Scavenger (Transformers)

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Scavenger is the name of twelve fictional characters in the Transformers series. The original Scavenger was a members of the Constructions introduced in 1985. Scavenger is usually depicted as a villain who turns into a construction vehicle.

Transformers: Generation 1

Transformers character
Scavenger-boxart.jpg
Box art of the original Scavenger toy
Name Scavenger
Decepticon
Series Transformers: Generation 1
Transformers: Generation 2
Transformers: Classic
Transformers: Generations
English voice actor Don Messick
Japanese voice actor Masashi Ebara
Information
Alternate modes Excavator
Function Mining & Salvage
Gender Male
Motto "Everything is worth something, even me."
Partner Scrapper, Hightower, Mixmaster, Bonecrusher, Hook, and Long Haul
Sub-group Constructicons, Deluxe Vehicles

Scavenger is a member of the Constructicons who turns into an excavator.[1] He combines with the other Constructicons to form the combiner robot Devastator.[2][3][4]

In 2011 a third-party Transformer toy called Exgraver was released by TFC Toys which was an homage to Scavenger.

Fictional biography

Desperately tries to prove his worth to comrades by trying to find things of value -- whether by digging up a hillside or a backyard. Only tolerated because of ability to use shovel's magnetic, ionic, electrical, gas sensors to detect presence of fuels, metals, etc. As right arm module, combines with fellow Constructicons to form giant robot "Devastator".

Animated series

Scavenger first appeared in the season 1 episode "Heavy Metal War". Originally to be named Scrounge, Scavenger was erroneously referred to by this name once in the Constructicons' debut animated series episode.

The Constructicons in The Transformers: The Movie

He appears in The Transformers: The Movie: he was with the Decepticons when they ambushed the Autobot shuttle, and he kills Prowl with a single blast from his gun. After forming Devastator with his comrades, the Decepticons are driven off and Megatron is critically wounded, prompting Starscream to dump him into space. When Starscream first nominates himself as the new leader of the Decepticons, Scavenger is the first to challenge him, feeling that he and the Constructicons should rule given their ability to Combine. This leads to a battle aboard Astrotrain that ends with Starscream claiming victory, but he is swiftly deposed when Galvatron-the Unicron-reformatted Megatron-returns and destroys him.

As time went on Scavenger saw less time as an individual character and more as a component of Devastator in various conflicts with the Autobots. This trend would mark his only real appearances in Transformers: The Headmasters, Transformers: Zone, and Transformers: Combiner Wars.

Books

Scavenger appeared in the 1986 Ballantine Books story The Invisibility Factor by Josepha Sherman.[5]

Scavenger was featured in the 1993 Transformers: Generation 2 coloring book "Decepticon Madness" by Bud Simpson.[6]

Comics

Dreamwave Productions

When civil war broke out on the planet Cybertron between the Autobots and Decepticons, Scavenger joined up with the Decepticons under Megatron.

Scavenger and the Constructions were successful in designing the first combiner, when they designed a united form for themselves called Devastator.

When Megatron and Autobot leader Optimus Prime disappeared in an accident with a space bridge, the Autobot and Decepticon forces splintered into smaller factions. The Constructicons joined up with the Ultracons under the leadership of Ratbat.

When the Constructicons came with Earth they were reformatted into Earth-like construction vehicles.

Fun Publications

Classicverse

In the Transformers: Timelines story "Games of Deception" by Fun Publications Scavenger appears among Megatron's troops.

Rhetoricverse

In the Renegade Rhetoric stories Scavenger's spark was used in the creation of the Renegade Puzzler combiner Rube. Since Transtech Scavenger was among Alpha Trion's minions in Axiom Nexus, it is possible he was the source of the spark.

Wing of Honor

Scavenger 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]

Marvel Comics

The origins of the Constructicons in Marvel Comics' Transformers series was not nearly so complicated. Seeking to bolster the size of his forces on Earth in 1985, Decepticon Commander Shockwave arranged for the construction of six new Decepticon bodies, which were then infused with life by the power of the Creation Matrix, tapped from the head of the imprisoned Optimus Prime. Thus, the Constructicons were born, and were immediately put to work building a massive radio transmission dish that Soundwave used to beam a message to Cybertron. When the Autobots attempted to interfere, the Constructicons revealed their hidden power and merged into Devastator to fight them off, allowing the message to successfully go through.

Scavenger made an appearance in the Decepticon forces under the command of Megatron in issue #7 of the Marvel Generation 2 comic series, in a story called "New Dawn." Megatron lead his Decepticons against Jhiaxus' second generation Cybertronians near the moon of Tykos. The Decepticons were defeated and Megatron left injured, presumed dead, but swearing revenge.[8]

Transformers: Mosaic

Hauler appeared in the unofficial Transformers Mosaic story "The Missing Piece" by Juan “Iskander77” Pablo Osorio. In this story he was hunted on Earth by the Constructicons who wanted him to form part of Devastator, but he was saved by Omega Supreme.[9]

Toys

Classic Scavenger toy
  • Generation 1 Constructicon Scavenger (1985)
Based on a Diaclone toy.
  • Generation 1 Constructicon Scavenger (yellow)
A recolor of the Scavenger toy was sold in Europe which didn't have a given name and didn't combine with his fellow Constructicons.
  • Generation 2 Scavenger yellow (1993)
Generation 1 Scavenger was recolored in yellow.[10]
  • Generation 2 Scavenger orange (1993)
Generation 1 Scavenger was recolored in orange.
  • CybCon Scavenger (2001)
An exclusive redeco available at CybCon 2001 was Scavenger. This was a hand repainted from Beast Machines Scavenger done as a homage to Generation 1 Scavenger.[11]
  • Classic Constructicon Devastator (2007)
The Energon Steamhammer toy was repainted and given the name Scavenger in the Wal-Mart exclusive Constructicon package, along with Steamhammer's Energon teammates, repainted into four of Scavenger's fellow Constructicons.
  • Generations Combiner Wars Devastator (2015)
A 6-pack of Voyager sized figures.


Beast Wars

Transformers character
Scavenger-beastwarstoy.jpg
Beast Wars Scavenger toy
Name Scavenger
Predacon
Series Beast Wars
Information
Alternate modes Giant transmetal ant
Function Infantry Commander
Gender Male
Rank 7
Sub-group Mega Beasts, Transmetals

The name Scavenger reappeared in Beast Wars as a Predacon transmetal ant that was able to turn into a drilling vehicle.

He was meant to be a transmetal upgrade version of Inferno, as is obvious from his tech specs, but was renamed in the US.

His bio indicates that his transmetal body now provides him with drill arms he uses to travel underground and ambush unwary Maximals from below.

Animated series

Scavenger (as Inferno)'s stasis pod was presumably among those who were launched into orbit around prehistoric Earth in the Beast Wars series pilot.

IDW Publishing

Scavenger (as a separate character from Inferno) eventually appeared in the IDW Publishing Beast Wars comics as a protoform turned into a Predacon by Magmatron. He was sent to dispose of Razorbeast and his small band, but the attack was interrupted by a much larger force of Maximals. During the battle, Scavenger got his teeth re-organized, courtesy of Bonecrusher's fist. After the battle, if he survived, he presumably regrouped with Ravage and the rest of the Predacons.

He appears among the Predacons on the cover of the first issue of the sequel story Beast Wars: The Ascending.

Scavenger had a biography printed in the Beast Wars Sourcebook by IDW Publishing.[12]

Toys

  • Beast Wars Mega Scavenger
There are two variants of Scavenger released in the US. The earlier releases had his name printed on his leg, while later releases had the name on his abdomen.[13]
In Japan Scavenger was the transmetal upgrade of Beast Wars Inferno, and was available by himself or packaged together with the Maximal Depth Charge.


Beast Machines

Transformers character
Name Scavenger
Vehicon
Series Beast Machines
Information
Alternate modes Cybertronian Demolitions Drone
Function Demolitions Drone
Motto "The road to ruin is short when I'm driving."
Rank 4
Sub-group Basic Vehicles

Scavenger was a Basic-sized Vehicon which transformed into a Cybertronian Demolitions Vehicle. He did not appear in the TV series, nor is he related to any previous Transformer with the name Scavenger. Scavenger-style drones appeared among the Vehicons in the Transformer: Universe: Wreckers comic.[14]

Counted among the tank-type Vehicons, Scavenger is a powerhouse, crushing his enemies with brute force and very little subtlety - and he loves it. Commanded by Tankor and armed with deadly electricity claws, Scavenger loves little more than what he was created for: pure destruction.

3H Enterprises

The Scavenger drones would appear in the Transformers: Universe-Wreckers storyline under the command of Quake and Blastcharge, who had been ordered by Megatron to hunt down the Wreckers. In the subsequent battle, most of the drones were destroyed by the Wreckers.

Toys

  • Beast Machines Basic Scavenger
A new mold.


Transformers: Robots in Disguise

Transformers character
Name Scavenger
Autobot
Series Transformers: Robots in Disguise
Information
Alternate modes Cybertronian Digger
Partner Mirage GT, Nightcruz
Sub-group Basic Vehicles

Being a Hasbro only release, he did not appear in the Transformers: Robots in Disguise anime series. This toy did not receive any official bio from Hasbro either, but was later featured in "Ask Vector Prime" as a member of an alternate Elite Guard who had trained several prominent Autobots, including Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, and several of his own teammates.

Toys

  • Robots In Disguise Basic Scavenger (2002)
The Beast Machines Scavenger figure was recolored into an Autobot; as such, he was the first Autobot with the name Scavenger. Bundled with Mirage GT and Nightcruz.[15]


Transformers: Armada

Transformers character
Scavenger-armadatoy.jpg
Armada Scavenger toy
Name Scavenger
Autobot/Decepticon
Japanese name Devastar
Series Transformers: Armada
English voice actor Ward Perry
Japanese voice actor Keiji Fujiwara
Information
Alternate modes Earth-Style Bulldozer
Gender Male
Motto "Always rise to the call of duty!"
Partner Rollbar (Dirt)
Rank 9
Sub-group Ultra Vehicles

The second Autobot to bear the name Scavenger, he is painted as a homage to the Generation 1 Constructicons, and is called Devastar in Japan, the Japanese name of Devastator. His Decepticon appearance and name relates to his undercover work.[16]

Animated series

Scavenger made his first appearance in the show as a bounty hunter. One could suppose that his enormous strength and exceptional fighting skill were already well-known to all the Transformers because Megatron himself requested his services and promised to reward him handsomely if he assisted him to obtain the Star Saber (much to the other Decepticons' displeasure). Scavenger helped Megatron to gather the Skyboom Shield up. Also he confronted Hot Shot in the several battles and defeated him easily, though the young warrior wielded the Star Saber. It seemed that Scavenger was a dangerous rogue who was in alliance with the Decepticons, but this was called into question when he later saved Hot Shot from being destroyed by the Decepticons when the latter has been abandoned by Sideways on the Moon. The truth was finally revealed, and it turned out that Scavenger was, in fact, actually an Autobot spying on the Decepticons. However, not all the 'Bots were friendly disposed towards him, and some of them, like Smokescreen, considered him being a traitor. But soon those who mistrusted Scavenger had to acknowledge themselves wrong when he saved Optimus Prime's life during just another battle with the Decepticons.

The main features of Scavenger's character were his self-possession and independency. When being among the 'Cons, he allowed himself to have the sly digs at Megatron himself, and the Decepticons' leader preferred to pay no attention to this. Later, when joining the 'Bots, he was the first who dared to take part of Starscream when the latter arrived to the A-Base after his breaking with the Decepticons. Indeed, Scavenger always did and said everything he considered his duty to do or to say, and he never took much care of what the others would think about him. Also Scavenger was known for his harsh personality, which was contrasted by his tendency to sleep when off-duty. He trained the Armada incarnation of Optimus Prime as well as Blurr and (over the course of the series), Hot Shot who, in his turn, conveyed his lessons to his own trainee Sideswipe.

Dreamwave Productions

Scavenger would also appear in the Dreamwave Productions' comic version of Armada. An Autobot from the very beginning, Scavenger was unable to stop the Decepticons from using the Mini-Cons to take over Cyber City. Later, when the Mini-Con distress beacon was activated, Scavenger accompanied Prime to Earth, battling Cyclonus and Starscream. He took part in many of the adventures on Earth, but nearly met his end after a full-scale Decepticon attack on the Autobot base in the wake of Optimus Prime's disappearance. With Smokescreen nearly killed by Megatron, Scavenger, along with Hot Shot and Red Alert attacked the Decepticon leader as he attempted to make a deal with Unicron, seemingly knocking him into Unicron's mouth and killing him.

Armada Scavenger continued to appear among the Autobots in the Transformers: Energon comic series by Dreamwave. His main appearance was in issue #27 of the Energon Comic where he was one of the Autobots who volunteered to head to Earth to help battle the Terrorcon invasion.

Fun Publications

Scavenger appeared in the text story from Fun Publications called Force of Habit. This story explained where he was during the events of the Cybertron story. Ultra Magnus was the commander of various Autobot ships sent to other planets in search for the Cyber Planet Keys. Scavenger served as captain of the Die Cast which was sent to Zeta Persei.

Toys

  • Armada Ultra Scavenger with Rollbar
Armada Scavenger was recolored into Energon Treadbolt.[17]


Transformers: Universe (Micromaster)

Transformers character
Scavenger-ummtoy.jpg
Universe Micromaster Scavenger toy
Name Scavenger
Autobot/Decepticon
Japanese name Digger
Series Transformers: Universe
Information
Alternate modes Digger
Sub-group Constructicons, Micromasters

There are two Transformers: Universe toys called Scavenger. Neither of them have appeared in any official Transformers: Universe storyline. They appear similar to Generation One Scavenger, but without biographies or storyline they may or may not be the original Scavenger.

Toys

  • Generation 1 Digger (1992)
Packaged together with the other Sixbuilder members.[18]
  • Generation 1 Digger redeco (Autobot) (2003)
A redeco of the original mold.[19]
  • Generation 1 Differ redeco (Decepticon) (2003)
A redeco of Digger in green as a Decepticon.[20]
  • Universe Micromaster Scavenger (2004)
The first Universe Scavenger is a Decepticon redeco of the Japanese Micromaster combiner Digger, painted as a homage to Generation One Scavenger.


Transformers: Timelines

Transformers character
Name Scavenger
Decepticon
Series Transformers: Universe
Information
Alternate modes Excavator
Partner Bonecrusher
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles

With no supporting fiction or a biography the identity of this Scavenger was unclear in the original toy line. [21] "Ask Vector Prime" revealed that this character was born from the Build Team member Grimlock being remade by Megazarak's Robo-Smasher into a Decepticon. The process left him with a severe inferiority complex, leading him to seek his teammates' approval by embarking on dangerous salvage operations.

Toys

  • Universe Deluxe Scavenger (2006)
The second Scavenger is the name of a Decepticon recolor of Robots in Disguise Grimlock, recolored purple. It was released in 2006 as a Target store exclusive.


Transformers: Energon

Scavenger was the Takara name of the Transformers: Energon Decepticon Steamhammer.

Transformers: TransTech

Transformers character
Name Scavenger
Predacon
First appearance Transcendent by Fun Publications
Information
Alternate modes Cybertronian construction vehicle
Gender Male

TransTech Scavenger was among the concept characters for the proposed TransTech TV series.

After the Beast Machines line ended, Hasbro planned a follow-up series called Transtech. The Transtech concept was a line intended to take Transformers to their most futuristic. Hasbro commissioned sets of designs from Draxhall Jump. The series was supposedly to bring back some of the characters who died in Beast Wars along with some Generation 1 characters, all in new, more organic-looking bodies, though with vehicle alternate modes instead of the animals used in Beast Machines. Many concept sketches and even a few toy prototypes were made, but Hasbro scrapped the idea in favor of bringing Car Robots to their markets as Transformers: Robots in Disguise.

In the biography printed for TransTech Blackarachnia it is mentioned that he and Immorticon are Predacons from the same world what Blackarachnia, a Maximal, is from. They became stranded on Transtech Cybertron and joined up with Alpha Trion.

Fun Publications

TransTech Scavenger appeared among the troops of Alpha Trion in the story Transcendent by Fun Publications. He aided in the raid on Shockwave's lab to free Breakaway. The group then escaped through a dimensional portal to the Shattered Glass Cybertron.[22]

Scavenger appeared among Alpha Trion's troops in Reunification.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Transformers character
Scavenger-rotftoy.jpg
Revenge of the Fallen Scavenger toy
Name Scavenger
Decepticon
Series Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Information
Alternate modes Terex O&K RH400 Excavator/Devastator's torso
Function Constructicon
Gender Male
Partner Hightower, Long Haul, Mixmaster, Overload, Rampage & Scrapper
Sub-group Constructicons, Micro Vehicles

Scavenger appears in the 2009 film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as one of the models of Constructicon, having the same alternate mode as Demolishor, though his robot mode isn't seen in the movie.[23] Demolishor has more white in his color, while Scavenger is more red, but with all Demolishor's scenes occurring in the dark it is hard to tell in the film. Additionally most Demolishor toys were released in Scavenger's red deco.

Scavenger forms the torso of Devastator, along with Overload.

Scavenger stands about 86 feet tall to the top of his wheel.[24]

Movie plot

Scavenger is the largest Constructicon. Scavenger was seen transforming with the other Constructicons to form Devastator. He was presumably destroyed when Devastator was ripped apart by a rail gun.

Games

Scavenger is not a playable character in the video game but his combined form as Devastator's torso is seen. He is killed when the player defeats Devastator.

Toys

  • Revenge of the Fallen Legends Scavenger (2009)
A new mold. Can form robot or vehicle modes or combine into Devastator.[25]
This toy was initially sold individually in Japan, then as part of a 7 pack of Constructicons in the US.
  • Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Demolishor (2009)
Although released under the name Demolishor, the toy more closely matched Scavenger's red color.
  • Revenge of the Fallen Combiner Scavenger (2009)
An excavator bundled with the other Constructicons. Can combine with the other toys to form Devastator, but has no individual robot mode. On the left side of Scavenger there are letters "SCVNGR".


Transformers: Universe

Transformers character
Universeminicon10pack.jpg
Universe Armada Mini-Con 10 pack
Name Scavenger
Decepticon
Series Transformers: Universe
Information
Alternate modes Wolf
Partner Crosshairs, Longview, Snow Cat, and Treadshot
Sub-group Mini-Cons, Ground Surveillance Mini-Con Team

Part of a Transformers: Universe Armada series 10-pack.[26]

Toys

  • Universe Armada Series Mini-Con Scavenger (2009)
A recolor of a Classic toy.


Shattered Glass

Transformers character
Name Scavenger
Decepticon
First appearance Reunification by Fun Publications
Information
Alternate modes Backhoe
Gender Male
Sub-group Constructicons

This Scavenger is an alternate good version of the Generation 1 character from the "Shattered Glass" storyline, in which the Decepticons are on the side of good and the Autobots on the side of evil. Presumably like all Decepticons of his world, he is heroic and opposed to the evil Autobots. This version of Scavenger he seems to be based on the Generation 1 toy, but colored as a homage to the Generation 1 Protectobots, in white with red highlights.

Fun Publications

Scavenger appears in Reunification by Fun Publications where he helps repair damage Galvatron received in battle with Omega Doom.

Toys


References

  1. Transformers: the fantasy, the fun, the future by Erin Brereton
  2. Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd.. p. 24. ISBN 0764313649. 
  3. "Screening Room". GameAxis Unwired (Hardware Zone): 99–100. July 2007. http://books.google.com/books?id=sOoDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA99&dq=predacon+transformers&hl=en&ei=C7BATda_DoL58AbvoaH8Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CEwQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q&f=false. 
  4. Furman, Simon (2004). Transformers: The Ultimate Guide. DK Publishing Inc.. pp. 32, 119. ISBN 1405304618. 
  5. Sherman, Josepha (1986). The Invisibility Factor. Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-33391-8. 
  6. Simpson, Bud (1993). Decepticon Madness. Modern Publishing. ISBN 1561443468. 
  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. http://www.seibertron.com/comics/view.php?comic_id=113
  9. http://transformers-mosaic.deviantart.com/art/The-Missing-Piece-102716243
  10. Tomart's Action Figure Digest #7, 1992, page 9
  11. Beast Machines Scavenger Repaints
  12. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/books/comics/news/article_1343405.php/Creators_of_Transformers_Beast_Wars_The_Gathering_are_back
  13. http://www.bwtf.com/bw/toys/reviews/scavenger/
  14. http://www.bwtf.com/bm/toys/reviews/scavenger/
  15. Ben's World of Transformers - Scavenger
  16. http://www.bwtf.com/armada/toys/reviews/scavenger/
  17. Scavenger - Transformers: Armada - Toy Gallery - Photos 1 - 25
  18. http://www.tfu.info/1992/Cybertron/Digger/digger.htm
  19. http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/Digger/digger.htm
  20. http://www.tfu.info/2003/Destron/Digger/digger.htm
  21. http://mastercollector.com/articles/reviews/tfcons-review.htm
  22. Forest Lee (October/November 2008). "Transcendent Part 5". Transformers Collectors Club Magazine 1 (23): 10–15. http://transformersclub.com/_images/TFmag15.pdf. 
  23. http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-04-01-transformers-first-look_N.htm First look: Robo-brawlers big, small in new 'Transformers' By Anthony Breznican, USA TODAY
  24. http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/revenge-of-the-fallen-constructicons-size-comparison-168152/
  25. http://www.toywizard.net/transformers-movie-ez-collection-dx-devastator-set/
  26. http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/240766-rotf-arcee-bio-new-universe-minicon-10-pack.html

External links