Inferno (Transformers)

Inferno is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers franchise. Despite having different alternate modes, the character name has been most associated with the form of a fire engine.

Transformers: Generation 1

Inferno

Inferno in the Transformers animated series
Autobot
Information
Sub-group Action Masters, Autobot Cars, Lightning Strike Coalition, Voyagers, Wreckers
Function Search and Rescue
Rank 5
Motto “Where there’s smoke, there’s me.”
Alternate modes fire engine, Pierce Contender Fire Engine
Series Transformers: Generation 1
Transformers: Generation 2
Transformers: Universe
Henkei! Henkei!
English voice actor Walker Edmiston
Japanese voice actor Takuro Kitagawa

Inferno is a fearless Autobot who has a firetruck as his vehicle form.[1] Inferno enjoys receiving attention when saving lives and extinguishing fires, however is easily distracted, getting involved in combat preferring the heat of battle to the heat of a burning building.

Marvel Comics

Inferno appeared in the Marvel Comics Transformers comic. In the US version of the comic, Inferno did not make an appearance until after the battle with Unicron and shortly after this, his wreckage is seen in the aftermath of Bludgeon's ambush. He was soon after resurrected by the coming of Optimus Prime and the Last Autobot.

Inferno featured in the UK version of the comic before the battle with Unicron happened, however featured most prominently afterwards in the Legacy of Unicron storyline where he died crashing a shuttle into a large group of Decepticons. Inferno also appeared in the Rhythms of Darkness storyline set in an alternate universe, where he is one of the few Autobots still alive on Earth.

He would also appear briefly in the Transformers: Generation 2 comic. Whilst battling the second generation Cybertronian forces of Jhiaxus, he saw his friend Smokescreen gunned down. In a rage, Inferno killed all of the enemy soldiers, only to be ambushed by more of them - however whilst diving for cover, a building collapsed on top of him.

Animated series

Inferno first appeared in the episode "Dinobot Island, Part 2", alongside Red Alert,[2] with no explanation or origin. He was featured prominently in the episode "Auto-Beserk", also alongside Red Alert. In the episode "Prime Target", Inferno was captured by big game hunter Lord Cholmondeley, along with a several other Autobots in an attempt to lure Optimus Prime into a trap. Inferno is part of a team led by Ironhide to track down Optimus Prime on Cybertron in "The Search for Alpha Trion", and meets his old flame Firestar. Inferno was also one of four Autobots not to get his circuits scrambled by Kremzeek. Walker Edmiston is the voice actor for Inferno.[3] Like his fellow Autobot Ironhide, Inferno speaks with a thick southern US accent.

Inferno also appears in the end credits of The Transformers: The Movie despite not actually appearing in it, leading to speculation that Inferno's scenes were cut or that he was intended to feature. After the movie, he never made any more appearances. An early script of the movie appeared on eBay revealing that Inferno was part of the Autobot team under Ultra Magnus in Autobot City.[4]

In the Japanese Headmasters series, Inferno appears in the first and third episodes, under the command of Ultra Magnus on Earth.

Books

Inferno was featured in the 1993 Transformers: Generation 2 coloring book "Decepticon Madness" by Bud Simpson.[5]

Dreamwave Productions

In Dreamwave Productions adaptation of Generation 1. He first appears in the second War Within series as part of Grimlock's Lightning Strike Coalition. Later, after the end of the Great Shutdown, Inferno was reformatted into an Earth fire engine and then surprisingly became part of the Cybertronian High Council.

IDW Publishing

Inferno in IDW Publishing's adaptation, was on the Autobot Orbital Command Hub in Spotlight: Blaster, where he was present when Blaster was recovered and returned to the Autobots. He also appears in "Dawn of the Predacus" as one of several Transformers turned into Protoforms, hinting that he may have become the Predacon Inferno.

Fun Publications

Inferno appears in "A Flash Forward" by Fun Publications. In this story he practices his new power to create fire.[6]

Toys

This toy was originally a Japanese Diaclone toy, modelled on a Japanese Mitsubishi Fuso firetruck. Both of his arms feature spring-loaded missile launchers, though the Hasbro version (in contrast to the Takara version) severely weakened the strength of them for child safety reasons. The Inferno mold was partially remolded to create the molds for Grapple (1985), Headmasters Artfire (1987), and e-Hobby RoadHauler (2003).
In 2003, Inferno was re-released as part of Takara's "Transformers Collection" series with tampographs instead of stickers and with blue eyes instead of yellow ones. These changes were carried over into Hasbro's "Commemorative Series" Inferno, Grapple, and RoadHauler. This toy, slightly modified, was knocked off and used in Phoenix King, a Korean animated film. It was released in the US as "Defenders of Space". Another bargain film, Space Thunder Kids, used scenes of "Inferno" from this movie.
Released in 1990 as an Action Master toy, Inferno included a "Hydro Pack" accessory that could transform and squirt water.[7]
The original Inferno toy was re-released as part of the Transformers Generation 2 toyline with slight modifications, such as the removal of his spring-loaded missiles, a tampographed Autobot symbol, and a water squinter.[8]
Released as a Voyager price point toy as part of the "Generation 2 Series" of the Universe toyline, Inferno transforms into a fictional six-wheeled variant of the Pierce Contender 2002-2007 series of firetrucks. The toy also has the tampographed number "401" on its side, which is the area code for the state of Rhode Island, where Hasbro has its headquarters. This mold was also used to make the BotCon 2010 exclusive Spark and was retooled to make the 2010 series Solar Storm Grappel.
The Japanese Takara version of the Universe figure sports brighter colors than its Hasbro counterpart. Its Japanese ID number is C-15.

Beast Wars

Inferno

The Predacon Inferno
Predacon/Autobot
Information
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles, Mega Beasts
Function Infantry Commander, Praetorian
Rank 7
Alternate modes Giant Fire Ant, Lamborghini Diablo
Series Beast Wars
Transformers: Universe
English voice actor Jim Byrnes[9]
Japanese voice actor Shinichiro Miki

Insane and arsonistic, Inferno delights in causing pain and suffering while blasting opponents with twin flamethrowers. During his first encounter with Quickstrike, he claimed that "Pain is my friend! Allow me to introduce you to it!" before giving the Fuzor a severe pounding. When Megatron first witnessed Inferno's insane vigor for violence, he commented, "Oooh, I like him!" Inferno was extremely tough and powerful, while at the same time being amazingly loyal, even igniting energon crystals rather than lose them to the Maximals, as per Megatron’s orders. In keeping with his ant instincts, he was one of the few Predacons genuinely loyal to Megatron, and always refers to him as "the Royalty" or "the Queen" (although he rarely used the latter in public after Megatron nearly strangled him after one too many uses of the term). Additionally, he referred to the Predacon Base as "The Colony" (and at one point "The Nest") and his comrades as drones, drawing some amount of dissatisfaction from them. Despite this, Inferno would prove surprisingly sociable, often playing cards with his fellow Predacons ("Changing of the Guard").

Bob Forward revealed in 1997 that Inferno was originally planned by Hasbro to be "the new Megatron [toy]. We were going to kill Megatron and bring him back as Inferno."[10] Inferno's introduction brought about an alteration to the established Beast Wars mythos-previously, characters had referred to "the Inferno" as an afterlife analogous to Hell; with Inferno's introduction this concept was renamed "the Pit."

Animated series

Inferno was originally a Maximal protoform who was converted into a Predacon by Tarantulas, who had originally intended to recruit a third arachnid loyal only to him, as well as gain the stasis pod for himself to escape the planet. However, the scanner in Inferno’s pod had already scanned a fire ant before Tarantulas arrived. A glitch in this process (and possibly Tarantulas' faulty programming) resulted in Inferno's beast instincts heavily influencing his robot mode. He believed he was an actual fire ant, protecting his "colony" (the stasis pod), which was soon destroyed by Tigatron. An enraged Inferno was seconds away from killing him when he was blown apart by Optimus Primal. Repaired after this, Inferno joined the Predacon ranks, reprogrammed to believing Megatron to be his "queen", the base to be his "colony" and the other Predacons as fellow "drones". His arsonistic tendencies and impenetrable personal loyalty to Megatron (whom he often referred to as his "Queen", or "the Royalty", much to Megatron's chagrin) forgive his quirks. This favored treatment would lead to a rivalry with Megatron's current second-in-command Scorponok, as the brutish Predacon considered the fanatically loyal Inferno as a threat to his position.

Inferno quickly made an impact on the Predacons, frequently leading the other flyers (Waspinator and Terrorsaur) on missions, although his desire for destruction often meant he disregarded any semblance of a plan. He also obtained revenge on Tigatron, killing his white tiger companion Snowstalker during a mission. Inferno was considered loyal enough to be sent on a solo mission to retrieve the alien second Golden Disk artifact from a mountain cave. Later, he was sent after Tarantulas and Blackarachnia when they tried to escape in a modified stasis pod, incinerating Tarantulas.

Inferno was one of the stars of the 1997 BotCon Convention Comics, a story set near the end of season one of the Beast Wars television series. In the Convention Comics plot, Inferno and Blackarachnia watched as the Predacon scientist Fractyl attempted to invent Energon Armor capable of protecting them from energon build up. Although seemingly successful, the armor was stolen by the Maximal thief Packrat. Blackarachinia and Fractyl realized the energon armor was flawed and could destroy the planet if it came in contact with large amounts of energon. Inferno pursued Packrat, but since Packrat didn't need to assume beast mode with the armor on, he got the upper hand in the fight with Inferno.

Scorponok and Inferno’s rivalry was rendered moot after Scorponok supposedly died falling into a lava pit. After this, Inferno was promoted to sub-commander throughout the second and third seasons.

At the start of season two, he was still at the Maximal base, but inactive and imprisoned. When Blackarachnia turned off the energized cells to get Tarantulas' body, he was reactivated and freed. During the time he was free, Megatron was attacking the base. He soon fought with Dinobot and Rhinox, but was kicked out by Rhinox. When Megatron saw him, Megatron sounded surprised, as he probably thought that Inferno was dead. The Predacons were soon out numbered when Waspinator and Blackarachnia retreated, so Megatron retreated as well with Inferno.

He proved to be a great fighter in several occasions; he was the first one to fight the Fuzors, he had a cowboy-themed showdown with the newly resurrected Optimus Primal, he faced-off with the traitor, Dinobot, he helped take down the human civilization until Dinobot cut through him, and he tried to get the stasis pod which contained Transmutate, only to get blown away by Transmutate itself.

In the season finale, he tried to kill Optimus Primal and Cheetor by exploding the energon crystals. His plan failed and he almost destroyed himself.

Inferno was seen to still function at the start of the third series. He continued to serve Megatron loyally, even when commanded to help destroy the original Optimus Prime (which had he succeeded, would eliminate Inferno's existence, as he was a maximal protoform, however, he was never actually shown in reality flux). He scored a major victory for the Predacons when he managed to recover the Maximal defense computer Sentinel. Shadowing his earlier rivalry with Scorponok, Inferno had somewhat of a rivalry with the Transmetal II Dinobot clone, whose seeming loyalty to Megatron's rivaled his own. Inferno then took on any and every mission regardless of danger to hopefully win back his Royalty's favor. A recurring gag throughout Season Three was Inferno getting blasted by defense turrets in front of the Maximal base.

In the finale, Inferno led Quickstrike and Waspinator in search of a new "colony" after the Predacon Base was destroyed by Tigerhawk. Inferno decided that the caves of the humans would be suitable and he and Quickstrike attacked the base, after Waspinator defected. As Inferno tried to annihilate the human leader, Megatron appeared in the skies on board the Decepticon warship, the Nemesis to take revenge on the human, and unknowingly destroyed Inferno and Quickstrike in the process, blowing them to pieces with one blast. His parts along with Quickstrike's were later used by the human settlement as tools (notably his head is comically used as a bongo drum).

Throughout the Beast Wars series, Inferno was one of only three characters to last the entire series without receiving some type of upgrade (the others being Rhinox and Waspinator). Megatron was quite fortunate to have gained Inferno's glitched loyalty so promptly, as many tech specs suggest that Inferno's power, strength and size rivaled that of Megatron himself. On multiple occasions Inferno proved himself to be a highly effective and efficient infantry Commander. Although he received no transwarp upgrades he was still able to hold his own against upgraded Transmetals and Fuzors with little effort. Inferno is seen battling multiple opponents at once and actually tipping the tides of battle. He is armed with a semi automatic Rocket Launcher that doubles as a short range, high powered flamethrower capable of melting cybertronian alloy with great ease. Inferno is highly resistant to damage even able to withstand point blank Energon explosions and Decapitations.

IDW Publishing

Inferno had a biography printed in the Beast Wars Sourcebook by IDW Publishing.[11]

Other media

Inferno appears among the characters in Re-Unification, the 2010 TFcon voice actor play prelude comic.[12]

Toys

There was a red transmetal ant released in the Beast Wars line called Scavenger, who was supposed to be Inferno, but was misnamed.[13] He did however appear as a separate character in the IDW Beast Wars comics. In Japan however, the Scavenger toy was correctly sold as the transmetal version of Inferno. There was a black carpenter ant (a recolor of Inferno) called Antagony, a female Predacon Transformer, released as a BotCon Exclusive in 1998.[14][15]
Inferno is the name of an Autobot toy, a recolor of Robots in Disguise Prowl who was colored as a homage to the original Autobot Red Alert. Of all the initial characters in the Transformers: Universe toy line Inferno was the only one to lack any tech spec, bio, or appearance in any fiction, leaving his character a complete mystery. According to rumors the toy was originally going to be called Red Alert, and Universe Autobot Ratchet was to be called Inferno, but the names were swapped in a production mistake for this toy, so they had to rename the other toy as well.

Transformers: Armada

Inferno
Mini-Con
Information
Partner Thrust
Motto "The chosen exist to lead."
Alternate modes Missile truck
Series Transformers: Armada

Inferno (known Thunder in Japan) transforms into missile truck and is partnered with Thrust. An antagonist, Inferno counters Thrust's role as a manipulator, picking up on some of his arrogance and grating on his fellow Mini-Cons and Decepticons. Despite this they still form a strong team.

Animated series

Inferno appeared in two episodes in the Armada cartoon, the first of which was epidode #25 "Tactician", where he was chosen to partner Thrust. The second episode was #49 "Alliance", where he assists in the evacuation of Cybertron as its attacked by Unicron.

Dreamwave Productions

In the Dreamwave comic adaptation of Armada, Inferno appeared in issue #18 aiding Over-Run in the use of the Mini-Con Matrix in the defeat of Unicron.

Toys

Inferno was initially released in 2003 alongside Thrust, to whom he connects to Thrust's rear compartment and firing a missile. They were later released as "Powerlinx" that same year though Inferno was recolored white, blue, and black.

Transformers: Energon

Inferno/Roadblock

Inferno in Transformers: Energon
Autobot/Decepticon
Information
Sub-group Deluxe Vehicles
Function Sniper, Warrior
Partner Hot Shot
Motto "Always look before you leap." (Inferno)
"A good offense is a great defense." (Roadblock)
Alternate modes Fire Truck/Crane Truck
Series Transformers: Energon
English voice actor Michael Daingerfield
Japanese voice actor Nobutoshi Kanna

Despite the name already being used for an Armada Mini-Con, the Inferno moniker was reused for a character in Transformers: Energon. This Inferno is an Autobot and physically a homage to the original Inferno. He was later upgraded and given the name Roadblock.[16]

Inferno's tech spec portrayed him as the epitome of what an Autobot should be. He always cares for his teammates, and is careful to always think of the consequences of his acts, unlike his Powerlinking partner Hot Shot. In the series he took over Smokescreen's role from Armada as the Autobot sniper.[17]

Animated series

The level-headed master sniper of Team Optimus Prime, Inferno transforms into a fire engine and possesses the Spark of Combination, frequently combining with Hot Shot. He tended to play no major role until the Autobots were transported to a new region of space where Alpha Q had successfully recreated the planets destroyed by Unicron. Here, on Iron Planet, Inferno was charged with guarding Shockblast, but an attack by the Decepticons saw Megatron infuse Inferno with his own energies, trying to brand him with the Decepticon symbol and turn him to his side. Inferno fought the influence in a series of Jekyll-and-Hyde-like transformations, eventually plunging himself into the Energon Sun when he couldn't hold it back no more. Thankfully, Jetfire was able to recover his Spark and had a new body constructed for him, recreating Inferno as Roadblock (Inferno V in Japan), who now transformed into a truck crane. For much of the remainder of the series, Roadblock was staying at Ocean Planet, until Optimus called to him. Joining with the other Autobots, they merged into Optimus Supreme, fighting a Unicron-possessed Galvatron.

Dreamwave Productions

Inferno first appeared in issue #19 of the Dreamwave Transformers: Energon comic series. He fought against Unicron's four Horsemen (Rhinox, Terrorsaur, Airazor and Cheetor). Badly injured, he was reformatted into his Powerlinking body by the power of Primus, allowing him and the other Autobots to drive off the Horsemen. He then went to Earth alongside Optimus Prime and battled against Scorponok's Terrorcons. Later, he was one of the defenders of Moscow against the endless horde of Battle Ravage clones. Although they looked doomed, they received help from a surprising source - Megatron, resurrected in a new body by Prime. Megatron routed the clones, allowing the Autobots to recover. Dreamwave's Energon comic ended at this point, forestalling any future stories of Inferno.

Pack in comics

In the second Transformers: Energon pack in comic Prowl, Inferno, and Landmine discover some hills on Earth that are rich with energon and call in to Optimus Prime that they should put an energon tower up. Optimus warns the Autobots that Decepticon activity has been scanned nearby. Megatron attacks with a horde of Divebomb Terrorcon clones. The Autobots attempt by fight back by having Mirage and Inferno Powerlinx while Landmine goes into brute mode, but they are overwhelmed when Insecticon Terrorcon hordes join in the attack. The Autobots retreat and Megatron takes the energon for himself.

Toys

A homage to Generation 1 Inferno.[18]
A homage to Generation 1 Grapple.
Besides being made as a Deluxe sized toy, a Built to Rule Inferno was released that was only sold in Cincinnati for a short period of time to test the market.

Live-action films

Inferno
Autobot
Information
Function Autobot programmer
Series Transformers

Inferno is also the name of a Transformer in the live-action movie continuity. In it Inferno is an Autobot programmer. According to Hasbro employees, his colors are inspired by the Generation 1 Micromaster Autobot Tote, as well as one of the early concept drawings for Ratchet in the 2007 Transformers film.[19] He transforms into a 2000 BMW X5 firetruck.

IDW Publishing

He appears in the Transformers: Defiance comic series by IDW Publishing. In issue #2, Inferno helps in the recovery effort after the attack on Cybertron. He later sides with Optimus Prime against the idea of Megatron's counterattack on their invaders.

He also appears in the Transformers: Movie Prequel comic issue #1, as a member of the squad commanded by Bumblebee at Tyger Pax when they are attacked by Megatron and several Dreadwing drones.

Toys

A Toys "R" Us store exclusive that is a redeco of Armada Red Alert and his Mini-Con partner.
A non-transforming fire truck that mechanically opens its panels and reveals hidden weapons at the push of a button.[20]

Transformers Animated

Inferno
Decepticon
Information
Series Transformers Animated

In Transformers Animated, Inferno is based off the Beast Wars character of the same name. He is very loyal to Megatron.

References

  1. ↑ Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd. p. 27. ISBN 0-7643-1364-9.
  2. ↑ "Transformers Season Two Box Set, Part 1 by Brian Cirulnick, February 2003". Anime.com. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
  3. ↑ Sid and Marty Krofft: A Critical Study of Saturday Morning Children's by Hal Erickson
  4. ↑ http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=89698
  5. ↑ Simpson, Bud (1993). Decepticon Madness. Modern Publishing. ISBN 1-56144-346-8.
  6. ↑ Jesse Wittenrich & Pete Sinclair (w), Thomas Deer (p), Matt Frank (i), Thomas Deer (col), Jesse Wittenrich (let), Pete Sinclair (ed). "A Flash Forward Part 2" The Transformers Collectors Club 44 (April/May 2012), Fun Publications
  7. ↑ Tomart's Action Figure Digest #7, 1992, page 9
  8. ↑ Brereton, Erin (2006). Transformers: The Fantasy, The Fun, The Future. Triumph Books. p. 22. ISBN 1-57243-983-1.
  9. ↑ Lenburg, Jeff (2009). The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons. Third Edition. Infobase Publishing. p. 442. ISBN 978-0-8160-6599-8.
  10. ↑
  11. ↑ http://www.monstersandcritics.com/books/comics/news/article_1343405.php/Creators_of_Transformers_Beast_Wars_The_Gathering_are_back
  12. ↑ http://www.tfcon.ca/gallery/TFcon-2010-Prelude-Comic
  13. ↑ Stalking The Prey: A Guide to Hasbro's Beast Wars by Nicholas R. Messina, Jr., Lee's Action Figure News and Toy Review #71, page 34-40, September 1998
  14. ↑ Beast Wars: Inferno -1997, fire ant
  15. ↑ Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd. p. 123. ISBN 0-7643-1364-9.
  16. ↑ Furman, Simon (2004). Transformers The Ultimate Guide. DK Publications. p. 130. ISBN 978-0-7566-3012-6.
  17. ↑ Bellemo, Mark (2007). Transformers: Identification and Price Guide. Krause Publications. p. 230. ISBN 0-89689-445-2.
  18. ↑ Inferno (2004) - Autobot - www.tfu.info
  19. ↑ transformers-fr_FR - default Archived May 1, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
  20. ↑ "Walmart Update - Official Images of Upcoming Transformers Figures". TFW2005.com. Retrieved 2011-09-24.
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