Bombshell (Transformers)
| Decepticon | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Sub-group | Insecticons, Action Masters |
| Function | Psychological Warfare |
| Partner | Kickback, Shrapnel, and Needler |
| Motto | "The mind is my playpen." |
| Alternate modes | Mechanical Japanese rhinoceros beetle |
| Series |
Transformers: Generation 1 Transformers: Universe |
| English voice actor | Michael Bell |
| Decepticon | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Sub-group | Insecticons |
| Alternate modes | Mechanical Japanese rhinoceros beetle |
| Series | Transformers: Timelines |
| Decepticon | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Function | Insecticon field commander |
| Motto | "Talk during battle is a sign of weakness." |
| Alternate modes | Giant Hercules Beetle |
| Series | Transformers: Prime |
| English voice actor | David Kaye |
Bombshell is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. Due to trademark issues, he was later renamed Hardshell.
Bombshell's toy bio described him as having a vicious sense of humor. Using his cerebro-shells, he can take control of his victim's minds, after which he amuses himself by having them humiliate themselves for his enjoyment. There has been debate as to whether Bombshell's alternate form is either Japanese rhinoceros beetle or a boll weevil, because it looks very similar to both insects. In 2009, Bombshell was renamed Hardshell for trademark reasons.
Bombshell was named the 25th top unfortunately named Transformer by Topless Robot.
Note: Events exclusive to the Marvel U.K. Transformers continuity are in italics.
In the comics, Bombshell was a soldier under the command of Lord Straxus. Unlike his cartoon persona this one could shape shift, becoming the actual size of an insect. He eventually came to Earth, where his cerebro-shells came in useful when tapping the power of the Autobot Matrix of Leadership in creating the Stunticons and Combaticons.
Marvel U.K. Transformers Annual 1985 contained a story called "Plague of the Insecticons". Optimus Prime lead Prowl and Warpath to a meeting with President Ronald Reagan in Washington D.C. to open a dialog between the Autobots and the U.S. government. However Soundwave had intercepted word of the talks and informed Megatron, who decided send the Ravage and the Insecticons. The Insecticons did not attack the Autobots, but instead attacked the U.S. military in the name of the Autobots. Prowl was badly damaged by one of Shrapnel's grenades during the battle. Although the Autobots managed to chase off the Insecticons Optimus Prime gave up on explaining the misunderstanding to Reagan, thinking he would never be believed. Reagan had been ready to hear what Optimus had to say and was disappointed they gave up so easily.
Bombshell debuted with the rest of the Insecticons in the first season episode, "A Plague of Insecticons". The Insecticons were a group of Decepticons, who fled the Nemesis four million years ago in an escape ship. The ship landed in Indonesia where the Insecticons reformatted themselves to resemble insects. The Insecticons stomachs could absorb most forms of energy and matter and use it to fuel the robots. At first, Megatron was very pleased with the Insecticons. However, once the tide of battle turned in the Autobots' favor, the Insecticons consumed the Decepticons' Energon. This began a feud between the Insecticons and the Decepticons.
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