Needlenose (Transformers)

For other uses, see Needlenose.

Needlenose is the name of two fictional characters from the Transformers series. The first is a Decepticon double Targetmaster who turns into a jet and was introduced in 1988.

Transformers: Generation 1

Transformers character
Needlenose toy box art
Name	Needlenose
Decepticon
Series	Transformers: Generation 1 Transformers: Generations
Information
Alternate modes	Jet
Function	Aerial Warrior
Gender	Male
Motto	"Get hip or get hit!"
Partner	Sunbeam & Zigzag
Rank	5
Sub-group	Double Targetmasters, Mayhem Attack Squad

Needlenose is a Decepticon jet and double Targetmaster.

Fictional biography

Profile: Needlenose was once the most renowned microchip designer on Cybertron. His "Chic Chips" line of computer hardware accessories became the fashion rage of its day. But, as with most fads, interest in Chic Chips eventually waned. Its disappearance was hastened when some of the more serious-minded Transformers, led by Optimus Prime, pointed out the frivolous nature of Needlenose's enterprise. Embittered by this experience, Needlenose gladly joined the ranks of the Decepticons when they began their war with the Autobots. He has since developed the reputation of being the coolest Decepticon ever to crush an Autobot. But he is more interested in the style in which he destroys Autobots than in their actual destruction. In fact, he is so fashion-conscious that he rarely finds the time to even participate in battle. This is particularly true when he is on Earth, where he is especially fascinated by the latest in human fads. His current favorite is video games.

Needlenose is binary-bonded to the Nebulans, Zigzag and Sunbeam. Zigzag was an unhappy hovercraft repairman on Nebulos. His inability to properly use a laser welder made him particularly ill-suited for his job. Usually the vehicles that he was assigned to repair were worse off after he worked on them. His fellow workers ridiculed him for his ineptitude. They derisively called him "Ziggy" rather than his real name. Seeing an alliance with the Decepticons as a way to get even with his tormentors, he eagerly offered his services to the leader of the Nebulos-based Decepticons, Scorponok, who happily accepted him into the ranks of his warriors. After putting him through the bio-engineering process, Scorponok paired him with Needlenose. The Nebulan gave himself the code name "Zigzag," which he thought sounded strong and put an ironic twist to his insulting nickname. However, the Decepticons soon found his services to be as wanting as had the Nebulans.

Sunbeam was an irresponsible beach bum on Nebulos before he discovered the Decepticons. His greatest ambition was to go rocket-surfing on the 50-foot tall waves that occurred annually on his home planet's Magna Beach. But, having accomplished that, he needed new challenges. So, for the opportunity to rocket-surf on other worlds, he joined the Decepticons and underwent bio-engineering. He was then paired with Needlenose and trained in aerial combat. He views the warrior aspect of his job as a necessary nuisance. He says, "If I have to scrap a few 'Bots so I can ride the Mercury Breakers on Cybertron, well like, hey, no problem, dude."

Abilities: Needlenose transforms into a fusion-powered fighter jet. His maximum flying speed is 2400 miles per hour, and his range is 4000 miles. He is equipped with air-to-air proton missiles. Zigzag transforms into a twin electrostatic overloader rifle, which can disable a mechanical opponent by flooding his circuits with a surge of electricity, causing him to overload and shut down. Some of his victims even explode. However, Zigzag's accuracy is poor, so most targets escape unscathed. Sunbeam converts to a solar-powered light-burst discharger. A flash from his muzzle causes temporary blindness in all opponents except those whose optical modules are properly shielded. Needlenose can use Zigzag and Sunbeam in robot and jet modes. The two Nebulans can also combine to form a single weapon, which retains the offensive capabilities of both its components.

Weaknesses: Zigzag often runs out of energy before he hits a target. Sunbeam's firepower is diminished in situations when the sun isn't shining.

Animated series

Although the animated Transformers series ended in the US before Needlenose was released, he appeared in animated form along with the Double Targetmasters in commercials for the toys. While an animated Transformers series continued in Japan at the time, the Double Targetmasters were not released in Japan, and therefore didn't make it to television there.

Comics

Condor Verlag

In a story called "By their Blasters you shall know them ...!" from Transformers Comic-Magazin issue #12 by German comic publisher Condor Verlag Optimus Prime instructs Backstreet, Bumblebee and Ruckus on how to identify Autobots from Decepticons in battle using the Ark's computer. Needlenose is one of those he displayed to the Autobots.

In a story called "Memories of Bumblebee" from Transformers Comic-Magazin issue #15 by German comic publisher Condor Verlag Bumlebee views a recording of Optimus Prime where he identifies Autobots and Decepticons in battle using the Ark's computer. Needlenose is among those he displays.

Dreamwave Productions

Needlenose and his Targetmasters did not appear in Dreamwave comics fiction but did receive a biography in issue #4 of their Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye series.

Fun Publications

Crankcase, Ruckus and Needlenose were referenced in Around Cybertron by Fun Publications where they attacked a waste depot that they mistook for an energon refinery in Axion Nexus.

Needlenose and his two Targetmasters appeared in the Fun Publications story "Cheap Shots", where they were employed by Ruckus as part of the Mayhem Attack Squad against the Autobot Nightbeat.

IDW Publishing

Needlenose appeared in The Transformers: Spotlight issue #11 on Blaster.

Marvel Comics

Needlenose appeared in issue #229 and #239 of the UK Marvel Comics Transformers comic, but he used guns that did not appear to be his Targetmaster partners.

Needlenose appeared in the "Matrix Quest" story working for Thunderwing in issues #62-#65. He carries two guns that look like his Targetmaster partners, but they never spoke or transformed.

Needlenose and his Targetmasters had a biography printed in the back of issue #64 of the US Marvel Transformers comic.

Transformers: Mosaic

Needlenose appeared in the Transformers: Mosaic story "Downcast" by Mike Priest.

Toys

Transformers Subscription Service Needlenose toy

• Generation 1 Needlenose with Sunbeam and Zigzag (1988)

An original mold. Turns from jet to robot. Came with his two Targetmaster partners.

• Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Needlenose with Sunbeam and ZPuddy (2016)

A remold of Generations Combiner Wars Deluxe Firefly. Turns from robot to jet. Forms the left arm of Thunder Mayhem.

Shattered Glass

Transformers character
Name	Needlenose
Decepticon
Information
Alternate modes	Jet
Gender	Male

Fun Publications

Needlenose appeared in Another Light where he and Spinister had set up shop on New Cybertron. Needlenose is portrayed in the form of Generation 1 Needlenose in the colors of Generation 1 Scoop.

External links

• http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/g1-1988/needlenose/982/
• http://www.tfu.info/1988/Decepticon/Needlenose/needlenose.htm