Dirge (G1)


 * Dirge is a Decepticon in the Generation 1 continuity family.



Dirge is a master of using fear as a weapon. Mournful, morose, and silent his behavior gives even close comrades like Ramjet the creeps. Dirge actively cultivates this atmosphere, his engines are even tuned to generate fear in all who hear them. Few realize, however, that this need to instill fear is part of an overwhelming need for control over his own situation. Should things spiral out of control, Dirge falls victim to paralyzing fear himself and his usefulness as a warrior vanishes.


 * French-Canadian name: Funébro

Animated continuity

 * Voice actor: Bud Davis (US), Keiichi Nanba (Japan)

Find Your Fate Junior
This is a multipath adventure with no one fixed outcome.

Dirge is the Decepticon defending the anti-gravity base, striking fear in the Autobots. In one outcome, he succeeds in destroying Optimus Prime, only to be destroyed himself by the Autobot leader's final shot. In the end, Prime' sacrifice spurs the Autobots to fight on to victory! Some days, you just can't win.

''Dirge is the most overpowering Decepticon in this story, but he can be defeated by a surprise attack. Alternately, if both Ramjet and Thrust are defeated, Dirge will retreat.''

Dreamwave Armada comics
An alternate version of Dirge appears briefly as one of Unicron's heralds, along with Scourge, Bludgeon, Thunderwing, and Galvatron. He is blown up when Jetfire detonates the Decepticon headquarters that they have taken over.

Generation 1

 * Dirge( Decepticon Jet, 1985/2001/2004)
 * Japanese ID number: 97


 * A retool of the Starscream mold, Dirge transforms into a modified F-15 fighter jet with different wings. The spring-loaded missile launchers were replaced with simplified non-firing... rifle barrels?


 * Dirge never had a full release in Japan, where he was only available as a mail-away in 1986 (for 1980 yen and 4 robot points), and at the 20th Century Toy Museum in 2001. He was also re-released in the US as part of the Toys "R" Us Commemorative Series.


 * This mold was also used to make Ramjet, Skywarp, Sunstorm, Thrust, and Thundercracker.

Timelines

 * Games of Deception! (Multi-pack, 2007)


 * Dirge is part of the upcoming Classics-themed BotCon 2007 box set, along with Bugbite, Dreadwind, Thrust and Thundercracker. He is a redeco of the Classics Ramjet toy, transforming into an f-15 fighter jet with customized wings.  He also comes with two spring-loaded missile launchers that can mount on his biceps, under his wings, or be used as hand-held weapons.

Merchandise

 * Heroes of Cybertron

Trivia

 * Simon Furman originally planned for Dirge and the other "coneheads" to appear and defend the Nemesis in the conclusion to Beast Wars, but this plot point was dropped due to time and budget constraints. Furman was so disappointed at his missed chance to use Dirge (whom he appreciated because he has a "...a cool doom-laden name"), that he chose the character to be one of Unicron's heralds in the Armada comic's "Worlds Collide" arc.