Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity

Spring has sprung.

Springer is one of the most heroic, dedicated, and genuine Autobots around, which is fairly ironic considering his distinctly-artificial origins. What's even more ironic is that Springer is the leader of the Wreckers, a squad with a less-than-stellar reputation for playing by the rules. Still, many of his comrades and mentor figures consider Springer to be "the best of them"—a steadfast teammate and friend who will never let someone he values down.

Even Prowl, whose relationship with Springer can be described as "fractious" at best, knows that Springer is the one 'bot that can be most counted on to rise to the occasion when a situation is at its lowest ebb. If Springer has a flaw, it's that he will sometimes go to extreme, even frightening lengths to do what he thinks is right and just. Ask Kup or Impactor about that, and the response will be either a knowing nod or a frustrated scowl. Springer always goes above and beyond the call of duty or friendship...no matter the price.

First appearance: Stormbringer #2

Fiction

Secret origin

"Would you risk your life for your fellow man, even if he was a synth?"

During the Great War, Mesothulas succeeded in creating Ostaros, an artificial Cybertronian powered by an artificial spark and maintained by a synthesized copy of the Matrix's energy field, making him indistinguishable from the genuine article. Mesothulas believed he had also successfully rendered Ostaros's spark indestructible through his efforts. At some point, Mesothulas's partner Prowl had a crisis of conscience as their collaborative efforts grew increasingly depraved. Sins of the Wreckers #3 Impactor was sent to take care of the scientist and his inventions; after hurling Ostaros's creator into the Noisemaze, Impactor came across the synthetic robot and refused to kill him. Prowl was also incapable of pulling the trigger himself and so Ostaros was recruited into the Autobots as "Springer", never knowing the truth of his origin. Sins of the Wreckers #5 Impactor refused to take responsibility for Springer as a soldier, considering himself an unworthy role model, so Prowl arranged for him to serve under Kup instead. After being given a basic "need-to-know" version of Springer's unconventional origins, Kup told Prowl he'd treat Springer no differently than any other charge of his. Upon meeting Kup, Springer showcased his eager, can-do attitude, and the two would eventually come to bond deeply with each other. Requiem of the Wreckers

During the rule of Zeta Prime, Springer was a member of Ultra Magnus's security force. Once they learned that Zeta was draining civilians of their energon, they turned on him and helped Orion Pax and the Decepticons overthrow him. Overthrown The Decepticons then betrayed the Autobots and imprisoned them, but Springer managed to get his hands on a gun, break out together with his cellmates, and join some other escapees in the search for Orion Pax. Once they found him, they were shocked to learn that he had acquired the Matrix of Leadership and become Optimus Prime. Rise Alongside many other Autobots, Springer rallied behind the new Prime and helped chase the Decepticons out of Iacon. Endgame

Springer acted as a security guard at Starsreach Spaceport during the mass exodus of neutrals in the early days of the war. Massacre He later aided in defending Iacon against a Decepticon attack, ruthlessly killing invaders alongside Sandstorm. Primacy #4 Some time later, he participated in a battle that the Autobots couldn't win. Ironhide suggested they counter-attack from the west, but the young Autobot leader realized that it was a trap, and advocated falling back to Polyhex. Optimus was proven right when Springer, acting as aerial support, spotted Trypticon arriving to the west. Old Ways

The Wreckers

Early in the war, Springer had a simple view of it: the Autobots were the good guys, the Decepticons were the bad guys, and the Autobot Code was a way of life. Years of fighting changed him, however, as he stopped seeing everything in black and white and realized being a decent 'bot was only holding him back. After witnessing Wrecker leader Impactor single-handedly bring down a Decepticon shuttle, he was inspired to sign up as a Wrecker reservist. Later, as he was working with the Heliobots in the Toxic Sludge Swamps, Impactor approached him in the midst of battle to recruit him. Zero Point Dead Men's Boots A slightly different recollection of Springer's recruitment had Kup present with him as he destroyed a Decepticon supply drone. After Impactor appeared and gave the word, a wistful Kup congratulated Springer and told him that he'd be "the very best of them". Springer had Kup accompany him when he reported for duty on his first formal day as a Wrecker. Impactor and the entire team greeted them, and Kup left before Springer could even say goodbye. Impactor welcomed him to the team and assured Springer that he was in good hands. Requiem of the Wreckers

A member of the Wreckers' 17th lineup, Springer became Impactor's first officer and began seeing him as an older brother. However, as the war grew more violent and dirty, so did the Wreckers, and they began breaking more and more rules of war. Springer convinced himself that it wasn't his problem if he wasn't the one doing it, but as time went on he became desensitized and began intervening less and less. Unlike the others, Springer's moral compass required him to have an excuse for killing Decepticons, so before the final showdown with the Wreckers' Decepticons counterparts Squadron X, he had to pump himself up by telling stories of all the crimes they had committed. The other Wreckers thought this only served to make Impactor even more unstable than he already was. Zero Point

You monster! THEY WERE FANWANK!!!

The Wreckers' rivalry with Squadron X came to an end on the planet Pova, where they found themselves in a bad way after Springer was trapped under some collapsed rubble. Despite Springer's pleas, Impactor used his body as a shield against Squadron X's advancing troops, firing through it. This helped turn the tide, and the Wreckers rounded up all of Squadron X for transport offworld. Unfortunately, Impactor snapped when Prowl told him that Pova was neutral territory, and that he was ordered to set them free or else the Autobots would face diplomatic repercussions. Impactor locked himself in their ship, and as Springer tried to break through the door, personally executed every member of Squadron X while they were restrained. Last Stand of the Wreckers #5

Horrified by Impactor's actions, Springer reported him to Autobot High Command as soon as he got the chance. Before the trial took place, Springer was visited by the other Wreckers, each believing they were alone in approaching him. They all pleaded with him that they hadn't seen Impactor's murders coming and were worried that High Command might shut down the Wreckers because of them. Springer promised to testify that they had nothing to do with it and to become their new leader once everything was over. Zero Point

Springer testified against Impactor through Aequitas, and the disgraced Wreckers leader was sentenced to be imprisoned on Garrus-9. A cover story for what happened on Pova was released which involved Springer suggesting Impactor fire through his torso and Squadron X later escaping their restraints, necessitating their execution. Last Stand of the Wreckers #4 As Impactor was dragged to his cell, Springer told his former commander something he didn't want to hear, something he would dwell upon for the length of his incarceration: Squadron X deserved to die for their crimes, but Impactor didn't have the right to kill them. Last Stand of the Wreckers #5

The Wreckers don't half go on about that, do they?

At some point during the war, Springer fought alongside Ultra Magnus, Perceptor and Wheelie. Unfortunately, like most other bots, he had a tendency to overlook Wheelie, due to the latter's small stature. Spotlight: Wheelie He and the Wreckers also fought (and horribly murdered) most of Krok's squad during one encounter in the war. Animals

Years later on the planet Varas Centralus, Springer, now commander of the Wreckers, was coordinating the counter-offensive against a Phase Six Decepticon siege bunker when he got the call from Optimus Prime that Thunderwing might be active again on Cybertron. Pulling the Wreckers out of Varas Centralus, Springer was of the opinion that if Thunderwing was still alive, they should nuke Cybertron and take the monster with it. Stormbringer #2

After rescuing Nosecone and Afterburner, the Wreckers prepared to breach Bludgeon's cultist lair at Thunderhead Pass. Springer tried to dissuade Optimus Prime from joining the battle, but the Autobot leader was not to be deterred. After routing the cultists, a new problem arose: Thunderwing, sent off to wreak havoc on Nebulos, was returning. Stormbringer #3 The Wreckers gave it their all against Thunderwing, but were seriously outmatched, with Springer's rotors being destroyed by the monstrous titan. As Thunderwing bore down on him, unexpected help came from the Decepticon battleship Thanatos, and the combined efforts managed to stagger the giant, forcing it to draw more Ultra-Energon from the environment, whose side effects eventually forced it to shut down. Stormbringer #4

Shortly after coming to Earth, Optimus Prime was getting updates from the various unit commanders and officers out in the universe while aboard the Ark-19, amongst them Springer. Escalation #1

Ebeneezer Kup!

Not long thereafter, Springer excused himself from actively leading the Wreckers when he heard his old mentor Kup had finally been found, after being MIA for some time. Rescue conditions were hardly ideal, however: the planet the old warhorse was stuck on was permeated with highly unstable energy crystals which produced massive amounts of debilitating radiation and a single spark might set off an explosive chain reaction that would destroy the planet. Kup, meanwhile, had somehow survived exposure to this environment, yet had gone over the brink of madness, attacking the Autobot teams that beamed down to retrieve him because their thick radiation armors made them appear monstrous to his eyes. Despite these complications, Springer insisted rescue efforts continue, even after many Autobots were destroyed in the attempt. Finally, Trailbreaker arrived as a defensive specialist, and used his force field to block the radiation and get Kup to recognize him. Kup was brought in for repairs, and Springer returned to the Wreckers. Spotlight: Kup Once again Springer was seen reporting to Optimus Prime, this time about Kup's condition. Spotlight: Optimus Prime

Later, Springer, along with Autobots across the galaxy, watched an Autobot news report heralding the miraculous return of Blaster. Spotlight: Blaster

When the denizens of the Dead Universe stepped up their plans to merge the living and unliving universes together, Springer and the Wreckers were called in once again to battle Thunderwing when he was found guarding a cave on planet Corata-Vaz. Spotlight: Hardhead They didn't have much luck. Spotlight: Doubledealer However, once Jetfire managed to take control of Thunderwing, Springer and the Wreckers snuck past it and into the cave to retrieve one of the Nega-Cores, which were crucial to the Dead Universe plans. Unfortunately, as they were doing so, Jhiaxus regained control of Thunderwing, and the Wreckers were forced to hold the line until the Nega-Core could be removed and deposited back into the Dead Universe via a portable space bridge. Spotlight: Sideswipe

Why should Ironhide get all the fun?

Springer was making regular trips to the Ark-17 to check up on Kup, but one day found that the old warrior had been transferred to the Kimia Facility without his knowledge. Filled with rage, Springer traveled to the facility and delivered an uppercut to Prowl's chin, only to learn that Kup had been fully repaired using Pretender technology. While he was skeptical at first, Springer's spirits were soon lifted when he got to meet the rejuvenated Kup, and the emotional Springer welcomed him back. Afterwards, Springer told Prowl that Kup could never know what happened in his rescue mission, and Prowl assured him all involved would be sworn to silence.Everything in Its Right Place

Led by Kup, Springer later helped rescue a number of Wreckers who had been captured by the Decepticon Turmoil. Following this mission, Springer and his fellow Wrecker Roadbuster joined Kup's personal strike force on board the starship Trion. He argued against letting Drift into the team, but Kup felt that everyone deserves a second chance. Spotlight: Drift Shortly afterwards, the team caught a distress call from Hot Rod, who was being chased by Decepticons. Kup's team went to his aid, but unfortunately their opponent was the abominable Monstructor, who melted Springer's rotor blades with acid. Eventually, the giant was toppled by Perceptor's new sniping skills. Lost & Found

While chasing the Decepticon cruiser Torment, the Trion was lured into a trap and shot down above the planet Cybertron. The crew was "bonded" with the ship at the time, and Springer refused to disconnect from the doomed vessel as he attempted to steer it into a crash landing. He succeeded, and later met with another Autobot unit that had also ended up on the abandoned planet. Kup's team decided to show the others how badass they were, a showcase which ended with Springer being wrestled to the floor by Jazz and his weapon being used to hold Kup at gunpoint. All Hail Megatron #5 After this little show of force, the two groups teamed up to fight off the Insecticon swarm that was inhabiting the planet along with them. All Hail Megatron #6

When the Autobots relocated to another base, Springer participated in the caravan in his ground vehicle mode. All Hail Megatron #7 At the new base, Springer helped set up a large defensive cannon to use against the incoming swarm. All Hail Megatron #9 Despite Springer's best use of fisticuffs, the Autobots were overrun by the thousands of Insecticons, and only saved by the intervention of Omega Supreme. All Hail Megatron #10 Omega took everyone to New York City on Earth, where Megatron and his forces were located. During the great battle, Springer shoved his knee hard in Viewfinder's abdomen. All Hail Megatron #11

Mission to Garrus-9

Lookin' back on the track, for a little green bag...

Springer had medics at key facilities look out for messages from Agent 113, a spy in the Decepticon Justice Division with a unique way of sending reports. One of these medics was First Aid, who contacted him when Agent 113 reported the Decepticon occupation of Garrus-9. Bullets After Megatron's defeat on Earth and the general collapse of the Decepticon war effort, Prowl formulated a desperate plan to use the Wreckers to retake Garrus-9 from the Decepticons and retrieve the potentially damaging war criminal trial data from supercomputer Aequitas. Springer began recruiting new members into the Wreckers, noting with irony that he had now assumed Impactor's role, though the main difference was Springer offered the potential recruits a choice, and sometimes they said no. Dead Men's Boots

On Ultra Magnus's ship Springer introduced himself to the new team members: Rotorstorm, Ironfist, Pyro, and Guzzle. He told them that their first mission was to clean up Garrus-9 and warned them that their first day as a Wrecker could be their last. When Ironfist fainted, Springer felt he needed to keep an eye on him. Afterward he spoke with Kup and shared thoughts about Impactor until Ultra Magnus called for him to return to the bridge. He arrived just in time to see a Decepticon starship explode, revealing the former Wrecker. Last Stand of the Wreckers #1

Reunited and it feeeels so bad!

Once Impactor was aboard, Springer asked him how he got out of Garrus-9. After hearing Impactor's tale of escape and the revelation that infamous Overlord was now the death camp warden, Springer felt that the mission was finally getting interesting. He then shared words with Impactor about the incident on Pova. Impactor stormed out, but Springer still felt it would be a good idea to use him on the team. Ultra Magnus then relayed something that Prowl wanted done, but only revealed the name: Aequitas.

While nearing Garrus-9 orbit, Springer assisted Ultra Magnus with the mission briefing. He outlined the mission, dividing them into two teams to penetrate the lattice forcefield via drop pods. He took control of one of the pods before relaying control over to Rotorstorm for a simultaneous hit against the forcefield. Once through the pod came under instant attack, but Springer managed a crash landing. Last Stand of the Wreckers #2

Upon planetfall, Springer's team ran from an oncoming horde of Decepticons. He took a look at Twin Twist's wounds while Guzzle, Kup, and Impactor held off the Decepticons. Springer ordered Guzzle into tank mode to bring down the ceiling, granting them an moment's reprieve. He then sent Kup and Guzzle to get backup while Twin Twist drilled through the floor. He drilled into an open area, but was saved by Springer, who jumped through and quickly transformed into helicopter mode. On the ground they found the demolished remains of Kick-Off, but Twin Twist warned them that they had just set off a defense mechanism. Springer attempted to escape but was zapped unconscious, ending up in Stalker's Spark Extinction Chamber. Last Stand of the Wreckers #3

Right in the kissah!

Springer came to after a torturing round from Stalker and began arguing with Impactor about the events that led to the former Wrecker commander to be imprisoned on Garrus-9. Springer expressed the desire to forgive Impactor and himself for what happened on Pova, but this couldn't happen until Impactor admitted that what he did was wrong. They were interrupted by the return of Stalker, who had retrieved his latest instrument of torture, the endoscopic claw. After Twin Twist died as a result of Topspin's sacrifice to activate Aequitas, Stalker was about to move onto the others when help arrived in the form of Guzzle, Kup and Snare. Kup sprang Springer, who brought a quick end to Stalker with the torturer's own endoscopic claw. This respite didn't last long, as Overlord blasted through the wall having been radioed by Stalker. The large Decepticon simply asked if the Wreckers were ready, with Springer replying affirmative. Last Stand of the Wreckers #4

Give me your-
Oh, you know.

The battle with Overlord took the combatants to Garrus-9's roof, but it soon became apparent that Springer's team were fighting a losing battle. After Impactor was seemingly defeated, Ironfist, Perceptor and Verity arrived with a large rotary cannon for Springer to use that would supposedly turn the tide. The Wreckers commander emptied the massive weapon into Overlord, who merely seemed annoyed at the attack, knocked the weapon away and tore Springer's face off. As he advanced on Ironfist, the diminutive Autobot detonated the payload of deterrence chips that the Springer had fired into Overlord, and Verity broke his will by revealing that Megatron had since died, robbing the insane Overlord of his obsessive desire to face the Decepticon leader in combat. After Impactor disabled Overlord, he refused to kill him, stating that it was not what Springer wanted. With G-9's liberation, Ultra Magnus took the survivors back to Earth, where Springer was still alive but on life-support, with Kup by his bedside. Last Stand of the Wreckers #5

Though his body was repaired, Springer was left in a coma due to a zero point, an affliction that kept his spark from moving through his body. After the liberation of Garrus-9, the comatose Springer was transferred to Debris, where he was left under the care of Roadbuster and Whirl. Zero Point Convinced their leader would never wake up, Whirl attempted to euthanize him using Roadbuster's Sparkeater weapon, but was caught in the act by Roadbuster and punished. Interiors At Rung's suggestion, Roadbuster began reading the Wreckers: Declassified datalogs to Springer in hopes that an emotional response might cause his subconscious to bypass the zero point. When he came to the complete lie of a datalog detailing Pova, Roadbuster gave up and chose to tell Springer the truth: the Wreckers had been glad to see Impactor kill Squadron X, and they had only asked Springer to lead them because they didn't want to be thrown in prison alongside him. Just as he went on to admit that Springer had still proven to be their greatest leader, Springer began showing signs of life again. Zero Point

Chromedome would later edit Overlord's memories of his battle with Springer and the Wreckers in order to embed a Trepan's Trigger in his head. Remembrance Day Footage of Springer saying "keep going without me" was used by Rewind in his stitched-together final message to Chromedome. The Gloaming

Full circle

Gah! Figueroa flashback!

After more than four years in his comatose state, even Impactor began believing it would be better if they let Springer go. Fate, however, seemed to have other ideas, as Kup and Arcee set off an automatic recording of Prowl's, whose recent actions had led to his disappearance, requesting Springer for the task of finding and rescuing him. As a result, Kup called Springer with a message imploring that he wake up. Kup's words seemed to be what was needed to reawaken the comatose Wrecker, who immediately organised the inhabitants of Debris into journeying to Earth. They arrived in time to disrupt Arcee's interrogation of Verity Carlo, who she suspected was responsible for Prowl's disappearance. Sins of the Wreckers #1 Things started to fall to bits quickly, not helped by Springer still being disoriented from the coma and haunted by dreams of Garrus-9. Unclear of how much had changed in four years, Springer suspected the Decepticons were responsible for Prowl's disappearance, but they soon learned it was someone named "Mesothulas." To Springer's horror, they learned it when Kup began talking in Prowl's voice as the strategist had installed a backdoor in his brain years ago and could remotely hack him. After Prowl said he was being held in a place called the "Noisemaze", they lost his signal and Springer had to comfort Kup who was now aware of what he'd done on Tsiehshi while mad.

"Wreckers, transform and Rule out!"

After Verity's data slug of compiled Aequitas data was abruptly stolen by a rabbit, Springer gathered himself and ordered the Wreckers after it, with Verity hopping into his copter mode. The two compared their respective personal traumas following the events of Garrus-9, and Verity seemed ready to reveal something about her health when suddenly Springer was forcibly transformed to robot mode in mid-air by Carnivac's outlier abilities. Springer and Verity crashed to the ground before him, and Carnivac introduced himself as leader of Mayhem- an anarchic group of beast-formers dedicated to toppling the power structures maintained by the Autobots and Decepticons. Carnivac departed after Impactor and Guzzle arrived on the scene, the former having dispensed with Carnivac's comrade Polar Claw and ingested some of the Chimeracon's spilled fuel. The fuel began to mutate and drive Guzzle into a kill-frenzy, and the recovered Springer and Impactor decided to make use of that. Rendezvousing with the other Wreckers as they were taking on more members of Mayhem, Guzzle was unleashed on the enormous Tidal Wave. It was determined that the entrance to the Noisemaze had to be aboard Tidal Wave and Springer quickly ordered Kup to keep an eye on Impactor and Guzzle outside while the rest of the Wreckers entered the massive Chimeracon. Springer's group fought their way in and once there, Roadbuster started torturing the captive Claw Jaw for directions. Springer was aghast at this, but Roadbuster informed him that the care he had shown for his comatose leader for the past few years didn't cancel out the fact that he was still a brutal thug. Claw Jaw opened the gate to the Noisemaze for them, and Springer and the rest entered. Sins of the Wreckers #2

They immediately collapsed in pain, as the senses-warping effects of Noisemaze brought them to their knees. Mesothulas, now going by the name "Tarantulas", had Springer, Roadbuster, and Arcee strapped into his new invention Impetus, a guilt-extracting computer. With the turncoat Hubcap at his side, Tarantulas presented them to the captive Prowl within the Tor facility. Sins of the Wreckers #3

Demonstrating Impetus's power to Prowl, Tarantulas had the bound Wreckers unwillingly confess their greatest sins. For his part, Springer lamented failing to stop Impactor from executing Squadron X and sending so many to die rescuing Kup. Roadbuster was revealed to have been manipulated by Tarantulas into habitually beating his former cadets to death, something Hubcap had managed to survive, and Verity admitted she was dying, much to Springer's sorrow. When Tarantulas attempted to plug Prowl into Impetus, the Autobot strategist claimed he had executed Ostaros way back when, driving the spider into a fury. Before things could progress any further, Impactor's group made a rescue attempt, destabilizing the Noisemaze by breaching it with Debris itself. Tarantulas and the hesitant Hubcap absconded with a bound Prowl in tow, leaving the other Wreckers locked-down. However, Prowl managed to play on Hubcap's doubts, and the communications specialist covertly released Springer and the others from their bonds. They retrieved their weapons and gave chase, catching up with Tarantulas in the Tor's communications suite and attacking him. Springer freed Prowl and ordered him to get Hubcap to Debris, while the others held Tarantulas at bay. However, the spider proved more than a match for Springer, Roadbuster, Arcee, and Verity, and unable to be readily defeated.

Deciding to sacrifice himself, Roadbuster pleaded with Springer to remember him as a friend, and not as the violent psycho Impetus had exposed him as. Springer watched in horror as his friend transformed to vehicle mode and rammed Tarantulas out a window, the two falling out of a high level of the Tor. Springer stood frozen with shock and grief until Arcee reminded him they had to make Roadbuster's death matter and complete the mission. Springer and the others linked back up with Prowl, joined by Impactor, who had eliminated Hubcap for his betrayal. Impactor and Springer took a brief moment to mourn Roadbuster, then headed towards the Tor's main supply of Obtenteum while workshopping a plan with Prowl to destroy Tarantulas's work and the Noisemaze entirely. Once arriving at the giant column that stored the super-fuel, Springer and Impactor immediately set to laying explosives on it, but the surviving Tarantulas appeared to menace the group once again. Sins of the Wreckers #4

While the others engaged Tarantulas, Springer and Impactor took stock of the situation. Springer ordered Impactor to get the others out while he completed the task at hand, but Impactor wasn't having any part of a sacrifice play on Springer's part. Springer told his former leader that he didn't intend to die, but he was done being a Wrecker and that this would be his final mission. Impactor and him would signal each other using a "call-and-response" exchange and if Springer failed to signal back, Impactor was to detonate the charges on the Obtenteum column. Agreeing to the plan, Impactor went to back Arcee and the others up against Tarantulas, with Springer helping to cut the web the enormous spider was perched on before jumping back down the column.

This one's for you, Ryu!!!

Over the course of the battle, Tarantulas sussed out that his beloved creation Ostaros hadn't been killed and intuitively realized that Springer and Ostaros were one and the same upon hearing Springer's voice signal Impactor. Abandoning all other concerns, Tarantulas eventually got past Impactor and the others and leaped down to reunite with Springer. Interference from the Obtenteum prevented creator and creation from communicating with each other, and Springer assumed Tarantulas was trying to stop him, attacking the spider. Even after Tarantulas attempted to throw Springer back up the column to safety, Springer just leaped back down to continue his assault. As the Noisemaze began to collapse thanks to the other Wreckers' successful efforts, Impactor lost contact with Springer and sorrowfully triggered the charges. Locked in battle with Tarantulas, a brief, wordless understanding seemed to pass between Springer and his creator just before the Obtenteum detonated. Tarantulas disappeared in the explosion, but Springer managed to drag himself out of the Tor's ruins and was rescued from the deteriorating Noisemaze just in time by Prowl.

In the aftermath, Springer and the recovered Verity retired to Nome, Alaska and took in the sight of the Northern Lights together. Verity asked how long they could remain at peace and Springer admitted it probably wouldn't be long, considering their hectic lives, but was content to enjoy what time they had. Sins of the Wreckers #5

One last mission

"This futuristic sci-fi car will draw less attention than a futuristic sci-fi helicopter, Verity."

Springer and Verity remained in seclusion on Earth for a while, their only link to outside world being a communications array given to them by Prowl. Springer used it to begin remotely training the next generation of rookie Wreckers, and was overcome with grief to learn through regular updates from Cybertron that Kup had been killed. Verity suggested he share his feelings with someone that understood him, and so Springer sent a message to the now Mayhem-aligned Impactor, requesting a meeting so they could properly talk. Springer and Verity headed out on a road trip to rendezvous with Impactor, but during a pit stop, Mayhem agent Steamhammer kidnapped Springer. Verity contacted Impactor again and the two were set to meet outside a rally for politician Megan Guiglione. Suddenly, an oddly-acting Springer appeared before the humans and fired upon Guiglione, revealing her to be Overlord in a shrunken down Chimeracon alt-mode. Verity realized Springer was being controlled somehow and Overlord wasted no time in attacking the sluggish Autobot, but was interrupted by undercover members of Mayhem that were also present. Overlord slaughtered them and seized Verity when she confronted him, intending vengeance on the girl. As Overlord fled, Impactor arrived and tended to Springer, calling out to Carnivac, who was hiding nearby. Revealed to have been the one pulling Springer's strings with his outlier abilities, Carnivac tried to explain his actions, but a furious Impactor didn't want to hear it. He vowed to kill Carnivac once they had returned to base and gotten Springer back on his feet.

At Mayhem's base, a recovered and raging Springer attacked Impactor, traumatized by having been under Carnivac's control. He quickly gathered himself when he remembered Verity was in Overlord's clutches and prepared to track her down. Carnivac entered the room and Impactor slugged him, accusing the former Mayhem leader of attempting to wrest control of the organization back and purposely using Springer out of spite. Carnivac countered that their plan to frame an Autobot for assassinating a prominent human politician was Impactor's to begin with, horrifying Springer. Impactor protested that it wasn't supposed to be him, but Springer was disgusted with entire idea of it. He told Carnivac that he expected better of someone who had worked with Ultra Magnus and Stakeout and asked Impactor to help him find Verity. A guilty Impactor chose to accompany Springer, and the two eventually caught up with Overlord and Verity in a secret mountain base established by Tarantulas, who Springer was shocked to see was still alive. While Overlord and Tarantulas had formed a partnership, it soon fractured when Overlord threatened to kill Verity, and Tarantulas tried to protect the girl for Springer's sake. Impactor took Overlord on as Springer made sure Verity was safe, and was confronted by Tarantulas. Tarantulas wanted to make amends to his creation, but Springer firmly rebuked him just before Overlord shot his former partner in the back of the head. Verity told Springer to go fight as she figured Tarantulas's new Timemaze portal out, and the Triple Changer tackled Overlord down a deep crevasse along with Impactor. The two Wreckers were separated from their foe and buried in rubble at the bottom, and a pinned Impactor took the time to apologize to Springer. He admitted it might have been better if he hadn't inducted someone as good and heroic as Springer into the Wreckers so long ago and that Kup was the one responsible for making sure Springer turned out that way.

Springer: Endgame

When Overlord began to approach, Impactor had one final request of Springer as a Wrecker; re-enact the "Pova maneuver" again, with their roles reversed this time. Overlord asked Impactor for some last words, and Impactor delivered his final "Wreck and Rule" right before Springer fired through his chest from behind, staggering their foe. Springer then burst through Impactor's flaming wreckage in car mode, ruefully eulogizing his friend as a "wily old buzzard." He made his way back up to Verity with Overlord in hot pursuit, but the Decepticon was halted in his tracks and forcibly-transformed into his two vehicle modes by Carnivac, who had decided to lend a hand (or a howl.) This gave Springer the opportunity to grab the Timemaze portal that Verity activated and force Overlord's two components through it, sending each to opposite ends of time itself and ending his threat. In the aftermath, Springer listened to Tarantulas's dying words, as his creator revealed that he had secretly lived with Springer and Verity after the collapse of the Noisemaze in shrunken spider mode, taking comfort in getting to know his "son" in some small way. Springer took Tarantulas's hand and addressed him as Mesothulas one last time before the spider expired.

Ultimately, Springer decided to make use of the Timemaze to go back and attempt to prevent the war and change history. He and Verity shared a tender farewell hug and Springer sent one last broadcast out that reached all the surviving Wreckers, as well as other significant 'bots in his life like Prowl and Carnivac. He asked them all to honor the Wreckers' bloodstained history by forgetting it, and to forge on towards a brighter and more hopeful future. Requiem of the Wreckers

Notes

• Springer's birth name, Ostaros, is derived from Ostara (known better by the Old English spelling Ēostre)—a Germanic goddess of, among other things, spring.
• In the first draft of Last Stand of the Wreckers, Springer, Perceptor, and Kup all died. In later plans, one of them was going to die during planning, but in the end Roche and Roberts weren't allowed to do it^[1] and one they could do, they say in the trade, they chickened out of.

References