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Hoist (Transformers)
Encyclopedia
Transformers: Generation 1
In the original Transformers toy lineTransformers (toy line)
The is a line of toys produced by the American toy company Hasbro. The Transformers toyline was created from toy molds mostly produced by Japanese company Takara in the toylines Diaclone and Microman. Other toy molds from other companies such as Bandai were used as well...
, Hoist (Treuil in French Canada
French Canada
French Canada, also known as "Lower Canada", is a term to distinguish the French Canadian population of Canada from English Canada.-Definition:...
, Buffalo in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
) is an Autobot
Autobot
Autobot, a faction of sentient robots from the planet Cybertron, are usually the main protagonists in the fictional universe of the Transformers, a collection of various toys, graphic novels, paperback books, cartoons and movies first introduced in 1984. In all but one Transformer story, the...
who functions as a repairman for the team, keeping them to a tight maintenance schedule. Hoist is confident and sometimes rash, brave, tough and loyal. He transforms into a green tow truck. The toy of Hoist was released in 1985 and was a remold of Trailbreaker
Trailbreaker
Trailbreaker is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers toy line and animated television series. Due to trademark issues, newer toys of the character are named Trailcutter.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
; it included a head sensor module that could analyze different density properties, and various arm attachments: 2 missiles, two welding pieces, and an extra fist.
Marvel Comics
Unlike his sudden appearance in the television series, Hoist was given an origin in the Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
series. Four million years ago, Hoist was one of five Autobots who agreed to have their sparks transferred to crystal storage in case the Autobots needed extra troops during the mission of clearing a path for Cybertron through an asteroid belt
Asteroid belt
The asteroid belt is the region of the Solar System located roughly between the orbits of the planets Mars and Jupiter. It is occupied by numerous irregularly shaped bodies called asteroids or minor planets...
. In 1986, the Autobots were suffering heavy casualties and the five Autobots were activated in "Rock and Roll Out" (U.S. #14). Skids
Skids (Transformers)
Skids is the name used for four characters in the Transformers Universes. Due to trademark reasons, the name was modified to "Skid-Z" for it to be used on new characters and an "Autobot" prefix was added when the original Skids toy was reissued and when he became an Alternator.-Transformers:...
and the others (except Grapple) were shown around Earth by Bumblebee, where Skids encountered music for the first time and proved unable to interact easily with humans. Despite orders not to engage with the enemy, they went on to battle Decepticons at a concert. Hoist continued to appear after this, although in a reduced capacity.
Hoist was among Grimlock
Grimlock
Grimlock is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. He is usually portrayed as a tough leader who turns into a mechanical dinosaur...
's crew of Autobots that eventually left the Earth when the Ark was repaired. He was present at the proposed execution of a group of human children by Grimlock, which was really just a ploy to flush out Blaster
Blaster (Transformers)
Blaster is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers television and comic series based on the popular toy line produced by Takara Tomy and Hasbro. Due to trademark reasons, he is sometimes called Autobot Blaster...
(whom Grimlock had deemed a traitor) out of hiding.
Hoist is assumed to have died at the hands of the Underbase-powered Starscream like many Autobots in issue #50.
Animated series
Hoist first appeared in episode #28, "The Master Builders". He teamed up with his friend Grapple to design a solar tower that would provide unlimited energy. However, he was denied by Optimus PrimeOptimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
in case the Decepticons got their hands on it. Grapple and Hoist were then approached by a surprising source — the Constructicons
Constructicons
right|thumb|Scavenger, Bonecrusher, Longhaul, Scrapper & Mixmaster - five of the original six Constructicons The Constructicons are a group of fictional characters from the various Transformers continuities...
. They told the two Autobots they wanted to leave the Decepticons and were willing to help Grapple and Hoist build their tower to prove it. Grapple and Hoist accepted and the tower was built — just as Megatron arrived and took them prisoner. The Autobots arrived and eventually rescued the two. Prime put them to work clearing up the mess in punishment for their mistake.
In the episode "A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court," Warpath, Hoist and Spike were battling Starscream
Starscream (Transformers)
Starscream is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. He is one of the most prolific characters in the Transformers fictional work, appearing in almost all incarnations of the story. Starscream is usually portrayed with the same characterization...
, Ramjet
Ramjet (Transformers)
Ramjet is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All have been Decepticon aligned characters who turn into jets, usually white.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Rumble
Rumble (Transformers)
Rumble is a fictional character in the Transformers universes. In order to trademark the name, Hasbro referred to the Alternators character as Decepticon Rumble.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Ravage
Ravage (Transformers)
Ravage is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. Due to the inability to trademark the common word "ravage", he is sometimes called Battle Ravage, Command Ravage or Tripredacus Agent...
in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Low on power, the Autobots and Decepticons discovered a magical stone formation called the Dragon Mound and were transported back to the year 543. Although Starscream attempted to take over a castle and build a new empire with himself as lord, the help of local knights and a wizard refueled the Autobots and they in turn who defeated the Decepticons. After defeating a dragon who nested in the Dragon Mound, the Autobots and Decepticons and returned to their own time where they rejoined the fight in modern day England.
The spotlight was shone on Hoist again in the later Season 2 episode "Hoist Goes Hollywood", where he and several other Autobots, including Tracks
Tracks (Transformers)
Tracks is a character in the Transformers Universes. The name is now too generic to license in recent times; so the toys creator, Hasbro had to add a "modifier" - a prefix to the name in order to use it on their product, in this case the name became "Autobot Tracks" or "Turbo...
, Warpath, Powerglide
Powerglide (Transformers)
Powerglide is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers series. He first appeared in 1985, and was voiced by Michael Chain in the animated The Transformers series.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
and Sunstreaker
Sunstreaker
Sunstreaker is the name of two fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. The first is one of the main Autobot cars from the original Transformers series...
, were recruited to star in a Hollywood movie called Attack of the Alien Robots. They would end up saving the film from the Decepticons — although the film's makers cannily used the footage of the battle in the movie itself.
Hoist last appeared in episode #64, "Masquerade". He did not appear in The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie is a 1986 animated feature film based on the animated series of the same name. It was released in North America on August 8, 1986 and in the UK on December 5, 1986....
, season 3, or any of the Japanese exclusive Transformers seasons that followed.
Dreamwave Productions
Hoist was not among the Autobots on board the Ark in this series, but stayed on CybertronCybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
until the return of Optimus Prime and his crew, who lead the overthrow of Shockwave
Shockwave (Transformers)
Shockwave is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series. Throughout his incarnations, he is usually distinguished by a laser cannon in lieu of one of his hands and his distinctive face, which is featureless save a single robotic eye...
. Hoist later oversaw the repair of Optimus Prime after the damage done to him by Shockwave (Transformers: Generation 1 vol. III #2). He was also among the Autobots brought back to Earth under the command of Prowl who started construction of Autobot City in Alaska.
Fun Publications
Spy Changer Hoist appears in Withered Hope by Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
. He is a member of the Axion Nexus Security Administration and was one of the investigators looking into the death of a mech named Comet.
Toys
- Generation 1 Hoist (1985)
- A remold of TrailbreakerTrailbreakerTrailbreaker is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers toy line and animated television series. Due to trademark issues, newer toys of the character are named Trailcutter.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
.
- Machine Wars Hoist
- Hoist appeared in this series as a black pick-up truck; a recolor of Machine Wars HubcapHubcap (Transformers)Hubcap was the name of four fictional Autobots in the Transformers universes.-Transformers Generation 1:Hubcap's original bio described him as a friend to everyone, but trusted by no-one...
. His motto is "Proper Maintenance prevents poor performance." - Machines Wars Hoist was later repainted into Transformers: Robots In DisguiseTransformers: Robots in DisguiseTransformers: Robots in Disguise, known in Japan as , is a Japanese anime television series and serves as a self-contained universe separate from any of the other existing Transformers universes...
Tow-LineTow-LineTow-Line is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Robots In Disguise:Working undercover as a tow truck, Tow-Line has learned the rules of the road, and now lives by them, punishing any infraction, large or small, and even if a fellow Autobot...
and Robot Masters Wrecker Hook.
- Universe Spy Changer Hoist
- A Spy Changer, seemingly a reincarnation of the Generation 1 Hoist was released in the Transformers: UniverseTransformers: UniverseTransformers: Universe is a line of toys that consists of re-painted and re-released toys from various Transformers lines of toys. For the comic book series see Transformers Universe .- Toy line :...
toy line. He was a redeco of Robots In Disguise Spy Changer X-Brawn. He was one of several homages to Generation 1 released as Spy Changers. Two packaging versions of this toy existed — a Kaybee version which did not attribute the toy to Universe and was packaged in vehicle form, and a version for discount stores which did and was packaged in robot mode.
Transformers: Armada
The name Smokescreen is reassigned to an Autobot who transforms into an orange construction crane. The name is unrelated to his personality or function, but his Japanese name in 'Micron Legend' is Grap; the Japanese name for G1 Grapple who also transforms into a construction crane. However, due to copyright reasons the name Grapple could not be used.His bio indicated that he was an Autobot who was always in the thick of battle — not because he enjoyed it, but because he can't be bothered thinking about complex tactical maneuvers. He was immensely strong, but sometimes this habit of rushing in without thinking rebounded against superior odds.
In Transformers: Armada
Transformers: Armada
Transformers: Armada, known in Japan as , is a Transformers animated series, comic series and toy line which ran from 2002–2003. It was originally scheduled for 2001, however was delayed until early-2002...
, Hoist (Grap Super Mode in Japan) is the new name adopted by Smokescreen
Smokescreen (Transformers)
Smokescreen is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Smokescreen is one of the second year Autobot Cars in the Transformers series. His toy was remolded from Prowl and Bluestreak, itself originating from an earlier Japanese line...
after he was rebuilt following severe damage at the hands of Megatron and the Requiem Blaster
Requiem Blaster
The Requiem Blaster is a fictional device in the Transformers series. Its physical form in some of the Transformers continuities resembles the laser rifle wielded by Optimus Prime in the Generation One era cartoons and comics.-Transformers: Armada:right|thumb|The Requiem Blaster toyFormed from the...
. He transforms into a white backhoe
Backhoe
A backhoe, also called a rear actor or back actor, is a piece of excavating equipment or digger consisting of a digging bucket on the end of a two-part articulated arm. They are typically mounted on the back of a tractor or front loader...
, and is partnered with the Mini-Con
Mini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
Refute.
Animated series
In the cartoon, Smokescreen is the first Autobot reinforcement to join the Autobots on Earth. In his first mission, he encountered RadRad (Transformers)
-Transformers: Generation 1:Rad is an Autobot Action Master. He has a Targetmaster partner named Lionizer.With more moves than an all-pro halfback, this clever, cool-headed daredevil is equally adept at combating Decepticons or calculating the coefficient of friction for a rocket booster...
, Alexis and Carlos, who unwittingly foiled his attempt to rescue the Mini-Con
Mini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
Drill Bit. However, after he rescued them from Cyclonus
Cyclonus
Cyclonus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:The tech spec from the box art of the Cyclonus toy describes him as a compassionless Decepticon air warrior and saboteur...
, he revealed his role to them. Smokescreen served as one of Optimus Prime's most trusted soldiers, acting as the group's sniper. He put up the most resistance when Prime welcomed the double agent Scavenger
Scavenger (Transformers)
Scavenger is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universes. Scavenger is usually depicted as a villain who turns into a construction vehicle.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
into the group, eventually making up with him after he contributed to an Autobot victory.
Later, he was nearly killed when he sacrificed himself after to stop Megatron using the Requiem Blaster
Requiem Blaster
The Requiem Blaster is a fictional device in the Transformers series. Its physical form in some of the Transformers continuities resembles the laser rifle wielded by Optimus Prime in the Generation One era cartoons and comics.-Transformers: Armada:right|thumb|The Requiem Blaster toyFormed from the...
on the other Autobots. Megatron gunned him down at point-blank range, although Smokescreen refused to give up until the Decepticons had retreated. Only then did he allow himself to go offline, much to his comrades' grief. This was not the end for him, as he was rebuilt by Red Alert
Red Alert (Transformers)
Red Alert is the name of several characters in the various fictional Transformers universes.- Transformers Generation 1:Red Alert is the Autobot security director. He has enhanced senses and is usually depicted as a friend of the Autobot Inferno.- Marvel Comics :Red Alert did not appear in the U.S...
into a new and improved body. After this, he renames himself Hoist.
After nearly being killed by Megatron's requiem blaster, Smokescreen was rebuilt by Red Alert
Red Alert (Transformers)
Red Alert is the name of several characters in the various fictional Transformers universes.- Transformers Generation 1:Red Alert is the Autobot security director. He has enhanced senses and is usually depicted as a friend of the Autobot Inferno.- Marvel Comics :Red Alert did not appear in the U.S...
as Hoist. Hoist went on to have many further battles against the Decepticons, and survived the battles against Unicron
Unicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
.
Dreamwave Productions
Dreamwave Productions
Dreamwave Productions was a Canadian art design studio and comic book publisher founded in 1996 and is best known for their multiple Transformers comic book series...
's accompanying Armada comic
Transformers: Armada (comics)
Transformers: Armada spawned at least three different comic book titles, the first being a mini-comic supplied with the toys, coming in various languages, that told small side stories relating to the premise, and eventually began leading into the Unicron Battles....
, Smokescreen would play a smaller role than his animated counterpart. One of the first Autobots to appear, he was unable to prevent the fall of Cyber City to the Mini-Con
Mini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
enhanced Decepticons. One million years later, when the signal from the escaped Mini-Cons was received, he was one of the Autobots who journeyed to Earth under Optimus Prime. After battling the Decepticons and gaining his Mini-Con partner, he disappeared, revealed in issue #12 that he and Scavenger had been sent to an observation post in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. He was subsequently recalled to the Autobot base after Prime's disappearance — only to be confronted by a full-scale Decepticon assault. Scavenger and Smokescreen battled Megatron and Demolishor
Demolishor
Demolishor is the name of several different fictional characters in the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Armada:Demolishor is one of the earliest created Decepticons of the toyline; and in the storyline, also one of the first to come to Earth from his homeworld - the fictional planet...
, only for Smokescreen to get shot in the head by Megatron at point blank range. Hot Shot
Hot Shot (Transformers)
Hot Shot is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are young Autobot cars.-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:In Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Hot Shot is the leader of the Spy Changer team....
, Red Alert and Scavenger subsequently avenged him by knocking Megatron into Unicron's gaping maw.
Although it was not clear if Smokescreen survived or not, Hoist appeared in the subsequent Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Energon, known in Japan as , is the 2004–2005 Transformers toyline, animated series and comic book series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara and a direct sequel to Transformers: Armada...
comics, indicating he had died at one point, making it likely that as in the animated continuity, Smokescreen was resurrected as Hoist.
Armada Hoist continued to appear among the Autobots in the Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Energon
Transformers: Energon, known in Japan as , is the 2004–2005 Transformers toyline, animated series and comic book series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara and a direct sequel to Transformers: Armada...
comic series by Dreamwave. His back story was never fully explained, but he mentioned he had died at one point, indicating that as in the animated continuity, he was Smokescreen in a new body.
3H Enterprises
In the Transformers: UniverseTransformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe is a line of toys that consists of re-painted and re-released toys from various Transformers lines of toys. For the comic book series see Transformers Universe .- Toy line :...
comic, Armada Smokescreen and Generation One Smokescreen were both been abducted from their home dimensions by Unicron
Unicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
, and were forced to fight each other to the death in gladiatorial combat. Armada Smokescreen prevails in the contest. Please note that the depictions of these two combatants are of the original G1 Smokescreen and the original Armada Smokescreen; the comic was written before the Universe Smokescreen toys were created.
Toys
- Armada Smokescreen with Liftor (2002)
- A Deluxe class toy.
- Armada Mcdonalds Smokescreen (2002)
- Combines with the other McDonalds Armada Autobots.
- Armada Hoist with Refute (2003)
- The mold used for Armada Hoist was repainted and remolded into a Decepticon for the character of Universe RansackRansackRansack is the name of several fictional characters in the universe of the Transformers series. Ransack was first created in 1985 as one of the Insecticons...
. The mold first used for Armada Hoist was remolded again into Transformers: CybertronTransformers: CybertronTransformers: Cybertron, known in Japan originally as , is the 2005-2007 Transformers toy line and animated series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara...
LongrackLongrackLongrack is the name of several fictional characters from Transformers series.-Beast Wars Neo:Longrack is the gabby, annoying class committee member of the group. He is quite serious about following rules to the letter, and will butt in and aggressively complain to others about it. His Arm Shot...
, a homage to Beast Wars NeoBeast Wars NeoBeast Wars Neo is a 1998 Japanese Transformers television animated series and toy line, and a sequel to Beast Wars II.-Plot:The series focuses on a battle between Maximal and Predacon factions for possession of an energy source called Angolmois. The lone "one-man army" Big Convoy is assigned the...
Longrack.
- Armada Built to Rule Smokescreen with Liftor (2003)
- Universe Smokescreen with Liftor (2004)
- Armada Smokescreen was repainted blue for Universe and released as part of a "Battle in a Box". He and his Mini-Con Liftor fought against RansackRansackRansack is the name of several fictional characters in the universe of the Transformers series. Ransack was first created in 1985 as one of the Insecticons...
and his Mini-Con Refute.
Transformers
Hoist is an Autobot who turns into a tow-truck. Initially a video-game only character in 2007, he got his first toy in 2009.Video games
Hoist is a playable character in the PSP version of the 2007 Transformers video game. He arrived on earth about the same time as Optimus PrimeOptimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
and was part of their mission to Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam, once known as Boulder Dam, is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the US states of Arizona and Nevada. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President...
.
In Transformer: Autobots for the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
a vehicle that goes by the name Maintenance is an homage to Hoist.
Toys
- Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Hoist (2009)
- A redeco of Transformers LongarmLongarm (Transformers)Longarm is the name to four different fictional characters from the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Cybertron:The name Longarm was reused for a member of the Giant Planet Mini-Con Team allies with the Decepticons. This Longarm also turned into a crane...
in the colors of Generation 1 Hoist. Available in a 2-pack called Back Road Brawl with a redeco of the Decepticon Mixmaster. He is a Toys-R-Us store exclusive.