backstop n : (baseball) a fence or screen (as behind home plate) v : act as a backstop

English

Noun

1. A device that prevents locomotive cars from rolling off a railroad track.
2. A wall behind home plate.
3. a catcher; the position of catcher

Backstop is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers universe.

Transformers: Cybertron

Though Backstop is a pacifist, he is more than capable of defending himself, and will not hesitate to jump into a fight if it means defending what he cares about. His Cyber Key-activated power extends his horn blades for the intention of ramming (called Bloody Horn in Galaxy Force).

Though he technically does not join any one faction, Backstop is conventionally classified as an Autobot. His Hasbro-bio depicts him as a wildly different character. It refers to him as a violent Transformer who seeks revenge upon Scourge for a personal defeat, as opposed to the wise teacher he is depicted as on the show. However, his extra "Cyber Planet Key code" bio on the Transformers official web-site falls back on the "zen master" portrayal, and tells of how he spent some time exploring the galaxy, and gained his own fighting skill by studying under versions of such classic Transformers characters as Bludgeon and Banzai-Tron.

Animated series

Backstop is a master fighter who sought to usher in a new age on his homeworld of Animators, the jungle planet by teaching the planet's young warriors the value of a life of non-violence, while at the same time teaching them the means by which to defend themselves. Backstop's two greatest students were Scourge and Snarl. Backstop also taught Undermine and Brimstone.

However, Backstop's dream would be shattered when Scourge, driven to rid the planet of poverty and the war-mongering raiders, left Backstop's tutelage and rose to power as the planet's dictator. Despite retaining some of the honor of Backstop's teachings, Scourge imposed a system of "might makes right", where the strong stood in a position of dominance of the weak. Snarl would go with Scourge, to "keep an eye on him", while at the same time, keeping in contact with Backstop.

Years passed until the day the Transformer Overhaul arrived on Jungle Planet, seeking the world's Cyber Planet Key. Backstop was the first individual to make contact with the offworlder, and when he learned of his intentions, Backstop warned Overhaul of the risks behind seeking greater power. Despite this, he and Snarl were motivated to help Overhaul, and later, the Autobots - especially after learning that the universe was in danger of being destroyed by the Black Hole. When Overhaul changed into Leobreaker he began to understand why Snarl and Backstop learned the ways of the peaceful warrior.

Backstop would offer sage advice to his new-found allies, and eventually accepted that they would have to battle Scourge for the Planet Key. Though he confronted Scourge on one occasion, he did not see much combat himself. After the various Transformers, including Snarl, left the planet, he remained.

As the Grand Black Hole continued to enlarge, Primus attempted to seal it. This was witnessed through giant space bridges on Velocitron by Brakedown, Clocker and Dirt Boss, on the planet Animatros by Backstop, Undermine and Brimstone, and on Earth (episode 42, City).

In the episode Unfinished, when the Autobots attempted to use a gigantic rocket to move the Animatros back into its orbit, Galvatron attacked and damaged the rocket. The jungle planet threatened to crash into Cybertron. Scourge, the Autobots, the former Decepticons, and their allies from the various planets were able to combine their strength and move the rocket back into place.

In the final episode of Transformers: Cybertron a wrestling match is held to decide the new leader of the jungle planet. Scourge defeats Snarl, then Leobreaker in fair combat and is declared the king of the Jungle Planet by Backstop. Scourge declares he will lead the jungle planet into a new era of peace thanks to the example of Optimus Prime and the Autobots.

Toys

• Transformers: Cybertron Backstop

In 2006 a special edition of Backstop was available in Walmart stores which contained a DVD with the episode "Cybertron" as a promotional item - despite the fact that he wasn't in that episode. A proposed repaint of Backstop was shown at BotCon 2006. It was a homage to the Predacon Headstrong. Only one hand painted prototype was created.

Like most toys sold in the Galaxy Force toy line by Takara, then later in the Cybertron toy line by Hasbro, there are small paint differences between the two versions of the toy. The Hasbro version has a code number on the back of his Cyber Key, while the Takara version has no number on his Force Chip.

This figure was based on drawings by Hasbro designer Tim Bradley.

• Transformers: Universe Backstop

A repackage of the Cybertron Scout class figure was sold at discount stores.

Transformers: Universe

Backstop is the name of a Mini-Con who turns into a construction vehicle. He is apart of a K-Mart store exclusive set.

References

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