The Most Obscure Transformers In The Comics

Charlotte Zenfis September 17, 2023

The Transformers franchise has captured the hearts of fans all over the world with its iconic characters like Optimus Prime and Megatron. However, there are several lesser-known Transformers who have also made a significant impact on the franchise. These robots in disguise might not be as famous, but they have their own dedicated fanbases and unique stories.

One such character is Dai Atlas, who made his debut in the one-episode OVA Transformers: Zone. Although he had a brief appearance, Dai Atlas left a lasting impression as one of the Autobot Powered Masters. With his ability to transform into a jet, a drill tank, and a military base, Dai Atlas was a formidable warrior. Unfortunately, he has had few toys and appearances in new continuities or comics, making him a fairly forgotten character.

Another overlooked Transformer is Ginrai, a separate character who looks just like Autobot leader Optimus Prime. In the anime Transformers: Super-God Masterforce, Ginrai is a Japanese truck driver who bonds with a lifeless “transtector” meant to be used as a new body for the deceased prime. Despite his unique backstory, Ginrai has never been used in recent years and remains exclusive to the anime.

Star Saber is another cool but lesser-known Transformer leader. He appeared in Transformers: Victory and stood out with his aerial alternate mode and status as a “Brainmaster.” Star Saber has never been extensively used in the franchise, but his popularity in Japan led to the use of his name for a Mini-Con weapon in the Unicron Trilogy. He has also been reimagined as a religious zealot in IDW’s Transformers comics.

Overlord, the main Decepticon of Super-God Masterforce, took the concept of transformation to a whole new level. He was the fusion of two transtectors piloted by a human married couple, Mega and Giga. Overlord’s unique design and transformation abilities make him a standout character, although he has had a somewhat small role in Western comics.

Lio Convoy, also known as Leo Prime in the West, was the leader in Beast Wars II: Super-Robot Lifeform Transformers. With his alternate mode as an organic lion, Lio Convoy led a team of Maximals on the alien planet Gaia. Despite being confined to Japan and South Korea, Lio Convoy has made appearances in some of IDW’s Beast Wars comics.

Deathsaurus is another character who is almost entirely exclusive to Japanese fiction. He appeared in Transformers: Victory as a rogue Decepticon embodying evil. Deathsaurus has remained an obscure character, but a crowdfunded figure has brought him some attention.

Lord Straxus of Darkmount is a character created by Simon Furman for the Transformers Marvel comic books. He is a ruthless Decepticon who remained on Cybertron and had his gruesome acts take place in the dark fortress Darkmount. Straxus has mostly been confined to the comics, but he had his first toy released in the Transformers: Generations line.

Sixshot is a Decepticon with a unique ability to transform into six different forms. Although he had a brief appearance in the G1 Transformers cartoon, he has rarely been used in the franchise since then. Even with his cool concept, Sixshot has had less success compared to other Decepticons.

Punch/Counterpunch is an Autobot with a unique gimmick of having a second robot mode, the Decepticon Counterpunch. This enables him to do espionage for Optimus Prime and spy on their enemies. Although Punch has mainly had small roles in minor comic books, he has had several new toys since the 2010s.

Big Convoy, the begrudging leader in Beast Wars Neo, is a character with a brusque and independent personality. He transforms from an organic wooly mammoth to a heavily armed robot. Despite his unique characterization and beloved original toy, Big Convoy has had limited major appearances since then.

These lesser-known Transformers might not be as recognizable as Optimus Prime or Megatron, but they have their own dedicated fanbases. They prove that there is much more to the franchise’s cast than meets the eye, and they deserve to be celebrated for their unique designs and contributions to the Transformers lore.