rattrap broke away from the mold of "useless member" and became Maximals' computer expert. His new body let him
hackHack may refer to:* Hack , a term used in the technology and computer science fields* Hack , a row of stacked unfired bricks protected from the rain...
into any console on the planet
CybertronCybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro...
, using his tail as some sort of advanced interface. He was also responsible for numerous Maximal inventions; including the device eventually used to turn Jetstorm back into
SilverboltThe second Silverbolt is a character in Beast Wars . This Silverbolt seemingly had no connection to the original Aerialbot Silverbolt, and is a completely new character.-Beast Wars:...
.
He also invented grenades which created fast-growing plants and devices which could interfere with Vehicon sensors. Towards the end of the series, Rattrap began forming a romantic relationship with fellow
MaximalMaximal has several meanings:*Maximal element, a mathematical definition.*Maximal, a faction of Transformers.*Maximalism, an artistic style.*Maximal set.Maximal may also refer to:*Maxim , a men's magazine.See also*Minimal...
Botanica-Beast Machines:Botanica is a character from the Beast Machines animated television series . She is unique in that she is a female Maximal with an alternate plant form, a first in Transformer history...
, even dropping the shields of Megatron's fortress/body at one point to save her life.
Manga
In the Japanese manga, Rattrap/Rattle's beast mode was designed to resemble
Pikachuis one of the fictional species of Pokémon creatures from the Pokémon media franchise—a collection of video games, anime, manga, books, trading cards, and other media created by Satoshi Tajiri. As do all Pokémon, Pikachu fight other Pokémon in battles central to the anime, manga, and games of the...
or
Hamtarois a Japanese children's storybook series by Ritsuko Kawai. The main character is a brave hamster named Hamtaro who goes on adventures and makes friends. The books include A Home for Hamtaro and Other Stories, Hamtaro Gets Lost and Other Stories, and Jealous Hamtaro and Other Stories...
.
Dreamwave Productions
Rattrap would appear in the
Dreamwave ProductionsDreamwave Productions is a Canadian art design studio and comic book publisher, best known for their multiple Transformers comic book series...
' Transformers Summer Special. After Megatron's capture, Rattrap had a dream (implied to be a suppressed memory) in which he was under attack by Dinobot's clone while testing some digging equipment. His appeals to what was left of his former friend's personality proving ineffectual, he was astonished to be saved by
BonecrusherBonecrusher is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Bonecrusher is a member of the Constructicons. He is brawler by nature and specialises in demolitions work...
,
Optimus MinorOptimus Minor is the name of a fictional character in the various Transformers universes.- Beast Wars :The character of Optimus Minor is depicted in two widely different ways, the first is his original toyline depiction and the second version is in comics released by IDW Publishing and Dreamwave...
and
WolfangWolfang is the name of a fictional character in the various Transformers universes.-Animated series:Wolfang's stasis pod was presumably among those who were launched into orbit around prehistoric Earth in the series pilot....
. Although Rattrap was happy to discover new Maximals, the three refused to go with him back to Maximal base.
Fun Publications
Prior to his reformatting into a rat on Earth, Rattrap was a similarly sized Maximal who transformed into a
motorcycleA motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are the most affordable form of...
.
Rattrap's origins mirror his role as a Maximal in
Beast Wars. He serves as the team's hacker and weapons controller on the Axalon. Under his targeting the former
DecepticonThe Decepticons are usually depicted as the Antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers toyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots. The villains take many forms, and have many different origins and stories across the numerous different Transformers...
s
LaserbeakLaserbeak is the name given to four fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Buzzsaw meet their apparent end in outer space.
Botanica, Rattrap and Nightscream appeared together in the story
Wreckers: Finale Part 2 by the Transformers Collectors Club in 2007. During the invasion of Cybertron by the Quintessons they worked together and came across the Quintesson working with the Wreckers.
3H Enterprises
Although there was no new toy for Rattrap in the
Transformers: Universe line which followed the story after
Beast Machines, Rattrap did appear in the comic book series in the form of his Beast Machines Mega sized toy - now rendered correctly with legs. Shortly after the reformatting of Cybertron at the end of
Beast Machines Rattrap was amongst those who welcomed back some of the heroes of
The Great War (Roulette, Shadowstriker, Sideswipe,
SunstreakerSunstreaker is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Sunstreaker was one of the first generation of Autobots in the original Transformers television series...
and
TrailbreakerTrailbreaker is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers toy line and animated television series.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
) back to Cybertron. However he was left helpless when they, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia were abducted by
UnicronUnicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist...
. After this Optimus Primal was resurrected by
PrimusPrimus is the "benevolent" godlike entity in the fictional Transformers comic universe who fought against the Chaos-Bringer Unicron. The Lord of the Light, Primus is the being who created the Transformers to help him defeat Unicron.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
as a response, and Rattrap once again served under him, being saved from a corrupted Blackarachnia by a resurrected
Depth ChargeDepth Charge is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Depth Charge was originally a Maximal Security Commander on Colony Omicron, when Protoform X suddenly escaped custody. The colony was wiped out - with Depth Charge being the sole survivor...
.
Rattrap also appeared in the BotCon 2004 voice actor play. When
RhinoxRhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came...
's attempts to stop Unicron pulling victims from alternate realities resulted in two groups of dimensionally-displaced Autobots being marooned on frozen planetoids, Rattrap was sent alongside
WaspinatorWaspinator is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Waspinator is best remembered for being the universe's whipping boy: getting destroyed or demolished in almost every episode of Beast Wars, yet returning in almost perfect condition in the...
and
SilverboltThe second Silverbolt is a character in Beast Wars . This Silverbolt seemingly had no connection to the original Aerialbot Silverbolt, and is a completely new character.-Beast Wars:...
to help. They ended up battling Unicron's minions alongside a crew of timelost Autobots (
BumblebeeBumblebee is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. In all incarnations, Bumblebee is a small, yellow Autobot with the altmode of a compact car.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
,
CosmosCosmos is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is sometimes referred to as "Autobot Cosmos" for trademark purposes. -Transformers: Generation 1:...
and
TracksTracks is a character in the Transformers Universes. The name is now too generic to license in recent times; so the toys creator, Hasbro had to add a "modifier" - a prefix to the name in order to use it on their product, in this case the name became "Autobot Tracks".-Transformers: Generation...
) and the two groups of Autobots they had been sent to help (both from the
RiDTransformers: Robots in Disguise is the title of the 2001 English-dubbed version of the Japanese television series Transformers: Car Robot and serves as a self-contained universe separate from any of the other existing Transformers Universes...
universes), and, with Rhinox's help, sent them back to their own times and realities.
IDW Publishing
Rattrap had a biography printed in the
Beast Wars Sourcebook by
IDW PublishingIDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American comic book company owned by IDT Corp.. 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 Distributors...
.
List of Nicknames
- Optimus Primal
Optimus Primal is a fictional character from the Transformers toyline, and the leader of the Maximal forces and the main protagonist in the Beast Wars television series...
: "The Boss Monkey", "Fearless Leader", "The Big Ape", "The Big Cheese","Big Bot", "Big Banana", "Trans-Monkey", "Optimus Pinhead", "Scrape Ape", "Pop Op" (Rattrap called Optimus "Boss-Mobile" in the Timelines comic.)
- Megatron
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...
: "Scale Belly", "Megajerk", "Mega-dumb", "Pruneface", "Grapeface","Megs", "MotorHead"
- Cheetor
- Beast Wars :Cheetor's original industrial spec indicated he was a seasoned and confident warrior always in search of battle with the Predacons, seemingly in contrast to his youthful and impulsive portrayal in the original show. The tech spec released with his Tenth Anniversary Toy would be much...
: "Spots", "Kitty cat", "Sky-Cat", "Pussycat", "Cloud-Kitty", "Kid", "Feline", "Kitty", "Fur Ball", "Tabby", "Kitten", "Blondey"
- Rhinox
Rhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came...
: "Big-Green", "Horn Head", "Bulldozer", "Rhino", "Big-R"
- Tigatron
-Beast Wars:Tigatron tends to patrol solo, modeled after the solitary behavior of tigers in the wild. Tigatron and Airazor share a love of the Earth, as each considers it their home. They both prefer to remain outside the Maximal Base and roam the planet free in beast mode. Airazor would often save...
: "Tigatron the Barbarian", "Stripes", "Cat", "Kitten", "Pussycat", "Stripey", "Feline"
- Dinobot
Dinobot is a fictional character from the Beast Wars Transformers universe.-Beast Wars:He originally debuts in the series' premiere as a subordinate of Megatron, leader of the villainous Predacons. However, Dinobot challenges Megatron's leadership, and is shortly expelled from his crew. He...
: "Chopperface", "Irascible Raptor", "Dinobrain", "Lizard Lips", "Dinobutt", "Bronto Brain", "Fossilface", "Dinoboob","Dino-bore", "Pre-evolved Bird Brain", "Slag-Spouting Saurian", "Fangs", "reptilian Filth", "Dinodip"
- Tarantulas
Tarantulas is a Predacon in theBeast Wars series. Due to problems in trade-marking the name, later releases of the character were called Predacon Tarantulus by Hasbro.-Beast Wars:...
: "String-Butt", "Eight-Eyes", "Lunatic", "Spider-Boy"
- Depth Charge
Depth Charge is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Depth Charge was originally a Maximal Security Commander on Colony Omicron, when Protoform X suddenly escaped custody. The colony was wiped out - with Depth Charge being the sole survivor...
: "Captain Minnow", "Captain Herring", "Big Mackerel", "Charlie Tuna", "Flounder", "Fried Flounder", "Scales", "Crab Cook","Tin Tuna"
- Airazor
Airazor is the name of three fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:The original Airazor figure has the honor of being the first mass-produced, U.S. released female Transformer figure...
: "Birdlady", "Bird-Bot", "Air Ambulance"(Botcon Comic)
- Tigerhawk
Tigerhawk is the name of a fictional character in the Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Tigerhawk is a fictional character from the Beast Wars: Transformers TV series , storyline and toy line.-Animated Series:...
: "Thunder-Butt"
- Blackarachnia
Blackarachnia is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Originally, this character was intended to be a quick retool of the Tarantulas toy, but the animators ended up giving Blackarachnia a very feminine design and shapely figure.- Season 1...
: "Legs" or "Webs", "She-Spider", "Eight Legs", "Sour-Spider", "Web Breath", "Pred", "Lady Bug," "Emasulatin' Fem-Bot"
- Rampage
Rampage can refer to:* Rampage * Ram Page , a student newspaper at Angelo State University* Rampage * Rampage , an episode of CSI: Miami* Rampage , a fictional character...
: "Tanky", "Crab-Cakes", "Crab-Legs"
- Silverbolt
The second Silverbolt is a character in Beast Wars . This Silverbolt seemingly had no connection to the original Aerialbot Silverbolt, and is a completely new character.-Beast Wars:...
: "Bird-Dog","Rin-Tin-Tin" or "Bolts", "Sir Drools-a-Lot", "Fly-Boy", "Bowzer", "Sucker-Punching Spaniel"
- Botanica
-Beast Machines:Botanica is a character from the Beast Machines animated television series . She is unique in that she is a female Maximal with an alternate plant form, a first in Transformer history...
: "Sprouts", "Shrieking Violet", "Green Lady", "Miss Twiggy", "Tree-Hugger"
- Nightscream
Nightscream is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Beast Machines:According to a FAQ on Bob Skir's web site "Hey, I argued till I was blue in the face for our new bat to be a female . So......
: "Wings", "Kid","bat boy"
- Dinobot often referred to Rattrap as "Vermin" or "Rodent" as did Megatron.
- Depth Charge often referred to Rattrap as "Mouse"
- Rattrap and Dinobot once got into a memorable argument in "The Low Road" where Dinobot called Rattrap "Cheese-lips" and "Eater of Garbage"
- Waspinator
Waspinator is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Waspinator is best remembered for being the universe's whipping boy: getting destroyed or demolished in almost every episode of Beast Wars, yet returning in almost perfect condition in the...
also frequently referred to him as "Mouse-Bot" as would Tankor in Beast Machines.
- Cheetor occasionally referred to Rattrap as "Big R", "R.T." and "Rat-Face"
Toys
- Beast Wars Rattrap (1996)
- The original basic sized grey rat.
- The Japanese version, called Rattle, colored to more accurately reflect the TV series.
- Beast Wars Transmetal Rattrap (1998)
- Transmetal Rattrap. Has the word Rattrap on his chrome.
- Beast Wars Transmetal Rattle (1999)
- Transmetal Rattle in Japan. Says Transmetal on his chrome.
- Beast Wars Transmetal Rattrap Wal-Mart Redeco (1999)
- Transmetal Rattrap in blue colors exclusive to Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is an American public corporation that runs a chain of large, discount department stores. It is the world's largest public corporation by revenue, according to the 2008 Fortune Global 500. The company was founded by Sam Walton in 1962, incorporated on October 31, 1969, and...
. This toy was used to represent the TransMetal form of Packrat in the comic series. According to some sources they planned to sell the toy as Packrat, but then the name had trademark problems.
- Beast Wars Puzzle Rattle (1999)
- Transmetal Rattle in white, packaged with a puzzle in Japan.
- Beast Wars Fox Kids Rattrap (2000)
- Red and silver Transmetal Fox Kids Rattrap.
- Beast Machines Rattrap (2000)
- Ultra sized Beast Machines Rattrap. Although the Beast Machines series portrayed Rattrap's robot mode with tired wheels in place of legs, the toy version included an alternate transformation which gave him the humanoid legs the character desired.
- This figure was based on drawings by Hasbro
Hasbro is a U.S.-based, multinational toy and boardgame company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States. The majority of its products, however, are manufactured overseas.-History:In 1923, two brothers—Henry...
designer Tim BradleyTim Bradley is a toy designer for Hasbro. He designed a number of toys in the Transformers toy line.Tim is also the author and illustrator of children's books...
.
- Oddly enough, the toy of Beast Machines Rattrap came with a laser whip, wheel blade weapons, and an additional "legged" robot mode - despite lacking legs and weapons in the animated series.
- Beast Machines McDonalds Rattrap (2000)
- Beast Machines Rattrap, smaller version packaged with fast food as a promotional item (released in green in the U.S., but in several other colors in some countries).
- Beast Wars 10th Anniversary Rattrap (2006)
- The transmetal Rattrap toy was one of the toys selected for the Beast Wars 10th Anniversary toyline. He was repainted in more show-accurate colors. He came packaged with one of the six pieces used to make the Transmutate
Transmutate is the name of a fictional character from the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Transmutate could fly, seemingly had enhanced senses and could emit a powerful sonic cry...
toy. It also came with a DVD with the episode "A Better Mousetrap" on it.
- One of the BotCon 2006 exclusive figures is a repaint of Cybertron Ransack
Ransack is the name of several fictional characters in the universe of the Transformers toyline.-Transformers: Generation 1:Ransack is a Decepticon warrior and a member of the Insecticons. -Dreamwave Productions:...
. To make up for Ransack's head design, Rattrap wears a removable hat, under which lies his brain-like, silver texture head he is known for in the main series.
- Knockoff Rattrap toys (various)
- There have also been knockoffs of the original and transmetal Rattrap made in China, with some variations in size and color from the originals.
Transformers: Animated
Animated series
Rattletrap appears in the episode "This is Why I Hate Machines." The Decepticon
ShockwaveShockwave is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. Due to issues with Hasbro's trademark of the name Shockwave, some products were also released under the name Shockblast.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
purchases a pass from him that allows Shockwave to enter a resticted area in a hospital. Rattletrap is then approached by
RatchetRatchet is the name of several characters in the Transformers universes. According to the original creator of the Transformers names, Bob Budiansky, Ratchet was named after the character of Nurse Ratched from the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The name Ratchet is almost always portrayed as...
and Captain Fanzone, who had been accidentally transported to Cybertron via a Space Bridge. Captain Fanzone uses Rattletrap's fear of organic life to discover where Shockwave is headed and also to gain another pass to the same restricted area, this one however was fake. Ratchet asked Fanzone how he knew about Rattletrap selling false documents, to which Fanzone replied "Eh, there's one in every town."