Springer (Transformers)

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Springer (Sprung)
Transformers character

Allegiance	Autobot (Cybertron)
Sub-Group	Triple Changer
Function	Aerial Defense
Motto	"Strength is more than physical."
Alternate mode	Cybertronian Car/Modified AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter
Fictional Appearances	G1 cartoon, Marvel Comics, Dreamwave comics
Voiced by:	Neil Ross (English) Kenyu Horiuchi (Japanese)

Springer (Sprung in Japan) is a fictional character from the Transformers universe. He is a green Autobot Triplechanger who can transform into both a car and a helicopter.

1 Transformers: Generation 1 (1986)
2 Animated series
3 Marvel Comics
4 Transformers: Energon
5 References

[edit] Transformers: Generation 1 (1986)

A wise-cracking, sharp witted adventurer. Powerful Autobot fighter with a massive physique and an easy-going manner. Possesses incredible "springing" power in his legs. Travels long distances with pogo-like motion. In robot mode, carries a laser that produces giant wind tunnels. Helicopter blade transforms into a light saber that can cut through concrete. Optimistic and good humored.

[edit] Animated series

Ultra Magnus, Springer, Rodimus Prime and Arcee as human synthoids.

Springer is characterized as an affable tough guy, possibly making him a replacement for Ironhide, who was killed in the film. Later Springer develops an attachment to female Autobot Arcee.

Ultra Magnus, Springer, Rodimus Prime and Arcee found their minds transferred into human-mimicking "synthoid" bodies by the human crimelord Victor Drath and the ex-terrorist Old Snake. (Only Human).

[edit] Marvel Comics

Springer is a wise-cracking, easy-going, sharp-witted and somewhat caustic fighting Autobot. He has an unfailing optimism and good humor and courage beyond known bounds, and with it all, the willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends and the sake of his mission.

Springer has an incredible springing power, enabling him to cover distances by springing pogo stick-like by using the strength in his mighty legs. This he does in his robotic mode and his physique is heavily powerful, his chest massive, his arms enormous and well proportioned like the most massive bodybuilder. When he transforms, his automotive mode is superpowerful with the attributes of battle tank and speedcar combined. In robot mode, he carries a laser that produces giant wind funnels. His helicopter blade transforms into a light saber that can cut through concrete.

[edit] Marvel U.K. Comics

In the Marvel U.K. comics, Springer was a member of the Wreckers team, added (with Broadside and Sandstorm) to the team to lend reinforcements for Operation: Volcano in the event that Ultra Magnus did not return in time from Earth. Operation: Volcano was aborted when the targeted Decepticons were recalled by Megatron but a lone Decepticon named Macabre pressed on, attempting to assassinate Emirate Xaaron but killing Wrecker leader Impactor instead . With his dying words, Impactor appointed Springer leader of the Wreckers.

The Wreckers were soon in action alongside Magnus again, when Optimus Prime arrived on Cybertron and the Decepticons spread misinformation that he was one of their spies. The Wreckers hunted him down, only to realise he was the real thing when he insisted on getting medical attention for another wounded Autobot first. Springer accompanied Prime and Magnus to the Decepticon base to confront Megatron (who was in the throes of possession by Straxus), and was left counting the cost when Prime, Megatron and Magnus were all transported back to Earth.

Springer had serious doubts about his role as leader and these were only worsened when the undead Impactor attacked during the zombie uprising in Kalis, but he came out of the experience a much more dedicated and stronger leader. Afterwards, the team was sent to take down and retrieve Galvatron; the first clash was disastrous as the Wreckers found themselves battling him and Cyclonus & Scourge in a human city. The second clash occurred during the Time Wars, when the Wreckers and the Decepticon Mayhem Attack Squad teamed up and were jointly decimated in battle with Galvatron and Megatron. The few survivors, along with Skids, formed the renegade group known as the Survivors, of which Springer was the unofficial commander and he found himself in an uneasy partnership with Carnivac. In order to save Carnivac from the second Mayhem incarnation led by Bludgeon, the Survivors joined the Autobot Earthforce.

Springer made several appearances in the post-2006 comics, due to his being part of the movie cast, and he had a brief appearance in Generation 2.

[edit] Dreamwave Productions

Springer had a role in the revolution against Shockwave on Cybertron in the second volume of the Generation 1 comic War and Peace. He appeared again in the Generation One ongoing series, as part of a complex love triangle with Arcee and Hot Rod - unaware they were being manipulated by the Quintessons. Dreamwave's closure prevented this story from being completed.

Springer also appeared in The War Within comics. Following the disappearance of Optimus Prime, Springer split off from the Autobots, establishing the Wreckers as an independent faction. They often clashed with Ratbat's Ultracons. In one such battle they ran up against Ratbat's newest weapon - Devastator. They were saved by Defensor, but in order to prevent an arms race between the various factions, Springer convinced Defensor to separate and defeat Devastator via sabotage.

[edit] Devil's Due Publishing

Springer also had a brief appearance in the third G.I Joe vs the Transformers crossover from Devil's Due Publishing. He and Sandstorm were part of a patrol looking for Decepticon activity - and failed to detect the massive Decepticon army forming under Serpentor.

[edit] IDW Publishing

Springer leads the Wreckers: a commando team sent in to the most hopeless situations in order to cause maximum casualties for the enemy before the Autobots pull out. Like the cartoon, he is an affable tough guy (albeit a more vicious and hard-bitten one), and is on friendly terms with Optimus Prime.

[edit] 3H Enterprises

Springer and Rodimus appeared in a flashback sequence in Transformers: Universe - The Wreckers #1, where he and Rodimus were looking into getting upgraded into Maximals and consoling Arcee over the death of Daniel Witwicky.

[edit] Transformers: Energon

Sprung (the Japanese name for Springer) was the Japanese name of the Autobot Bulkhead. As Bulkhead is a green helicopter, he is an obvious homage to Generation 1 Springer.