Goldbug

Origin

Goldbug is an officer of the Autobot's reconnaissance team the Throttlebots. His small size makes him perfect to be a scout and courier for the team.

For the Original G1 Goldbug see Bumblebee

Creation

Goldbug was created for the IDW Transformers Continuity and was first seen in Spotlight: Metroplex by writer Andy Schmidt and editor Denton J. Tipton. Goldbug existence was the decision of Schmidt to make the IDW version of Goldbug a character who is separate from the IDW version of Bumblebee. This Goldbug is the IDW universe's counterpart to the Goldbug of other Generation 1 universes, except that he and Bumblebee co-exist.

Major Story Arcs

IDW Continuity

Spotlight: Metroplex

Goldbug and the Throttlebots were assigned to Orvus Base, orbiting Salvvatan VI, to safeguard top-secret Autobot research. Their purpose was to act as couriers in case the lab came under threat, taking the data and keeping it out of enemy hands. When Sixshot attacked the facility, the Throttlebots were the only ones who made it out of the station alive, along with the research information.

They escaped Orvus Base but crashed on Salvvatan VI and quickly found for cover from Sixshot. The planet appeared to be unoccupied, with the exception of a Cybertronian-style city with energon reserves. As they were refueling, Sixshot caught up with them and demanded the research information. Goldbug stated they might not have the information, and asked if he would still torture them. Sixshot said he would, so Goldbug ordered the Throttlebots to scatter.

Sixshot quickly took down half the team, even as they tried to counterattack. Goldbug and the remaining two Throttlebots tried to distract Sixshot and then attacked him. The battle eventually took them into a chamber where an "intruder alert" was activated. As the fight continued Sixshot shot Goldbug point-blank in the chest.

As Sixshot was about to execute Searchlight, when the city around them awakened. A giant fist smashed Sixshot, followed by a similarly-proportioned foot. Goldbug and his two companions watched in awe at the city that had transformed into Metroplex. Metroplex declared his position had been compromised and announced that he was going to leave and go back into hiding. He told them where to find a shuttle and supplies. Goldbug upset that Metroplex was going to just leave, asked him what kind of Autobot would abandon them. Metroplex replied that he was sorry for them, but his mission was more important, and left.

Later Rollbar and Searchlight, who was carrying Goldbug, began walking back to recover their fallen teammates. They wondered how important Metroplex's mission must be and that he must be lonely.

Powers & Weaknesses

Goldbug is able to get up to 1.8 times more use out of his energon fuel. Goldbug is often called upon at times of low energy resources to perform scouting missions. His visual acuity rates tops of all Autobots, he can spot a 10"x10" object at a distance of 48 miles. His adaptability makes him particularly important in reconnaissance and salvage operations. His small size makes him perfect for missions that require somebody to go unnoticed. His size is also his greatest weakness. Goldbug is physically one of the weakest of the Autobots, and the easiest to damage. His stealth more the compensates for this liability.

Characteristics

• Allegiance: Autobot
• Sub Group: Throttlebots
• Function: Courier/Scout
• Alt-Modes: Cybertornian Car, VW Bug (Toy Only)
• Color Schemes: Yellow/Black (IDW)