Thundercracker
Encyclopedia
Thundercracker is the name given to multiple fictional character
s in the Transformers universes
. Thundercracker is almost always depicted as a blue color Decepticon
who turns into a jet fighter.
. (This point was driven home by the fact that while Thundercracker's colors were noticeably different from both Starscream and Skywarp, in the comics he was colored a dark, almost black shade of blue with only the colors of their wing stripes—when drawn in—made the two look different.) Frequently in the early issues, Thundercracker is seen fighting alongside Skywarp, although Thundercracker was shown to be a smarter fighter.
One of the original ten Decepticons that fell to Earth in the Ark
. Thundercracker was reactivated and given the Earth mode of an F-15 jet. He would participate in many of the early battles against the Autobots - until a disastrous raid by Megatron led to Thundercracker, along with Starscream
, Skywarp
, Buzzsaw, Rumble
and Frenzy
, getting deactivated by Omega Supreme
. In the US continuity Thundercracker was eventually rescued along with the other captive Decepticons, by Ratbat
's forces, although he returned much earlier in the UK comics, where he was displaced to a limbo dimension by the arrival of future Autobots alongside Frenzy and Shockwave
, where they had to work with Optimus Prime
, Prowl
and Ratchet
to survive. He would then participate in the battles against Scorponok
's Decepticons and then against the Autobots using their united force. None realised, however, that it was all 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 Thundercracker was one of those deactivated by his former wingmate. He was not seen again until the G2 comic, where he seemingly took command of the Decepticon aerial contingent against the forces of Jhiaxus
.
According to his expanded Transformer's Universe biography, Thundercracker is unique among his fellow Decepticons in that he has a certain amount of pity for the humans they continually endanger or kill. He does not see the point of killing humans just to kill them as some of his fellows do, although he is very careful not to reveal this. No matter what small amount of sympathy Thundercracker feels for humans, his sense of self-preservation (and fear of what Megatron would do if he found out) outweighs it.
and Skywarp
and is usually allied with them during attacks.
Despite being one of the original Decepticons and appearing in many battles during 1984 and 1985, Thundercracker had few prominent roles.
Often chafing under Starscream's self-importance and glory-seeking, he seemed to dislike Starscream and exploited reasons to undermine his authority, such as letting the Autobot Skyfire
destroy one of their secret weapons merely so Starscream would get the blame.
In the year 2005, Thundercracker was present during the battle for Autobot City, and was gunned down by Optimus Prime and earlier Kup. With the subsequent defeat of their leader, Megatron, the Decepticons were forced to retreat. However, there were too many Decepticons aboard Astrotrain
(who served as an impromptu escape vehicle), and Thundercracker was among those few Decepticons too weakened to put up a fight to stay on board. Being cast out into space, the damaged Decepticons drifted into the path of Unicron
, and Thundercracker's body was used to create Scourge
, one of Galvatron
's new warriors.
In the season 3 episode, Starscream's Ghost, Thundercracker appears to have a grave—or at least a commemorative marker—in the Decepticon crypt.
Thundercracker made a cameo in the pilot of the Transformers: Animated
series on a historical video being viewed by Optimus Prime. This historical video was stock footage from the original animated series.
and published by Marvel Books
.
Thundercracker appeared in the 1984 sticker and story book The Revenge of the Decepticons written by Suzanne Weyn
and published by Marvel Books
.
Thundercracker was featured in the 1985 Find Your Fate Junior book called Battle Drive by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel.
Skywarp and Thundercracker launched an attack against the city of Altihex, where they killed the Autobot named Overhaul and routed Grimlock
and his group of Autobots. Later, Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker attacked the city of Protihex under the orders of Megatron, but this time Grimlock launched a successful counterattack. If not for Skywarp's ability to teleport to safety, the Decepticons may have not escaped alive. After Megatron's disappearance, Thundercracker remained loyal to the Decepticons.
Because he was part of Megatron's loyal inner circle, Thundercracker was chosen as a member of the crew of the Nemesis when Megatron launched it to attack the Ark
, an Autobot ship. Both ships fought, and after the Decepticons boarded the Ark, it crashed on the planet Earth. All on board were placed in emergency stasis lock for millions of years.
In the Earth year 1984, a volcanic explosion awakened the Ark. The Ark's computer, Teletran One, reformatted all on board to be able to assume the forms of Earth machines. Thundercracker, like Starscream and Skywarp, was given the form of an F-15 fighter jet. Eventually the combined forces of the Autobots on Earth, and their human allies were able to capture the Decepticons. A ship called the Ark II was built to take the Cybertonians back to Cybertron, along with some human companions, but the ship exploded shortly after takeoff. The human allies were killed, but the Cybertonians were lost in the ocean, again in stasis lock.
After being awoken again Thundercracker and the other Decepticons on Earth returned to Cybertron with Shockwave
, but he later returned to Earth under the command of Starscream. He was captured along with Soundwave
and Skywarp by the Autobots and locked in cells on board the Ark. They escaped when the Ark was attacked by Bruticus
(Transformers: Generation One III #1).
during an Autobot invasion. Thundercracker had ideas of his own. Changing into robot mode, Bludd is crushed to death inside his cockpit. Thundercracker made no further appearances.
. The rebooted Generation One continuity borrowed from many previous sources, included the animated series, as well as the Marvel and Dreamwave comic books, but also featured many new and unexplored ideas and origins. Chronologically, Thundercracker made his first appearance in The Transformers: Megatron Origin
, joining the criminal gladiator, Megatron. He, along with his fellow Seekers
, played a role in Megatron's plan to cause a rash of terror throughout Cybertron. Thundercracker soon became a member of the Decepticons. Much later, chronologically, in The Transformers: Infiltration
, Starscream is in command of a small group of Decepticons on Earth consisting of Skywarp
, Thundercracker, Astrotrain
, Blitzwing
, and the Battlechargers Runabout
and Runamuck
. Starscream had discovered an Energon ore on Earth that was the Transformer equivalent of steroids, making him bold enough to advance their infiltration phase ahead of schedule. However, humans somehow obtained evidence of the Transformers' existence, derailing Starscream's plans. Thundercracker has so far been seen chasing Ratchet
to kill several humans who discovered the Decepticons' presence on Earth. When Megatron finally arrived at the Decepticons' base on Earth to destroy Starscream, Thundercracker was one of the four Decepticons (along with Runabout, Runamuck, and Astrotrain) who stood between Megatron and Starscream—and who promptly surrendered to him without a fight.
Thundercracker reappeared in The Transformers: Escalation
, warned by Megatron that no further treachery would be tolerated. Thundercracker then accompanied a repaired Skywarp on a bombing mission to stir up trouble between the humans. Later, he returned to Brasnya with Skywarp after his wingmate had been damaged by Autobots, damaging Hot Rod severely. However, they were forced to flee when Megatron called for pickup after his Ore-13 was expended. His alternate mode here is that of an F-22 Raptor
, the successor to his original Generation One F-15 Eagle
alternate jet mode.
In the last edition of this series Thundercracker is seen betraying the Decepticons. He saves the North American Eastern Seaboard from a nuclear attack by flying the bomb into space and destroying it. The Autobots are seen rejoicing at Thundercracker's act. Thundercracker did not believe that there was any honor in allowing the humans to die for the sake of it. He believed that a Decepticon was forged by combat, not slaughter. Upon discovery of what he had done, Skywarp shot Thundercracker in the face at point blank range.
Eventually Thundercracker was found by other Decepticons left behind and was rebuilt. None of those left behind were aware of Thundercracker's apparent betrayal, and looked to him to lead them. However, Thundercracker sought solitude instead. For a time he sat alone and watched television, learning about humanity and life on Earth. In time, he came to respect the beauty of life and human culture. While the Autobots went on to seek out other Cybertronians on Earth together with the United States Government, Thundercracker was recruited by Autobot leader Bumblebee to assist in bringing in the Combaticons.
: Hearts of Steel. In this alternate reality
tale, Thundercracker served as Starscream's right-hand 'bot. He was presumably destroyed when Bumblebee
and John Henry managed to send the entire Decepticon rail convoy into a chasm. Like his fellow Seekers, Thundercracker originally had a beast alternate mode and was later reformatted to an 18th Century flying machine.
Thundercracker appears among Megatron's troops in the story At Fight's End by Fun Publications
.
Thundercracker also makes an unusual cameo in Wreckers Finale Part 2. In the story the Quintessons
invade the recently reformatted technorganic Cybertron. Several mechs claiming to be former Decepticons whose sparks were liberated when Optimus Primal reformatted Cybertron live in one of the few technological cites on the planet. These mechs defend the city from the Quintesson Overseer Rexian and his troops. Several of these mechs claim to formerly be the Decepticon warrior Thundercracker, now in a new body. In order to settle their dispute as to which is the real Thundercracker they decide that the one of them that destroys the most Sharkticons can claim the name Thundercracker, and the runner-up can be Dirge.
Thundercracker was among Megatron's troops when Megatron attacked Iacon with his new weapon, Devastator.
episode "Junk in the Trunk." He was seen with the other Decepticons using a dam to stock-pile energon cubes until the Autobots attacked.
Thundercracker was used in the television show as Starscream's Super Mode, instead of as a separate character as originally intended. When Starscream gets the upgrade he quotes: "I look like Thundercracker."
This began a trend which was prominent during Transformers: Energon
where Hasbro released toys that were repainted from another as a separate character with a different name, even though the show depicted the repaint as an upgrade to the original character. This was because the show's creators did not like to use repainted toys as separate characters. To cement the character of Starscream as being separate from the toy character he now looked like, the American version of the show added a line of dialog where Starscream remarked that "he looked like Thundercracker", implying an off-screen character that Starscream somehow knew. Thundercracker's Mini-Con
is called Zapmaster, a gray repaint of Starscream's Mini-Con, Swindle
.
.
While not much was known about Thundercracker, the Dreamwave Productions
' More Than Meets the Eye biography series filled in some of the gaps. It reveals that Thundercracker was one of Megatron's elite aerial troops, and was responsible for training Starscream and Skywarp
. Eventually he grew disenchanted with Megatron and disappeared. Resurfacing shortly before the battles on Earth, and now with a Mini-Con partner, he seemed to become a mercenary
.
Like Starscream, Thundercracker can use one of his wings as an Energon blade and is a lethal martial fighter. However, in seeming reference to his original Marvel bio, his only weakness is his self-doubt.
, finally made his appearance on screen in Transformers: Cybertron
. Originally released alone, Thundercracker was later packaged with a Mini-Con partner as a Wal-Mart
-exclusive but is unable to powerlinx with the Mini-Con. Although Armada Thundercracker did appear in the Dreamwave comics, he was portrayed very differently from the Cybertron character.
As a character, Thundercracker is a Deception highly distinguished for his love of battle. He speaks with a distinctive southern "drawl" accent. This excessive blood-lust affects the entire Decepticon group. What he lacks in skills, Megatron recognizes Thundercracker's talent for encouraging the troop's fighting spirit. He always has his sights on target in either robot or jet mode. Unfortunately, he cannot concentrate on a target, and accuracy is not his style. He also comes up with special attacks that prove ineffective against his foes, most particularly Jetfire in a battle for sky supremacy, but when reinforcements arrive, he is usually the first to be defeated.
Thundercracker's tech specs by both Hasbro and Takara revealed more about him. The Takara bio noted that he was excessively eager to go into battle, in turn inspiring the Decepticons who fought with him—which is why Megatron keeps him around. His Hasbro bio is indicates that, like the original G1 Thundercracker, his main power is his ability to create deafening sonic booms in combat. Rather oddly, the unlockable content on Hasbro's website indicates he is also somewhat of a practical joker. The non-flying Decepticons often ride on him.
The Wal-Mart-exclusive Mini-Con pack would explain how Thundercracker got his Mini-Con partner Downshift, snatching him from under the Autobot's noses in one of his trademark fear causing missions. What he did not realize was that Downshift was as dedicated to creating chaos as him, and the two formed an alliance to terrorize the Autobots on Earth.
In 2006, a Target store exclusive 2-pack called the "Ground to Air Blast Pack" included Cybertron Crosswise
and Thundercracker. The toys were identical to their original ones, and the front included a brief mention of how the Autobot Bounty Hunter was hunting the Decepticon criminal Thundercracker. His tech spec indicates that his desire to blast Autobots is not out of any sort of sadism—it simply keeps him out of Megatron's way when the Decepticon leader is looking for someone to take his frustration out on.
. He had a rivalry with the Autobot Jetfire
over who was the superior flyer. However, he was unaware that his wingmate harbored ambitions of his own. When Starscream gave Megatron a Planet Map to search for the remaining Cyber Planet Keys, the map turned out to be a fake and Thundercracker, along with Megatron, Ransack
and Mudflap
were trapped in a steel globe until they were freed by Scourge
.
In episode 31, "United", Scourge, Mudflap, Crumplezone, Ransack and Thundercracker followed Megatron on the Space Bridge to Cybertron. They were joined by Thunderblast, who claimed she'd rather work form Megatron than Starscream.
Subsequently, Thundercracker was present for many more battles against both the Autobots and Starscream's ancient Decepticons. On one occasion, when Galvatron (a recreated Megatron) needed the Decepticons to distract the Autobots while he used the power of the Cyber Planet Keys to control the Grand Black Hole, he used the power of the keys to turn Dark Crumplezone, Ransack, Thunderblast and Thundercracker into giants, rivaling the size of the Giant Planet Transformers. Thundercracker even took on Optimus Prime himself, but was jumped by Hot Shot
and Jetfire, distracting him long enough for Prime to pursue Galvatron. After the fight, the Decepticons returned to normal size.
After Galvatron's defeat and the closing of the black hole, his minions realized that Galvatron had never had any intentions of helping his minions escape the Black Hole disaster in the first place. Thundercracker and the remaining Decepticons abandoned their allegiance to Galvatron and considered themselves free.
When the Autobots attempted to use a gigantic rocket to move the Jungle Planet back into its orbit, Galvatron attacked and damaged the rocket. The Jungle Planet threatened to crash into Cybertron. Much to the Autobots' surprise, the four Decepticons helped Scourge and the Autobots to move the rocket boosters back into place.
After Galvatron's death, Thundercracker, in an attempt to continue being active, allied himself with the Autobots by taking part in construction work on Earth. He wanted to be an Autobot and never lose (even though he did not know how to make the Autobot symbol appear on his body he just put on a badly drawn one). He was forced back to the Decepticon ranks by Thunderblast, Dark Crumplezone and Ransack, who self-declared themselves as the new Decepticon army. Predictably, the hapless group did not get far: the credits montage that closed the series showed they had crashed on what appeared to be Mars
.
Thundercracker's design is also the basis for a series of Decepticon drones.
Thundercracker also appears in Reign of Starscream comic book series. He is a blue colored Decepticon looking a great deal like Starscream's Cybertronian form. He was left aboard the Nemesis on Mars when the Decepticons attacked Earth in the 2007 movie. Starscream left Earth after and returned to Mars to recreate the Allspark. Thundercacker is loyal to Starscream by helping him recover after his journey to Mars. He addresses Starscream as Lord Starscream, or Commander Starscream. Starscream mentions that Thundercracker is a Seeker, just like himself. Thundercracker seems smart by asking Starscream about Earth, and predicts their vehicles are like their own on Cybertron. In issue #5 Starscream sacrificed the sparks of Crankcase, Elita One, Grindcore, Signal Flare, and Warpath to bring his new Allspark Cube online. Although the cube failed to function Starscream did not have time to find out why as Dreadwing made his bid to overthrow the Decepticons using his army of drones. While Ramjet and Divebomb sided with Dreadwing, Thundercracker remained loyal to his leader along with Stockade. After Starscream vanished through the space bridge, Thundercracker departed Cybertron in hopes of finding him.
In Tales of the Fallen #6 Arcee
is taken by Thundercracker and given to the Decepticon medic Flatline, who experiments on her. Upon waking up she discoveres Skids
and Mudflap
are also captives of the Decepticons.
Note: Thundercracker's appearance in the IDW Publishing comics varies from the toy quite a bit because he never assumes an Earth vehicle alternate mode, instead staying in Cybertronian form. His robot mode more closely resembles the toy for Protoform Starscream in Thundercracker's colors, while his vehicle mode more closely resembles the vehicle mode of Megatron's Cybertronian jet.
version, in which one can play as the character in multi-player mode. He speaks a few lines.
Thundercracker is a minion of Shockwave
, and spends most of his time transporting the Decepticon from place to place. He also meets Blackout
and Shockwave after the Decepticons attack the base in Qatar
. Later, he assists Shockwave and Dreadwing
to find frozen Decpticon leader Megatron in the Arctic Circle, but they only find information on a launch of a satellite. The Autobots attempt to destroy the base, but Thundercracker and Shockwave escape, leaving Dreadwing dead. He then flies Shockwave to the launch site, and places the signal there awhile Shockwave distracts security. He then rescues Shockwave. After that, Thundercracker alone attempts to stop the Autobots from approaching Hoover Dam
, the location of Megatron and the AllSpark, but is killed by Autobot Ironhide
. Shockwave does not discover this, but finds that the Autobots have transmitted a virus to the signal, foiling their plot.
Note: In the game, Thundercracker's appearance is based on Dreadwing with a new head, not Starscream.
.
and ended up being sent through the space bridge
, to a unknown destination where Thundercracker managed to break Skywarp and Blurr out of their confinement, only to unsuccessfully attack the latter. Blurr managed to escape, humiliating Thundercracker by using him as a springboard to race his way across the galaxy. Thundercracker's ultimate fate is unknown, as the series ended without him appearing again. He, Skywarp, Swindle
, and Team Chaar are the remaining Decepticons in space.
Thundercracker was never called by name in the run of the animated series.
as part of the Mayhem Suppression Squad called in by the Decepticons against the Autobots Goldbug, Grimlock and Jazz.
Thundercracker also appears in the fiction Dungeons & Dinobots, a text based story from Fun Publications. In the story, he defends the Arch-Ayr fuel dump from an Autobot attack.
. In the Decepticon campaign, he is a part of the Decepticons' flying squad known as the "Seekers" - Alongside Starscream and Skywarp. Thundercracker despises those that cannot take flight and views himself as being superior to those that cannot. He sometimes questions the Decepticon cause, but a fear of Megatron's wrath quiets his discontent.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
s in the Transformers universes
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...
. Thundercracker is almost always depicted as a blue color Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
who turns into a jet fighter.
Transformers: Generation 1
Thundercracker is one of the original Decepticon Seekers from the first year of the series.Marvel Comics
In the Marvel comics series, Thundercracker was depicted as one of Starscream's lieutenants, along with fellow Seeker SkywarpSkywarp
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:...
. (This point was driven home by the fact that while Thundercracker's colors were noticeably different from both Starscream and Skywarp, in the comics he was colored a dark, almost black shade of blue with only the colors of their wing stripes—when drawn in—made the two look different.) Frequently in the early issues, Thundercracker is seen fighting alongside Skywarp, although Thundercracker was shown to be a smarter fighter.
One of the original ten Decepticons that fell to Earth in 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....
. Thundercracker was reactivated and given the Earth mode of an F-15 jet. He would participate in many of the early battles against the Autobots - until a disastrous raid by Megatron led to Thundercracker, along with Starscream
Starscream (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:...
, Buzzsaw, 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:...
and 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:...
, 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:...
. In the US continuity Thundercracker was eventually rescued along with the other captive Decepticons, by 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,...
's forces, although he returned much earlier in the UK comics, where he was displaced to a limbo dimension by the arrival of future Autobots alongside Frenzy and 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...
, where they had to work with 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...
, 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...
and Ratchet
Ratchet (Transformers)
Ratchet 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...
to survive. He would then participate 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 realised, however, that it was all 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 Thundercracker was one of those deactivated by his former wingmate. He was not seen again until the G2 comic, where he seemingly took command of the Decepticon aerial contingent against the forces of Jhiaxus
Jhiaxus
Jhiaxus is a fictional character in the Transformers universes. He is an evil Decepticon jet.-Transformers: Generation 2:Unlike most of the notable characters in the Transformers comics, Jhiaxus is not based on a toy...
.
According to his expanded Transformer's Universe biography, Thundercracker is unique among his fellow Decepticons in that he has a certain amount of pity for the humans they continually endanger or kill. He does not see the point of killing humans just to kill them as some of his fellows do, although he is very careful not to reveal this. No matter what small amount of sympathy Thundercracker feels for humans, his sense of self-preservation (and fear of what Megatron would do if he found out) outweighs it.
Animated series
Thundercracker was one of the first Decepticons to awaken on Earth in 1984. After laying dormant for four million years, he shared the same Earthen appearance as 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...
and 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:...
and is usually allied with them during attacks.
Despite being one of the original Decepticons and appearing in many battles during 1984 and 1985, Thundercracker had few prominent roles.
Often chafing under Starscream's self-importance and glory-seeking, he seemed to dislike Starscream and exploited reasons to undermine his authority, such as letting the Autobot Skyfire
Jetfire
Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
destroy one of their secret weapons merely so Starscream would get the blame.
In the year 2005, Thundercracker was present during the battle for Autobot City, and was gunned down by Optimus Prime and earlier Kup. With the subsequent defeat of their leader, Megatron, the Decepticons were forced to retreat. However, there were too many Decepticons aboard Astrotrain
Astrotrain
Astrotrain is the name of three fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons who can assume the form of a space shuttle.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
(who served as an impromptu escape vehicle), and Thundercracker was among those few Decepticons too weakened to put up a fight to stay on board. Being cast out into space, the damaged Decepticons drifted into the path of Unicron
Unicron
Unicron 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. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
, and Thundercracker's body was used to create Scourge
Scourge (Transformers)
Scourge is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series. He first appeared as one of the central villains in the 1986 film The Transformers, voiced by Stan Jones. He also regularly appeared in the animated Transformers series and Transformers comic books. Since then other...
, one 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 new warriors.
In the season 3 episode, Starscream's Ghost, Thundercracker appears to have a grave—or at least a commemorative marker—in the Decepticon crypt.
Thundercracker made a cameo in the pilot of the Transformers: Animated
Transformers: Animated
Transformers Animated is an American animated television series based on the Transformers toy line. The series debuted on Cartoon Network on December 26, 2007 and has been shown on NickToons in the UK since February 2008. It is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and animated by Japanese animation...
series on a historical video being viewed by Optimus Prime. This historical video was stock footage from the original animated series.
Books
Thundercracker 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...
.
Thundercracker 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...
.
Thundercracker was featured in the 1985 Find Your Fate Junior book called Battle Drive by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel.
Dreamwave Productions
Thundercracker could always fly, even before joining the Decepticons. He was recruited as a Decepticon under the leadership of Megatron in his war against the Autobots on the planet Cybertron. Thundercracker became a member of the elite Seekers under Aerospace Commander Starscream. He often worked with fellow Seeker Skywarp.Skywarp and Thundercracker launched an attack against the city of Altihex, where they killed the Autobot named Overhaul and routed 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...
and his group of Autobots. Later, Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker attacked the city of Protihex under the orders of Megatron, but this time Grimlock launched a successful counterattack. If not for Skywarp's ability to teleport to safety, the Decepticons may have not escaped alive. After Megatron's disappearance, Thundercracker remained loyal to the Decepticons.
Because he was part of Megatron's loyal inner circle, Thundercracker was chosen as a member of the crew of the Nemesis when Megatron launched it to attack 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....
, an Autobot ship. Both ships fought, and after the Decepticons boarded the Ark, it crashed on the planet Earth. All on board were placed in emergency stasis lock for millions of years.
In the Earth year 1984, a volcanic explosion awakened the Ark. The Ark's computer, Teletran One, reformatted all on board to be able to assume the forms of Earth machines. Thundercracker, like Starscream and Skywarp, was given the form of an F-15 fighter jet. Eventually the combined forces of the Autobots on Earth, and their human allies were able to capture the Decepticons. A ship called the Ark II was built to take the Cybertonians back to Cybertron, along with some human companions, but the ship exploded shortly after takeoff. The human allies were killed, but the Cybertonians were lost in the ocean, again in stasis lock.
After being awoken again Thundercracker and the other Decepticons on Earth returned to Cybertron with 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...
, but he later returned to Earth under the command of Starscream. He was captured along 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:...
and Skywarp by the Autobots and locked in cells on board the Ark. They escaped when the Ark was attacked by Bruticus
Combaticons
The Combaticons are a group of Decepticon military vehicles in the assorted fictional universes of the Transformers.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
(Transformers: Generation One III #1).
Devil's Due Publishing
In this re-imagining of the Transformers: Generation One story, the Autobot ship Ark was discovered by the terrorist Cobra organization. All the Transformers inside were formatted into Cobra vehicles and were to be remotely controlled by the Televipers, Cobra soldiers proficient in communication systems. Thundercraker, who in this continuity, transformed into a Cobra Rattler, was going to be piloted by Major BluddMajor Bludd
Major Bludd , is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series of the 1980s. Appearing in both the comic books and the cartoons, Major Bludd is one of the series villains, a mercenary working for the Cobra Organization.-Toy:Major Bludd first appeared in 1983, he has had 6...
during an Autobot invasion. Thundercracker had ideas of his own. Changing into robot mode, Bludd is crushed to death inside his cockpit. Thundercracker made no further appearances.
IDW Publishing
After Dreamwave's closure, the rights to the Transformers comics were awarded to 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...
. The rebooted Generation One continuity borrowed from many previous sources, included the animated series, as well as the Marvel and Dreamwave comic books, but also featured many new and unexplored ideas and origins. Chronologically, Thundercracker made his first appearance in 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...
, joining the criminal gladiator, Megatron. He, along with his fellow Seekers
Seekers (Transformers)
Seekers is a term in the Transformers universe usually used to describe certain Decepticon warriors with jet transformations. For the character named Seeker see Seeker .-Origin of the term:...
, played a role in Megatron's plan to cause a rash of terror throughout Cybertron. Thundercracker soon became a member of the Decepticons. Much later, chronologically, in The Transformers: Infiltration
The Transformers: Infiltration
The Transformers: Infiltration is a six-issue comic book mini-series, published by IDW Publishing, based on the Transformers. The series was previewed with a #0 in October, 2005, formally launched with #1 in January 2006 and ended with #6 in July....
, Starscream is in command of a small group of Decepticons on Earth consisting of 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, Astrotrain
Astrotrain
Astrotrain is the name of three fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons who can assume the form of a space shuttle.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Blitzwing
Blitzwing
Blitzwing is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series. He is always depicted as a Decepticon with two alternate forms, that of a jet and that of a tank...
, and the Battlechargers Runabout
Runabout (Transformers)
-Transformers: Generation 1:The first Runabout formed one half of the Battlecharger duo with Runamuck. Runabout is not the brains of the Battlechargers, but he is much calmer and certainly more articulate than Runamuck, and his presence helps keep the latter's cross-wired mind on task...
and Runamuck
Runamuck (Transformers)
Runamuck is the name of three fictional characters in the various Transformers series. All three are violent Decepticons who turn into cars. In the original Transformers animated series Runabout was voiced by Roger Behr.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
. Starscream had discovered an Energon ore on Earth that was the Transformer equivalent of steroids, making him bold enough to advance their infiltration phase ahead of schedule. However, humans somehow obtained evidence of the Transformers' existence, derailing Starscream's plans. Thundercracker has so far been seen chasing Ratchet
Ratchet (Transformers)
Ratchet 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...
to kill several humans who discovered the Decepticons' presence on Earth. When Megatron finally arrived at the Decepticons' base on Earth to destroy Starscream, Thundercracker was one of the four Decepticons (along with Runabout, Runamuck, and Astrotrain) who stood between Megatron and Starscream—and who promptly surrendered to him without a fight.
Thundercracker reappeared in 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....
, warned by Megatron that no further treachery would be tolerated. Thundercracker then accompanied a repaired Skywarp on a bombing mission to stir up trouble between the humans. Later, he returned to Brasnya with Skywarp after his wingmate had been damaged by Autobots, damaging Hot Rod severely. However, they were forced to flee when Megatron called for pickup after his Ore-13 was expended. His alternate mode here is that of an F-22 Raptor
F-22 Raptor
The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals...
, the successor to his original Generation One F-15 Eagle
F-15 Eagle
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It is considered among the most successful modern fighters with over 100 aerial combat victories with no losses in dogfights...
alternate jet mode.
The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
The 16-part series follows on from Escalation. In the latter half of this series the Seekers' alternate mode once again becomes an F-15 Eagle, and their robot modes resemble their counterparts in the Transformers Masterpiece toy series by Takara.In the last edition of this series Thundercracker is seen betraying the Decepticons. He saves the North American Eastern Seaboard from a nuclear attack by flying the bomb into space and destroying it. The Autobots are seen rejoicing at Thundercracker's act. Thundercracker did not believe that there was any honor in allowing the humans to die for the sake of it. He believed that a Decepticon was forged by combat, not slaughter. Upon discovery of what he had done, Skywarp shot Thundercracker in the face at point blank range.
Eventually Thundercracker was found by other Decepticons left behind and was rebuilt. None of those left behind were aware of Thundercracker's apparent betrayal, and looked to him to lead them. However, Thundercracker sought solitude instead. For a time he sat alone and watched television, learning about humanity and life on Earth. In time, he came to respect the beauty of life and human culture. While the Autobots went on to seek out other Cybertronians on Earth together with the United States Government, Thundercracker was recruited by Autobot leader Bumblebee to assist in bringing in the Combaticons.
The Transformers: Evolutions: Hearts of Steel
Thundercracker and the other Seekers also appeared in the mini-series The Transformers: EvolutionsThe Transformers: Evolutions
The Transformers: Evolutions is the title of what was intended to be several comic book miniseries published by IDW Publishing, following the same idea of DC Comics' Elseworlds series. Each series was to create an alternative reality: a continuity in a different time era during which the...
: Hearts of Steel. In this 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...
tale, Thundercracker served as Starscream's right-hand 'bot. He was presumably destroyed when 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 :...
and John Henry managed to send the entire Decepticon rail convoy into a chasm. Like his fellow Seekers, Thundercracker originally had a beast alternate mode and was later reformatted to an 18th Century flying machine.
Fun Publications
Thundercracker is rebuilt on Earth by Megatron to serve as one of his troops. In the Transformers: Timelines story "Games of Deception" Thundercracker appears among Megatron's troops.Thundercracker appears among Megatron's troops in the story At Fight's End by Fun Publications
Fun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
.
Thundercracker also makes an unusual cameo in Wreckers Finale Part 2. In the story the Quintessons
Quintessons
Quintessons are fictional aliens from the Transformers universe. Within the TV series, they are the creators of the Transformers, although in most other fictional universes featuring the Transformers, they have no such status...
invade the recently reformatted technorganic Cybertron. Several mechs claiming to be former Decepticons whose sparks were liberated when Optimus Primal reformatted Cybertron live in one of the few technological cites on the planet. These mechs defend the city from the Quintesson Overseer Rexian and his troops. Several of these mechs claim to formerly be the Decepticon warrior Thundercracker, now in a new body. In order to settle their dispute as to which is the real Thundercracker they decide that the one of them that destroys the most Sharkticons can claim the name Thundercracker, and the runner-up can be Dirge.
Thundercracker was among Megatron's troops when Megatron attacked Iacon with his new weapon, Devastator.
Other Media
Thundercracker appeared in the Robot ChickenRobot Chicken
Robot Chicken is an American stop motion animated television series created and executive produced by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich along with co-head writers Douglas Goldstein and Tom Root. Green provides many voices for the show...
episode "Junk in the Trunk." He was seen with the other Decepticons using a dam to stock-pile energon cubes until the Autobots attacked.
Toys
- Generation 1
- The original Thundercracker toy was originally part of the Japanese DiacloneDiacloneDiaclone was a toyline by Takara Toys launched in 1980. It consisted of transforming vehicles and robots piloted by miniature, magnet-shoed figures spun off from the prior Microman toy line that were in turn called an Inch-Man....
toyline, and was imported to become part of the Transformers toyline by HasbroHasbroHasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
in 1984. In jet mode, the toy is 21cm long. In what is considered to be a major drawback to the toy, the majority of its parts have to be removed for transformation, and it is rare to find a totally complete one, since no single mode can hold all the parts.- Generation 1 Action Master Thundercracker (1991)
- A repaint of Action Master Starscream with new accessories, this toy was only released in Europe. The color scheme does not resemble the original. Thundercracker comes with a jet which he can ride or wear as armor when it is transformed. This version of Thundercracker does not appear in any official Transformers fiction. His bio was much the same as the original toy bio, portraying him as a vicious flyer who enjoys taking his enemies apart by causing them to crash - either by shooting them down, or by nosediving and pulling up at the last second, letting his foes slam into the ground.
- Machine Wars Thundercracker (1997)
- A basic sized flip changer. Sharing the same mold as fellow Decepticon Skywarp, Thundercracker was a "flip-changer" jet where if the toy's nosecone was pressed down, the toy would automatically transform to robot mode. It is difficult to determine where the Machine Wars characters are placed within the overall Transformers storyline as there was no fictional material other than their tech specs. Machine Wars characters are usually considered future or alternate reality versions of the main G1/G2 characters which was never expanded upon.
- His tech spec was similar to his original G1 bio in that Thundercracker believed in the Decepticon cause, still possessed of a fierce independent streak. Believing himself superior to anything that cannot fly Thundercracker uses terror-causing tactics and his traditional sonic boom attack to destroy his enemies.
- Smallest Transformers Thundercracker (2004)
- This blue redeco of Smallest Transformers Starscream was only released as a chase item (one in a case of 48) in the line's final wave. Despite the small size (roughly 2 inches in robot height), the toy is virtually faithful to the original G1 toy's design and transformation.: This toy was also released in high numbers by third party toy makes in a variety of variants, such as metallic, clear and glow-in-the-dark.
- Robot Masters
- Thundercracker is a repaint of Robot Masters Starscream and was released in a package with Robot Masters Skywarp. Apart from his new chest missiles, he is the exact same character as his original appearance, only with a red stripe in his abdomen and more black in jet mode. Thundercracker did not appear in any Robot Masters fiction.
- Titanium 6 inch War Within Thundercracker (2006)
- A new 6" Thundercracker toy based on his 'The War Within' design. A day later the pictures were taken down at the request of Hasbro. This version of Thundercracker seems to be based on his appearance in the Dreamwave War Within comics series.
- This toy was later repainted as a War Within Starscream.
- Titanium 3 inch Thundercracker (2006)
- A second Titanium Thundercracker, a 3 inch one based on his Generation 1 form was released. This one is a repaint of the 3 inch Starscream.
- Timelines Deluxe Thundercracker (2007)
- 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...
2007 exclusive Thundercracker figure was announced and released at the end of June 2007 along with four other figures (including two additional Seekers, Dirge and Thrust). Thundercracker is a straight redeco of Classics Starscream and Skywarp. Thundercracker is in his G1 cartoon colors, which is a slightly lighter blue than the G1 Thundercracker toy.- Henkei! Henkei! Deluxe Thundercracker (2008)
- A blue redeco of Classics Deluxe Starscream by Takara TomyTakara Tomyis a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
in Japan, sold as a Toy Hobby Market and Ganbo Store exclusive. The packaging used a black and white picture of the Starscream figure in front and reused Henkei Starscream's card for the back. The paint scheme is close to the original G1 toy, but differs from the Timelines version.- Masterpiece MP-07 Thundercracker (2008)
- A repaint of Masterpiece Starscream, Masterpiece Thundercracker was released at the end of 2008. Number MP-07 in the Masterpiece series, it is based on his G1-animation deco, albeit designed to look a lot more realistic. A common problem on most, if not all, Masterpiece Thundercracker is that in production the two chest thrusters were switched around. This mistake has no effects on transformation, however.
- Generations Deluxe Thundercracker (2011)
- A recoloration of the Classics Starscream, very similar to the Timelines Thundercracker sold at Botcon 2007.
- Alternity Mitsuoka Orochi featuring Thundercracker (not yet released)
- A redeco of the Alternity Mitsuoka OrochiMitsuoka OrochiThe Mitsuoka Orochi is a Japanese sports car designed and built by Mitsuoka Motors as a concept car in 2001, with updates and revisions to the design appearing in 2003 and 2005, before finally being put into production and offered for sale in late 2006 as a 2007 model. The car takes its name from...
, which is also used for Starscream and Skywarp.
Transformers: Armada
Animated series
Transformers: ArmadaTransformers: Armada
Transformers: Armada, known in Japan as , is a Transformers animated series, comic series and toy line which ran from 2002–2003. It was originally scheduled for 2001, however was delayed until early-2002...
Thundercracker was used in the television show as Starscream's Super Mode, instead of as a separate character as originally intended. When Starscream gets the upgrade he quotes: "I look like Thundercracker."
This began a trend which was prominent during Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Energon, known in Japan as , is the 2004–2005 Transformers toyline, animated series and comic book series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara and a direct sequel to Transformers: Armada...
where Hasbro released toys that were repainted from another as a separate character with a different name, even though the show depicted the repaint as an upgrade to the original character. This was because the show's creators did not like to use repainted toys as separate characters. To cement the character of Starscream as being separate from the toy character he now looked like, the American version of the show added a line of dialog where Starscream remarked that "he looked like Thundercracker", implying an off-screen character that Starscream somehow knew. Thundercracker's 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...
is called Zapmaster, a gray repaint of Starscream's Mini-Con, Swindle
Swindle (Transformers)
Swindle is the name given to several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Swindle originally appeared as a member of a group of five Decepticons known as the Combaticons who were able to combine together to form a larger robot known as Bruticus...
.
Dreamwave Productions
Thundercracker's only fictional appearance was in a flashback scene in the Transformers: Energon comic #30 and #31, as one of the Decepticons being led into battle by ScorponokScorponok
Scorponok is the name shared by several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons that turn into Scorpoins.- Transformers: Generation 1:...
.
While not much was known about Thundercracker, the Dreamwave Productions
Dreamwave 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...
' More Than Meets the Eye biography series filled in some of the gaps. It reveals that Thundercracker was one of Megatron's elite aerial troops, and was responsible for training Starscream and 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:...
. Eventually he grew disenchanted with Megatron and disappeared. Resurfacing shortly before the battles on Earth, and now with a Mini-Con partner, he seemed to become a mercenary
Mercenary
A mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
.
Like Starscream, Thundercracker can use one of his wings as an Energon blade and is a lethal martial fighter. However, in seeming reference to his original Marvel bio, his only weakness is his self-doubt.
Toys
- Armada Thundercracker
- A repaint of Armada Starscream. Mini-Con Zapmaster is a repaint of Swindle.
Transformers: Cybertron
Thundercracker, only mentioned off-screen in Transformers: ArmadaTransformers: Armada
Transformers: Armada, known in Japan as , is a Transformers animated series, comic series and toy line which ran from 2002–2003. It was originally scheduled for 2001, however was delayed until early-2002...
, finally made his appearance on screen in Transformers: Cybertron
Transformers: Cybertron
Transformers: Cybertron, known in Japan originally as , is the 2005-2007 Transformers toy line and animated series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara...
. Originally released alone, Thundercracker was later packaged with a Mini-Con partner as a Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
-exclusive but is unable to powerlinx with the Mini-Con. Although Armada Thundercracker did appear in the Dreamwave comics, he was portrayed very differently from the Cybertron character.
As a character, Thundercracker is a Deception highly distinguished for his love of battle. He speaks with a distinctive southern "drawl" accent. This excessive blood-lust affects the entire Decepticon group. What he lacks in skills, Megatron recognizes Thundercracker's talent for encouraging the troop's fighting spirit. He always has his sights on target in either robot or jet mode. Unfortunately, he cannot concentrate on a target, and accuracy is not his style. He also comes up with special attacks that prove ineffective against his foes, most particularly Jetfire in a battle for sky supremacy, but when reinforcements arrive, he is usually the first to be defeated.
Thundercracker's tech specs by both Hasbro and Takara revealed more about him. The Takara bio noted that he was excessively eager to go into battle, in turn inspiring the Decepticons who fought with him—which is why Megatron keeps him around. His Hasbro bio is indicates that, like the original G1 Thundercracker, his main power is his ability to create deafening sonic booms in combat. Rather oddly, the unlockable content on Hasbro's website indicates he is also somewhat of a practical joker. The non-flying Decepticons often ride on him.
The Wal-Mart-exclusive Mini-Con pack would explain how Thundercracker got his Mini-Con partner Downshift, snatching him from under the Autobot's noses in one of his trademark fear causing missions. What he did not realize was that Downshift was as dedicated to creating chaos as him, and the two formed an alliance to terrorize the Autobots on Earth.
In 2006, a Target store exclusive 2-pack called the "Ground to Air Blast Pack" included Cybertron Crosswise
Crosswise
-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:Crosswise was the name of one of the Autobot Spy Changers. He is the science officer of the Spy Changers....
and Thundercracker. The toys were identical to their original ones, and the front included a brief mention of how the Autobot Bounty Hunter was hunting the Decepticon criminal Thundercracker. His tech spec indicates that his desire to blast Autobots is not out of any sort of sadism—it simply keeps him out of Megatron's way when the Decepticon leader is looking for someone to take his frustration out on.
Animated series
Originally appearing as one of the Decepticons under Megatron, Thundercracker was paired with Starscream to search for the Omega Lock on Earth, using his Earthen alternate mode to great advantage. He scanned an aircraft and transforms into the Su-37 and attacked LandmineLandmine (Transformers)
Landmine is the name to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He shouldn't be confused with Lander.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
. He had a rivalry with the Autobot Jetfire
Jetfire
Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
over who was the superior flyer. However, he was unaware that his wingmate harbored ambitions of his own. When Starscream gave Megatron a Planet Map to search for the remaining Cyber Planet Keys, the map turned out to be a fake and Thundercracker, along with Megatron, Ransack
Ransack
Ransack is the name of several fictional characters in the universe of the Transformers series. Ransack was first created in 1985 as one of the Insecticons...
and Mudflap
Mudflap (Transformers)
-Transformers: Cybertron:Mudflap transforms into a construction crane. In the Japanese version of the series; Transformers: Galaxy Force, the character is called Demolishor....
were trapped in a steel globe until they were freed by Scourge
Scourge (Transformers)
Scourge is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series. He first appeared as one of the central villains in the 1986 film The Transformers, voiced by Stan Jones. He also regularly appeared in the animated Transformers series and Transformers comic books. Since then other...
.
In episode 31, "United", Scourge, Mudflap, Crumplezone, Ransack and Thundercracker followed Megatron on the Space Bridge to Cybertron. They were joined by Thunderblast, who claimed she'd rather work form Megatron than Starscream.
Subsequently, Thundercracker was present for many more battles against both the Autobots and Starscream's ancient Decepticons. On one occasion, when Galvatron (a recreated Megatron) needed the Decepticons to distract the Autobots while he used the power of the Cyber Planet Keys to control the Grand Black Hole, he used the power of the keys to turn Dark Crumplezone, Ransack, Thunderblast and Thundercracker into giants, rivaling the size of the Giant Planet Transformers. Thundercracker even took on Optimus Prime himself, but was jumped by Hot Shot
Hot Shot (Transformers)
Hot Shot is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are young Autobot cars.-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:In Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Hot Shot is the leader of the Spy Changer team....
and Jetfire, distracting him long enough for Prime to pursue Galvatron. After the fight, the Decepticons returned to normal size.
After Galvatron's defeat and the closing of the black hole, his minions realized that Galvatron had never had any intentions of helping his minions escape the Black Hole disaster in the first place. Thundercracker and the remaining Decepticons abandoned their allegiance to Galvatron and considered themselves free.
When the Autobots attempted to use a gigantic rocket to move the Jungle Planet back into its orbit, Galvatron attacked and damaged the rocket. The Jungle Planet threatened to crash into Cybertron. Much to the Autobots' surprise, the four Decepticons helped Scourge and the Autobots to move the rocket boosters back into place.
After Galvatron's death, Thundercracker, in an attempt to continue being active, allied himself with the Autobots by taking part in construction work on Earth. He wanted to be an Autobot and never lose (even though he did not know how to make the Autobot symbol appear on his body he just put on a badly drawn one). He was forced back to the Decepticon ranks by Thunderblast, Dark Crumplezone and Ransack, who self-declared themselves as the new Decepticon army. Predictably, the hapless group did not get far: the credits montage that closed the series showed they had crashed on what appeared to be Mars
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun in the Solar System. The planet is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. It is often described as the "Red Planet", as the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance...
.
Toys
- Cybertron Deluxe Thundercracker (2005)
- The deluxe sized toy of Thundercracker was sold by itself in 2005, as well as packaged with the Mini-Con DownshiftDownshiftNot to be confused with Downshifting, the social trend.Downshift is the name of three fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:This Autobot's function is Security Agent, and he transformed into a white Toyota Supra...
and a Tiny-Tin as a promotion at Wal-MartWal-MartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
stores, then again packaged with the Autobot CrosswiseCrosswise-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:Crosswise was the name of one of the Autobot Spy Changers. He is the science officer of the Spy Changers....
as a TargetTarget CorporationTarget Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
exclusive. The original deluxe sized Thundercracker was recolored into Cybertron SkywarpSkywarpSkywarp 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:...
. - A value 2-pack repackaging Cybertron Excellion and Thundercracker in Transformers: Universe packaging was first seen online in September 2007, called "Opposites Attack".
- Cybertron Deluxe Thundercracker is 18 centimeters long, but a real Su-37 Terminator is 2218 centimeters long. This gives us a scale of 1/123. Since his robot mode stands 13.5 centimeters tall, this means Cybertron Thundercracker should stand 54 feet tall. He is not depicted as being this big in the animated series, standing as big as most Deluxe sized toys, a bit over 20 feet tall.
- Cybertron Legends Thundercracker
- Besides his original release as a Deluxe-sized figure, a Micro-class Thundercracker was released in wave 4 of the Legends of Cybertron line. This figure improved on some of the flaws of the Deluxe sized figure, giving Thundercracker a full sized left arm and larger feet that he can better balance on.
- This toy was later repainted as Micro-class JetfireJetfireJetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
. A double sized knockoff of this toy was made in China and packaged in a box the Deluxe sized Excellion toy.
Transformers
Thundercracker lives on fear. Special materials in his vehicle body allow him to emit controlled sonic detonations that can be heard 200 miles away. Cruising along at Mach 6, he wants his enemies to hear him before they see him. He wants them to know he's coming, and cower in fear at their impending doom.Thundercracker's design is also the basis for a series of Decepticon drones.
IDW Publishing
In Transformers: Defiance the planet Cybertron is invaded by aliens from the Eshems Nebula and Thundercracker is among the defenders in the city of Metrotitan, near the temple at Simfur. In issue #2 he sides with Megatron in his decision to counter-attack Cybertron's invaders and is among the fleet that attacks their ships. In issue #3 Thundercracker iss among the troops under the command of Starscream ordered by Megatron to bring in Optimus and kill his companions.Thundercracker also appears in Reign of Starscream comic book series. He is a blue colored Decepticon looking a great deal like Starscream's Cybertronian form. He was left aboard the Nemesis on Mars when the Decepticons attacked Earth in the 2007 movie. Starscream left Earth after and returned to Mars to recreate the Allspark. Thundercacker is loyal to Starscream by helping him recover after his journey to Mars. He addresses Starscream as Lord Starscream, or Commander Starscream. Starscream mentions that Thundercracker is a Seeker, just like himself. Thundercracker seems smart by asking Starscream about Earth, and predicts their vehicles are like their own on Cybertron. In issue #5 Starscream sacrificed the sparks of Crankcase, Elita One, Grindcore, Signal Flare, and Warpath to bring his new Allspark Cube online. Although the cube failed to function Starscream did not have time to find out why as Dreadwing made his bid to overthrow the Decepticons using his army of drones. While Ramjet and Divebomb sided with Dreadwing, Thundercracker remained loyal to his leader along with Stockade. After Starscream vanished through the space bridge, Thundercracker departed Cybertron in hopes of finding him.
In Tales of the Fallen #6 Arcee
Arcee
Arcee is the name of a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. She is a female Autobot, usually pink in color. Being the most famous of the Female Transformers, she has two primary forms...
is taken by Thundercracker and given to the Decepticon medic Flatline, who experiments on her. Upon waking up she discoveres Skids
Skids (Transformers)
Skids is the name used for four characters in the Transformers Universes. Due to trademark reasons, the name was modified to "Skid-Z" for it to be used on new characters and an "Autobot" prefix was added when the original Skids toy was reissued and when he became an Alternator.-Transformers:...
and Mudflap
Mudflap (Transformers)
-Transformers: Cybertron:Mudflap transforms into a construction crane. In the Japanese version of the series; Transformers: Galaxy Force, the character is called Demolishor....
are also captives of the Decepticons.
Note: Thundercracker's appearance in the IDW Publishing comics varies from the toy quite a bit because he never assumes an Earth vehicle alternate mode, instead staying in Cybertronian form. His robot mode more closely resembles the toy for Protoform Starscream in Thundercracker's colors, while his vehicle mode more closely resembles the vehicle mode of Megatron's Cybertronian jet.
Titan Magazines
Thundercracker style drones were seen attacking a NATO fleet in Twilight's Last Gleaming part 2.Video games
Thundercracker also has a small role in the Transformers: The Game video game, most of all on the PSPPlayStation Portable
The is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
version, in which one can play as the character in multi-player mode. He speaks a few lines.
Thundercracker is a minion of 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 spends most of his time transporting the Decepticon from place to place. He also meets Blackout
Blackout (Transformers)
Blackout is the name of several different fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Blackout was one of a team of two Micromaster Combiners. They came with a Gepard air defense vehicle that could transform to a base...
and Shockwave after the Decepticons attack the base in Qatar
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
. Later, he assists Shockwave and Dreadwing
Dreadwing
Dreadwing is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:“Dreadwing” is the name of the combined form of the two Decepticon Powermasters, Dreadwind and Darkwing, released separately in 1988.The two Decepticons had very distinct...
to find frozen Decpticon leader Megatron in the Arctic Circle, but they only find information on a launch of a satellite. The Autobots attempt to destroy the base, but Thundercracker and Shockwave escape, leaving Dreadwing dead. He then flies Shockwave to the launch site, and places the signal there awhile Shockwave distracts security. He then rescues Shockwave. After that, Thundercracker alone attempts to stop the Autobots from approaching Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam, once known as Boulder Dam, is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the US states of Arizona and Nevada. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President...
, the location of Megatron and the AllSpark, but is killed by Autobot Ironhide
Ironhide
Ironhide is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes. According to the original creator of the Transformers names, Bob Budiansky, Ironhide was named after the television series Ironside.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
. Shockwave does not discover this, but finds that the Autobots have transmitted a virus to the signal, foiling their plot.
Note: In the game, Thundercracker's appearance is based on Dreadwing with a new head, not Starscream.
Toys
All toys of this character are officially licensed from Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
.
- Transformers Voyager Thundercracker (2007)
- A light-blue recolor of Voyager Class Starscream, featuring an alternate head sculpt. In vehicle mode, the toy is 21 centimeters long. Since a real F-22 is 1890 centimeters long, this toy has a scale of about 1/90 scale and Thundercracker would stand about 55 feet (17 m) tall.
- Transformers 3D Battle Card Game Movie Thundercracker (2007)
- Thundercracker is among the characters which appeared in the 1st wave of Transformers 3D Battle Card Game by Wizards of the CoastWizards of the CoastWizards of the Coast is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for games...
. He is a redeco of movie Starscream.- Revenge of the Fallen Legends Thundercracker (2009)
- A redeco of Legends Starscream. This was available in a KmartKmartKmart, sometimes styled as "K-Mart," is a chain of discount department stores. The chain acquired Sears in 2005, forming a new corporation under the name Sears Holdings Corporation. The company was founded in 1962 and is the third largest discount store chain in the world, behind Wal-Mart and...
store exclusive 4 pack with his partner SpinisterSpinister-Transformers: Generation 1:Spinister is described as an eerie aerial adventurer. Talks little, reveals less.His Nebulan partners are Singe and Hairsplitter. Single is a playboy who was in love with Zarak's daughter, joining the Decepticons to get close to her...
.- Dark of the Moon Deluxe Thundercracker (2011)
- A blue redeco of Deluxe Starscream with silver and red stripes that pay homage to his G1 incarnation. Unlike Starscream, Thundercracker comes with two Mech Tech weapons: half of Starscream's sword and a blue redeco of Roadbuster's chainsaw blaster.
Transformers Animated
In Transformers Animated, Thundercracker is a clone of Starscream, and embodies the egomaniacal side of his personality.Animated series
Using the Allspark fragment embedded in his forehead, Starscream brought life to numerous clones, who took distinct aspects of his personality. Thundercracker received the egomaniac side of Starscream and thus is extremely prideful in his abilities and refuses to acknowledge that he has limits. He participated in the clones' assault on Megatron's stronghold, but was caught up in Mixmaster's cement along with Skywarp and BlurrBlurr
Blurr is the name given to five different fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He frequently appears as a blue Autobot who transforms into a swift car...
and ended up being sent through the space bridge
Space Bridge
In Marvel Comics' Transformers comic and cartoon, the Space Bridge is a device used by the Decepticons to travel between different planets, usually between Cybertron and Earth.-Generation One:...
, to a unknown destination where Thundercracker managed to break Skywarp and Blurr out of their confinement, only to unsuccessfully attack the latter. Blurr managed to escape, humiliating Thundercracker by using him as a springboard to race his way across the galaxy. Thundercracker's ultimate fate is unknown, as the series ended without him appearing again. He, Skywarp, Swindle
Swindle (Transformers)
Swindle is the name given to several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Swindle originally appeared as a member of a group of five Decepticons known as the Combaticons who were able to combine together to form a larger robot known as Bruticus...
, and Team Chaar are the remaining Decepticons in space.
Thundercracker was never called by name in the run of the animated series.
Toys
- Animated Activators Thundercracker (2008)
- A dark blue redeco of Animated Activators Starscream.
- Animated
- A blue redeco of Voyager Class Starscream. Though pre-production units have been shown online, the figure has yet to be released on retail.
- Animated TA-24 Activators Thundercracker (Takara Tomy) (2010)
- The 2010 Japan release version by Takara TomyTakara Tomyis a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
is virtually identical to the Hasbro version, with the exception of purple Decepticon emblems.
Transformers: Timelines
A mirror-universe version of Thundercracker appeared in the Transformers: Timelines fiction. He is one of the heroic Decepticons. Thundercracker has the ability to completely deaden all sound in an area with his engines. He is painted in his Generation 1 Action Master toy colors.Fun Publications
Thundercracker appears in the 2008 April Fool's comic Shattered Expectations by Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
as part of the Mayhem Suppression Squad called in by the Decepticons against the Autobots Goldbug, Grimlock and Jazz.
Thundercracker also appears in the fiction Dungeons & Dinobots, a text based story from Fun Publications. In the story, he defends the Arch-Ayr fuel dump from an Autobot attack.
Toys
- Timelines
- 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...
2011 exclusive red/purple/green redeco of the Classics/Universe 2.0 Deluxe Starscream figure. Bundled with Timelines Voyager Galvatron.
Transformers: War for Cybertron
Video games
Thundercracker is a playable Decepticon character 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...
. In the Decepticon campaign, he is a part of the Decepticons' flying squad known as the "Seekers" - Alongside Starscream and Skywarp. Thundercracker despises those that cannot take flight and views himself as being superior to those that cannot. He sometimes questions the Decepticon cause, but a fear of Megatron's wrath quiets his discontent.