Follow

    Astrotrain

    Character » Astrotrain appears in 171 issues.

    The triple changer and Decepticon, Astrotrain can convert from Robot to Train or Space Shuttle. Astrotrain's primary function is to act as Military transport for the Decepticons.

    Short summary describing this character.

    Astrotrain last edited by gravenraven on 06/23/23 06:39AM View full history

    Origin

    Astrotrain was one of Lord Straxus's warriors on Cybertron. Astrotrain is a Triple Changer and has the ability to change into two alt-modes along with his robot-mode. Like other Triple Changers he can make his alt-mode changes almost instantaneously. Astrotrain is loyal to the Decepticon cause, and has been everything from a secondary character to Second in Command under Megatron.

    Creation

    Astrotrain was created by Hasbro for Season 2 of The Transformers (1984) Cartoon. Marvel UK first published Astrotrain in 1986 during the Story Arc "Target 2006" of The Transformers issue #88. The issue was written by Simon Furman with Ian Rimmer as editor. He was first seen in 1987 Marvel Comics' The Transformers issue #29 by writer Bob Budiansky and editors Don Daley and Jim Shooter.

    Major Story Arcs

    Generation 1 Continuity

    Marvel Comics

    Astrotrain G1
    Astrotrain G1

    Astrotrain and the other Triple Changers were stationed on Cybertron under the command of Ratbat. They were sent to investigate the loss of his cargo that had arrived on Earth. Upon making contact with the crashed ship, Astrotrain and his companions were infected with Scraplets. During a fight with the Decepticons, the Autobot Blaster, was also infected. Luckily Goldbug and his friends managed to discover water (H2O) can act as a cure. Blaster knew they would be unable to take the Scraplets alone, and refused to be cured unless the Decepticons were cured as well. Astrotrain then identified a G.B. Blackrock as a possible asset and hypnotically gained control of him to use in Ratbat's plan.

    The Triple Changers then joined Shockwave's Decepticons on Earth, until Ratbat came to Earth and took command. Astrotrain joined the Decepticons in an assault on the Autobot crews of the Ark and Steelhaven on Earth's moon. Astrotrain later had to fight against his fellow Decepticons when Ratbat and Scorponok's armies fought for control of the Decepticons. Astrotrain was seen rolling over Snapdragon and Weirdwolf in the melee. Once the Decepticons united against a nearby Autobot regiment, Astrotrain again saw action when he used his ion cannon to disrupt the Aerialbot, Slingshot. Soon after, during a battle with Starscream, the Triple Changers were all destroyed after Starscream got a power increase from the Underbase power.

    Marvel UK

    Astrotrain was one of Lord Straxus's warriors on Cybertron. Along with the other Triple Changers, and the Insecticons, Astrotrain was considered one of the Decepticons' most feared warriors. Astrotrain was involved with the planned assassination attempt on Emirate Xaaron and the Autobot Leaders. It was assumed to be canceled by Megatron, but was actually a trick by the Autobots.

    IDW Publishing

    After Astrotrain was defeated by Starscream's during the Underbase Saga, he was reanimated by Megatron. Megatron in order to control Astrotrain, lobotomized him so he would follow orders. Astrotrain then was put into service as part of Megatron's new army. Astrotrain mission was to hunt down Kup and the Wreckers. After Skywarp subdued Kup, Astrotrain was ordered by Ratbat to transport him to Megatron.

    IDW Continuity

    Autocracy

    When Megatron and Orion Pax discussed the Decepticon revolt, Astrotrain and Blitzwing held Bumblebee hostage to make sure Orion didn't get any funny ideas. Everything was going fine until Autobot reinforcements arrived, at which point Astrotrain was punched out by Ironhide.

    Astrotrain was later used as a transport to drop Orion Pax and Megatron into Zeta Prime's citadel. After Zeta Prime's death, Megatron broke the alliance between him and Orion. When Megatron was defeated in combat by the newly created Optimus Prime, Soundwave used Astrotrain to fly by and retrieved him.

    Infiltration

    No Caption Provided

    Astrotrain was part of a Decepticon infiltration team that had operated covertly on Earth. Their plan was to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy ruled by them. Under Starscream's command, he oversaw the extraction and refinement of the Energon-like substance, Ore-13. After Starscream increased his power using Ore-13, Astrotrain was unwilling to stand alongside him against Megatron.

    Escalation

    After Starscream's failed attempt to overthrow Megatron, Astrotrain took Starscream's place as the Decepticon second-in-command under Megatron, and continued to oversee the Ore-13 research. During Megatron's plan to escalate the tensions between Brasnya and Russia, Astrotrain served as air cover for their ground forces. Unfortunatley he was severely damaged by Hardhead was forced to retreat.

    Devastation

    After being beaten in battle with Optimus Prime, Megatron ordered Sixshot to come to Earth. Upon hearing this, Astrotrain got extremely upset and questioned Megatron's orders, considering Sixshot is only called for extreme situations, due to his destructive nature. Megatron ignored him and told ordered him to shut up. Astrotrain noticing that Megatron was ignoring protocol, decided to deliberately reactivated Starscream to confront Megatron.

    When the alien Reapers suddenly attacked their headquarters, Astrotrain left his post to plot how to use the situation and Starscream. His plan worked and Starscream successfully removed Sixshot from action and attacked the Reapers. Astrotrain informed Magatron how well Starscream was doing alone against the Reapers. Megatron was well aware of what was going on, but instead of punishing Astrotrain, he led his Decepticons into battle. After the destruction of the Reapers, Astrotrain was surprised at their victory and stated the deaths of Runabout and Runamuck were acceptable losses.

    Spotlight: Mirage

    Astrotrain accompanied Starscream's small strike team to the Pegasus Star Cluster. Astrotrain and Blitzwing attacked Optimus Prime after the traitor Mirage destroyed the bunker's security system. Astrotrain avoided death when Mirage forced Prime to lower his weapon in exchange for Jetfire's life. Astrotrain couldn't hold Prime back when Mirage executed Hound, losing his grip the Autobot leader attacked Mirage.

    All Hail Megatron

    In the subway tunnels - TF: All Hail Megatron #3
    In the subway tunnels - TF: All Hail Megatron #3

    After the Autobots were defeated on Earth the Decepticons began conquering the planet. Astrotrain continued to be by-the-book and tactically minded in the attack on New York City. He send the Insecticons to handle ground forces to avoid ballistic attacks.

    Astrotrain used his alt-mode to travel the subway lines to find any humans hiding in the subway stations. Later Starscream tried to take control of the Decepticons using Devastator, but the revolt was interrupted by the arrival of human jets from Europe. Soon the exiled Autobots joined the fight, and Astrotrain battled Roadbuster. Astrotrain was then tackled into a building by Roadbuster, who commented that the Decepticon was a "lightweight". Megatron and his army were soon defeated, and Astrotrain served as their escape vehicle as they fled Earth.

    The Transformers

    Astrotrain is stationed on the desolate asteroid base where Starscream was put in charge. When Hot Rod infiltrated the base, he ran straight past him without noticing. Astrotrain joined Megatron when they returned to Earth. He was also present when Megatron was approached by Optimus Prime, and was ordered to stop Optimus when he tried to escape. It turned out Optimus was just trying to get a little distance from the impact zone from the satellite he had arranged to be dropped on the Decepticons from space. Astrotrain and the Decepticons are blasted away from the explosion.

    Chaos

    When Megatron used space bridge technology built into in his new body, Astrotrain and the rest of the Decepticons returned to Cybertron. When they first arrived they battled with the Autobots, but were soon mind-controlled by D-Void into combining with Galvatron's army and formed a huge monster. The monster was destroyed by a blast from Megatron's cannon.

    Robots in Disguise

    After Cybertron's rebirth Astrotrain was among a Cybertronians recruited by Starscream to pressure Prowl into revealing the secrets he discovered below Cybertron. Later underground, they witnessed Metrotitan declare that Starscream was the Cybertronian destined to unite their whole race. Later Blitzwing and Astrotrain supported Shockwave's attempts to restart the war with the Autobots, but their plan was stopped when Starscream and Prowl had Arcee defeat the rebellious Decepticons and kidnap their leaders.

    Powers & Weaknesses

    As a space shuttle, Astrotrain can achieve planetary orbit, with a maximum speed of 20,000 mph. While in orbit he can launch weapons and satellites and carry additional cargo. If he carries his extra fuel supply he can leave orbit and is capable of space travel, boosting his speed to 50,000 mph. His extra cell would be enough to make a round trip flight from the Earth to the Moon. As a train, his top speed on rails is 400 mph and he has a range of 1700 miles. In robot mode he has great strength and uses a powerful ionic displacement rifle. The rifle destroys by disrupting molecular bonds in metal alloys.

    Astrotrain is prone to mechanical breakdowns as a train in his wheel assemblies. As a space shuttle his communications systems often fail and he must be careful not to burn up when re-entering the atmosphere.

    Characteristics

    • Allegiance: Decepticon
    • Sub Group: None
    • Function: Military Transport
    • Alt-Modes: Cybertronian Space Shuttle, JNR Class D62 Train & Space Shuttle Orbiter, Bullet Train & NASA Shuttle, Locomotive & Le Bris Albatros Glider
    • Color Schemes: Silver/Purple (G1), Purple/Orange/Silver (Timelines/Armada), White/Purple (Animated), Black/Purple (HoS)

    Alternate Versions

    Marvel Comics

    Marvel Future Timelines

    2006 Timeline

    In an alternate future, Astrotrain discovered that the Junkions were hypnotized. He flew to Chaar and approached Galvatron with his report. Galvatron hit him sending him into a rock face and declared that he cared nothing of the Junkions. He then ordered Astrotrain to leave his sight. (In the Marvel UK issues #180-181, it was stated this was all a fabrication created by Wreck-Gar).

    2009 Timeline

    In an alternate timeline, Unicron destroyed Cybertron and the Decepticons under the rule of Galvatron controlled America. Astrotrain and Octane were seen defending the Decepticon Powerbase from an Autobot assault. They shot down the Pretender Crossblades, as he was disrupting the base's force field.

    Marvel UK Future Timeline

    2004 Timeline

    When Autobot City was completed, Astrotrain was one of the Decepticons brought by Shockwave to attack the opening.

    2008 Timeline

    The Decepticons were tipped by the Quintessons of an opportunity to destroy the Autobots. Astrotrain took lead an invasion, of flying Combaticons, Triple Changers and Seekers. He also acting as transport for Commander Soundwave and the ground troops. The Quintessons ambushed the Decepticons on their way to Autobase, and Astrotrain was forced to eject the Decepticons he was transporting so he could transform into his robot-mode.

    Generation 2

    Astrotrain assisted the Decepticons in an attempt to stop the armies of Jhiaxus.

    Devils Due

    G.I. Joe vs. Transformers

    Astrotrain was part of Serpent O.R.'s forces on Cybertron. Astrotrain attacked an Autobot peace ceremony alongside Sixshot, Blitzwing and Buzzsaw. The Autobots responded by activating Omega Supreme, who blasted Astrotrain out of the sky. When he decided to fight on ground, he and wounded a civilian, causing Optimus Prime to pummel the Triple Changer into the ground.

    Dreamwave Publications

    War Within

    Dreamwave Astrotrain
    Dreamwave Astrotrain

    During the War Megatron needed a distraction while he infiltrated the sub-sectors of Iacon and establish Cybertron as a living war world. He sent Shockwave on a full frontal assault against the Autobot capital. Astrotrain was among the many Decepticons who were under Shockwave's command. After Starscream destroyed their capital the Decepticons evacuated the area. After Megatron's disappearance, the Decepticons broke into two factions. Astrotrain joined with Starscream's Predacons. The Predacons remained as the only major faction to not join when Ultra Magnus negotiated a great peace between the Autobots and Decepticons. Astrotrain and the Predacons attempted to prevent the peace treaty, but failed until the return of Megatron with his new Aerospace Extermination Squadron. The Decepticons established an Age of Internment until Optimus Prime returned and freed the Autobots.

    Micromasters

    After the disappearance of the Nemesis and its crew, Astrotrain and the Triple Changers, Octane and Blitzwing, began serving under Shockwave. When Shockwave learned how to perfect his Triple Changer process with the Unicronian technology he stole from Scourge, Astrotrain was one of the first to benefit from the procedure.

    Generation 1

    Astrotrain, along with Broadside, Blitzwing, Sandstorm and Octane went to Earth with Shockwave as enforcers to place the Transformers their under arrest for war crimes and take them back to Cybertron. When Shockwave was defeated and his control of Cybertron lost, Astrotrain and Blitzwing remained his loyal servants. When Megatron returned, Astrotrain switched loyalties and but didn't and Blitzwing was destroyed.

    Fun Publications

    Timelines

    No Caption Provided

    The Decepticons constructed Astrotrain as a troop transport for their army. Once Megatron vanished after the Unicron Battles, Astrotrain left and became a bounty hunter. Using the wealth he acquired from his jobs he has upgraded his body into a formidable powerhouse.

    He also commands a small crew of Mini-Cons; his partner Starcatcher and the team of Astro-Hook, Astro-Line and Astro-Sinker.

    Shattered Glass

    Astrotrain is the commander and transport of his personal squad of Micromasters; Fasttrack, Stonecruncher, Submarauder, and Tailwind.

    IDW Publishing

    Hearts of Steel

    Astrotrain Robot Mode
    Astrotrain Robot Mode

    Astrotrain never speaks or transforms out of train mode. He is however on the cover of issue 4, and appears in robot mode with some airplane components. This would make him a triple-changer in this continuity.

    Astrotrain appears as a black-and-purple locomotive, with a retracted propeller on the front and bat wings on his sides. The wings are similar to Le Bris' Albatros glider.

    The Decepticons built Astrotrain to be the locomotive engine of their battle train. While heading to New York he rammed through an Army blockade and ended up driving off a cliff.

    Dark of the Moon: Movie Prequel: Foundation

    Astrotrain was part of Megatron's Defense Force, and helped to root out Malcontents.

    Dark of the Moon: Movie Prequel: Rising Storm

    Astrotrain later followed Shockwave, who led the Decepticons on Cybertron after Megatron left to search for the AllSpark. Shockwave employed Astrotrain as bait in a scheme to lure out an Autobot resistance group. The Autobots thought they were attacking a convoy loaded with Energon, but instead walked into the ambush.

    When Shockwave was freed from Siberia by Megatron, he was put in-charge of bringing the Decepticon forces back in order. Starscream brought Astrotrain in to help him, and to serve a role in his own plans. Together with Shockwave, Astrotrain attacked an oil processing plant in China, killing the Autobots Salvage and Longarm, and began salvaging raw materials from the wreckage. Astrotrain took the materials to upstate New York in order to build a cage for Shockwave's pet Driller. Astrotrain had been provided with a scrap drone named Brains that contained an important download for the cage's construction, but unfortunately Shockwave had programmed him with self-awareness, causing him to flee when he learned Astrotrain had been instructed to terminate him once its job was complete.

    Dark of the Moon Astrotrain
    Dark of the Moon Astrotrain

    Tracking the brain unit back to its point of origin, Elita-One, Arcee, and Chromia overheard as Shockwave revealed to Astrotrain that Brains was immaterial. The three spies were caught by Soundwave, while Chromia and Arcee attempted to keep the Decepticons busy, Elita attempted to warn the Autobots of Shockwave's plan. Astrotrain transformed into his train mode and chased after her through the wilderness. Elita believed she could outpace him and lead him to a nearby city. Unfortunately for her, Astrotrain used his triple-changing ability, to shift to his aerial mode. Astrotrain informed her that she would have to fight and defeat him if she wanted to complete her mission. With a swipe of her blade Astrotrain's armor was damaged, and he exploded as Elita sped away

    Mars Attacks: The Transformers

    Astrotrain was among the Decepticons who were defeated by the Autobots after a battle in a city. When the city was subsequently invaded by Martians, the Decepticons attempted to join them, only to be double-crossed. The Decepticons instead formed an alliance with the Autobots to remove the Martians. During the battle Prowl saved Astrotrain from one of the Martian war robots. Afterward they went back to hating each other.

    Other Media

    Television

    The Transformers (1984)

    No Caption Provided

    Astrotrain arrived on Earth during the second year of Megatron's campaign to steal the planets energy resources. Astrotrain first appeared in the Season 2 Episode "Megatron's Master Plan; part 2". Although typically a secondary character, Astrotrain had a larger role in the episode "Triple Take-Over", where he and fellow Triple Changer Blitzwing froze Megatron and Starscream and took over as leaders of the Decepticons. He lead an army of drone-like locomotives, but was eventually defeated and forced to return command to Megatron.

    Like other Transformers in the animated series, Astrotrain's size changed greatly in his various forms. His primary role was transporting Decepticons as a space shuttle or train. However, in robot form, he was no larger than an average-sized Transformer.

    Episode Appearances

    • Megatron's Master Plan; part 2
    • Blaster Blues
    • The God Gambit
    • The Secret of Omega Supreme
    • The Gambler
    • Sea Change
    • Triple Takeover
    • Prime Target
    • Hoist Goes Hollywood
    • Cosmic Rust
    • B.O.T.
    • Five Faces of Darkness; part 1 & 3
    • Ghost in the Machine
    • The Big Broadcast of 2006
    • The Burden Hardest to Bear

    Transformers: The Headmasters (1987) (Japan)

    Astrotrain, Blitzwing and Octane were amongst the troops serving Sixshot. Their base of operations is Trypticon on Earth.

    Episode Appearances

    • Four Warriors Come Out of the Sky
    • The Great Cassette Operation
    • The Four-Million-Year-Old- Veil of Mystery
    • Cybertron is in Grave Danger; part 1
    • The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok
    • Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears

    Transformers Animated (2007)

    Mentioned in the Allspark Almanac II; During the Great War, Astrotrain was essential in improving the Decepticons' troop transportation infrastructure.

    Film

    Transformers: The Movie (1986)

    Astrotrain transported the Decepticons after the battle at Autobot City. He was unable to make it back to Cybertron with the amount of weight on board, so they tossed the dead body of Megatron overboard. The Decepticons then battled inside of Astrotrain to determine the leader to replace Megatron. During the fight the Constructicons formed Devastator inside showing how large Astrotrain is. The durability of Astrotrain was tested when Rumble and Frenzy used their pile-drivers inside. Eventually the brawl stopped and they made it to Cybertron. Astrotrain later crowned Starscream during his coronation as the new Decepticon leader.

    Video Games

    The Transformers (PS2)

    sizepositionchange
    sizepositionchange
    positionchange
    positionchange
    positionchange
    bordersheaderpositiontable
    positionchange

    This edit will also create new pages on Comic Vine for:

    Beware, you are proposing to add brand new pages to the wiki along with your edits. Make sure this is what you intended. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live.

    Comment and Save

    Until you earn 1000 points all your submissions need to be vetted by other Comic Vine users. This process takes no more than a few hours and we'll send you an email once approved.