Grapple (Transformers)

Grapple is the name of a fictional character in the various Transformers universes. Due to trademark issues, he was released as "Autobot Grapple" when he was reissued by Hasbro.

Transformers: Generation 1

Transformers character
name =Grapple
japanname =Grap


caption =
affiliation =Autobot
subgroup =Autobot Cars
function =Architect
partner =
motto ="Beauty is in everything except war."
alternatemodes =Crane
series =
engvoice =Pete Renaday
japanvoice =Kenyu HoriuchiOn Cybertron, his buildings are considered works of art. On Earth, his ideas are limited by war. Takes pride in his work, prone to severe depression if they're destroyed in battle. As crane, can lift up a 35-ton object and position it with precision and grace. As robot, has high-temperature arc-welder rifle... can launch rockets 4.5 miles from wrist sockets. Prone to breakdown in vehicle mode.

Animated series

A character resembling Grapple that was referred to as "Hauler" appeared in the three-part pilot episode.

Grapple's first appearance, like many other 1985 Autobots, was "Dinobot Island pt 1". Grapple would receive a turn in the spotlight in the later season 2 episode "The Master Builders". Here, he teamed up with his friend Hoist to design a solar tower that would provide unlimited energy. However, he was denied by Optimus Prime in case the Decepticons obtained the technology. Grapple and Hoist were then approached by a surprising source — the Constructicons. They told the two Autobots they wanted to leave the Decepticons and were willing to help Grapple and Hoist build their tower to prove it. Grapple and Hoist accepted the offer, and the tower was built — just as Megatron arrived and took them prisoner. The Autobots arrived and eventually rescued the two. Prime put them to work clearing up the mess as punishment for their mistake.

In the episode "Prime Target" the big game hunter Lord Cholmondeley captured a secret Soviet jet, leading to panic of possibly war. Cholmondeley then set his sights on the ultimate trophy, the head of Optimus Prime. In order to lure Optimus in, Cholmondeley captured the Autobots Tracks, Bumblebee, Jazz, Beachcomber, Grapple, Blaster and Inferno. Windcharger and Huffer were able to avoid being trapped. When Cosmos learned of the location Cholmondeley was keeping the captured Autobots, Optimus Prime accepted Cholmondeley's challenge to meet him alone. Although interrupted by the Decepticons Astrotrain and Blitzwing's attempt to ally the Decepticons with Cholmondeley, Optimus defeated the big game hunter and freed the Autobots. Cholmondeley and the stolen jet were handed over to the Soviets by the Autobots as punishment for his actions.

Grapple could be seen fighting in the background in "" during the battle of Autobot City, but didn't have any lines.

Marvel Comics

Four million years ago, Grapple was one of five Autobots who agreed to have their sparks transferred to crystal storage in case the Autobots needed extra troops during the mission of clearing a path for Cybertron through an asteroid belt. In 1985, the Autobots were suffering heavy casualties and the five Autobots were activated in the issue "Rock and Roll Out" (U.S. #14). However, while the others ended up battling Decepticons at a rock concert, Grapple was tasked to stay at the "Ark" to employ his building talents. Optimus Prime had a very special job for him — the creation of Omega Supreme. After this, Grapple began to appear less with the influx of new characters. He appeared as one of the spectators to the duel between Grimlock and Blaster on the moon. He was not shown among the casualties from Starscream's Underbase powered rampage, albeit he did not appear again after this.

Dreamwave Productions

Grapple participated in the preparations to evacuate the Autobots to leave Cybertron shortly after Optimus Prime was given the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. Grapple was not among the Autobots on board the Ark in this series, but remained on Cybertron until the return of Optimus Prime and his crew, who led the overthrow of Shockwave.

Grapple was among the Autobots brought back to Earth under the command of Prowl who started construction of Autobot City in Alaska.

Toys

*Generation 1 Grapple (1985):Grapple (Grappin in France, Gancio in Italy) was remolded from the Inferno toy; itself originally a Diaclone mold. He was later recolored as the eHobby exclusive toy named "Road Hauler".

*Energon Roadblock:The character of "Energon" Roadblock seemed to be a homage to Generation 1 Grapple.

Transformers: Armada

Although no character named Grapple appeared in the "Armada" line, the Japanese name for the Autobot was Grap, an obvious homage to Generation 1 Grapple, as his alternate mode was an orange crane. It is believed that Hasbro didn't use the name Grapple because of their inability to trademark the name, as seen when they re-released the original toy as "Autobot Grapple".

External links

* Toy [http://www.seibertron.com/toys/gallery.php?id=39&size=0&start=0 Gallery]