Dirge (Transformers)

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Dirge is the name of seven fictional characters from the Transformers series. The original Dirge was introduced in 1985 as a Decepticon jet character. Since then other characters have shared the name. Several third-party toys have been released that are homages to the original Dirge.

Transformers: Generation 1

Dirge
Transformers character
Dirge-boxart.jpg
Dirge box art
Voiced by

Bud Davis
Information
Species Transformer
Abilities

Affiliation

Decepticon
Alternate mode

Cybertronian Jet, modified F-15 Eagle, Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet
Function

Warrior
Motto

"Fear is the element that unites all losers."
"Talk all you want loser! The only sound you make that I'll listen to is a death rattle." (Timelines)
Partner

Ramjet, Bug Bite, Dreadwind, Thundercracker, and Thrust
Series

Beast Wars II
Gentai! Gentai!
Transformers: Generation 1
Transformers: Timelines
Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Generations
Sub-group

Basic vehicles, Deluxe vehicles, Predacons, Seekers, Voyagers
Tech specs

ST07 IN08 SP08 EN06

RN05 CO05 FB08 SK09

Dirge was first introduced in 1985. Thrust, Ramjet and Dirge are part of a team dubbed by Transformers fans as the "Coneheads" for the way their character models were drawn to make them visually distinct from the original Decepticon jets Starscream, Skywarp, and Thundercracker despite their toys being modifications of the same mold used to create that original trio.[1] The toys themselves use the nosecone of the jet to become the head of the robot, but on the original jets the nosecone points back, forming a seemingly normal head. To make the three newer jets distinctive, the character model creators illustrated them with the nosecones pointing up in robot mode - despite the fact that this is not how their toy instructions or box art depict them.

Fictional biography

Generation 1 biography: The sound of his engines causes petrifying fear in those who hear them. He's a master at handling fear... other Decepticons are put off by his mournful, silent ways. "He gives me the creeps," says Ramjet. He carries two concussion missiles. Needs to control a situation; otherwise, he too falls victim to fear, making him useless as a warrior.

Timelines biography: Dirge always had a mean side, but with his new lease on life his desire to end the lives of others has grown. After all, now he knows for certain that there's nothing there when you go offline. He thinks about it a lot, that nothingness. Every time he blasts another living creature into atoms, it gives his turbine blades a little thrill to imagine that life just blinking out and being gone forever.

Universe biography: As war continues to rage across a ruined Cybertron, the Autobots plan an elaborate trap for the Decepticons. Enlisting the elite Autobot combat unit - The Wreckers - they set their trap and lay in wait for a group of Decepticons led by Dirge. Autobot Roadbuster, the Wreckers' heavy gunner, can't wait to lay his crosshairs of Dirge. As the time to spring the trap approaches, Autobot Roadbuster grows restless, for he can hear the low voice of his target approaching, and he longs to explode into action!

Generations biography: There is a certain sub-harmonic frequency that triggers the fear response in most living things across the galaxy. Dirge has used this frequency for centuries, tuning his engines and his vocal processor to generate it. Fear accompanies him like a dark cloud, everywhere he goes. Even his fellow Decepticons feel it. He enjoys the feeling of power he gets, watching other robots quaking in fear at his presence, or fleeing at the sound of his engines.

Animated series

The Transformers

Dirge on The Transformers

Dirge made his first appearance in 1985, during the second season of the cartoon in episode #35, "Auto Berserk" voiced by Bud Davis.[2] How he came to Earth was not shown.[3]

Dirge made regular appearances in the second season, and played prominent roles in episodes such as "The Gambler" (episode #47), where he and Ramjet have been sent to the planet of Monacus to discuss 'business' with a citizen, and "The Girl Who Loved Powerglide" (episode #54), where he almost destroys Powerglide. Dirge, however, was never shown using his fear-inducing engines. The closest example to his use of fear as a weapon is in "Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2". Along with Thrust and Ramjet, he is shown flying low over a human city. The populace seemed to be in utter panic. It's not clear if this was an intended demonstration of his fear-inducing abilities, because the defenseless townspeople were already terrorized by the sight of the Decepticons, having earlier sentenced the Autobots to an unknown fate in space.

During The Transformers: The Movie, Dirge was briefly shown during the Battle of Autobot City. A scene involving Dirge was edited, in which he among other Decepticons, were assaulted by Optimus Prime on his way to challenge Megatron. In the removed portion, Dirge returns to jump Optimus (facing Megatron) from behind, only to be slammed into the ground. Optimus then rises to continue his dialogue with Megatron. Dirge appeared again later in the movie, being the first at Starscream's coronation to spot the incoming Galvatron and Cyclonus. He appeared towards the end of the movie, attempting to escape from Unicron as Cybertron was being torn apart. A blue jet similar to Dirge was seen destroyed during the scene, which led to speculation that Dirge was destroyed.

Dirge, however, did survive and made sporadic appearances in the third season. In an early episode of the season (episode #66, "Five Faces Of Darkness Part 1") he was shown to have been destroyed by Ultra Magnus, but Dirge can be seen in episode #71, "The Killing Jar", amongst other later episodes. In one of those later episodes, "Ghost in the Machine", Dirge and Thrust are among other Decepticons being punished by Galvatron for failing to stop a demoralizing assault by Starscream—now a ghost possessing the bodies of other Decepticons. Just before he and the other offenders are to be hunted down, Trypticon, the Decepticon city is possessed, trapping Dirge, Thrust, Runamuck and Runabout inside. Dirge liberates Trypticon from Starscream's control, just before the traitorous ghost was about to aid Unicron in destroying Cybertron.

Transformers: The Headmasters

Dirge appeared in episode 1 and 15 of the Japanese exclusive Headmasters series.

Books

Dirge appears in the 1986 Transformers Find Your Fate Junior series book The Invisibility Factor by written Josepha Sherman and illustrated by William Schmidt.[4]

Dirge appears in the 1986 story and coloring book The Lost Treasure of Cybertron by Marvel Books.

Dirge appears in the 1986 story book Galvatron's Air Attack by Ladybird Books.[5]

Comics

Devil's Due Publishing

In the first G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers crossover from Devil's Due Publishing a cone-headed Transformer that transformed into a jet with Dirge's color scheme is among the Transformers being used by Cobra. Whether this jet is the actual Dirge or another coneheaded Seeker is unknown, but it was killed by a malfunctioning satellite weapons system.

Dirge would appear again in the second crossover (presumably it was not him in the first arc) with Thrust, Ramjet, Scourge and Cyclonus, acting as bodyguards for Shockwave. When the Dinobots returned from different a time period they routed Shockwave's troops. Dirge was presumably killed either during this event, or when Cobra Commander detonated a store of explosives inside Starscream, killing everyone present. In this story, Dirge had not received an Earthen mode and transformed into a Cybertronian jet.

Dreamwave Productions

Dirge was recruited as a Decepticon under the leadership of Megatron in his war against the Autobots on the planet Cybertron. Dirge became a member of the elite Seekers under Aerospace Commander Starscream. He often worked with fellow Seekers Ramjet and Thrust.

When Shockwave led the Decepticon attack on the Autobot capitol of Iacon 8.2 million years ago, Dirge was amongst his troops along with Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Bludgeon, Brawl, Chopshop, Dirge, Frenzy, Octane, Onslaught, Ramjet, Tantrum, Venom and Vortex.

After Megatron and Autobot leader Optimus Prime were lost in an accident with a space bridge, the Decepticon forces splintered. Dirge joined the Predacons under the command of Starscream, but later rejoined the Decepticons after Megatron's reappearance.

After the Great Shutdown ended, Dirge was reformatted in the form of an Earth-style jet, and became one of Shockwave's elite bodyguards. After the war between the Autobots and Decepticons ended on Cybertron, Ultra Magnus led a mission to Earth to arrest the Autobots on Earth for continuing their violent ways. Dirge was among the troops under Ultra Magnus.

Defeated by the Autobots on Cybertron, Shockwave was forced to set up a new secret headquarters in the wastelands of Cybertron, with Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust following him. Shockwave completed work on his new warrior, Sixshot. Megatron returned to Cybertron with three clone warriors and the Predacons and was able to defeat Shockwave. Shockwave was kept alive, but restrained. All Shockwave's warriors except Blitzwing, who was destroyed, joined up with Megatron in his plan to invade the Earth .

Dirge would not only appear in the Generation One Dreamwave comic but also in its sister comic Transformers: Armada. In this world, the incarnation of Dirge was one of the Heralds of Unicron, from a different dimension, sent to cause destruction prior to Unicron's arrival alongside his fellow heralds, Scourge, Thunderwing, Bludgeon and their leader Galvatron (all characters from the G1 universe, though their names are not mentioned and are not the versions from the Generation One Dreamwave comics).

While Galvatron attacked Megatron on Earth the other Heralds attacked the Decepticon base on Cybertron. Activating the Spacebridge links and leaving Bludgeon behind to guard them, Dirge, Scourge and Thunderwing journeyed to the Decepticon base on Earth, unaware they were being watched by the Mini-Cons. Finding and beating the luckless Thrust to a pulp, they then detected anomalies within the Spacebridge network and returned to Cybertron - only to be destroyed on their arrival by a cache of explosives set by Jetfire.

Fun Publications

Dirge has been depicted in numerous stories by Fun Publications in different continuties. He has appeared in their Classicverse and Universe settings.

Classicverse

Dirge appeared under the command of Bugbite in the Transformers: Timelines tale "Games of Deception". This takes place in the Marvel continuity, but follows a different continuity to Generation 2 or the Marvel UK tales. He serves Bugbite loyally, shooting Starscream with a cerebro shell. In the final three-way battle between Ultra Magnus' Autobots, Megatron's forces and Bugbite's crew, Dirge is damaged by Grimlock.

At the command of Megatron a human city was attacked by Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust. The city was defended by Ironhide, Jetfire, Optimus Prime and Sunstreaker.[6]

Seawing, Snaptrap, Dirge, Megatron, Skalor and Overbite in Beast Wars Shattered Glass by Fun Publications

Dirge appears in Beast Wars Shattered Glass by Fun Publications. In this story Ultra Magnus and the Autobots aboard the Graviton battle Megatron and the Decepticons aboard the Talon. Both ships are pulled through a vortex into the past of Shattered Glass Earth. Crashing they discover that dangerous energon readings outside the ship will place them in stasis lock. The Autobots devise organic alternate modes to protect them from the energon. The Decepticons create energon-absorbing armor for protection. Dirge takes on a new jet alternate form (the Beast Wars II Dirge toy).[7] Ultra Magnus and his Autobots discover that their ship's high security storage rooms were damaged in the crash and the Autobot bodies in stasis pods were lost. They head out to recover the pods when they are attacked by Dirge and Seawing. They find the pods, but also discover that Megatron has gotten to them first. He's converted the three Autobots into Autojetter, Autolauncher and Scylla, who are loyal to him. The Decepticons attack the Autobots, who are only saved thanks to the intervention of Depth Charge. Ultra Magnus orders the retreat, as there is nothing left for them to recover. Depth Charge informs the Autobots of his mission to save the multiverse.[8]

Note: In these stories Thrust's appearance is initially based on his BotCon 2007 exclusive toy. After his upgrade for the Beast Wars Shattered Glass stories his appearance was based on his Beast Wars II toy.

Universe

Dirge was mentioned in Wreckers Finale Part II. In the story the Quintessons invaded the recently reformatted technorganic Cybertron. Several mechs claiming to be former Decepticons whose sparks were liberated when Optimus Primal reformatted Cybertron lived in a one of the few technological cites. These mechs defended the city from the Quintesson Overseer Rexian and his troops. Several of these mechs claimed to formerly be the Decepticon warrior Thundercracker, now in a new body. In order to settle their dispute they decided that the one of them that destroyed the most Sharkticons could claim to be Thundercracker, the runner up could be Dirge.[9]

IDW Comics

Dirge was briefly seen in issue #7 of All Hail Megatron, going through a space bridge to Cybertron ahead of the captured Autobots, where the Autobots were supposed to be fed to the Swarm. When Optimus Prime sealed the opening, Dirge and Decepticon scientist Deluge were trapped along with the Autobots. It's implied that the Autobots finished Dirge and Deluge off, but not confirmed.

Dirge was among the Decepticons who served the elder gods in the IDW Publishing Infestation 2: Transformers comic.[10]

Marvel Comics

Although he would not appear personally in the Transformers comic until issue #17, Dirge's vehicle mode, along with Ramjet and Thrust's were being mass produced under slave labor when Shockwave assumed control of Blackrock Aircraft Assembly Plant #1 (issues #8-12; the planes seen in issues #11-12). This suggests that the planes were either F-15s redesigned by Shockwave for use as Decepticons or that they were already made from blueprints produced (on Earth) by the Blackrock company. This implies that this is how the three Seekers gained their Earth modes when they eventually came to Earth. (In issue #17, Dirge is seen using a vehicle mode similar in design to his future Earthly mode.)

Dirge first appeared in issue #17 of the US Marvel Transformers comics as a bodyguard for Straxus. He had a much larger role in the Marvel UK storyline Target: 2006, where he was portrayed as one of the Decepticons' deadliest killers, and one that needed to be taken out by the Autobot commando group the Wreckers to signal a mass-Autobot uprising on Cybertron. The Decepticons had prepared a major offensive to wipe the Autobots out and capture Emirate Xaaron, unaware this was part of the Autobot trap. Megatron's summoning the Insecticons to Earth scuppered both sides plans. It is interesting to note that Dirge seems to be in a major command position overseeing the whole offensive, indicating a much higher rank than previously thought.

His first appearance in the US Transformers storyline was in issue #17. He was next seen entering Earth via the Spacebridge, alongside Thrust and Ramjet around the same time as the Aerialbots were being created (issue #21). Dirge was seen using the power of the engines against Silverbolt, causing the acrophobic Autobot to lose control during flight. They were eventually forced to flee when the Aerialbots formed Superion.

Dirge would also appear as the Decepticon liaison to Cobra in Marvel's G.I. Joe and the Transformers crossover, where he was betrayed and destroyed by Serpentor. Dirge would not be seen in US comics for some time. (While G.I. Joe stories using the same continuity, but written by Devil's Due—after 2001—omit any contact with the 1980s' Transformers, Marvel Transformers and G.I. Joe stories printed between 1986 and 1995 never make any attempt to retcon Dirge's fate.)

Dirge would serve as part of the Earthbound forces under first Shockwave, then Ratbat, battling both the Autobots and Scorponok's Decepticon faction. He also assisted Soundwave in sending a signal to Cybertron. (For his return to be shown, perhaps since he was destroyed in proximity to the Ark, his wreckage was kept in "cold storage" similar to Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Buzzsaw, Frenzy, and Rumble, then liberated and repaired when the Constructicons looted an unguarded Ark in issue #41.) When Starscream seized the power of the Underbase, Thrust and Ramjet were part of the forces sent against him. Although they were not shown to be deactivated by the villain, they were not seen again in the main continuity, although they would be seen in the UK Earthforce tales under the command of Megatron and Shockwave.

Dirge would appear again in Marvel's Generation 2 comic, possibly revived by Nucleon. He was part of the Decepticon forces under Bludgeon, and was seemingly restored to prominence in the Decepticon hierarchy after Megatron's return. He died while fighting the Swarm. Dirge, along with Autobot Nightbeat detonated the coils of the cannon batteries they were operating, hoping to damage the Swarm.

TFcon comics

Dirge appeared in the TFcon 2009 voice actor play Bee for, Bee now.[11]

Transformers: Mosaic

Dirge appeared in the Transformers: Mosaic story "Downcast" by Mike Priest.[12]

Toys

  • Hasbro Transformers Decepticon Jet Dirge (1985)
A remold of the toy used for Starscream and the other first year Seekers. Dirge's vehicle mode was supposedly modelled after the Dassault Mirage III fighter or a JAS 39 Gripen, but it barely resembles it. Dirge uses the original Seekers' F-15 body but takes on a different wing shape to differentiate it from the others (in this case, a canard, and winglets on the main wings).[13][14]
The toy was reissued in 2004.
  • Takara Beast Wars II Basic Dirge (1998)
The toy is a repaint of Machine Wars Skywarp and Thundercracker, who in turn are based on unused Generation Two molds. Similar to his namesake, this character was also an aerial warrior; however, he was mainly used for comic relief. He was a manzai partner to Beast Wars Thrust. He was packaged by himself or in a two-pack with the Maximal Tasmanian Kid. His function is Aerial Officer.
This toy was recolored as Robots in Disguise Skyfire and Robot Masters Wingstun. This toy was repurposed as Generation 1 Dirge.
  • Transformers Timelines Games of Deception (2007)
A 5-pack of Decepticon including Deluxe Bugbite, Dirge, Thundercracker and Thrust and Voyager Dreadwind.
Bugbite is a recolor of Classic Deluxe Bumblebee. Dirge is a remold of Classic Ramjet. Thundercracker is a recolor of Classic Starscream and Skywarp. Thrust is a remold of Classic Deluxe Starscream, Skywarp and Ramjet. Dreadwind is a remold and recolor of Classic Voyager Jetfire.
A BotCon 2007 exclusive.
  • Transformers Universe Generation 1 Series Deluxe Roadbuster vs. Voyager Dirge (2008)
This toy is a recolor of Cybertron Voyager Starscream in Generation 1 Dirge's colors. A Target store exclusive.
  • Takara Gentei! Gentei! Deluxe Dirge (2008)
A Toy Hobby Market Japan exclusive remold of Classic Deluxe Ramjet by Takara Tomy, with original wing molds that are closer to the Generation 1 toy than the Timelines release.[15]
  • Hasbro Transformers Generations Deluxe Dirge
A recolor of Gentei Dirge, minus some decals and with some color differences.[16][17]
  • Hasbro Transformers Legacy Evolution Dirge (unreleased)
  • Heerotoysmaker Smallest Dirge
An unlicensed remold of Smallest Starscream.
  • Heerotoysmaker Smallest Clear Dirge
An unlicensed remold of Smallest Starscream done in clear plastic.
  • Heerotoysmaker Smallest Glow-in-the-dark Dirge
An unlicensed remold of Smallest Starscream done in glow-in-the-dark plastic.
  • Heerotoysmaker Smallest Silver Dirge
An unlicensed remold of Smallest Starscream done in silver colored plastic.[18]
  • Kingtoys Decepticon Jet Dirge (2008)
An unlicensed version of the Generation 1 toy done at half size by Kingtoys.
  • Kingtoys Decepticon Jet Ghost Thrust (2008)
An unlicensed version of the Generation 1 toy done at half size with translucent plastic by Kingtoys.
  • Reprolabels Generation 1 Dirge labels
A set of labels to enhance the Generation 1 Dirge toy.[19]
  • Reprolabels Generations Dirge labels
A set of labels to enhance the Generations Dirge toy.[20]
  • Reprolabels Smallest Dirge labels
A set of labels to enhance the Smallest Dirge toy.[21]
  • Reprolabels Binaltech/Alternators Coneheads (2011)
A set of labels to make iGear's conehead jets look more like their Generation 1 counterparts.[22]
  • KOLD Deluxe Klear Dirge (2011)
An unlicensed copy of Gentei! Gentei! Dirge in clear plastic released by Chinese toy maker KOToys.[23]
  • CHMS Deluxe Dirge (2011)
An unlicensed copy of Gentei! Gentei! Dirge released by Chinese toy maker CHMS.[24]
  • CHMS Deluxe Ghost Dirge (2011)
An unlicensed copy of Gentei! Gentei! Dirge in translucent plastic released by Chinese toy maker CHMS.

Gallery


Beast Wars II

Transformers character
Dirge-bw2toy.jpg
Beast Wars II Dirge toy
Name Dirge/Dirgegun
Predacon
Series Beast Wars II
Information
Alternate modes Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet
Giant Cybernetic Wasp
Function Aerial Officer, Aerial Captain
Gender Male
Motto "Nothing tastes better than mass destruction."
"Hey, check me out! I’m a bug…robot…thingy…"
Partner Thrust, Thrustol
Rank 5
Sub-group Deluxe beasts

The name 'Dirge' was revived for used by a Predacon in the Beast Wars II toy line, a Japanese-exclusive series.[25]

Animated series

After swearing allegiance to Gigastorm, Dirge was rebuilt as Dirgegun. Though he still retains his comedic personality, Dirgegun is a much more powerful warrior who can no longer be taken lightly by any member of the Maximal Army. In mecha beast mode Dirgegun becomes a cybernetic wasp. He can use his spear gun to infect Maximals with a computer virus that briefly destabilizes them. His other weapon of choice is his "Blast Leader" which is a powerful sonic attack that burst`s the audio receptors of whoever is in range to here it. Though a stronger warrior, Dirgegun still has all the character defects of his Dirge form.

Manga

In "The Maximal Brainwashing Project" Starscream and BB were able to capture Diver and the Tasmanian Kid, brainwashing them into serving the Predacons. Meanwhile Leo Prime, Apache and Scuba were able to capture Dirge and Thrust. The shock of being damaged in capture had the side effect of making the Predacons think they were Maximals. Diver and the Kid were able to ambush the Maximals, allowing Galvatron to gain the upper hand on Lio Convoy, but the Maximals were aided by Dirge and Thrust. Furious that Lio had seemingly stolen his brainwashing idea Starscream had BB attacked the Maximals. Megastorm found the whole turn of events amusing and planned to use his main cannon to destroy all the Maximals and Predacons in the conflict, becoming the leader of the Predacons. His attack took so long to charge Diver was able to ruin it with a water geyser. The explosion was enough to shock the brainwashed Maximals back to their senses. Galvatron and the Predacons retreated with Dirge and Thrust in tow.[26]

Theft of the Golden Disk

Dirge appeared as a minion of Cryotek in the animated special made for Botcon called "Theft of the Golden Disk" and was voiced by American voice actor Frank Todaro.

IDW Publishing

The opening sequence of Beast Wars: The Ascending features Magmatron, trapped in a temporal limbo, watching a fight between Dirgegun, Saberback, Killerpunch, Guiledart and Halfshell just before the planet Cybertron is destroyed by Shokaract and Unicron.

Dirge had a biography printed in the Beast Wars Sourcebook by IDW Publishing.[27]

Toys

  • Beast Wars II Basic Dirge (1998)
The toy is a repaint of Machine Wars Skywarp and Thundercracker, who in turn are based on unused Generation Two molds. Similar to his namesake, this character was also an aerial warrior; however, he was mainly used for comic relief. He was a manzai partner to Beast Wars Thrust. He was packaged by himself or in a two-pack with the Maximal Tasmanian Kid. His function is Aerial Officer.
This toy was recolored as Robots in Disguise Skyfire and Robot Masters Wingstun. This toy was repurposed as Generation 1 Dirge.
  • Beast Wars II Deluxe Dirgegun
He later was upgraded to Dirgegun, a cyborg remold of Beast Wars Waspinator.


Transformers: Timelines

Transformers character
Dirge-timelines2005.jpg
Timelines Dirge toy
Name Dirge
Decepticon
Series Transformers: Timelines
Information
Alternate modes Mantis/lizard Fuzor
Function Commander
Gender Male
Motto "To lead is to inspire fear!"
Partner Deathsaurus and Buzzclaw
Rank 7.8
Sub-group Convention exclusives, Fuzors, Insecticons

In the BotCon exclusive Transformers: Timelines storyline, Dirge was the name of an Insecticon commander serving under Deathsaurus. This Dirge should not be confused with the 2007 Timelines Dirge, an update to the Generation 1 character.

Fictional biography

Profile: Dirge is one of the few remaining members of the ancient Insecticon clan, a group of powerful Transformer warriors dating back to the beginnings of the Great Wars. Once a prominent commander in the clan, he has witnessed their number shrink over the ages. He views himself as the loyal lieutenant which history will remember as standing by a great Emperor. Who that Emperor is does not matter to him, as long as the Decepticon Empire rises again. He has pledged his loyalty to Deathsaurus, until someone more powerful (and thus more worthy) comes along to replace him.

Abilities: Dirge is a brilliant tactician, having once led legions of troops into combat. His wings are able to generate an aural disruption field that activates the pain receptors of anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in it. In beast mode, his claws secrete an acid that aids them in tearing through enemy armor. In robot mode, he can fire bursts of high voltage electricity from his hands to incapacitate enemies.

Weakness: Dirge's wings can easily be damaged.

Fun Publications

The accompanying comic revealed that in a possible future he was one of only two surviving Insecticons, alongside Buzzclaw, having lost their innate ability to create clones. He was recruited by Deathsaurus in aseries of experiments to unlock their cloning ability to create an instantaneous army to resurrect the Decepticon empire. Dirge then led a squad of his clones to ambush the Autobot force sent to investigate. However the revelation that Ricochet had infected the Insecticons with a virus that would ultimately kill the clones, and the arrival of more Autobots meant that Deathsaurus' plans were defeated. Dirge's final fate is unknown.

Dirge was one of the supporting characters to appear in Fun Publications fiction Gone Too Far, a text-based story set on Transtech Cybertron. He was a follower of Gutcruncher.[28]

Toys

  • Timelines Scout Dirge (2005)
The toy was a repaint of Beast Wars Buzzclaw. The base figure used for Dirge was later redecoed as Universe Repugnus.


Shattered Glass

Transformers character
Dirge-sgart.jpg
Shattered Glass Dirge art
Name Dirge
Decepticon
First appearance Shattered Expectations by Fun Publications
Information
Alternate modes Modified F-15, Mantis/Lizard Pretender Shell
Function Morale Officer
Gender Male
Motto "A little laughter rarely kills anybody."
Sub-group Mayhem Suppression Squad

A version of Dirge appeared in the 2008 April Fools comic by Fun Publications. He was a member of the Mayhem Suppression Squad commanded by Colonel Deathsaurus, but is secretly loyal to Alpha Trion. His engines can generate a vibration which cause uncontrollable crippling laughter in his targets. It rapidly looses interest if things become boring and predictable.[29]

He appeared as a recolor of the Games Of Deception Dirge in yellow (referencing the colors of BW2 Thrust), inside a Pretender shell resembling Descent Into Evil Dirge colored in white and teal (referencing the colors of Descent Into Evil Chromia).

Dirge's biography was printed in issue #26 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine.

Fun Publications

Dirge appears in the 2008 April Fool's comic "Shattered Expectations" by Fun Publications. He is part of the Mayhem Suppression Squad that responds to the Razorclaw's call for help against the Autobots Goldbug, Jazz and Grimlock.

Dirge appears in the fiction Dungeons & Dinobots, a text based story. He defends the Arch-Ayr fuel dump from an Autobot attack. He uses his laughter inducing powers on the evil Arcee.[30]

Dirge named appeares in the story "Reunification" by Fun Publications. This character is one of Megatron's heroic Decepticons, but secretly loyal to Alpha Trion. He helps take Breakaway, Landquake, Skyfall and Topspin prisoner at the order of Alpha Trion, but Landquake uses his energon-shaping abilities to escape, shooting Dirge in the foot in the process.

Transformers Animated

Transformers character
Dirge-animatedtoy.jpg
Animated Dirge toy
Name Dirge
Decepticon
Series Transformers Animated
Information
Alternate modes Futuristic Harrier Jet
Function Air Warrior
Gender Male
Sub-group Starscream clones

Dirge is a toy-only character in Transformers Animated. He is a clone of Starscream who represents the Decepticon's greed. Dirge was designed as a clone of Starscream by Derrick J. Wyatt, the main artist for Transformers Animated, though he did not end up being used in the cartoon. However, the design was used for the Activators toy.[31]

Toys

  • Animated Activators Dirge (2009)[32]
A redeco of Activators Starscream in G1 Dirge's color scheme. Like Starscream, it features a spring-loaded transformation from harrier jet to robot.
  • Animated TA-11 Activators Dirge (Takara Tomy) (2010)
The 2010 Japan release version by Takara Tomy is virtually identical to the Hasbro version, with the exception of purple Decepticon emblems.[33]


Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Transformers character
Dirge-rotf.jpg
Revenge of the Fallen Dirge toy
Name Dirge
Decepticon
Series Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Information
Alternate modes McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II
Gender Male
Rank 6
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles

This Dirge is a homage to the Generation 1 character.[34]

Fictional biography

Dirge thought the heart of enemy territory - N.E.S.T. Headquarters - was the perfect place from which to launch a secret campaign of terror. A single slip-up revealed his presence, and brought his plans crumbling down. Now he's running scared with Bumblebee and Armorhide on his tail. He's too frightened to land, but so terrified of running out of fuel that he finds himself breathing a sigh of relief every time he touches down.

Toys

  • Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Dirge (2009)
A new Deluxe figure of Dirge that transforms into a McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II jump jet.[35]
This figure was later redecoed in white as Jetblade for the Hunt for the Decepticons toy line.


Transformers: Prime

Transformers character
Dirge-wfc.jpg
War for Cybertron Dirge
Name Dirge
Decepticon
First appearance Transformers: War for Cybertron video game
Information
Alternate modes Cybertronian jet
Gender Male
Sub-group Air

Dirge is a playable character exclusive in the Nintendo DS version of the 2010 video game Transformers: War for Cybertron.

Transformers: Armada

Toys

  • Armada Deluxe Powerlinx Thrust with Inferno (2003)
A recolor of Armada Thrust in the colors of Generation 1 Dirge. This toy was repurposed into Armada Dirge with Grapple.


References

  1. Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd.. p. 28. ISBN 0764313649. 
  2. Lenburg, Jeff (2009). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Third Edition. Infobase Publishing. p. 656. ISBN 978-0-8160-6599-8. 
  3. http://www.anime.com/Transformers/ Transformers Season Two Box Set, Part 1 by Brian Cirulnick, February 2003
  4. Sherman, Josepha (1986). The Invisibility Factor. Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-33391-8. 
  5. Galvatron's Air Attack. Ladybird Books. 1986. ISBN 0721409881. 
  6. Pete Sinclair (w), Evan Gauntt (p), Jesse Wittenrich (let), Pete Sinclair (ed). "At Fight's End" Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club The Official Magazine 30 (December 2009/January 2010), Fun Publications
  7. Benson Yee, Pete Sinclair & Matt Frank (w), Matt Frank (p), Matt Frank (i), Thomas Deer (col), Jesse Wittenrich (let), Pete Sinclair (ed). "Beast Wars Shattered Glass Chapter One: Shattered Time" The Transformers Collectors Club 49 (February/March 2013), Fun Publications
  8. Benson Yee, Pete Sinclair & Matt Frank (w), Matt Frank (p), Matt Frank (i), Thomas Deer (col), Jesse Wittenrich (let), Pete Sinclair (ed). "Beast Wars Shattered Glass Part 2" The Transformers Collectors Club (April/May 2013), Fun Publications
  9. Greg Sepelak & S. Trent Troop (2007). Wreckers: Finale: Part II. Illustrator Guido Guidi, Colorist Drew Eiden. Fun Publications. 
  10. Chuck Dixon (w), Guido Guidi (p), John Wycough (i), Joana Lafuente (col), Chris Mowry (let), Bobby Curnow (ed). Infestation 2: The Transformers 1 (February 2011), IDW Publishing
  11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBTlU6PT9LA&feature=relmfu
  12. http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=&section=&global=1&q=Downcast+mosaic#/d13svnn
  13. Dirge (Decepticon Seekers, G1 Commemorative Reissue Series)
  14. http://www.google.com/patents?id=K6o7AAAAEBAJ
  15. TFW2005.com - Henkei Dirge
  16. TFW2005.com - Official Images of Generations Blurr and Dirge
  17. http://mastercollector.com/articles/reviews/dirge-review.html
  18. http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa24/heerotoysmaker/All%20smallest/?action=view&current=Copyof4jetssilverfinal.jpg
  19. http://www.reprolabels.com/Decepticons/dirge.php
  20. http://www.reprolabels.com/Classics/dirge.php
  21. http://reprolabels.com/Stf/dirge.php
  22. http://www.reprolabels.com/Binaltech/mpconeheads.php
  23. https://kotoys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_92_115&products_id=26&zenid=bb5ec9894b7771f2465926bde71db2d5
  24. https://kotoys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_92_885&products_id=843&zenid=bb5ec9894b7771f2465926bde71db2d5
  25. TFArchive - Transformers Cartoons
  26. http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/japanese/bw2playingbook.php
  27. http://www.monstersandcritics.com/books/comics/news/article_1343405.php/Creators_of_Transformers_Beast_Wars_The_Gathering_are_back
  28. S. Trent Troop and Greg Sepelak (2008). Gone Too Far. Illustrator Evan Gauntt. Fun Publications. 
  29. Decepticon Dirge Moral Officer, Hasbro Transformers Collectors Club magazine, issue #26, April 2009/May 2009, page 6
  30. S. Trent Troop and Greg Sepelak (2008). Dungeons & Dinobots. Illustrator Evan Gauntt. Fun Publications. 
  31. Now that I've got your attention... ; Derrick J. Wyatt: "The color schemes [of the clones] are obviously homages to all the original seekers, so in some ways I do think of them by their original G1 names. I did Thrust and Dirge colors too, but we didn't end up using them in the show. Those colors are sort of the basis for the Activator figure."
  32. TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED ACTIVATORS - DIRGE
  33. Takara Tomy - TA-11 Dirge
  34. "Upcoming Revenge of the Fallen Figures - Bludgeon, Black Soundwave & More!". http://tformers.com/transformers-upcoming-revenge-of-the-fallen-figures-bludgeon-black-soundwave-more/12367/news.html. 
  35. "Transformers Generation". Figure King Magazine (142): 82–83. 2009. 

External links