Huffer (Transformers)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Transformers character | |
 |
|
| Huffer (Drag) | |
|---|---|
| Allegiance | Autobot (Cybertron) |
| Sub-Group | Mini-Bot |
| Rank | 6 |
| Function | Construction Engineer |
| Motto | "Molecular structure is the key to success." |
| Alternate mode | Semi-Truck Cab Cybertronian Truck |
| Series | Transformers: Generation 1 |
| Voice actors: | John Stephenson (English) |
Huffer (Drag in Japan, Turbo in Italy) is a character in the original Transformers toy line and fictional series.
Contents |
[edit] Transformers: Generation 1 (1984)
The toy version of Huffer was released from 1984 through 1985 as a Mini-Bot, placing him in the same general size category as Bumblebee, Beachcomber and Powerglide.
The Huffer toy was later remolded as the Autobot Pipes and repainted into the Decepticon Road Ranger.
Huffer, as described by Bumblebee, looks at the world "through sludge-colored windshields." Huffer is dour. He says very little and when he does speak, it's usually to grumble. Huffer's pessimism extends even to his job specialty. He'll grumble that it can't be done and then build the most complex mechanized fortress imaginable. Sometimes it seems he can whip up a suspension bridge out of bobby pins and glue. Huffer isn't too sociable, but in any sort of difficulty he is absolutely reliable. Optimus Prime knows that Huffer secretly misses Cybertron and longs to return there.
A complex system of sensors in his arms allows Huffer to test various materials, some of which he uses in construction, for various properties such as tensile strength, heat resistance, elasticity, etc. Although lacking weapons, he is extremely strong and can lift 40,000 pounds. His mathematical and geometrical abilities exceed those of all the other Autobots and help him in his construction designs.
Huffer is prone to severe bouts of depression as a result of his homesickness. At these times he is often inconsolable and of little value to the other Autobots.
[edit] Animated series
In the 1984-1985 series, Huffer was occasionally seen being entrusted with Optimus Prime's trailer unit, especially in cases where Prime was weakened or injured. Huffer also was frustrated by the fact that whatever he built ended up being destroyed by Decepticon combat. It was his wish to build something that would not be destroyed in the war.
In the episode Prime Target the big game hunter Lord Chumley captured a secret Soviet jet, leading to panic of possibly war. Chumley then set his sights on the ultimate trophey, the head of Optimus Prime. In order to lure Optimus in Chumley captured the Autobots Tracks, Bumblebee, Jazz, Beachcomber, Blaster and Inferno. Windcharger and Huffer were able to avoid being trapped. When Cosmos learned of the location Chumley was keeping the captured Autobots Optimus Prime accepted Chumley's challenge to meet him alone. Although interrupted by the Decepticons Astrotrain and Blitzwing's attempt to ally the Decepticons with Chumley, Optimus defeated the big game hunter and freed the Autobots. Chumley and the stolen jet were given over the the Soviets by the Autobots as punishment for his actions.
In the 1986 episode, 'Dark Awakening', Huffer was among the dead Autobots that were interred at the Autobot mausoleum. The names that Daniel mentioned, along with Huffer, were the names of Autobots that were killed in Transformers the movie. Huffers only apperance in the movie was when Hot Rod destroyed a roadblock he, Bluestreak, and Kup were attempting to set. Later Arcee stated that if they closed the door then Hot Rod and Kup would be trapped outside the city. This leads many to believe that unlike Hot Rod and Kup, Huffer didn't make it back into the complex leaving him open for the entire Decepticon army to attack. This was most likely the prime factor in his death.
[edit] Audio books
Huffer was featured in the 1985 Transformers audio book Autobots' Lightning Strike. In this story the Autobots are amazed by the power of a thunder storm and Optimus Prime orders Huffer to build a collector to store the energy given off by the next storm. The Decepticon Laserbeak discovers the lightning rod and informs the Decepticons, but Soundwave mistakes it for giant transmission antenna. Although Starscream and Rumble attempt to destroy the object, Megatron stops them and leads the Decepticons to the object in hopes of learning what message the Autobots are sending, and who they are contacting. Once inside the base the Decepticons are caught in the energy of a storm and are forced to retreat. The Autobot plan to use the energy to help them repair their ship and eventually return to Cybertron, leaving humanity with the technology to collect energy from lightning.
[edit] Dreamwave Productions
When civil war broke out on the planet Cybertron between the Autobots and Decepticons, Huffer joined the Autobot cause.
When Autobot leader Sentinel Prime was killed by Decepticon leader Megatron, a new Autobot leader, Optimus Prime, was chosen. Optimus ordered the evacuation of Cybertron by the Autobots, and Huffer was among those who reluctantly prepared for the evacuation (Transformers: War Within #2).
When Decepticon Military Operations Commander Shockwave lead a force of Decepticons against the Autobot capitol of Iacon, Huffer was among the Autobots who defended the capitol (Transformers: War Within #3).
When Megatron and Optimus Prime disappeared in an accident with a space bridge, the Autobot and Decepticon forces splintered into smaller factions. Huffer stayed with the Autobots under the leadership of Prowl.
Huffer was among the Autobots who followed Optimus Prime on his mission on board the Ark and crash landed on Earth. In 1984, when the Ark's computer re-activated, it rebuilt Huffer as in the form of an Earth truck.
Eventually the combined forces of the Autobots on Earth, and their human allies were able to capture the Decepticons. A ship called the Ark II was built to take the Cybertonians back to Cybertron, along with some human companions, but the ship exploded shortly after takeoff. The human allies were killed, but the Cybertonians were lost in the ocean, again in statis lock.
Huffer and others were recovered by a rogue military unit and reprogrammed as slave war machines. Megatron broke free and then freed his fellow Decepticons and Grimlock. Huffer and the other Autobots who were found by Lazarus were abused by Megatron's troops, but were eventually freed by Optimus Prime.
Huffer returned to Cybertron with Optimus Prime and most of the Autobots to face charges after Ultra Magnus them the war had ended.
