Backstop (Transformers)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Transformers character | |
 Backstop |
|
| Backstop | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Autobot  |
| Sub-Group | Scouts |
| Function | Nature Conservation Member |
| Motto | "Violence just bears the chain of violence!" |
| Alternate Modes | Robotic Rhinoceros |
| Series | Transformers: Cybertron |
| Voiced by | Scott McNeil (English) Masahiko Tanaka (Japanese) |
Backstop is a fictional character in the Transformers: Cybertron series.
[edit] Transformers: Cybertron
Though Backstop is a pacifist, he is more than capable of defending himself, and will not hesitate to jump into a fight if it means defending what he cares about. His Cyber Key-activated power extends his horn blades for the intention of ramming (called Bloody Horn in Galaxy Force).
Though he technically does not join any one faction, Backstop is conventionally classified as an Autobot. His Hasbro-bio depicts him as a wildly different character. It refers to him as a violent Transformer who seeks revenge upon Scourge for a personal defeat, as opposed to the wise teacher he is depicted as on the show. However, his extra "Cyber Planet Key code" bio on the Transformers official web-site falls back on the "zen master" portrayal, and tells of how he spent some time exploring the galaxy, and gained his own fighting skill by studying under versions of such classic Transformers characters as Bludgeon and Banzai-Tron.
In 2006 a special edition of Backstop was available in Walmart stores which contained a DVD with the episode "Cybertron" as a promotional item - despite the fact that he wasn't in that episode.
[edit] Animated series
Backstop is a master fighter who sought to usher in a new age on his homeworld of Animators, the jungle planet by teaching the planet's young warriors the value of a life of non-violence, while at the same time teaching them the means by which to defend themselves. Backstop's two greatest students were Scourge and Snarl. Backstop also taught Undermine and Brimstone
However, Backstop's dream would be shattered when Scourge, driven to rid the planet of poverty and the war-mongering raiders, left Backstop's tutelage and rose to power as the planet's dictator. Despite retaining some of the honor of Backstop's teachings, Scourge imposed a system of "might makes right", where the strong stood in a position of dominance of the weak. Snarl would go with Scourge, to "keep an eye on him", while at the same time, keeping in contact with Backstop.
Years passed until the day the Transformer Overhaul arrived on Jungle Planet, seeking the world's Cyber Planet Key. Backstop was the first individual to make contact with the offworlder, and when he learned of his intentions, Backstop warned Overhaul of the risks behind seeking greater power. Despite this, he and Snarl were motivated to help Overhaul, and later, the Autobots - especially after learning that the universe was in danger of being destroyed by the Black Hole. When Overhaul changed into Leobreaker he began to understand why Snarl and Backstop learned the ways of the peaceful warrior.
Backstop would offer sage advice to his new-found allies, and eventually accepted that they would have to battle Scourge for the Planet Key. Though he confronted Scourge on one occasion, he did not see much combat himself. After the various Transformers, including Snarl, left the planet, he remained.
As the Grand Black Hole continued to enlarge, Primus attempted to seal it. This was witnessed through giant space bridges on Velocitron by Brakedown, Clocker and Dirt Boss, on the planet Animatros by Backstop, Undermine and Brimstone, and on Earth (episode 42, City).
In the final episode of Transformers: Cybertron a wrestling match is held to decide the new leader of the jungle planet. Scourge defeats Snarl, then Leobreaker in fair combat and is declared the king of the Jungle Planet by Backstop. Scourge declares he will lead the jungle planet into a new era of peace thanks to the example of Optimus Prime and the Autobots.
[edit] Repaints
A proposed repaint of Backstop was shown at Botcon 2006. It was a homage to the Predacon Headstrong. Only one hand painted prototype was created.
