Tracks (Transformers)

From WikiAlpha
Revision as of 22:29, 1 June 2016 by Sysop (Talk | contribs) (Text replacement - "third party" to "third-party")

Jump to: navigation, search
The below content is licensed according to Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License contrary to the public domain logo at the foot of the page. It originally appeared on http://en.wikipedia.org. The original article might still be accessible here. You may be able to find a list of the article's previous contributors on the talk page.

Tracks is the name of three fictional characters from the Transformers series. The original Tracks was introduced in 1985 as an Autobot warrior who turns into a car. He is sometimes known as "Autobot Tracks" or "Tubro Tracks" in the toy line.

Transformers: Generation 1

Transformers character
Tracks-boxartpic.jpg
Tracks box art
Name Tracks
Autobot
Series Transformers: Generation 1
Transformers: Alternators
Transformers: Reveal the Shield
English voice actor Michael McConnohie
Japanese voice actor Masashi Ebara
First appearance "Dinobot Island, Part 1"
Information
Alternate modes Chevrolet Corvette C3, Cybertronian Shuttle Craft, Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06
Function Warrior
Gender Male
Motto "Looking good is what life is all about."
"Hey, watch the paint job!" (Alternators)
Partner Basher
Rank 5
Sub-group Action Masters, Autobots Cars, Deluxe Vehicles

Tracks is an Autobot character introduced in 1985. [1]

Fictional biography

Called "lousy Earth-lover" by some fellow Autobots because he prefers sleek Earth car form to original robot form. Thinks they're jealous of his good looks, but they feel struggle against Decepticons should be his top concern. As car goes 280mph... uses wings under rear fenders for sub-sonic flight. As car or robot uses launcher to fire heat-seeking incendiary missiles 60 miles. Has blinding black beam gun.

Animated series

The Transformers

Tracks speaks with a Boston Brahmin accent, and according to the voice actor Michael McConnohie is modeled on the voice of Thurston Howell, III.

Tracks first appeared in the second season of the original animated series during the episode "Dinobot Island Part 2". He would go on to make regular appearances.[2]

He was the star of two connected episodes - "Make Tracks" and "Auto-Bop". In the former he was one of the Autobots assigned to New York to combat a spate of car-jackings. Tracks quickly fell in love with the city, but after chasing some car-jackers, ended up crashing and being stolen by a street youth named Raul. The two soon came to an understanding and helped each other discover what the stolen cars were really being used for - to make an army of drones for the Decepticons. The two stopped the scheme, and Tracks put his friend to work fixing the drone cars as a punishment for stealing him in the first place.

In "Auto-Bop" he and Blaster encountered Raul again. Raul tipped them off that a local disco was being used to brainwash people. The Autobots investigated and soon found the culprits - Starscream and Soundwave. While Blaster and Soundwave duelled with sonics, Tracks used his flying car mode to pursue and shoot down Starscream, ending the threat.

Tracks made a number of other notable appearances. When Omega Supreme ignored a giant space creature in order to pursue his vendetta against the Constructicons, Tracks was one of the airborne Autobots who valiantly attempted to stop the beast. He was one of those captured by big game hunter Lord Cholmondeley in order to lure in Optimus Prime. Later, Tracks was one of a team of Autobots sent to stop the newly created Stunticons. However, he underestimated their anti-gravity abilities and ended up being smashed out of the air.

Tracks had another prominent appearance in "Trans-Europe Express" a charity auto race from Paris, France to Istanbul, Turkey was held. The Autobots Bluestreak, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Smokescreen, Sunstreaker, Tracks and Wheeljack participated alongside several human racers including Augie Canay. However, the race was sabotaged by the Stunticons, who had been sent by Megatron to obtain one of the racers' cars in order to gain its metal to make a control device for a Cybertronian weather controller. Tracks was run off the road by the Stunticons again, but later managed to stop the Decepticons by destroying the Pearl itself, before escaping the vengeful Menasor.

Like many other season 2 Autobots, Tracks was gradually phased out for season 3.

Transformers: The Headmasters

He appears on a few scenes of episode 3 ofTransformers: The Headmasters during some operations on Earth under the command of Ultra Magnus.

Books

Tracks was featured in the 1985 Find Your Fate Junior book called Battle Drive by Barbara Siegel and Scott Siegel.[3]

Comics

3H Enterprises

Although no Tracks toy was made for the Transformers: Universe line, Generation 1 Tracks appeared in the 2004 Botcon voice actor play. Here, he was part of the crew of a timelost shuttle (alongside Bumblebee and Cosmos) that had been pulled through time by a mysterious vortex. They quickly encountered a group of later era Transformers - Silverbolt, Rattrap and Waspinator - and helped them rescue two groups of Transformers dimensionally displaced from the RiD universe by one of Rhinox' devices. Despite interference from the Decepticons (servants of Unicron), they succeeded, rescued the other Transformers, and were sent back to their own time.

Devil's Due Publishing

Tracks reappeared in the third G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers crossover series from Devil's Due Publishing as part of the combined Autobot/G.I. Joe force trying to rescue Optimus Prime.

Dreamwave Productions

When Prowl and his team of Autobots confronted Trypticon the Autobots Hound, Tracks, Trailbreaker and others showed up as reinforcements (Transformers: The War Within - The Dark Ages #4).

Fun Publications

Tracks appeared in Solar Requiem, where he is seen meeting the native Decepticons of Shattered Glass Cybertron.[4]

Marvel Comics

Four million years ago, Tracks was one of five Autobots who agreed to have their sparks transferred to crystal storage in case the Autobots needed extra troops during the mission of clearing a path for Cybertron through an asteroid belt. In 1985, the Autobots were suffering heavy casualties and the five Autobots were activated in Rock And Roll Out (US #14). Skids and the others (except Grapple) were shown around Earth by Bumblebee, where Skids encountered music for the first time and proved unable to interact easily with humans. Despite orders not to engage with the enemy, they went on to battle Decepticons at a concert.

Tracks was likewise heard complaining about a surprise inspection, but quickly accompanied Optimus Prime in locating the inactive hulk of Megatron. They were fired upon by human authorities, and Prime ordered a withdrawal.

Tracks continued to appear sporadically after this, although he appeared less as more new characters were introduced. He was in the battle in the Arctic, where he was damaged by the Terrorcon Blot, and was subsequently amongst the scores of Transformers killed trying stop the Underbase powered Starscream.

However, he was resurrected in issue #281 of the Marvel U.K. Transformers comic, as Wheeljack attempted to revive him. His efforts were stopped by Grimlock however, who didn't believe Tracks to be an effective warrior. Wheeljack eventually managed to resurrect him anyway, and Prime would station him on Earth - much to Grimlock's fury. His only subsequent appearance was in issue #289, in the last of the U.K.-only stories, where he is among the Autobots sent to rescue journalist Irwin Spoon from the Stunticons. Aside from Bumblebee and possibly Wheeljack (who had stopped earlier to tend to Prowl), he is the only one left standing after a high speed chase leaves both groups incapacitated.

Tracks reappeared in the Generation 2 comic during the final battle against Jhiaxus's forces. He was pursued by one of Jhiaxus' jets - only to lure it to its destruction by Leadfoot and Manta Ray. It is unclear if he survived the final battle after this.

TFcon comics

Tracks appeared in the 2006 TransformersCon voice actor play. Voices in the play were performed by a variety of volunteers and the actual voice actors attending the convention. In this play various Transformers from different timelines and realities were swept up in a repeat wave and transported along with Unicron to Earth. The Transformers included Generation 1 Tracks, Ariel, Cosmos and Megatron, Beast Wars Tarantulas, Robots in Disguise Sky-Byte and Beast Machines Tankor. Tracks was played by his actual Generation 1 animated series voice actor. Eventually the Transformers were able to learn that the death of Unicron in 2005 was what created the repeat wave. They defeated Unicron by tricking him into Transforming and using up his power, then using the Key to Vector Sigma program (which Tankor had brought with him) to tap into the power of Vector Sigma itself, and through it the Matrix of Leadership. With Unicron severely drained the various Transformers faded back to their original timelines.

Fun Publications

Classicverse

Both Generation 1 and Shattered Glass Tracks appear in the 2012 BotCon Invasion lithograph by Casey Coller and Josh Perez.[5]

In Tranformers Invasion Tracks is among the Autobots at the Autobot Ironworks base who is wounded in battle with Shattered Glass Ultra Magnus.[6]

TransTech

Alternators Tracks was a minor background character appearing in Fun Publications fiction "Gone to Far", a text-based story set on Transtech Cybertron.

Wing of Honor

Tracks appears in "A Flash Forward" by Fun Publications. In the year 2005 Devastator attacks Autobot City. He is opposed by Ultra Magnus, Sideswipe, Red Alert and Tracks. Firing every weapon they have, the Autobots are able to force Devastator to break apart into the individual Constructicons. Now outnumbered the Autobots retreated. Red Alert is killed covering the withdrawal, as Megatron watches. These events and others are related to Jhaixus by Runabout and Runamuck in 2013.[7]

Toys

  • Generation 1 Tracks (1985)
Transforms from Chevrolet Corvette to robot, with retractable wings for flight mode. The toy for Tracks was originally part of the Takara Diaclone line, where it was red.
Reissued as Autobot Tracks as part of Commemorative Series 5 in 2003.[8]
Repainted red into the eHobby exclusive Autobot Road Rage.
  • Generation 1 Action Master Tracks (1991)
As part of Europe's continuing exclusive Transformer toys, Tracks returned as an Action Master, along with his new partner - the battle droid Basher. Basher transformed into a backpack for Tracks to wear which came equipped with a protective helmet armed with missile-launchers.[9]
A super-cool cruiser with a knack for more flashy maneuvering. He loves looking good. Always washing and waxing his armor for a dazzling shine. Often feels the battle hasn't really started until he gets out there. Does everything with a flair that seems to attract attention. A bit self-absorbed, but extremely powerful and well equipped in battle. Armed with a devastating black beam gun that fires concussion bursts of billowing, black gas that momentarily blind enemy forces. Armored vehicle Basher is equipped with infra-red scanners, remote controlled surveillance cameras, heat seeking missiles and laser beam trip wires for short-range covert operations. Basher combines with Tracks to form the interactive bodysuit with intelligent weapon system.
  • Smallest Transformers Tracks (unreleased)
Originally planned for released in wave 2 of the Smallest Transformers line, but was canceled along with Skids and the add-on parts for Megatron.[10]
  • Binaltech BT-06 Tracks (Yellow) (2004)
Tracks' recent revival was as a Binaltech toy in Japan, transforming into a Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06. At the request from General Motors, the figure was colored yellow, which was the official racing color of the Chevrolet Corvette C5-R race car. Like his G1 predecessor, Tracks sports a red face and white missiles. The engine block transforms into his gun in robot mode. Unlike the G1 version, however, Tracks does not have retractable wings.
Tracks' transformation is similar to Mach Alert/Prowl from Transformers: Car Robots/Robots in Disguise, wherein the doors form his skirt armor and the quarter panels form his shoulders - giving him a Samurai look.
  • Binaltech BT-06 Tracks (Blue) (2004)[11]
A G1-accurate blue version of Tracks was released months after the yellow version. This figure featured Tracks' iconic flaming Autobot emblem on his hood.
  • Alternators Autobot Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06) (2004)
Like the other figures in the Alternators line, Tracks was molded completely in plastic instead of incorporating diecast parts that the Binaltech line used. Originally, the yellow version was to be released in the U.S. market. However, the difference in materials used to create the toy caused the yellow plastic to show the toy parts in certain lights. Therefore, the figure was sold in G1-accurate blue.[12][13]
Redecoed in red as Swerve, with a new head sculpt.[14] Also remolded into a black convertible as the Decepticon Battle Ravage.[15]
  • Heerotoysmaker Smallest Tracks (2008)
An original third-party Transformers mold by Heerotoysmaker.
  • Reveal the Shield Deluxe Turbo Tracks (2010)
A new mold announced at BotCon 2010.[16] His new form is a cross between a Chevrolet Corvette C6 and a Dodge Viper. As a modern take on the G1 toy's flame decal, the hood sports red and yellow tribal flame tattoos. Also, as an homage to the original G1 toy, the car mode features a flight mode, wherein the doors fold down and winglets extend from the door panels.[17][18][19]
The mold for this figure is also used for Wheeljack in the Generations toy line.
  • United UN-13 Deluxe Autobot Tracks (Takara Tomy) (2010)
The Japanese version of Reveal the Shield Turbo Tracks by Takara Tomy features a metallic paint finish and the original G1 flame decal on the hood.[20]


Transformers Animated

Transformers character
Tracks-animated.jpg
Tracks in Transformers Animated
Name Tracks
Autobot
English voice actor Townsend Coleman
First appearance "Decepticon Air"
Information
Alternate modes Cybertronian sports car
Gender Male

In the Transformers Animated series a character named Tracks appears, who is an homage to the Generation 1 character.

Animated series

In Transformers Animated, Tracks appeared in a crowd scene at the end of "Decepticon Air".

He later appears in "This is Why I Hate Machines", encountering Ratchet and Captain Fanzone outside a bar. Tracks is terrified of Fanzone for being an organic.

Shattered Glass

Transformers character
Tracks-sgtoy.jpg
Timelines Turbo Tracks toy
Name Tracks
Autobot
Series Transformers: Timelines
First appearance Transformers Invasion by Fun Publications
Information
Alternate modes Sports car
Function Warrior
Gender Male
Motto "There was once a prophecy that there would emerge the greatest looking Autobot of all and his name would be Tracks."
Rank 4
Sub-group Convention exclusives, Deluxe vehicles

Fictional biography

Tracks is simply the greatest thing in the Autobot army, at least that's how he sees it. He dismisses those who think he is not the best looking Autobot of all time, calling them a bunch of "haters". If you take enough time to admire his form, you will eventually learn to appreciate him as much as he appreciates himself. However, to date, this theory has yet to be proven. One quality no Autobot will dispute is Tracks' bravery. He is always willing to be one of the first to charge into battle with the goal of destroying more enemies than anyone else, all in an effort to prove how utterly amazing he truly is. In vehicle mode he can achieve a maximum speed of 300 MPH. If he needs to move faster he can transform into a flying car, allowing him to achieve sub-sonic speeds. He is armed with two heat-seeking missile launchers and a weapon that disrupts the energy flow inside enemies causing unpredictable malfunctions, most commonly the loss of sight. Tracks' greatest weakness is his tendency to admire himself in a reflection while in the midst of battle, making him an easy target.

Fun Publications

Tracks appears in Invasion Prologue by Fun Publications.[21]

Both Generation 1 and Shattered Glass Tracks appear in the 2012 BotCon Invasion lithograph by Casey Coller and Josh Perez.[22]

Toys

  • Generation 1 Autobot Car Road Rage
An ehobby exclusive recolor of Generation 1 Tracks.
  • Heerotoysmaker Smallest Road Rage (2008)
An original third-party Transformers mold by Heerotoysmaker.
  • Timelines Deluxe Turbo Tracks (2012)
A recolor of Reveal the Shield Turbo Tracks.


References

  1. Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd.. p. 27. ISBN 0764313649. 
  2. http://www.anime.com/Transformers/ Transformers Season Two Box Set, Part 1 by Brian Cirulnick, February 2003
  3. GameBooks.org
  4. Jesse Wittenrich (2013). Solar Requiem. Illustrator Hidetsugu Yoshioka. Fun Publications. 
  5. http://tformers.com/transformers-botcon-2012-transformers-invasion-box/17534/news.html
  6. Benson Yee & Pete Sinclair (w), Dan Khanna (p), Jake Isenberg (i). "Transformers Invasion" Transformers Timelines v2, 7 (2012), Fun Publications
  7. Flint Dille, Jesse Wittenrich & Pete Sinclair (w), Matt Frank & Josh Warner (p), Matt Frank (i), Thomas Deer (col), Jesse Wittenrich (let), Pete Sinclair (ed). "A Flash Forward Part 1" The Transformers Collectors Club 44 (February/March 2012), Fun Publications
  8. TFW2005.com - Autobot Tracks
  9. Tomart's Action Figure Digest #28, 1996
  10. TFW2005.com - WST Tracks
  11. TFW2005.com - BT-06 Tracks
  12. http://www.mastercollector.com/articles/reviews/review102204-25.htm
  13. TFW2005.com - Autobot Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
  14. TFW2005.com - Swerve (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
  15. TFW2005.com - Battle Ravage (Chevrolet Camaro)
  16. TFW2005.com - BotCon 2010 Hasbro Designers Panel
  17. TFW2005.com - Reveal the Shield Turbo Tracks Pictorial Review
  18. "Q&A with Hasbro!". Transformers Collectors Club Magazine 1 (35): 4–5, 8. October/November 2010. 
  19. http://mastercollector.com/articles/reviews/tracks-review.html
  20. Figure King magazine, issue #155
  21. Pete Sinclair & Jesse Wittenrich (w), Will Mangin (p), Jake Isenberg (i). "Invasion Prologue" Transformers Timelines (March, 2012), Fun Publications
  22. http://tformers.com/transformers-botcon-2012-transformers-invasion-box/17534/news.html

External links