First appearance Transformers Manga #5 Base(s) Varies | Created by Hasbro | |
Publisher Dreamwave Productions, Fun Publications Member(s) Camshaft, Downshift and Overdrive |
The Omnibots were three Transformers Generation 1 toys available only in the United States as exclusive mail order items. They could be obtained by collecting "Robot Points" from other Transformers toy boxes and sending them to the manufacturer, along with $5 for shipping. During 1985 the number of orders for the Omnibots exceeded expectations by Hasbro, who extended the offer. They had nearly 50,000 orders for Camshaft alone by July.
Contents
Original show bibles discovered in 2007 revealed the biography written by Bob Budiansky. This biography describes as a road racer who will do anything to win, including fly right off the road.
Camshaft
Camshaft is an ironic name because the signature feature of the RX-7, a rotary engine, does not have a camshaft. The toy is one of the least known of the 1985 releases as his sub-group, the Omnibots, were three Autobots that were only available by mail-order.
Downshift
Downshift's function is Security Agent, and he transformed into a white Toyota Supra. This character never appeared in the television series, but did appear in the Generation One Dreamwave comics.
Overdrive
Overdrive is an Omnibot who turns into a Ferrari BB Diablo.
Overdrive's Dreamwave bio described him as incredibly fast, both physically and mentally – which, unfortunately, had brought with it a severe case of arrogance. Even the other Omnibots have to suffer his continuing putdowns and superiority complex. Because of this other Autobots shun him, and hope he can get his ego under control before he is abandoned entirely.
Manga
In the Transformers Manga #5 Galvatron and his Decepticons attacked the Prime Energy Tower. Galvatron ordered the Decepticons to form Menasor, Devastator and Bruticus and attack. Rodimus Prime counted this move by ordering in Superion, Omega Supreme and Defensor. Galvatron then ordered in Predaking, knowing that Sky Lynx was elsewhere and couldn't counter them. Rodimus ordered the Omnibots to attack Predaking's legs. Tripping up the giant he fell into the other Decepticon giants, winning the day for the Autobots.
Dreamwave Productions
Overdrive and the other Omnibots made a brief cameo appearance in the second G1 miniseries from Dreamwave Productions. Their bodies were seen as victims of Menasor's rampage.
Transformers: Binaltech
Binaltech Overdrive is among the various characters to appear in a simple flash fighting game available on the Japanese Honda web site.
Toys
The Omnibots were available from 1985 until 1988, and were somewhat smaller than the main Autobot cars. They all contained a gimmick where they had weapons which could be deployed in vehicle mode. Unlike the rest of the Transformers toy range at the time, the Omnibots did not have tech-specs.