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Dirge (Transformers)
Encyclopedia
Dirge is the name of several different fictional characters from the Transformers
series. He was first introduced in 1985 as a villain in the Transformers series, appearing in the comic book by Marvel Comics and voiced by Bud Davis in the animated television series. Since then the name Dirge was also used by several other Transformers characters. In 2007 a limited edition Dirge toy was sold at the Transformers convention Botcon.
, Ramjet
and Dirge are part of a team dubbed by Transformers fans as the "Coneheads" for the way their character models were drawn to make them visually distinct from the original Decepticon jets Starscream
, Skywarp
, and Thundercracker
despite their toys being modifications of the same mold used to create that original trio. The toys themselves use the nosecone of the jet to become the head of the robot, but on the original jets the nosecone points back, forming a seemingly normal head. To make the three newer jets distinctive, the character model creators illustrated them with the nosecones pointing up in robot mode - despite the fact that this is not how their toy instructions or box art depict them. (Ironically, when the hinge holding the toy's fuselage/torso and head/nosecone in robot mode wears down, pointing the nosecone upward is the only way to keep the cockpit/midsection from leaning backward, away from the die-cast metal portion of the Seekers' chests.)
Dirge was described as a mournful, silent warrior reliant on - and consumed by - fear. While an expert at inflicting fear on others, Dirge was also prone to succumbing to fear. Dirge's effectiveness evaporated under situations where Dirge felt he was not in control.
In jet mode, Dirge had the ability to induce fear in other robots through his engines. The engines apparently emitted certain frequencies that caused disorientation and provoked fear in the Transformers' equivalent of the central nervous system. He also carried two air-to-air missiles and two automatic machine guns.
Dirge first appeared in issue 17 of the US Marvel Transformers comics as a bodyguard for Straxus
. He had a much larger role in the Marvel U.K. storyline Target: 2006, where he was portrayed as one of the Decepticons' deadliest killers, and one that needed to be taken out by the Autobot commando group the Wreckers
to signal a mass-Autobot uprising on Cybertron
. The Decepticons had prepared a major offensive to wipe the Autobots out and capture Emirate Xaaron, unaware this was part of the Autobot trap. Megatron's summoning the Insecticons
to Earth scuppered both sides plans. It is interesting to note that Dirge seems to be in a major command position overseeing the whole offensive, indicating a much higher rank than previously thought.
His first appearance in the US Transformers storyline was in issue #17. He was next seen entering Earth via the Spacebridge, alongside Thrust and Ramjet around the same time as the Aerialbots
were being created (issue #21). Dirge was seen using the power of the engines against Silverbolt, causing the acrophobic
Autobot
to lose control during flight. They were eventually forced to flee when the Aerialbots formed Superion
.
Dirge would also appear as the Decepticon liaison to Cobra in Marvel's G.I. Joe and the Transformers crossover, where he was betrayed and destroyed by Serpentor
. Dirge would not be seen in US comics for some time. (While G.I. Joe stories using the same continuity, but written by Devil's Due—after 2001—omit any contact with the 1980s' Transformers, Marvel Transformers and G.I. Joe stories printed between 1986 and 1995 never make any attempt to retcon Dirge's fate.)
Dirge would serve as part of the Earthbound forces under first Shockwave
, then Ratbat
, battling both the Autobots and Scorponok
's Decepticon faction. He also assisted Soundwave
in sending a signal to Cybertron. (For his return to be shown, perhaps since he was destroyed in proximity to the Ark, his wreckage was kept in "cold storage" similar to Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Buzzsaw, Frenzy, and Rumble, then liberated and repaired when the Constructicons
looted an unguarded Ark in issue #41.) When Starscream
seized the power of the Underbase, Thrust and Ramjet were part of the forces sent against him. Although they were not shown to be deactivated by the villain, they were not seen again in the main continuity, although they would be seen in the U.K. Earthforce tales under the command of Megatron and Shockwave.
Dirge would appear again in Marvel's Generation 2 comic, possibly revived by Nucleon
. He was part of the Decepticon forces under Bludgeon
, and was seemingly restored to prominence in the Decepticon hierarchy after Megatron's return. He died while fighting the Swarm
. Dirge, along with Autobot Nightbeat
detonated the coils of the cannon batteries they were operating, hoping to damage the Swarm.
Dirge made regular appearances in the second season, and played prominent roles in episodes such as "The Gambler" (episode #47), where he and Ramjet have been sent to the planet of Monacus to discuss 'business' with a citizen, and "The Girl Who Loved Powerglide" (episode #54), where he almost destroys Powerglide
. Dirge, however, was never shown using his fear-inducing engines. The closest example to his use of fear as a weapon is in "Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2". Along with Thrust and Ramjet, he is shown flying low over a human city. The populace seemed to be in utter panic. It's not clear if this was an intended demonstration of his fear-inducing abilities, because the defenseless townspeople were already terrorized by the sight of the Decepticons, having earlier sentenced the Autobots to an unknown fate in space.
During The Transformers: The Movie
, Dirge was briefly shown during the Battle of Autobot City. A scene involving Dirge was edited, in which he among other Decepticons, were assaulted by Optimus Prime
on his way to challenge Megatron. In the removed portion, Dirge returns to jump Optimus (facing Megatron) from behind, only to be slammed into the ground. Optimus then rises to continue his dialogue with Megatron. Dirge appeared again later in the movie, being the first at Starscream
's coronation to spot the incoming Galvatron
and Cyclonus
. He appeared towards the end of the movie, attempting to escape from Unicron
as Cybertron
was being torn apart. A blue jet similar to Dirge was seen destroyed during the scene, which led to speculation that Dirge was destroyed.
Dirge, however, did survive and made sporadic appearances in the third season. In an early episode of the season (episode #66, "Five Faces Of Darkness Part 1") he was shown to have been destroyed by Ultra Magnus
, but Dirge can be seen in episode #71, "The Killing Jar", amongst other later episodes. In one of those later episodes, "Ghost in the Machine", Dirge and Thrust are among other Decepticons being punished by Galvatron for failing to stop a demoralizing assault by Starscream—now a ghost possessing the bodies of other Decepticons. Just before he and the other offenders are to be hunted down, Trypticon
, the Decepticon city is possessed, trapping Dirge, Thrust
, Runamuck
and Runabout
inside. Dirge liberates Trypticon from Starscream's control, just before the traitorous ghost was about to aid Unicron
in destroying Cybertron.
Dirge appeared in episode 1 and 15 of the Japanese exclusive Headmasters series.
. He often worked with fellow Seekers Ramjet and Thrust.
When Shockwave led the Decepticon attack on the Autobot capitol of Iacon 8.2 million years ago, Dirge was amongst his troops along with Astrotrain
, Blitzwing
, Bludgeon
, Brawl
, Chopshop
, Dirge, Frenzy
, Octane, Onslaught
, Ramjet
, Tantrum, Venom
and Vortex
.
After Megatron and Autobot leader Optimus Prime
were lost in an accident with a space bridge, the Decepticon forces splintered. Dirge joined the Predacons under the command of Starscream, but later rejoined the Decepticons after Megatron's reappearance.
After the Great Shutdown ended, Dirge was reformatted in the form of an Earth-style jet, and became one of Shockwave's elite bodyguards. After the war between the Autobots and Decepticons ended on Cybertron, Ultra Magnus
led a mission to Earth to arrest the Autobots on Earth for continuing their violent ways. Dirge was among the troops under Ultra Magnus.
Defeated by the Autobots on Cybertron, Shockwave was forced to set up a new secret headquarters in the wastelands of Cybertron, with Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust following him. Shockwave completed work on his new warrior, Sixshot
. Megatron returned to Cybertron with three clone warriors and the Predacons and was able to defeat Shockwave. Shockwave was kept alive, but restrained. All Shockwave's warriors except Blitzwing, who was destroyed, joined up with Megatron in his plan to invade the Earth .
. In this world, the incarnation of Dirge was one of the Heralds of Unicron, from a different dimension
, sent to cause destruction prior to Unicron's arrival alongside his fellow heralds, Scourge
, Thunderwing
, Bludgeon
and their leader Galvatron
(all characters from the G1 universe, though their names are not mentioned and are not the versions from the Generation One Dreamwave comics).
While Galvatron attacked Megatron on Earth the other Heralds attacked the Decepticon base on Cybertron. Activating the Spacebridge links and leaving Bludgeon behind to guard them, Dirge, Scourge and Thunderwing journeyed to the Decepticon base on Earth, unaware they were being watched by the Mini-Cons. Finding and beating the luckless Thrust to a pulp, they then detected anomalies within the Spacebridge network and returned to Cybertron - only to be destroyed on their arrival by a cache of explosives set by Jetfire
.
a cone-headed Transformer that transformed into a jet with Dirge's color scheme is among the Transformers being used by Cobra. Whether this jet is the actual Dirge or another coneheaded Seeker is unknown, but it was killed by a malfunctioning satellite
weapons system.
Dirge would appear again in the second crossover (presumably it was not him in the first arc) with Thrust, Ramjet, Scourge and Cyclonus
, acting as bodyguards for Shockwave. When the Dinobots
returned from different a time period they routed Shockwave's troops. Dirge was presumably killed either during this event, or when Cobra Commander
detonated a store of explosives inside Starscream
, killing everyone present. In this story, Dirge had not received an Earthen mode and transformed into a Cybertronian jet.
' Autobots, Megatron's forces and Bugbite's crew, Dirge is damaged by Grimlock
.
Dirge appears in At Fight's End.
Dirge also made an unusual cameo in Wreckers Finale Part II. In the story the Quintessons invaded the recently reformatted technorganic Cybertron. Several mechs claiming to be former Decepticons whose sparks were liberated when Optimus Primal reformatted Cybertron lived in a one of the few technological cites. These mechs defended the city from the Quintesson Overseer Rexian and his troops. Several of these mechs claimed to formerly be the Decepticon warrior Thundercracker, now in a new body. In order to settle their dispute they decided that the one of them that destroyed the most Sharkticons could claim to be Thundercracker, the runner up could be Dirge.
and the Tasmanian Kid, brainwashing them into serving the Predacons. Meanwhile Leo Prime
, Apache and Scuba were able to capture Dirge and Thrust
. The shock of being damaged in capture had the side effect of making the Predacons think they were Maximals. Diver and the Kid were able to ambush the Maximals, allowing Galvatron
to gain the upper hand on Lio Convoy, but the Maximals were aided by Dirge and Thrust. Furious that Lio had seemingly stolen his brainwashing idea Starscream had BB attacked the Maximals. Megastorm found the whole turn of events amusing and planned to use his main cannon to destroy all the Maximals and Predacons in the conflict, becoming the leader of the Predacons. His attack took so long to charge Diver was able to ruin it with a water geyser. The explosion was enough to shock the brainwashed Maximals back to their senses. Galvatron and the Predacons retreated with Dirge and Thrust in tow.
, trapped in a temporal limbo, watching a fight between Dirgegun, Saberback
, Killerpunch
, Guiledart
and Halfshell
just before the planet Cybertron
is destroyed by Shokaract and Unicron
.
Dirge had a biography printed in the Beast Wars Sourcebook by IDW Publishing
.
exclusive Transformers: Timelines storyline, Dirge was the name of an Insecticon
commander serving under Deathsaurus. This Dirge should not be confused with the 2007 Timelines Dirge, a homage to the Generation 1 character.
had infected the Insecticons with a virus that would ultimately kill the clones, and the arrival of more Autobots meant that Deathsaurus' plans were defeated. Dirge's final fate is unknown.
Dirge was one of the supporting characters to appear in Fun Publications
fiction Gone Too Far, a text-based story set on Transtech
Cybertron
. He was a follower of Gutcruncher.
He appeared as a redeco of the Games Of Deception Dirge in yellow (referencing the colors of BW2 Thrust
), inside a Pretender shell resembling Descent Into Evil Dirge colored in white and teal (referencing the colors of Descent Into Evil Chromia
).
Dirge's biography was printed in issue #26 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine.
. He is part of the Mayhem Suppression Squad that responds to the Razorclaw's call for help against the Autobots Goldbug, Jazz and Grimlock.
Dirge appears in the fiction Dungeons & Dinobots, a text based story. He defends the Arch-Ayr fuel dump from an Autobot attack. He uses his laughter inducing powers on the evil Arcee
.
Dirge named appeares in the story "Reunification" by Fun Publications. This character is one of Megatron's heroic Decepticons, but secretly loyal to Alpha Trion
. He helps take Breakaway, Landquake, Skyfall and Topspin prisoner at the order of Alpha Trion, but Landquake uses his energon-shaping abilities to escape, shooting Dirge in the foot in the process.
This Dirge is a homage to the Generation 1 character.
version of the 2010 video game Transformers: War for Cybertron
.
Transformers
A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another by magnetic coupling.Transformer may also refer to:* ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, an Android 3.2 Honeycomb tablet computer manufacturer by Asus...
series. He was first introduced in 1985 as a villain in the Transformers series, appearing in the comic book by Marvel Comics and voiced by Bud Davis in the animated television series. Since then the name Dirge was also used by several other Transformers characters. In 2007 a limited edition Dirge toy was sold at the Transformers convention Botcon.
Transformers: Generation 1
Dirge was first introduced in 1985. ThrustThrust (Transformers)
Thrust is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. The original character was an evil red Decepticon jet, with most of the following character using the name Thrust being a variation on that concept...
, Ramjet
Ramjet (Transformers)
Ramjet is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All have been Decepticon aligned characters who turn into jets, usually white.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Dirge are part of a team dubbed by Transformers fans as the "Coneheads" for the way their character models were drawn to make them visually distinct from the original Decepticon jets Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
, Skywarp
Skywarp
Skywarp is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers toy line. He is usually depicted as a black or purple Decepticon jet with teleportation powers.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, and Thundercracker
Thundercracker
Thundercracker is the name given to multiple fictional characters in the Transformers universes. Thundercracker is almost always depicted as a blue color Decepticon who turns into a jet fighter.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
despite their toys being modifications of the same mold used to create that original trio. The toys themselves use the nosecone of the jet to become the head of the robot, but on the original jets the nosecone points back, forming a seemingly normal head. To make the three newer jets distinctive, the character model creators illustrated them with the nosecones pointing up in robot mode - despite the fact that this is not how their toy instructions or box art depict them. (Ironically, when the hinge holding the toy's fuselage/torso and head/nosecone in robot mode wears down, pointing the nosecone upward is the only way to keep the cockpit/midsection from leaning backward, away from the die-cast metal portion of the Seekers' chests.)
Dirge was described as a mournful, silent warrior reliant on - and consumed by - fear. While an expert at inflicting fear on others, Dirge was also prone to succumbing to fear. Dirge's effectiveness evaporated under situations where Dirge felt he was not in control.
In jet mode, Dirge had the ability to induce fear in other robots through his engines. The engines apparently emitted certain frequencies that caused disorientation and provoked fear in the Transformers' equivalent of the central nervous system. He also carried two air-to-air missiles and two automatic machine guns.
Marvel Comics
Although he would not appear personally in the Transformers comic until issue #17, Dirge's vehicle mode, along with Ramjet and Thrust's were being mass produced under slave labor when Shockwave assumed control of Blackrock Aircraft Assembly Plant #1 (issues #8-12; the planes seen in issues #11-12). This suggests that the planes were either F-15s redesigned by Shockwave for use as Decepticons or that they were already made from blueprints produced (on Earth) by the Blackrock company. This implies that this is how the three Seekers gained their Earth modes when they eventually came to Earth. (In issue #17, Dirge is seen using a vehicle mode similar in design to his future Earthly mode.)Dirge first appeared in issue 17 of the US Marvel Transformers comics as a bodyguard for Straxus
Straxus
Lord Straxus is a fictional character from the Transformers series. A toy based on his Marvel comic appearance was released in 2010 under the name Darkmount.-Marvel Comics:Straxus was the Decepticon governor of a province of Cybertron known as Polyhex...
. He had a much larger role in the Marvel U.K. storyline Target: 2006, where he was portrayed as one of the Decepticons' deadliest killers, and one that needed to be taken out by the Autobot commando group the Wreckers
Wreckers (Transformers)
The Wreckers are a sub-team of Autobots in the fictional Transformers universe, functioning essentially as a commando unit. They are not derived from the Transformers toyline but rather are the creation of Marvel UK writer Simon Furman, who introduces the Wreckers in the story arc Target:2006...
to signal a mass-Autobot uprising on Cybertron
Cybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
. The Decepticons had prepared a major offensive to wipe the Autobots out and capture Emirate Xaaron, unaware this was part of the Autobot trap. Megatron's summoning the Insecticons
Insecticons
Insecticons is the name given to a sub-group of fictional characters in the Transformers Universes, referred to as Insectrons in the Japanese version. The name was also used for several fictional characters in the Transformers Universes...
to Earth scuppered both sides plans. It is interesting to note that Dirge seems to be in a major command position overseeing the whole offensive, indicating a much higher rank than previously thought.
His first appearance in the US Transformers storyline was in issue #17. He was next seen entering Earth via the Spacebridge, alongside Thrust and Ramjet around the same time as the Aerialbots
Aerialbots
The Aerialbots are a group of Autobots that transform into aircraft and combine to form the giant robot Superion. They were introduced into the Transformers toyline in 1985 and sold as a Superion gift set, and then sold separately in 1986 in most department stores...
were being created (issue #21). Dirge was seen using the power of the engines against Silverbolt, causing the acrophobic
Acrophobia
Acrophobia is an extreme or irrational fear of heights. It belongs to a category of specific phobias, called space and motion discomfort that share both similar etiology and options for treatment.Most people experience a degree of natural fear when exposed to heights, especially if there is little...
Autobot
Autobot
Autobot, a faction of sentient robots from the planet Cybertron, are usually the main protagonists in the fictional universe of the Transformers, a collection of various toys, graphic novels, paperback books, cartoons and movies first introduced in 1984. In all but one Transformer story, the...
to lose control during flight. They were eventually forced to flee when the Aerialbots formed Superion
Superion
-Transformers: Generation 1:Superion is the first Autobot special team to be created, and is the Autobots' first combiner, formed from five smaller robots who are able to transform into fighter-jets and planes.Members:* Silverbolt - Team leader.* Air Raid...
.
Dirge would also appear as the Decepticon liaison to Cobra in Marvel's G.I. Joe and the Transformers crossover, where he was betrayed and destroyed by Serpentor
Serpentor
Serpentor is a fictional character from G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, a line of military-themed toys created by Hasbro. The character was introduced in 1986 as a toy with an air chariot and included in the animated series that same year.-Toys:...
. Dirge would not be seen in US comics for some time. (While G.I. Joe stories using the same continuity, but written by Devil's Due—after 2001—omit any contact with the 1980s' Transformers, Marvel Transformers and G.I. Joe stories printed between 1986 and 1995 never make any attempt to retcon Dirge's fate.)
Dirge would serve as part of the Earthbound forces under first Shockwave
Shockwave (Transformers)
Shockwave is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series. Throughout his incarnations, he is usually distinguished by a laser cannon in lieu of one of his hands and his distinctive face, which is featureless save a single robotic eye...
, then Ratbat
Ratbat
Ratbat is the name of several fictional characters who appeared in various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:As is the case with many Transformers characters, the various continuities in which Ratbat has appeared have portrayed him widely differently in terms of size, personality,...
, battling both the Autobots and Scorponok
Scorponok
Scorponok is the name shared by several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons that turn into Scorpoins.- Transformers: Generation 1:...
's Decepticon faction. He also assisted Soundwave
Soundwave (Transformers)
Soundwave is the name of several characters in the various series Transformers series. His most famous disguise is that of a microcassette recorder and has an iconic voice done by a vocoder.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
in sending a signal to Cybertron. (For his return to be shown, perhaps since he was destroyed in proximity to the Ark, his wreckage was kept in "cold storage" similar to Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Buzzsaw, Frenzy, and Rumble, then liberated and repaired when the Constructicons
Constructicons
right|thumb|Scavenger, Bonecrusher, Longhaul, Scrapper & Mixmaster - five of the original six Constructicons The Constructicons are a group of fictional characters from the various Transformers continuities...
looted an unguarded Ark in issue #41.) When Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
seized the power of the Underbase, Thrust and Ramjet were part of the forces sent against him. Although they were not shown to be deactivated by the villain, they were not seen again in the main continuity, although they would be seen in the U.K. Earthforce tales under the command of Megatron and Shockwave.
Dirge would appear again in Marvel's Generation 2 comic, possibly revived by Nucleon
Nucleon (Transformers)
Nucleon is a power source in the fictional Transformers universe. It was introduced during the beginning of the Action Masters toyline in 1990. The Action Masters were composed of small-scale 3¾" Transformers, a mixture of pre-exisitng characters, who were designed to closely resemble their...
. He was part of the Decepticon forces under Bludgeon
Bludgeon (Transformers)
Bludgeon is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. For trademark reasons, he is now marketed by Hasbro as Decepticon Bludgeon. They are all Decepticon warriors who turn into tanks.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, and was seemingly restored to prominence in the Decepticon hierarchy after Megatron's return. He died while fighting the Swarm
Swarm (Transformers)
The Swarm is a creature in the fictional world of the Transformers: Generation 2 comic by Marvel Comics.The Swarm is a large, amorphous, black mass of particulate sized, corrosive organisms that travel from planet to planet, seeking out cybernetic life forms. Upon contact with other life forms, the...
. Dirge, along with Autobot Nightbeat
Nightbeat (Transformers)
-Transformers: Generation 1:Nightbeat is described as a tough, street-hardened detective who is not above resorting to dirty tricks in order to further his investigations...
detonated the coils of the cannon batteries they were operating, hoping to damage the Swarm.
Animated series
Dirge made his first appearance in 1985, during the second season of the cartoon in episode #35, "Auto Berserk". How he came to Earth was not shown.Dirge made regular appearances in the second season, and played prominent roles in episodes such as "The Gambler" (episode #47), where he and Ramjet have been sent to the planet of Monacus to discuss 'business' with a citizen, and "The Girl Who Loved Powerglide" (episode #54), where he almost destroys Powerglide
Powerglide (Transformers)
Powerglide is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers series. He first appeared in 1985, and was voiced by Michael Chain in the animated The Transformers series.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
. Dirge, however, was never shown using his fear-inducing engines. The closest example to his use of fear as a weapon is in "Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2". Along with Thrust and Ramjet, he is shown flying low over a human city. The populace seemed to be in utter panic. It's not clear if this was an intended demonstration of his fear-inducing abilities, because the defenseless townspeople were already terrorized by the sight of the Decepticons, having earlier sentenced the Autobots to an unknown fate in space.
During The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie is a 1986 animated feature film based on the animated series of the same name. It was released in North America on August 8, 1986 and in the UK on December 5, 1986....
, Dirge was briefly shown during the Battle of Autobot City. A scene involving Dirge was edited, in which he among other Decepticons, were assaulted by Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
on his way to challenge Megatron. In the removed portion, Dirge returns to jump Optimus (facing Megatron) from behind, only to be slammed into the ground. Optimus then rises to continue his dialogue with Megatron. Dirge appeared again later in the movie, being the first at Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
's coronation to spot the incoming Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
and Cyclonus
Cyclonus
Cyclonus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:The tech spec from the box art of the Cyclonus toy describes him as a compassionless Decepticon air warrior and saboteur...
. He appeared towards the end of the movie, attempting to escape from Unicron
Unicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
as Cybertron
Cybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
was being torn apart. A blue jet similar to Dirge was seen destroyed during the scene, which led to speculation that Dirge was destroyed.
Dirge, however, did survive and made sporadic appearances in the third season. In an early episode of the season (episode #66, "Five Faces Of Darkness Part 1") he was shown to have been destroyed by Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers storylines.-Transformers: Generation 1:The greatest Transformer of them all. A commander could want no finer a soldier than Ultra Magnus...
, but Dirge can be seen in episode #71, "The Killing Jar", amongst other later episodes. In one of those later episodes, "Ghost in the Machine", Dirge and Thrust are among other Decepticons being punished by Galvatron for failing to stop a demoralizing assault by Starscream—now a ghost possessing the bodies of other Decepticons. Just before he and the other offenders are to be hunted down, Trypticon
Trypticon
Trypticon is a fictional character in the Transformers toyline.-Transformers: Generation 1:Trypticon is the Decepticons' principal command base. He has three modes: a city, a mobile battle station, and a Tyrannosaurus rex. In each mode, he has a variety of weapons...
, the Decepticon city is possessed, trapping Dirge, Thrust
Thrust (Transformers)
Thrust is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. The original character was an evil red Decepticon jet, with most of the following character using the name Thrust being a variation on that concept...
, Runamuck
Runamuck (Transformers)
Runamuck is the name of three fictional characters in the various Transformers series. All three are violent Decepticons who turn into cars. In the original Transformers animated series Runabout was voiced by Roger Behr.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
and Runabout
Runabout (Transformers)
-Transformers: Generation 1:The first Runabout formed one half of the Battlecharger duo with Runamuck. Runabout is not the brains of the Battlechargers, but he is much calmer and certainly more articulate than Runamuck, and his presence helps keep the latter's cross-wired mind on task...
inside. Dirge liberates Trypticon from Starscream's control, just before the traitorous ghost was about to aid Unicron
Unicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
in destroying Cybertron.
Dirge appeared in episode 1 and 15 of the Japanese exclusive Headmasters series.
Books
Dirge appeared in the 1986 story and coloring book The Lost Treasure of Cybertron by Marvel Books.Dreamwave Productions
Dirge was recruited as a Decepticon under the leadership of Megatron in his war against the Autobots on the planet Cybertron. Dirge became a member of the elite Seekers under Aerospace Commander StarscreamStarscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
. He often worked with fellow Seekers Ramjet and Thrust.
When Shockwave led the Decepticon attack on the Autobot capitol of Iacon 8.2 million years ago, Dirge was amongst his troops along with Astrotrain
Astrotrain
Astrotrain is the name of three fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons who can assume the form of a space shuttle.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Blitzwing
Blitzwing
Blitzwing is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series. He is always depicted as a Decepticon with two alternate forms, that of a jet and that of a tank...
, Bludgeon
Bludgeon (Transformers)
Bludgeon is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. For trademark reasons, he is now marketed by Hasbro as Decepticon Bludgeon. They are all Decepticon warriors who turn into tanks.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Brawl
Combaticons
The Combaticons are a group of Decepticon military vehicles in the assorted fictional universes of the Transformers.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
, Chopshop
Insecticons
Insecticons is the name given to a sub-group of fictional characters in the Transformers Universes, referred to as Insectrons in the Japanese version. The name was also used for several fictional characters in the Transformers Universes...
, Dirge, Frenzy
Frenzy (Transformers)
Frenzy is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. Wired Magazine once nominated him as one 12 most ridiculous Transformers of all time.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Octane, Onslaught
Combaticons
The Combaticons are a group of Decepticon military vehicles in the assorted fictional universes of the Transformers.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
, Ramjet
Ramjet (Transformers)
Ramjet is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All have been Decepticon aligned characters who turn into jets, usually white.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Tantrum, Venom
Insecticons
Insecticons is the name given to a sub-group of fictional characters in the Transformers Universes, referred to as Insectrons in the Japanese version. The name was also used for several fictional characters in the Transformers Universes...
and Vortex
Combaticons
The Combaticons are a group of Decepticon military vehicles in the assorted fictional universes of the Transformers.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
.
After Megatron and Autobot leader Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
were lost in an accident with a space bridge, the Decepticon forces splintered. Dirge joined the Predacons under the command of Starscream, but later rejoined the Decepticons after Megatron's reappearance.
After the Great Shutdown ended, Dirge was reformatted in the form of an Earth-style jet, and became one of Shockwave's elite bodyguards. After the war between the Autobots and Decepticons ended on Cybertron, Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers storylines.-Transformers: Generation 1:The greatest Transformer of them all. A commander could want no finer a soldier than Ultra Magnus...
led a mission to Earth to arrest the Autobots on Earth for continuing their violent ways. Dirge was among the troops under Ultra Magnus.
Defeated by the Autobots on Cybertron, Shockwave was forced to set up a new secret headquarters in the wastelands of Cybertron, with Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust following him. Shockwave completed work on his new warrior, Sixshot
Sixshot
Sixshot is the name of two fictional characters from the various Transformers series. Introduced in 1987, Sixshot appeared in the last few episodes of the original US Transformers animated series, voiced by Neil Ross. His defining gimmick was that he had six different forms, not two like a normal...
. Megatron returned to Cybertron with three clone warriors and the Predacons and was able to defeat Shockwave. Shockwave was kept alive, but restrained. All Shockwave's warriors except Blitzwing, who was destroyed, joined up with Megatron in his plan to invade the Earth .
Transformers: Armada
Dirge would not only appear in the Generation One Dreamwave comic but also in its sister comic Transformers: ArmadaTransformers: Armada
Transformers: Armada, known in Japan as , is a Transformers animated series, comic series and toy line which ran from 2002–2003. It was originally scheduled for 2001, however was delayed until early-2002...
. In this world, the incarnation of Dirge was one of the Heralds of Unicron, from a different dimension
Dimension
In physics and mathematics, the dimension of a space or object is informally defined as the minimum number of coordinates needed to specify any point within it. Thus a line has a dimension of one because only one coordinate is needed to specify a point on it...
, sent to cause destruction prior to Unicron's arrival alongside his fellow heralds, Scourge
Scourge (Transformers)
Scourge is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series. He first appeared as one of the central villains in the 1986 film The Transformers, voiced by Stan Jones. He also regularly appeared in the animated Transformers series and Transformers comic books. Since then other...
, Thunderwing
Thunderwing
Thunderwing is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series. Introduced in 1989, he was a major villain in the Marvel Comics Transformers series. Although Thunderwing was created after the US Transformers television series ended, the character of Black Shadow did appear in...
, Bludgeon
Bludgeon (Transformers)
Bludgeon is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. For trademark reasons, he is now marketed by Hasbro as Decepticon Bludgeon. They are all Decepticon warriors who turn into tanks.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and their leader Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
(all characters from the G1 universe, though their names are not mentioned and are not the versions from the Generation One Dreamwave comics).
While Galvatron attacked Megatron on Earth the other Heralds attacked the Decepticon base on Cybertron. Activating the Spacebridge links and leaving Bludgeon behind to guard them, Dirge, Scourge and Thunderwing journeyed to the Decepticon base on Earth, unaware they were being watched by the Mini-Cons. Finding and beating the luckless Thrust to a pulp, they then detected anomalies within the Spacebridge network and returned to Cybertron - only to be destroyed on their arrival by a cache of explosives set by Jetfire
Jetfire
Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
.
Devil's Due Publishing
In the first G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers crossover from Devil's Due PublishingDevil's Due Publishing
Devil's Due Publishing is an independent comic book publishers in the United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, DDP is best known for its wide selection of genres, including licensed and original creator-owned properties that populate its monthly comic book series and graphic novels.Though...
a cone-headed Transformer that transformed into a jet with Dirge's color scheme is among the Transformers being used by Cobra. Whether this jet is the actual Dirge or another coneheaded Seeker is unknown, but it was killed by a malfunctioning satellite
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
weapons system.
Dirge would appear again in the second crossover (presumably it was not him in the first arc) with Thrust, Ramjet, Scourge and Cyclonus
Cyclonus
Cyclonus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:The tech spec from the box art of the Cyclonus toy describes him as a compassionless Decepticon air warrior and saboteur...
, acting as bodyguards for Shockwave. When the Dinobots
Dinobots
Dinobots is the name of several teams of characters in the fictional Transformers Universe. The groups are made up of several robots, each of whose transformed mode is that of a dinosaur or similar prehistoric animal. They are called Dinotrons in the Japanese version; and ' in the Japanese dub of...
returned from different a time period they routed Shockwave's troops. Dirge was presumably killed either during this event, or when Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander
Cobra Commander is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe franchise. He appears in the toyline, animated series , comic books, video games, and movie as the usual principal antagonist. He is the supreme leader of the terrorist organization Cobra, and archnemesis of the Joes...
detonated a store of explosives inside Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
, killing everyone present. In this story, Dirge had not received an Earthen mode and transformed into a Cybertronian jet.
Fun Publications
Dirge appeared under the command of Bugbite in the Transformers: Timelines tale "Games of Deception". This takes place in the Marvel continuity, but follows a different continuity to Generation 2 or the Marvel U.K. tales. He serves Bugbite loyally, shooting Starscream with a cerebro shell. In the final three-way battle between Ultra MagnusUltra Magnus
Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers storylines.-Transformers: Generation 1:The greatest Transformer of them all. A commander could want no finer a soldier than Ultra Magnus...
' Autobots, Megatron's forces and Bugbite's crew, Dirge is damaged by Grimlock
Grimlock
Grimlock is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a tough leader who turns into a mechanical dinosaur...
.
Dirge appears in At Fight's End.
Dirge also made an unusual cameo in Wreckers Finale Part II. In the story the Quintessons invaded the recently reformatted technorganic Cybertron. Several mechs claiming to be former Decepticons whose sparks were liberated when Optimus Primal reformatted Cybertron lived in a one of the few technological cites. These mechs defended the city from the Quintesson Overseer Rexian and his troops. Several of these mechs claimed to formerly be the Decepticon warrior Thundercracker, now in a new body. In order to settle their dispute they decided that the one of them that destroyed the most Sharkticons could claim to be Thundercracker, the runner up could be Dirge.
IDW Comics
Dirge was briefly seen in issue 7 of "All Hail Megatron", going through a space bridge to Cybertron ahead of the captured Autobots, where the Autobots were supposed to be fed to the Swarm. When Optimus Prime sealed the opening, Dirge and Decepticon scientist Deluge were trapped along with the Autobots. It's implied that the Autobots finished Dirge and Deluge off, but not confirmed.Toys
- Generation 1 Decepticon Jet Dirge (1985)
- A remold of the toy used for Starscream and the other first year Seekers. Dirge's vehicle mode was supposedly modelled after the Dassault Mirage IIIDassault Mirage IIIThe Mirage III is a supersonic fighter aircraft designed by Dassault Aviation during the late 1950s, and manufactured both in France and a number of other countries. It was a successful fighter aircraft, being sold to many air forces around the world and remaining in production for over a decade...
fighter or a JAS 39 GripenJAS 39 GripenThe Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force...
, but it barely resembles it. Dirge uses the original Seekers' F-15F-15 EagleThe McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It is considered among the most successful modern fighters with over 100 aerial combat victories with no losses in dogfights...
body but takes on a different wing shape to differentiate it from the others (in this case, a canardCanard (aeronautics)In aeronautics, canard is an airframe configuration of fixed-wing aircraft in which the forward surface is smaller than the rearward, the former being known as the "canard", while the latter is the main wing...
, and winglets on the main wings). - The toy was reissued in 2004.
- Generation 2 Decepticon Jet Dirge (unreleased)
- Although not released as a toy, concept art for a Generation 2 Dirge redeco with new missiles was released on the internet by former Hasbro employees.
- Timelines Deluxe Dirge (2007)
- A BotConBotConBotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual convention for Transformers fans and collectors. BotCon has been held annually since 1994...
2007 exclusive Dirge figure was announced and released at the end of June 2007 along with four other figures (including two additional Seekers). The Dirge figure is a blue redeco of Classics Ramjet. The release of this figure as a high-priced, limited run convention exclusive, instead of a brick-and-mortar retail release, has caused a divide among fans as half the official Classics Seekers are rendered unattainable for those who could not preorder them, attend the convention or afford the set second-hand. Loose Dirge figures sell for in excess of $100 in online auctions.- Universe
- This toy is a redeco of Cybertron Starscream in Generation 1 Dirge's colors. A Target store exclusive.
- Gentei! Gentei! Deluxe Dirge (2008)
- A Toy Hobby Market Japan exclusive remold of Classics Deluxe Ramjet by Takara TomyTakara Tomyis a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
, with original wing molds that are closer to the Generation 1 toy than the Timelines release. - A redeco of Gentei Dirge, minus some decals and with some color differences.
Beast Wars Second
The name 'Dirge' was revived for used by a Predacon in the Beast Wars Second toy line, a Japanese-exclusive series.Animated series
After swearing allegiance to Gigastorm, Dirge was rebuilt as Dirgegun. Though he still retains his comedic personality, Dirgegun is a much more powerful warrior who can no longer be taken lightly by any member of the Maximal Army. In mecha beast mode Dirgegun becomes a cybernetic wasp. He can use his spear gun to infect Maximals with a computer virus that briefly destabilizes them. His other weapon of choice is his "Blast Leader" which is a powerful sonic attack that burst`s the audio receptors of whoever is in range to here it. Though a stronger warrior, Dirgegun still has all the character defects of his Dirge form.Manga
In "The Maximal Brainwashing Project" Starscream and BB were able to capture DiverDiver (Transformers)
Diver is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe and major characters in their respective anime series. Both are heroic characters who specialize in underwater combat.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and the Tasmanian Kid, brainwashing them into serving the Predacons. Meanwhile Leo Prime
Leo Prime
Leo Prime is a fictional character in the various Transformers universes. He is often referred to by his Japanese name Lio Convoy because his English name Leo Prime wasn't coined by Hasbro until 2006.-Beast Wars Second:...
, Apache and Scuba were able to capture Dirge and Thrust
Thrust (Transformers)
Thrust is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. The original character was an evil red Decepticon jet, with most of the following character using the name Thrust being a variation on that concept...
. The shock of being damaged in capture had the side effect of making the Predacons think they were Maximals. Diver and the Kid were able to ambush the Maximals, allowing Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
to gain the upper hand on Lio Convoy, but the Maximals were aided by Dirge and Thrust. Furious that Lio had seemingly stolen his brainwashing idea Starscream had BB attacked the Maximals. Megastorm found the whole turn of events amusing and planned to use his main cannon to destroy all the Maximals and Predacons in the conflict, becoming the leader of the Predacons. His attack took so long to charge Diver was able to ruin it with a water geyser. The explosion was enough to shock the brainwashed Maximals back to their senses. Galvatron and the Predacons retreated with Dirge and Thrust in tow.
Theft of the Golden Disk
Dirge appeared as a minion of Cryotek in the animated special made for Botcon called "Theft of the Golden Disk" and was voiced by American voice actor Frank Todaro.IDW Publishing
The opening sequence of Beast Wars: The Ascending features MagmatronMagmatron
Magmatron is a Transformers character who first appeared in the Japanese Beast Wars Neo series, was later released in the American Beast Machines Dinobots toy line, and most recently in official Beast Wars comic continuity.-Beast Wars Neo:...
, trapped in a temporal limbo, watching a fight between Dirgegun, Saberback
Saberback
Saberback is the name of a fictional character is the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars Neo:Saberback is a mysterious being who turned into a black and purple stegosaurus, crafty and a liar by nature. Using his tail, he disguises himself as a flower to lure in enemies. Using the Triple...
, Killerpunch
Killerpunch
Killerpunch is the name of a fictional character is the various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars Neo:The best intelligence gatherer of the Predacons, specializes in laying out all manner of traps based on the information he gains, then lying in wait and launching attacks that outwit his opposition...
, Guiledart
Guiledart
Guiledart is a fictional character is the various Transformers series. He was one of the recurring villains from Japanese anime series Beast Wars Neo a was voiced by Holly Kaneko...
and Halfshell
Halfshell
Halfshell is a fictional character from the Transformers series.-Beast Wars Second:Halfshell is the captain of the Seacon Space Pirates. He is a merciless foe in combat and is very protective of his crew...
just before the planet Cybertron
Cybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
is destroyed by Shokaract and Unicron
Unicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
.
Dirge had a biography printed in the Beast Wars Sourcebook by IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing, also known as Idea + Design Works, LLC and IDW, is an American publisher of comic books and comic strip collections. The company was founded in 1999 and has been awarded the title "Publisher of the Year Under 5% Market Share" for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 by Diamond Comic...
.
Toys
- Beast Wars Second Dirge (1998)
- The toy is a repaint of Machine Wars Skywarp and Thundercracker, who in turn are based on unused Generation Two molds. Similar to his namesake, this character was also an aerial warrior; however, he was mainly used for comic relief. He was a manzaiManzaiis a traditional style of stand-up comedy in Japanese culture, which usually involves two performers —a straight man and a funny man —trading jokes at great speed...
partner to Beast Wars Thrust. He was packaged by himself or in a two-pack with the MaximalMaximal (Transformers)Maximals are a faction in the Transformers series by Hasbro. They are generally depicted as respecting all life and following a path of peace before war. They follow the tenets of the Pax Cybertronia. The Maximals are opposed by the Predacons...
Tasmanian Kid. His function is Aerial Officer. The toy of Dirge was later recolored as Robots in DisguiseRobots in DisguiseRobots in Disguise are an English electropunk band. The group is composed of Dee Plume , Sue Denim , and a rolling live line-up of backing musicians...
SkyfireSkyfireSkyfire is a melodic death metal band from Höör, Sweden.-Biography:Skyfire was formed in the town of Höör, Sweden in 1995 by Andreas Edlund , Martin Hanner , Jonas Sjögren and Tobias Björk . The four were friends since high school and had similar tastes in music. The band recorded two demos:...
and as Robot Masters Wingstun.- Beast Wars Second Dirgegun
- He later was upgraded to Dirgegun, a cyborg remold of Beast Wars WaspinatorWaspinatorWaspinator is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. He is sometimes called Wasp. The original Waspinator was voiced by Scott McNeil in the Beast Wars animated series.-Beast Wars:...
.
Transformers: Armada
The character of Armada Thrust got a redeco of Powerlynx Thrust in the series. This deco was a homage to Generation 1 Dirge.Transformers: Timelines
In the BotConBotCon
BotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual convention for Transformers fans and collectors. BotCon has been held annually since 1994...
exclusive Transformers: Timelines storyline, Dirge was the name of an Insecticon
Insecticons
Insecticons is the name given to a sub-group of fictional characters in the Transformers Universes, referred to as Insectrons in the Japanese version. The name was also used for several fictional characters in the Transformers Universes...
commander serving under Deathsaurus. This Dirge should not be confused with the 2007 Timelines Dirge, a homage to the Generation 1 character.
Fun Publications
The accompanying comic revealed that in a possible future he was one of only two surviving Insecticons, alongside Buzzclaw, having lost their innate ability to create clones. He was recruited by Deathsaurus in aseries of experiments to unlock their cloning ability to create an instantaneous army to resurrect the Decepticon empire. Dirge then led a squad of his clones to ambush the Autobot force sent to investigate. However the revelation that RicochetRicochet (Transformers)
-Transformers: Generation 1 :The name Ricochet was first given to a Nebulan, one of the Autobot Quickmix's two Targetmaster partners. On Nebulos, the mercurial Ricochet was a renowned environmental sculptor, combining landscapes and foliage to create natural art forms. After witnessing the...
had infected the Insecticons with a virus that would ultimately kill the clones, and the arrival of more Autobots meant that Deathsaurus' plans were defeated. Dirge's final fate is unknown.
Dirge was one of the supporting characters to appear in Fun Publications
Fun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
fiction Gone Too Far, a text-based story set on Transtech
Transtech
Transtech is an unreleased line of toys under the Transformers umbrella.-History:After the Beast Machines line ended, Hasbro planned a follow-up series called Transtech. The Transtech concept was a line intended to take Transformers to their most futuristic looking bodies and more plausible designs...
Cybertron
Cybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
. He was a follower of Gutcruncher.
Toys
- Timelines Scout Dirge (2005)
- The toy was a repaint of Beast Wars Buzzclaw. The base figure used for Dirge was later redecoed as Universe Repugnus.
Transformers: Timelines (Shattered Glass)
A version of Dirge appeared in the 2008 April Fools comic by Fun Publications. He was a member of the Mayhem Suppression Squad commanded by Colonel Deathsaurus, but is secretly loyal to Alpha Trion. His engines can generate a vibration which cause uncontrollable crippling laughter in his targets. It rapidly looses interest if things become boring and predictable.He appeared as a redeco of the Games Of Deception Dirge in yellow (referencing the colors of BW2 Thrust
Thrust (Transformers)
Thrust is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. The original character was an evil red Decepticon jet, with most of the following character using the name Thrust being a variation on that concept...
), inside a Pretender shell resembling Descent Into Evil Dirge colored in white and teal (referencing the colors of Descent Into Evil Chromia
Chromia
In Greek mythology, Chromia is the daughter of Itonus , son of Amphictyon, himself son of Deucalion. She was also, in some traditions, the mother of Aetolus, Paeon, Epeius and Eurycyda by Endymion.-References:...
).
Dirge's biography was printed in issue #26 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine.
Fun Publications
Dirge appears in the 2008 April Fool's comic "Shattered Expectations" by Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
. He is part of the Mayhem Suppression Squad that responds to the Razorclaw's call for help against the Autobots Goldbug, Jazz and Grimlock.
Dirge appears in the fiction Dungeons & Dinobots, a text based story. He defends the Arch-Ayr fuel dump from an Autobot attack. He uses his laughter inducing powers on the evil Arcee
Arcee
Arcee is the name of a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. She is a female Autobot, usually pink in color. Being the most famous of the Female Transformers, she has two primary forms...
.
Dirge named appeares in the story "Reunification" by Fun Publications. This character is one of Megatron's heroic Decepticons, but secretly loyal to Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion is a fictional character in the various Transformers universes. Alpha Trion is one of the Thirteen Primes, thus all his portrayals are considered to be the same individual. He is generally depicted as an ancient mechanoid with a link to Optimus Prime...
. He helps take Breakaway, Landquake, Skyfall and Topspin prisoner at the order of Alpha Trion, but Landquake uses his energon-shaping abilities to escape, shooting Dirge in the foot in the process.
Toys
No toy for this version of Dirge has been made yet, although it seems to be a redeco of the mold originally used for Classic Ramjet. The colors are a homage to the Beast Wars Second Predacon Thrust.Transformers Animated
Dirge is a toy-only character in Transformers Animated. He is a clone of Starscream who represents the Decepticon's greed. Dirge was designed as a clone of Starscream by Derrick J. Wyatt, the main artist for Transformers Animated, though he did not end up being used in the cartoon. However, the design was used for the Activators toy.Toys
- Animated
- A redeco of Activators Starscream in G1 Dirge's color scheme. Like Starscream, it features a spring-loaded transformation from harrier jet to robot.
- Animated TA-11 Activators Dirge (Takara Tomy) (2010)
- The 2010 Japan release version by Takara TomyTakara Tomyis a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
is virtually identical to the Hasbro version, with the exception of purple Decepticon emblems.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
According to his biography Dirge tried to infiltrate NEST, but was discovered and is now chased by Bumblebee and Armorhide.This Dirge is a homage to the Generation 1 character.
Toys
- Revenge of the Fallen
- A new Deluxe figure of Dirge that transforms into a McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II jump jet.
- This figure was later redecoed in white as Jetblade for the Hunt for the Decepticons toy line.
Transformers: War for Cybertron
Dirge is a playable character exclusive in the Nintendo DSNintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
version of the 2010 video game Transformers: War for Cybertron
Transformers: War for Cybertron
Transformers: War for Cybertron is a third-person shooter video game developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision. It was released in North America on June 22, 2010 and in PAL regions on June 25, 2010 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Two portable versions were released for the...
.