Nightstick (Transformers)

Nightstick is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers series.

Transformers: Generation 1 (Decepticon)

Nightstick is the Targetmaster partner of the Decepticon Cyclonus. He is a master criminal who turns into a corroding black beam gun.

Marvel Comics

Nightstick's appearances in the U.S. Marvel Comics Transformers series were minimal - in his first appearance during the Headmasters mini-series, he became a Targetmaster on Nebulos.

Animated series

In 2007, Cyclonus participated in the massive Decepticon attack on Autobot City which culminated in the theft of the key to the Plasma Energy Chamber. When the chamber was then opened, the energy released blasted the key and a group of Autobots across the galaxy to the planet Nebulos, and Cyclonus and Scourge led a team of Decepticons in pursuit, attacking and capturing several of the Autobots. To battle them, the remaining Autobots joined with a group of Nebulan rebels to become "Headmasters" and bested the Decepticons in combat. Having learned of this fusion of Transformer and Nebulan, the Hive, the evil ruling council of Nebulos, approached the Decepticons to repeat the process, but Cyclonus argued them down to taking the heads of only the animal-mode Decepticons, and merely the weapons of himself and the others. Consequently, Cyclonus became a Targetmaster as his oxidating laser was converted into an exo-suit for the Hive member Nightstick, giving them enhanced targeting abilities and firepower. Reclaiming the chamber key with their superior powers, the Decepticons headed back to Cybertron aboard the giant robot Scorponok, where Cyclonus attempted to convince the disgusted Galvatron of the benefits of being bonded to the Nebulans. The Autobots soon arrived back on Cybertron and invaded Scorponok, only to be captured by the Decepticons, and almost executed by Cyclonus before being saved by Spike Witwicky and Fortress Maximus. The Decepticons' plan was subsequently thwarted by Spike and the Nebulans, and they were sent spiralling off through space aboard Scorponok by a tendril of plasma energy.

Although Cyclonus would appear in the Japanese Headmasters series he never became a Targetmaster in the series and Nightstick would never make an appearance.

Dreamwave Productions

Nightstick's only appearance in the Transformers comics by Dreamwave Productions was in a biography for Cyclonus in their More Than Meets The Eye series. He is described as annoying Cyclonus with his dishonorable ways. The Dreamwave comics were canceled before Cyclonus could become a Targetmaster in the story.

Henkei! Henkei!

Cyclonus with Nightstick appeared in issue #9 of the Henkei! Henkei! magna. They teamed with Starscream to fight the Autobots Ironhide, Mirage and Rodimus.^[1]

Toys

• Generation 1 Targetaster Cyclonus with Nightstick (1987)

A remold of the 1986 Cyclonus toy with Nightstick replacing his gun and slight remolds to allow the figure to use Nightstick.^[2]

• Universe Generation 1 Series Cyclonus with Nightstick

A new mold.

• Henkei Cyclonus with Nightstick

A redeco of the Universe toy, now in more Generation 1 accurate colors and chrome details.

Transformers: Generation 1 (Autobot)

Nightstick is the Targetmaster partner of the Autobot Ricochet (called Stepper in Japan).

In 2004, Hasbro's Commemorative Series line of re-issued Generation 1 toys included a version the previously Japanese-exclusive toy Stepper under the name Ricochet. A recoloring of the original Jazz toy, this Autobot is a Targetmaster, partnered with Nightstick. In his first American release, Nightstick was originally the Targetmaster partner of Cyclonus, but was named Nebulan when released with the original Stepper.

Toys

• Generation 1 Stepper with Nebulan (1987)

Stepper was a Takara exclusive toy.^[3]

The character of Robots In Disguise's Hot Shot was a homage to Stepper. Hot Shot's Japanese name was an homage to Stepper's fellow "classic" Targetmaster, Artfire (a retooling of Inferno).

• Generation 1 Ricochet with Nightstick (2004)

A U.S. release of Stepper was called Ricochet.^[4]

Transformers: Timelines

Nightstick is the Targetmaster partner of the Autobot Ricochet.

Nightstick turns into a plasma rifle whose beam bounces off objects until hitting its target. Nightstick also has the ability to take over the arm of anyone holding him except for Ricochet.

Fun Publications

Nightstick is spotlighted in the story Do Over by Fun Publications. Nightstick is partnered with Ricochet. In this story the Autobot Targetmasters capture Megatron, but as Optimus Prime arrives to finish him off personally the Micromaster Predacons and Whisper arrive and free Megatron. During the battle Nightstick is able to take over the arm or Megatron, but Megatron tricks Optimus Prime into cutting the hand with Nightstick off, freeing Megatron. Because of the battle Optimus misses the launching of the Ark.

Toys

Although no toy was made for this version of Nightstick, the toy for Armada X-Dimension Prowl was repurposed as Nightstick by the Transformers collectors club.

References

1. ↑ http://www.allspark.com/index.php?set_albumName=Henkei_Comic_09&id=Henkei_Comic_9_Cover&option=com_gallery&Itemid=4&include=view_photo.php
2. ↑ http://www.cobraislandtoys.com/tf/1987/cyclonustm.html
3. ↑ Stepper (1987) - Cybertron Multi-Shot Man - www.tfu.info
4. ↑ Ricochet (2004) - Autobot Rapid Fire Attack - www.tfu.info