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Smokescreen (Transformers)

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Smokescreen is the name of several characters in the Transformers toylines and Universes.

Generation One

In the original Transformers toyline, Smokescreen is the Autobot Diversionary Tactician. Like Prwol and Bluestreak, he transforms into a Datsun Fairlady 280ZX. However, Smokescreen's mould was modified to include a front air dam and rear spoiler, because he was based on an actual existing car - a 1979 racer built by Electramotive and driven by Don Devendorf, which won eight International Motor Sports Association races in two years. Devendorf's car was accurately recreated, except that his number 83 was changed to a 38.

Smokescreen was described in his tech spec as always having an ulterior motive behind everything he does. In combat, his job was to lead the Decepticons astray, and to do this he was equipped with various electrical and radio distuptors, and a talipipe that emitted thick black smoke. However, his duplicity also carried over into his relations with other Autobots. A charming and friendly robot, Smokescreen used his genuine cameraderie with his comrades to root out their deepest concerns. He did not do this for his own gain, however (unlike, for example, the Decepticon Kickback), but at the request of Optimus Prime, as the Autobot leader felt his own status created a wall between him and his troops. To Prime, Smokescreen was simultaniously his most devious Autobot and also his most trusted.

In the G1 cartoon, Smokescreen - voiced by Jack Angel - appeared without explanation halfway through Season Two, along with many other 1985 characters, such as Inferno, Tracks, Skids, Red Alert and Hoist. (The G1 comic continuity explained that some of these Autobots, including Smokescreen, had been kept in a sort of stasis inside the Ark until enough power was available to reawaken them). The cartoon Smokescreen was used quite frequently from this point on, taking the starring role in the episode "The Gambler". The cartoon actually made use of his job, too - in The Key To Vector Sigma, for example, his smoke saved the Autobot's superfuel after Prowl's security failed, and in Auto Berzerk he downed the famed Seekers - including Starscream - with his disruptors.

Smokescreen was not amongst the Autobots whose death was shown in Transformers: The Movie, although an animation mistake which coloured the body of the deceased Wheeljack in red did caused some speculation. (The deaths of Smokescreen's 1985 contemporaries Red Alert and Tracks were written into the original script, but these scenes were not animated). However, Smokescreen did not appear in the post-movie Season Three, and so it is generally assumed that he was killed in the attack on Autobot City.

In 2003, however, Smokescreen came back as the first release in the Binaltech/Alternators line. He was still a racing version of a production car - this time, however, the 2003 Subaru Impreza World Rally Championship car, driven by Petter Solberg. His character card explained that he had been revived by Subaru's STI tuning group, who had built his new body, and that he was more dedicated to dispelling fear and apprehension amongst his comrades than ever. In a nice touch, this mould would later be adapted into its production car varient, the Subaru Impreza WRX, and form the body of Bluestreak - by now rennamed Streak or Silverstreak due to Takara/Hasbro losing the copyright to the original name - the reverse of Smokescreen's original creation in the G1 line.

Binaltech/Alternator

File:Alternator smokescreen vehicle mode.jpg
Smokescreen Vehicle Mode
File:Alternator smokescreen robot mode.jpg
Smokescreen Robot Mode

Smokescreen was the first Transformers to be released in the highly anticipated Alternators/Binaltech toy line by Hasbro/Takara. Smokescreen's alternate mode is a Subaru Impreza WRC (2003). Smokescreen captures a fantastic amount of detail from the real car while still providing plenty of poseability in robot form.

Serial Number

  • Binaltech - BT-01
  • Alternators - #1

Accessories

The engine turned into an "Electro-Disruptor Rifle".

Charactor Card Information

  • Autobot Tactician
  • Function: Diversionary Tactician

From the Binaltech box: The first Autobot warrior revived through the Binal-Tech Project. Save for the quantum computers of his cerebral section and his primary armament, his entire design was carried out by Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries, Inc. and STi, thoroughly reproducing all of Smokescreen's essential functions. In vehicle mode, he can reach a top speed of 230 km/h and can fire smoke cartridges from his tailpipe. He has taken on his previous role of clearing away his teammates' anxieties and fears, and in his current revival, he has come to strongly encourage other development teams and Autobot fighters.

Card translation by Doug Dlin.

Vehicle Mode

Smokescreen's offering as the first in the line of highly detailed Transformers does not disapoint and far surpasses any Transformer that came before it. The paint job very closely matches the real vehicle that Smokescreen is based on with a even blue and dozens of logos that cover the car. The logos are the real sponsors and if you look closely at the very front you can see the stars from Subaru's logo in the grill. All four doors open along with the hood and trunk. The front wheels are connected by a bar underneath the car (with the help of two magnets) so when you turn one wheel the other wheel will turn with it.

When you look inside the you will find a steering wheel that turns, seats that adjust and a detailed console where you can make out the gauges. A shifter, emergency break and turn signal bar are also present. Although not as perfect Smokescreen's legs create the rear seats.

When you open the hood you will find the engine with an Autobot logo on it.

Overall it is the attention to detail that is everywhere that is what makes Smokescreen shine. From the hood locks to the CD player the vehicle is well done.

Homage

Smokescreen is very faithful to the original generation one Smokescreen. He has many similarities beyond the name and the fact that he is a blue vehicle which makes him easily recognizable as a Transformers Smokescreen such as:

  • Arms that fold up into the engine compartment
  • Rear window becoming the shins
  • Side doors becoming "wings"
  • Very similar face and helmet

Variations

While the alternator line only released one Smokescreen, the Binaltech line released two. They were very similar, but had a few minor differences:

  • The number seven or eight was printed on the top and on the doors.
  • The number seven version license plate is "S40WRT" while the number eight license plate reads "S30WRT"
  • There is a image of a cartoon pig that only on the side view mirrors of the number seven version.
  • The number seven version of the car has the names of Solberg and Mills on the rear door windows while the number eight version has the names of Makinen and Lindstrom, indicating the names of the drivers of each respective car. Each name has the flag of that drivers' nationality next to it.

Alternators/Binaltech differences:

  • The Alternators rear view mirror is inset and painted silver while the Binaltech is reflective and solid.

Release dates

Takara Japan (Binaltech)

  • September 2003 (Hong Kong)
  • September 2003 (Japan)

Hasbro USA (Alternator)

  • November 2003 (Hong Kong)
  • December 2003 (USA)
  • December 2003 (Australia)

Hasbro Europe (Alternator)

  • January 2004 (UK)
  • March 2004 (Italy)
  • June 2004 (Netherlands)
  • July 2004 (Belgium)
  • July 2004 (Greece)

Price

  • Binaltech - Typically ¥5,229 in stores (Imported to the U.S. $50-$60)
  • Alternator - Typically $19.99 in stores

Remolds

The remolds of Smokescreen are Silverstreak and Smokescreen GT.

External links

Galleries and Reviews

Generation Two

The Generation Two toyline featured a different character with the name Smokescreen, a Decepticon who transformed into a fighter jet and combined with Dreadwing, who transformed into a stealth bomber.

Transformers: Armada and Universe

In Armada, Smokescreen is an Autobot who transforms into an orange construction crane. He is partnered with the Mini-Con Liftor. This toy was recolored in blue for a release in Universe as part of a "Battle in a Box" versus set with the Decepticon Ransack.

Template:Spoiler

In the cartoon, Smokescreen is the first Autobot re-enforcement to join Optimus Prime, Hot Shot, and Red Alert on Earth. Later, he is nearly killed after being shot by Megatron Megatron with the Requiem Blaster, only to be rebuilt by Red Alert into a new and improved body. He later renames himself Hoist.

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