Name: Smokescreen
Allegiance: Autobots
Function: Diversionary Tactician
Timeline: Generation 1
A look can be deceiving; a touch can be lethal.
Profile:
Smokescreen is sometimes called the most devious Autobot. While he never does anything grudgingly, when Smokescreen does something, there is usually an ulterior motive involved. As charming and affable as any of the Autobots, Smokescreen is a master of using his friendly nature to get what he wants from others; the other party often never even realises that they've been manipulated. Manipulation comes so naturally to Smokescreen that he does it completely effortlessly. Fortunately, Smokescreen only uses his talents for noble purposes, although this has not always been the case. As a young 'bot, Smokescreen was an unrepentant grifter who coasted through life, swindling others to get by. One day, Smokescreen was caught scamming some wealthy upper-class 'bots by a sheriff named Devcon; but instead of arresting Smokescreen, Devcon convinced Smokescreen to make something of his life - that he could use his talents for good and be something better. Years have passed, and Smokescreen has taken the advice to heart. He's a valued member of the Autobots, using his natural gift for camaraderie to identify the concerns of his fellow Autobots, and occasionally to root out Decepticon moles. Optimus Prime greatly appreciates what Smokescreen does for the Autobot cause, particularly because Smokescreen can more easily relate to the rank-and-file than he can. On the battlefield, Smokescreen's mastery of misdirection comes into play in a different way, as he distracts the Decepticons, leading them astray and preventing them from uncovering the Autobots' true objectives until it is too late. He's exceptionally good at both sides of his job.
Nissan Fairlady 280ZX Turbo mode:
Author notes:
Smokescreen has an interesting backstory behind him, although I only remember him showing up in two episodes of the original cartoon. In one of those episodes, Smokescreen teamed up with a bounty hunter named Devcon. For this profile, I thought it would be fun to build on some history between the characters which plays into Smokescreen's personality. Smokescreen's bio struck me as the character who was a grifter, and Devcon's early history isn't fully established (beyond him having a strong sense of justice). So I figured that the shared past between the two characters would involve Devcon convincing Smokescreen to straighten his life out.
Toys of Transformers Generation 1 Smokescreen
Transformers Masterpiece Smokescreen
Generation 1 Smokescreen has a fantastic deco - it is one of my all-time favourite Transformers decos. And this Masterpiece version of Smokescreen is the best realisation of the deco. Not only that, but I really like the remolding on this release to incorporate the changes to the design to accommodate Smokescreen's rally design, and his unique launchers. It gives him a bit more of a unique look, which I really appreciate. He's a personal favourite in my collection.
More information on Transformers Masterpiece Smokescreen at TFW2005
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Transformers Masterpiece toys in my collection.
