Pretenders (Transformers)
| Decepticon | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Sub-group | Pretenders |
| Function | Predator |
| Rank | 7 |
| Motto | "The greater the foe, the sweeter his fuel!" |
| Alternate modes | Cybertronian jet |
| Series | Transformers: Generation 1 |
| Decepticon | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Sub-group | Deluxe Vehicles, Pretenders |
| Function | Siege Warrior |
| Motto | "Those who stand against me will soon fall before me!" |
| Alternate modes | Cybertronian Tank |
| Series |
Transformers: Generation 1 Transformers: Generations |
| Decepticon | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Sub-group | Pretenders |
| Function | Undersea Warfare |
| Motto | "Conquer the seas and the rest will fall!" |
| Alternate modes | Cybertronian Submarine |
| Series | Transformers: Generation 1 |
| Decepticon | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Sub-group | Pretenders |
| Function | Enforcer |
| Rank | 7 |
| Motto | "Rule one is: There are no rules." |
| Alternate modes | Robotic rhino |
| Series | Transformers: Generation 1 |
| Decepticon | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Sub-group | Pretenders, Female Transformers |
| Alternate modes | Animatronic human female (comic), organic human female (film) |
| Series | Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen |
| English voice actor | Isabel Lucas |
Pretenders is a subline within the Transformers toy line, introduced in 1988. The concept behind the toy was that the Transformers were capable of disguising their robotic forms through the use of synthetic organic outer shells.
While the Autobots' outer shells all resemble human beings clad in armor, the Decepticons' shells are all in the form of monstrous animalistic creatures. The robot figure is contained entirely within the shell, invisible to the outsider observer. After the shell splits apart to release it, the shell can be recombined for a second figure. Although the first set of Pretenders was released early in 1988, a second set of 6, exclusive to North America, was also sold. Metalhawk, named so because his inner robot was constructed partially of die-cast metal (a rarity in 1988), was only sold in Japan.
The exterior shells of these figures were organic representations of the mechanised animals the interior robots transformed into, also equipped with armor and mounted weapons.
The interior robots of the Pretender vehicles were contained within large armored-vehicle style shells. When the interior robot was removed, the shell could be reconfigured into a battle vehicle for them to pilot.
See Octopunch.
Stranglehold is a metal rhino. He is "The Muscle Monster". He will do anything to win. Stranglehold is an Intergalactic Cybertronic Wrestling Federation Champion. Stranglehold loves kicking, gouging, punching, and curling cars to be in good shape and to have revenge. Stranglehold has a small gun and a huge gun. He is equipped with a concussion blaster in robot mode. He also has a backpack. Stranglehold is all brawn - no brain. He has a brawn blaster that can drain down his enemies' power. Octopunch, Starscream and Bludgeon are alike Stranglehold.
Four classic characters, re-imagined as Pretenders. All four have humanoid shells. The inner robots were also sold without their shells as part of the K-Mart exclusive "K-Mart Legends" line.
The Mega Pretenders kicked the Pretender concept up a notch, giving both the interior robot and the shell the ability to transform and combine to form a larger vehicle.
Crossblades and Thunderwing were retooled and recolored in Japan and were sold as Blue Bacchus and Black Shadow respectively.
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Wikipedia