Knock Out is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. Although the initial character with this name were spelled without a space as "Knockout", later versions were spelled with one. Hasbro has registered the name Knock Out for U.S. Trademark.[1]
Transformers: Generation 1[]
Knockout | |
---|---|
[[File:|250px]] ' | |
Decepticon | |
Information | |
Sub-group(s) | Micromaster |
Function | Mobile Assault |
Partners | Grit |
Motto | "Only our Decepticon victory is carved in stone!" |
Alternate Modes | Backhoe |
Series | Transformers: Generation 1 |
Knockout is a Decepticon Micromaster rear end combiner. He usually combined with his partner Grit to form a backhoe truck.[2]
Dreamwave Productions[]
Knockout had a biography printed in Dreamwave Productions More Than Meets The Eye series.
Toys[]
- Generation 1 Micromaster Grit and Knockout (1990)
- A new mold.
Transformers: Armada[]
Knock Out | |
---|---|
[[File:|250px]] ' | |
Mini-Con | |
Information | |
Japanese name | Crack |
Sub-group(s) | Land Military Team |
Partners | Bonecrusher & Wreckage |
Alternate Modes | ATV Missile Launcher |
Series | Transformers: Armada |
In the Transformers: Armada series, Knock Out is the name of a Mini-Con, a member of the Land Military Team. He transforms into a ATV missile luncher
Animated series[]
Oval, Buzzsaw and Knock Out repaired Tidal Wave in episode #30, "Runaway." [3]
Dreamwave Productions[]
Knock Out and the Land Military Team were captured and altered by the Decepticons to be used as weapons of conquest millions of years ago. They escaped aboard the Exodus with most other Mini-Cons.
Bonecrusher first appeared in issue #7 of the Dreamwave Armada comic. They declared themselves free agents upon reactivating on Earth. Nonetheless, at the request of Alexis, Carlos and Rad, they freed Jolt, Longarm and Sparkplug from Decepticon captivity and helped them save the Autobots from the Decepticons.
Later they were taken against their will to Dualor's moonbase. Following the destruction and abandonment of the moonbase, the Land Military Team stayed with the Autobots, where they were instrumental in separating Star Saber from Megatron's grip after he used it to destroy the invading Galvatron.
Knock Out appeared among the Mini-Cons in issue #18 of the Transformers: Armada comic book who aided Over-Run using the Mini-Con Matrix in the defeat of Unicron.
Fun Publications[]
Knock Out appeared in the text story from Fun Publications called Force of Habit. This story explained where he was during the events of the Cybertron story. Ultra Magnus was the commander of various Autobot ships sent to other planets in search for the Cyber Planet Keys. He also served as captain of the Iron Hope which was crewed by Bonecrusher, Grimlock, Ironhide, Knock Out, Overcast, Prowl, Quickstrike, RipTide, Skyblast, Smokescreen, Swoop, Wreckage and the Sky Scorcher Mini-Con Team.
Toys[]
- Armada Mini-Con Knock Out (2002)
- He was later redecoed into Armada Broadside and Cybertron Steamhammer.[4]
- Space Warriors Transformable Military Fighter Armada Knock Out (2007)
- A Chinese made remake of Armada Knock Out by Agglo and sold in Big Lots stores in 2007, this toy is about double the size of the original toy.
Transformers: Energon[]
Knock Out | |
---|---|
[[File:|250px]] ' | |
Mini-Con | |
Information | |
Sub-group(s) | Headmasters |
Partners | Ultra Magnus, Astro-Scope, Payload, and Skyblast |
Alternate Modes | Fire Truck/Gun/Head and chest |
Series | Transformers: Energon |
Knock Out is the Mini-Con partner of Ultra Magnus, and also forms his head. He seems to be a different character from the Mini-Con Knock Out who appeared in the Armada series, and the two have even appeared in the same stories together.
Although Knock Out has three distinct independent modes (fire truck, robot and gun) he isn't officially listed as a Triple Changer. He also becomes the head and some of the chest of Ultra Magnus. He is an independent character from the Armada Mini-Con named Knock Out, and they have even appeared in the same fiction together.
Fun Publications[]
Knock Out first appears in the text story from Fun Publications called Force of Habit. This story explains where he is during the events of the Cybertron story. Ultra Magnus is the commander of various Autobot ships sent to other planets in search for the Cyber Planet Keys. He also serves as captain of the Iron Hope which is crewed by Bonecrusher, Grimlock, Ironhide, Knock Out, Overcast, Prowl, Quickstrike, RipTide, Skyblast, Smokescreen, Swoop, Wreckage and the Sky Scorcher Mini-Con Team.
Toys[]
- Energon Ultra Magnus with Mini-Con Knock Out (2004)
- A redeco of Armada Rollout. Knock Out was packaged together with Ultra Magnus and a redeco of the Mini-Con Space Team.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen[]
Knock Out | |
---|---|
[[File:|250px]] ' | |
Autobot | |
Information | |
Sub-group(s) | Scouts |
Alternate Modes | Motorcycle |
Series | Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen |
Knock Out is an incredibly skilled and flashy fighter who is also very insecure. He always makes sure the other Autobots notice him on the battlefield. He hopes one day to become a combiner.[5] He is considered young and inexperienced among the Autobots.
When he first came to Earth he choose a holographic driver which looked like a famous 1950's rebel film character.
Books[]
Knock Out first appears among the Autobot members of N.E.S.T. in the book Transformers: The Veiled Threat by Alan Dean Foster. Knock Out trains among the Autobots in Diego Garcia. He later joins Longarm on a mission to Peru to find Decepticons that have been detected in the deep jungles. On a steep mountain pass, the party is attacked by Decepticons Ruination and Blademaster. Despite inexperienced and risky behavior by Knock Out, both Decepticons are severely damaged and driven off.
IDW Publishing[]
Knock Out appears in Transformers: Nefarious #1, set months after the events of the 2009 film. Bumblebee, Breakaway, Jolt, Knock Out and Dune Runner are sent to investigate spark fragments detected at Kingdom Petrochemicals. Arriving first Breakaway is warned by Soundwave to leave, but unwilling to give in the Autobot is swiftly defeated. Bumblebee and his team fire on Soundwave, who escapes.[6]
Toys[]
- Revenge of the Fallen Scout Knock Out (2009)
- A new mold of Knock Out that transforms into a motorcycle. This toy was redecoed into the Decepticon Reverb and the Autobot Backfire.
Transformers: Prime[]
Knock Out | |
---|---|
[[File:|250px]] ' | |
Decepticon | |
Information | |
Function | Medic |
Partners | Breakdown |
Motto | I'm not only an automobile; I'm an automobile enthusiast. |
Alternate Modes | European Sports Car |
Series | Transformers: Prime |
English voice actor | Daran Norris |
Knock Out is the Decepticons' egomaniacal medic. His robot mode appearance is reminiscient of Beast Wars Terrorsaur. Despite being a medic, he admits he is better at breaking then fixing when Starscream called him in to help with Megatron's recovery. Knock Out is concerned with his form, as he once forced a driver off the road after he scratched his paint job, and insulting Optimus after he ripped off his door. He transforms into a red sports car, a modern take of a Aston Martin DBS V12.
Animated series[]
Season 1[]
Knock Out is introduced as the medic of the Decepticons and the one responsible for taking care of Megatron while he was in recovery. Starscream sent him and Breakdown to obtain an Energon Harvester from a Greek museum but was confronted by the Autobots. While Starscream managed to get the weapon, Bulkhead destroyed it, and they were forced to retreat.[7] Shown as being interested in human culture, Knock Out would often participate in street racing. While at a race, he realized Bumblebee was present with Jack. Knock Out came up with a plan to kidnap Jack but ended up taking Vince by mistake. After calling Breakdown for back up, they fought with the Autobots who came to rescue Vince but realizing they got outnumbered, decided to flee as Optimus Prime ripped one of his doors off.[8]
Wishing to get rid of Megatron and become the leader of the Decepticons, Starscream recruited Knock Out's help to convince Soundwave that Megatron should get euthanized.[9] After the Autobots' attempt to kill Megatron had ended up awakening him, he ordered Knock Out and Breakdown to acquire a Cybertronian data cylinder. After a fight with Bulkhead ended up with the data getting expelled to his brain, the two of them were forced to track him down to a monster truck arena where Miko had taken him to recover his increasingly lost memories. After the fight resulted in the data getting expelled into space, Knock Out, and Breakdown retreated to the base.[10] While following Megatron's plan that would lead to the Autobots burning through their Energon supplies, Knock Out and Breakdown got attacked by Ratchet who had powered himself up using synthetic Energon. In a later fight with him, aided by Megatron, they were able to defeat and extract a sample of him. While the sample got destroyed, Knock Out was still able to find a drop of the synthetic Energon.[11] He was present when Soundwave defeated Airachnid for attempting to overthrow Megatron and during the finale when his leader returned with an amnesiac Optimus Prime.[12]
Season 2[]
Knock Out first appears placing the Decepticon insignia on the amnesiac Optimus Prime, calling himself Orion Pax.[13] After being sent by Megatron with Breakdown to find Cybertronian treasures, Knock Out was able to find a shield generator before the Autobots and presented it to Megatron.[14] The two of them were later sent to retrieve the Forge of Solus Prime which also proved to be a successful mission.[15] When the Decepticons' ship Nemesis crashed, Knock Out tried to persuade Megatron not to use Dark Energon to bring it back online. After the ship had gained self-awareness, it froze every Decepticon on board. After Jack and Miko purged the ship of the Dark Energon, Knock Out attempted to capture them but was stopped by Rachet.[16]
After the Autobots' human allies managed to download the locations of various Cybertronian relics while aboard the Dark Energon Nemesis, Knock Out was sent alongside an Insecticon to Manhattan's subway system and retrieved one of them. While initially securing the artifact, a phase shifter, Bumblebee was able to take it from him and Knock Out retreated.[17] At some point, Breakdown was killed by Airachnid and taken by MECH who placed Silas, the company's leader, inside his body. Initially unaware of Breakdown's fate, after his signal came back online, Knock Out sought his missing partner only to realize that Silas, now calling himself C.Y.L.A.S., was in control of Breakdown's body. After Cylas attempted to earn Megatron's favor but failed, Knock Out was allowed to torture him for what he had done to his former partner.[18]
On the search for the Omega Keys, artifacts that could resurrect Cybertron, the Decepticons manage to capture Smokescreen, the newest member of the Autobots. Tasked by Megatron with finding the location of the Autobots' base through Smokescreen, Smokescreen was able to escape and entrap Knock Out.[19] When Megatron was performing a cortical psychic patch and seeing Starscream's memories, which incriminated both Starscream and himself, Knock Out attempted to close the link and trap Megatron in Starscream's mind but was prevented by Dreadwing.[20] Upon realizing how to activate of the Omega Keys with Starscream's help, the two of them were sent by Megatron to kidnap the Autobot's human allies to use as hostages.[21] The Decepticons later used the keys to activate the Omega Lock, only for Optimus to destroy it and prevent Earth's terraforming into a new Cybertron.[22]
Season 3: Beast Hunters and Predacons Rising[]
After Shockwave joins the Decepticons, Knock Out is sent to obtain Predacon fossils from a museum for him to use and clone. While there, he encounters Agent Fowler and June Darby, Jack's mother. After managing to escape into a railroad yard, Knock Out threatened them into giving him the fossil, only to realize June had hidden it on a departing train. Knock Out grabbed both of them and despite being confronted by Arcee and Wheeljack, was able to escape with it.[23] It got revealed that Knock Out had used the sample of Synthetic Energon he obtained from Ratchet, using Cylas as a test subject. After mixing it with Dark Energon at Starscream's behest, Cylas got transformed into an Energon craving monster. After the situation had been resolved, Megatron ordered Knock Out to turn all of his experiments over to Shockwave.[24]
Following Ratchet's capture by the Decepticons, Knock Out let it slip that Megatron felt threatened by Predaking and deliberately let the Autobots destroy the Predacon clones. Ratchet managed to escape and informed Predaking of the Decepticons' treachery, resulting in him rampaging through their ship. During the commotion, the Autobots were able to board the ship.[25] Initially attempting to flee, he got prevented from doing so due to the fighting taking place between the Autobots and Decepticons. After the Autobots took control of the ship and revived Cybertron, Knock Out attempted to join them and be with "the winning team" but was knocked out by Miko who was wearing the Apex Armor.[26] After being locked up in a cell with some Vehicons, Knock Out tried to negotiate for his release by revealing the location of Shockwave's laboratory. After Starscream freed them, Knock Out initially assisted him in the revolt but upon realizing Starscream had no intention of protecting Cybertron, he turned on him and joined the Autobots. He later helped them in the final battle against Unicron and was present during Optimus' sacrifice to restore the AllSpark to Cybertron.[27]
Other appearances[]
Knock Out appears in Transformers: Prime – The Game, released in 2012, as an enemy. Following his defeat, he is playable in the game's multiplayer mode.[28] Knock Out was meant to appear in the massively multiplayer online game Transformers Universe before the game was canceled.[29] The characters also makes two brief appearances in TakaraTomy Mall's online manga series, Transformers Unite Warriors. In the final chapter, he is reunited with a resurrected Breakdown.[30]
IDW's Generation 1 Universe[]
The Transformers: Windblade and Till All Are One (2014-2018)[]
Knock Out was introduced in IDW Publishing's Transformers universe in 2014, making his first appearance in the fourth and final issue of The Transformers: Windblade.[31] Although an unidentified cameo appearance, his identity was confirmed by the comic's writer Mairghread Scott.[32] Knock Out is depicted as a Velocitronian, born from a hot spot inside Navitas; one of the Titans who had left Cybertron to colonize other worlds.[33] Despite both Velocitron and Knock Out's own obsession with racing, his husband Breakdown is acknowledged as atypically slow for a Velocitronian.[33]
Following the end of the war between the Autobots and Decepticons, both factions worked toward peace and contacted Cybertronians from various colony worlds, they came in contact with Velocitron. Knock Out and his assistant Moonracer were sent to act as their planet's ambassadors, where they met with Starscream about Velocitron joining the Council of Worlds.[33] According to Knock Out, Velocitron is a closed off with no interest in forming an alliance with Cybertron, with Moonracer further stating that government decisions on their planet are made through racing, and discussions fall through.[33] Attempting to change Knock Out's mind about a potential alliance, Windblade is informed by Moonracer about a race happening in Velocitron, and how a Cybertronian winning could help form an alliance.[33]
Following said advice, Windblade has Blurr compete in the race and helps him win by connecting to the planet's Titan; Navitas.[34] This leads to a Cybertronina/Velocitronian alliance, with Knock Out signing the treaty.[35] Despite his own preference for Velocitron, Knock Out settled on Cybertron as his husband was happy living in a place where speed wasn't emphasized over everything else.[36]
At some point after the formation of the Council of Worlds, Bruticus attacked the city Iacon, resulting in Knock Out and the other delegates being evacuated.[37]
Treads and Circuits[]
Development[]
Creation[]
Characters with the name Knock Out had previously appeared in the franchise, prior to the premiere of Transformers: Prime.[38] Some examples include the Micromaster from the original cartoon, and the Autobot from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.[38] In Revenge of the Fallen, while the Autobot Knock Out does not appear in the film, he was part of the toyline, where he was depicted as a green motorcycle.[38] Despite these prior characters with the same name, Knock Out was created specifically for the Transformers: Prime cartoon.[39]
Knock Out was first revealed in September 2010 by Hasbro, with Daran Norris as his voice actor.[40][41] Making his first appearance in the series' tenth episode, "Deus ex Machina", promotional material for the episode initially described a character named Lugnut being introduced.[42] At BotCon 2011, it was revealed that Lugnut was Knock Out's original name which was changed to sound more "sexy."[43]
Regarding the creation of Knock Out and how his design and personality developed, lead designer Jose Lopez stated:
When we started designing [Knock Out], the only directive was to make him a fast car, a foil for Bumblebee. I remember looking at rims and saying "just pimp him out." We gave him lots of red and gold. That made him feel more extravagant. I remember thinking that he'd be attractive in bot mode. Then the studio said that he's the sexiest bot they'd ever seen. That's where his vanity came from.[44]
Characterization[]
Knock Out is depicted as a narcissistic individual who places a high emphasis on his appearance.[45] Often admiring himself, he hates getting his paintjob damaged, and the smallest scratch "send[s] into a hissy fit".[46] While presented as a highly vain and self-centered individual thoughout the series, Knock Out is shown to genuinely care for his partner Breakdown, wishing to avenge his death.[18] Additionally, after the Decepticons were defeated, he allied himself with the Autobots and proved his loyalty by helping them stop Unicron.[27]
During the BotCon 2011 panel, when questioned by a fan, the writers implied that Knock Out is homosexual and that the Decepticons follow a "Don't ask, don't tell" policy but claimed that actually there was a glitch in the All-spark during his creation.[43][47] Although often interpreted by fans as romantic, Knock Out and Breakdown's relationship wasn't portrayed as more than a platonic friendship within the cartoon.[48]
Transition to IDW's comics[]
According to Mairghread Scott, introducing Knock Out in IDW's comics as a Velocitronian ensured that she would be able to retain most of his personality from Prime intact.[49] Although the character remains vain and obsessed with his own appearance, Scott describes him as having "a little bit more pathos".[49] Scott also praised Corin Howell's artwork for Windblade volume 2 and her movement of Knock Out.[49] Howell described the process of designing Knock Out's IDW counterpart as simple, taking his design from Prime and only making a few alterations to make him "more slender".[49]
References[]
- ↑ TFArchive - Transformers Toys
- ↑ Alvarez, J.E. (2001). The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s Through 1990s Revised & Expanded 2nd Edition. Schiffer Publishing Ltd.. p. 97. ISBN 0764313649.
- ↑ YouTube - Transformers Armada: episode 30(part 1)
- ↑ http://www.bwtf.com/toyreviews/unicrontrilogy/armada/landmilitary
- ↑ Knock Out - ROTF Main Line - TFW2005
- ↑ http://www.bwtf.com/comicbooks/idw/nefarious2
- ↑ "Deus ex Machina". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 10, season 1.
- ↑ "Speed Metal". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 11, season 1.
- ↑ "Sick Mind". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 13, season 1.
- ↑ "T.M.I". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 21, season 1.
- ↑ "Stronger, Faster". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 2, season 1.
- ↑ "One Shall Rise, Part 3". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 26, season 1.
- ↑ "Orion Pax, Part 1". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 1, season 2.
- ↑ "Operation Bumblebee, Part 1". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 4, season 2.
- ↑ "Operation Bumblebee, Part 2". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 5, season 2.
- ↑ "Flying Mind". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 11, season 2.
- ↑ "Tunnel Vision". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 12, season 2.
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 "The Human Factor". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 19, season 2.
- ↑ "Inside Job". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 23, season 2.
- ↑ "Patch". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 20, season 2.
- ↑ "Regeneration". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 25, season 2.
- ↑ "Darkest Hour". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 26, season 2.
- ↑ "Plus One". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 7, season 3.
- ↑ "Thirst". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 8, season 3.
- ↑ "Synthesis". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 12, season 3.
- ↑ "Deadlock". Transformers: Prime. The Hub. No. 13, season 3.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising. [DVD]. United States: Hasbro Studios. October 4, 2013.
- ↑ "Voice of Knock Out – Transformers Prime: The Game". http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Transformers-Prime-The-Game/Knock-Out/. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
- ↑ "Wheeljack and Knock Out Confirmed as Signature Robots In Transformers Universe". 9 September 2014. http://tformers.com/wheeljack-and-knock-out-confirmed-as-signature-robots-in-transformers-universe/24673/news.html. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ↑ Sakamoto, Hayato (25 November 2016). Transformers Unite Warriors: Baldigus Chapter, Part Two. TakaraTomy Mall.
- ↑ Scott, Mairghread (July 23, 2014). The Transformers: Windblade #4. IDW Publishing.
- ↑ Scott, Mairghread (July 23, 2014). "Yes. That is Knock Out.". http://mscottwrites.tumblr.com/post/92633901891/red-car-with-yellow-rims-could-we-maybe-get-the. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 33.4 Mairghread Scott (w). The Transformers: Windblade 4 (June 24, 2015), IDW Publishing
- ↑ Mairghread Scott (w). "Race Against the Light" The Transformers: Windblade 5 (August 19, 2015), IDW Publishing
- ↑ Mairghread Scott (w). The Transformers: Windblade 6 (August 19, 2015), IDW Publishing
- ↑ Mairghread Scott (w). The Transformers: Till All Are One Annual (December 20, 2017), IDW Publishing
- ↑ Mairghread Scott (w). The Transformers: Till All Are One 4 (September 21, 2016), IDW Publishing
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 Taguiam, Rhenn (February 22, 2022). "Transformers: 10 Decepticons Who Have Never Appeared In The Movies". Valnet Inc.. https://gamerant.com/transformers-decepticons-never-seen-in-movies/.
- ↑ Durr, Michael (March 14, 2012). "Transformers Prime: Season One (Blu-Ray)". http://upcomingdiscs.com/2012/03/04/transformers-prime-season-one-blu-ray/. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
- ↑ "Exclusive: Transformers Prime Voice Cast Revealed Which Includes The Rock". September 8, 2010. http://tformers.com/transformers-exclusive-transformers-prime-voice-cast-revealed-which-includes-the-rock/14278/news.html. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ↑ McNary, Dave (December 2, 2015). "Jason Priestley Directing Phil Hartman Biopic Starring Daran Norris (Exclusive)". Penske Media Corporation. https://variety.com/2015/film/news/jason-priestley-phil-hartman-movie-daran-norris-1201652147/.
- ↑ "Transformers Prime: Deus Ex Machina". Archived from the original on March 21, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110321182119/http://www.hubworld.com/transformers/shows/prime/videos/tfp-deus-ex-machina. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 "Botcon 2011 Transformers Prime Panel". 5 June 2011. http://news.tfw2005.com/2011/06/05/botcon-2011-transformers-prime-panel-172315. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
- ↑ Sorenson 2013, p. 75.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ "Transformers Prime Characters – Meet Knock Out". Cartoon Network / Hasbro. Archived from the original on 2 June 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140602011706/http://www.cartoonnetwork.co.uk/show/transformers-prime/characters/knock-out. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ↑ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Peanutchan (June 11, 2011). Is Knockout Gay?. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 21, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ 49.0 49.1 49.2 49.3 Morris, Steve (August 4, 2015). "Transformers Team Talks "Windblade," New Female Characters". Valnet Inc.. https://www.cbr.com/transformers-team-talks-windblade-new-female-characters/.