Camshaft

Camshaft is the name of a fictional character in the Transformers universe. He is sometimes referred to as "Autobot Camshaft" for trademark purposes.^[1] Hasbro registered the name Camshaft for U.S. Trademark in October 2003.^[2]

Contents 1 Transformers: Generation 1 1.1 Manga 1.2 Dreamwave Productions 1.3 Toys 2 2007 Transformers film 2.1 IDW Publishing 2.2 Titan Magazines 2.3 Toys 3 Transformers: Timelines 3.1 Fun Publications 3.2 Toys 4 References

Transformers: Generation 1

Camshaft

Alternators Camshaft toy
Autobot
Sub-group	Omnibots, Spy Changers
Function	Scout, Road Warrior
Motto	"A sense of isolation inspires me." "The fallen will be remembered as Cybertron's finest."
Alternate Modes	Mazda RX-7, Thunderbird Stock Car, Acura RSX
Series	Transformers: Generation 1 Transformers: Universe Transformers: Alternators

Camshaft is an ironic name because the signature feature of the RX-7, a rotary engine, does not have a camshaft. The toy is one of the least known of the 1985 releases as his sub-group, the Omnibots, were three Autobots that were only available by mail-order.

Another little-known fact is that the Omnibots were the Autobots' first "triple changers" -- a talent identified more with the Autobots Tracks, Perceptor, and (until 1986) the Decepticon Triple Changers.

The original Omnibots' instruction booklets described them as such new additions to the Autobot team that no tech spec data or statistical information was available about them. This left kids and collectors able to use their imagination regarding what personalities and roles the characters would play. No hint was given at possible profiles until a 1987 mail-order catalog was published, with Ultra Magnus giving synopses of each Omnibot's function.

Original show bibles discovered in 2007 revealed the biography written by Bob Budiansky. This biography describes Camshaft as a grim warrior who is ruthless in battle.^[3]

Manga

In the Transformers Manga #5 Galvatron and his Decepticons attacked the Prime Energy Tower. Galvatron ordered the Decepticons to form Menasor, Devastator and Bruticus and attack. Rodimus Prime counted this move by ordering in Superion, Omega Supreme and Defensor. Galvatron then ordered in Predaking, knowing that Sky Lynx was elsewhere and couldn't counter them. Rodimus ordered the Omnibots to attack Predaking's legs. Tripping up the giant he fell into the other Decepticon giants, winning the day for the Autobots.^[4]

Dreamwave Productions

He did not appear in any cartoon series and did not make it into an American comic until Dreamwave's "War and Peace" story, but even then he only made a cameo appearance.

In the Dreamwave profile books, he was described as a scout who is good at his job as he doesn't want to get damaged or worse meaning he stays away from danger.

Toys

• Generation 1 Omnibot Camshaft (1985)

The Omnibots were based on the Diaclone line of toys made in Japan, and unlike many other toys imported and turned into Transformers, they retained their original Diaclone colors.

• Universe Spy Changer Camshaft (2006)

Camshaft was released in mid 2006, a re-package of the transparent purple and orange recolor of RiD Spy Changer W.A.R.S. made it out at discount stores as a Transformers: Universe toy.

A daring rogue, his joints have been specially designed to allow him to commit acrobatic feats impossible for other Transformers. Specializes in sneaking undetected into the most heavily guarded enemy strongholds. Carries a neutron blaster. Using thermoptic and nightvision optical settings and a variety of unconvention hand-to-hand tactics, he is a grim shadow-warrior for Optimus Prime. Able to drive on any surface. Stealth mode renders him undetectable.

• Alternators Camshaft (2006)

A surprise announcement, Camshaft makes a return as an Alternator--a grey repaint of the Acura RSX toy Prowl. Actually, this toy is a straight repaint of the blue Prowl toy only available as a Binaltech toy in Japan which has the sirens of the standard Prowl toy removed. Camshaft comes with a nightstick, the same as Prowl's.

Camshaft's appearance is a homage to the original G1 toy called Bluestreak who was a recolor of Prowl himself. As with several other Alternators, an Autobot prefix has had to be added to the name on the packaging as the original name is not able to be used by itself.

This toy became available at retail in the United States beginning in August 2006.

2007 Transformers film

Camshaft

Camshaft toy
Autobot
Sub-group	Deluxe Vehicles
Partner	Optimus Prime
Alternate Modes	Chevrolet Cobalt SS Coupe
Series	Transformers Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Camshaft is part of a special recon force sent into hotspots by the Autobots.

According to the biography printed in the collected Reign of Starscream books he loves being the first Cybertronian to set foot on an alien world.

IDW Publishing

Camshaft appears in Transformers: Defiance by IDW Publishing. In issue #2 he sides with Optimus against Megatron's orders to counter-attack their invaders. In issue #3 when Megatron learns that Optimus has broken into his room he sent Bumblebee, Camshaft, Cliffjumper, Jazz, Prowl and Smokescreen to arrest Optimus for treason. Optimus demands to speak directly to Megatron, but when the group is traveling to Megatron's location they are ambushed by Barricade, Brawl, Crankcase, Frenzy, Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker who had orders to kill the lot of them and capture Optimus. Smokescreen was able to cover Optimus and his group's retreat in the confusion of an explosion. In issue #4 Camshaft was present when Ironhide joined the Autobots.

In Reign of Starscream issue #2 the Decepticon Starscream barely makes it to the Nemesis on Mars before he runs out of power. His return is noted by the Autobot Cosmos, who alerts Arcee, Cliffjumper, Smokescreen, Camshaft and Air Raid. Aided by Thundercracker on the Nemesis Starscream recovers and sends the information Frenzy had gathered back to Cybertron just as Hardtop spots the Autobots closing on the Nemesis. In issue #3 he was killed by Thundercracker.

Titan Magazines

Note: Events occurring in the alternate universe where Megatron won the battle of Mission City are in italics.

Camshaft appears in issue #17 of the Titan Transformers Magazine, in a story called "Return to Cybertron: Part 1" and also issue #18 in the story "Return to Cybertron: Part 2"

Camshaft returns in issue #22 of the Titan Transformers Magazine series in a story called "The Decepticon who Haunted Himself."

Toys

• Transformers Deluxe Autobot Camshaft (2007)

Autobot Camshaft is a gray redeco of the Decepticon Swindle.^[5] First seen in U.S. Stores in December 2007.^[6]

This figure was re-released in the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toy line as part of a Bonus Value pack with either Leader Class Optimus Prime or Megatron.^[7]

Transformers: Timelines

Camshaft

The Universe Camshaft toy as Shattered Glass Camshaft
Autobot
Sub-group	Spy Changers
Alternate Modes	9th Generation Ford Thunderbird Stock Car
Series	Transformers: Timelines

Camshaft is a mirror universe duplicate of the Generation 1 character. He is one of Optimus Prime's evil Autobots. He is part of Remote Patrol Six commanded by Kup.

Fun Publications

Camshaft appears as a member of the Autobots in the story Do Over by Fun Publications. He is a member of a patrol lead by Kup. He is eager to investigate a signal coming from zone Y-AT, but instead Kup sent Downshift to investigate it.

In Reunificaton Kup leads Warpath, Camshaft and Hound in an attempt to assassinate Optimus Prime on behalf of Rodimus and Alpha Trion. Optimus uses Ricochet as a shield to block a blast from Warpath, grabbing Warpath and throwing him into Hound. Optimus then crushes Kup's head with one hand as he shoots Camshaft.

Toys

This version of Camshaft seems to be based on the Universe Spy Changer toy, which is turn is a repackage of a recolor of the Robots in Disguise Autobot Spy Changer W.A.R.S.

References