Trailbreaker Retrospective - The Autobot Force Field Guy

This Autobot may have self esteem issues, but Trailbreaker is more than just the "Forcefeild Guy." Today we take a look at this often forgotten about, but still important Transformers character!
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00:00 The Autobot Trailbreaker Intro
01:21 Diaclone to Transformers Trailbreaker toy
01:47 Trailbreaker Tech Spec Bio
02:19 Marvel Comics Trailbreaker
03:13 G1 Cartoon Trailbreaker
06:47 Was Trailbreaker in Transformers the Movie?
7:29 Trailbreaker confused for Ironhide
8:17 Further Comic adventures of the Autobot Force Field Guy
9:18 More Trailbreaker Toys
09:35 Trailbreaker now called Trailcutter. Killed in IDW
09:59 Poor Trailbreaker still gets confused for Ironhide
10:33 Trailcutter is Trailbreaker once more
11:16 War For Cybertron Earthrise Trailbreaker
11:41 Self Esteem might be Low, but Trailbreakers still a good Autobot

[@iplayRowblawks]

Fun Fact: Trailbreaker's alternate mode is a Toyota Hilux, a vehicle that the Top Gear team attempted to destroy. It survived all of their attempts to kill it.

[@TLSM-72]

It’s also Marty McFly’s truck from Back to the Future

[@RMSAquitaniafan55]

As sad as it is that Trailbreaker is often kicked under the rug, the fact that he is getting a masterpiece toy makes me ecstatic

[@DJDroz-tz4qc]

Another criminally underused character. His self-esteem is already low enough, give the big guy some love.

[@matthewreynoso6904]

He could've been in Transformers Animated!

[@marleyhenry5616]

Yeah

[@karimayiaholmes4001]

I believe he is doing his best to help and protecting the Autobots and the place he is calling home: 🌏.

[@gabrielchee8470]

@@matthewreynoso6904 or had a model drawn in that style as many G1 characters had the same treatment

[@republicf-105thunderchief8]

Me and Trailbreaker: 🤜🤛 “Lack of self worth”

[@capncrunch3960]

“Looks like somebody needs a force-field!”

[@frederickgrandison3609]

And more of it too

[@nommoda2818]

Trailbreaker is the only G1 Autobot who could go "head to head" with a Stunticon and come out the winner..............thanks to his "force - field" abilities and his sense of "humor" in the heat of battle, lol!!!

[@hahalol940]

I always thought it was funny how trailbreaker basically existed just to be a forcefield, like every time he appeared, you knew he'd use one. Especially compared to other characters with powers, which were rarely used.

[@SJHFoto]

Windcharger was another with his magnetic powers, and also Mirage with his invisibility were shown quite a bit

[@randomsample6144]

Megaton's Master Plan Part 2 was an unforgettable episode - the autobots would have been toast without that forcefield as they were heading towards the sun. It came out of nowhere - one of the best moments in the timeline.

[@AGuyNamedGray]

"Trailcutter" Sounds Decepticon-ish to me, and Trailbreker just has a cooler ring to it, he has a forcefield, the ablility to jam coomunications, an upbeat artitude, and a cool deco, the Autobot's are lucky they have him when he does appear

[@itsahostiletakeover]

In "The Reluctant Specialist" issue that Rodimus mentioned, Whirl mentors him in the issue after noticing how down he was ("Thanks to you I can add pity to my repertoire of emotions alongside rage and bitterness") and is the one who suggests "Cutter" because "Break" sounds like he's ruining things. Normally I hate when they lose a trademark but I appreciated how James Roberts played it into the script.

[@ScarecrOmega]

Should have called him Trailblazer..... Prime already did.

[@ZstackZip]

@@ScarecrOmega When?

[@ScarecrOmega]

@@ZstackZip 12:05

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

When I was a kid watching G1 episodes, I actually thought that Trailbreaker was a reserved member of the Protectobots considering his forcefield ability...coincidentally, one of my uncles did had a Toyota Hilux in the '80s

[@sentairidertf2179]

Love that joke at 3:46 "You deserve that alright Megajerk! Rust in peace!"🤣😄

[@SilverbladeDagger]

Trailbreaker has always been my favorite Transformer toy since he was the first and only toy I got that was brand new in the box, and it was jointly given to me by my grandma and my aunt. All other Transformers I got were from yard sales or second hand back in the day.

[@johnzillastudio]

I miss Trailbreaker, he was a cool character and love his force field.

[@mikeyjhilli]

agreed.

[@autobotleane8621]

Me to trailbreakers really awesome 😃😃😃

[@marleyhenry5616]

I love this guy

[@girlgarde]

Same here and as a kid, he was my favourite Autobot so I got upset when he was sent flying by the Decepticons in the Nightbird episode.

[@kay1a_0606]

Same I absolutely love him and wish to see him on a future movie or cartoon

[@LightningZetton]

Trailbreaker looked amazing. I wish he was in the movies. When I first saw trailbreaker I thought he was g1 roadbuster cuz of the visor and shoulder weapons as well as many weapons on his body lol

[@tracer497]

For me I love Trailbreaker. I acquired "Rodimus Unicronus" as a communications stromchaser vehicle as an upgraded Trailbreaker. He got some speed too with a recon car when dropping his "trailer". Can't wait for the masterpiece one.

[@cyberprime9355]

Trailbreaker is one of a few characters I can relate with. I remember having low esteem when I was in college (Not that it helped since I had a Sunstreaker complex at the time) but, I persevered and then graduated, but not before I had broken down crying during the first semester. But, I am better now than I was 3 years ago

[@shadowz6848]

"Ironhide, Wheeljack, Trailblazer!" *and I took that personally*

[@rayvenkman2087]

There are three things the Ultimate Lifeform holds most dear to him: Maria, Team Dark and Trailbreaker.

[@theoreomann794]

He is so underrated and honestly would work great in a show he is high energy, strong, always has a joke and has low self esteem

[@destronlaserwave9566]

Trailbreaker, I think he's one of the more under appreciated Transformers from the 1984 lineup. Not one of my favorites, but still a character who should be used more.

[@SlapNuts4Life]

I’ve never confused him for Ironhide & I can’t believe that for over 35 years I never once caught Primes “Trailblazer” line. I love how even after all this time I still learn new things about my beloved G1

[@Acidstormstudios]

5:05 The most badass and wasted potencial decepticon trio I've ever seen

[@jadenrobinson7918]

Trailbreaker is so underrated. I love him. Black Robots need more Love! Thank you for doing a retrospective on Trailbreaker! He saved the autobots from destruction!

[@MDestron2282]

Trailbreaker is still one of my favorite Autobots. I've loved him since I was a kid. Him, Hound, Tracks, and Beachcomber are great! I guess I'm kinda weird.

[@SableSeraph17]

Trailbreaker was a favorite of mine from the minute I read his TFWiki article and I was psyched when his Earthrise toy was revealed (a toy I was playing with during this video actually)

[@WhiskeyShred]

Optimus calling him Trailblazer... that one got past Wally Burr!

[@SJHFoto]

I forgot about that. The flubb I remember the most was in the first episode when a beige Autobot crane was called "Hauler" by Cliffjumper. Not really a flubb because it was just some random character we never saw again (Hoist presumably, but he wasn't out yet)

[@TheLazyEyebrow]

Probably one of the more relatable characters, and for that reason, one of my favorites. Excellent retrospective

[@brandonandcharlene9527]

I remember seeing the original Marvel comic commercial in April 1984. But in September, when I returned to school, a classmate brought Trailbreaker for "show and tell" on the first day This was the first toy I ever saw in person.

[@SJHFoto]

I remember show and tell! I brought along some TFs too! So cool!

[@stormy9252]

Trailbreaker is an autobot iron hide wish he had in dark of the moon

[@mechgouki7999]

Ouch!

[@Theorymus]

Early Crew 👍

[@antonissa8345]

I got an idea, what if you make videos on different characters that WEREN’T in the 5 bayverse movies (like Windcharger, Huffer or Trailbreaker) and do what movie they would appear in, History within the bayverse and vehicle mode.

[@alumlovescake]

Late crew ;(

[@cyberprime9355]

@@alumlovescake Better late than never, yes?

[@lightningboy7099]

That's what's up

[@Hi-Im-salad]

yeah boi

[@jaytime3435]

It's a shame that trail breaker was never made into other series,when I first saw him I never confused him for ironhide instead I always asked who is that guy? Now that this video came out I already like him and I wish he was in more of the franchise

[@KidConvoy82]

Always happy to see Trailbreaker get some love. ❤️

[@simonfurman8007]

Underated charachter in my opinion.

[@sephrobotthetallone6322]

Trailbreaker was always my favorite. Relaxed and absolutely cool. G1 Supreme!

[@lonedragon3261]

Still need Trailbreaker and Sunstreaker.

[@WhiskeyShred]

My first transformer was Sunstreaker, and my third was Trailbreaker...still two of my favourites 👍👍

[@lonedragon3261]

@@WhiskeyShred I was barely 4 when Transformers came out so I don't clearly remember my first. It might have been Powerglide. There was also a red car that might have been Windcharger.

[@marleyhenry5616]

I have both of them

[@lonedragon3261]

@@marleyhenry5616 I finally did get them. Lucky timing when they came back into stock at BBTS. Last waves suck. I missed Apeface, Pipes and Slammer.

[@TheBernito2]

I gravitate more toward a Trailbreaker, Hoist, Grapple or Hound than one of the sports cars these days... and his dark-grey paint reminds me of my father's pick-up in 87!

[@JesseH76]

I always loved the look of the original Trailbreaker in robot mode, but especially in truck mode. Good looking figure.

[@blueraccoon1088]

5:46 talk about a returned favor

[@InvertInfern0]

He should be featured in more media as he is a strong bot who is not as vulnerable as other boys in the army

[@MikesTek]

Thanks for doing this one. Trail breaker was the first Transformer I ever owned as a kid. Thankfully I still have him and his box :) the box is not in the best shape but at least I have it. I remember being a kid at K-mart and being told I could pick a TF but it had to be under a certain amount. there were only 2 choices Mirage and Trailbreaker. I can't remember the reason I picked him over Mirage, but I remember taking a long time to decide. Knowing me, it had to do with the specs on the back and that force field. Regardless, it was a good choice and I always have enjoyed him even if the joints are loose now.

[@lo1bo2]

"Divide and Conquer" has a special place in my heart because I received the official F.H.E. VHS tape release as a kid. It's actually a good episode!

[@autobotleane8621]

I really like this video because trailbreaker is my favorite character and he's really awesome when it's force field 👍👍👍👍😀😀

[@Mr.BMC2763]

Trailbreaker always reminded me of that big country uncle that used to come over for the holidays and made fun of the family...lol

[@RodimusPrimal]

With Trailbreaker, he probably did it to be endearing to get his family to smile.

[@ZstackZip]

Fun fact: I was messing around with my ER trailbreaker and my dad revealed that he had a G1 trailbreaker. Best part is, we don’t know if he got rid of it, it could still be at my aunts or grandparents house

[@ZstackZip]

Update Found one of the missiles, Breaker himself is still MIA

[@osakatales9228]

I would've loved to see Trailbreaker and the others from Season 1 to 2 in newer Transformers medias like War For Cybertron, especially Tracks.

[@xyx1667]

my most memorable moment of him was the acid rain part, and after that he became one of the more memorable g1 characters for me...guess I picked up on his 'I don't believe in myself' vib and connected ....force field guy/ shield guy also became my nick name for him when I first saw him...I didn't know English at the time and so to remember who's who, it's mostly what their abilities are and color schemes, when I hear lists of names I just go: eh which ones? it really doesn't help when there was a couple of times where I picked up on the wrong names I pick up on the story easy enough, based on the few words in the subtitles I know, tone, expressions and body language in some cases, wouldn't really know the context until years later

[@Toon_Lucario]

I definitely need to pick up an ER trailbreaker

[@wheelsofchaoticdoom8946]

I have a fondness for Trailbreaker! He was my first Transformers back in the day.

[@rayvenkman2087]

Trailbreaker will always be a really useful engine-err, Autobot.

[@elcowabungahe-man6156]

I love the character he always insulted Megatron in a very creative sort of way

[@SJHFoto]

Trailbreaker has always had a special place in my heart. As a kid, in 1984, I was privileged to have almost all of the Transformers as a set. One of my best friend's parents couldn't afford this, and so bought him Gobots (which I liked too) So, we used to pretend when we would play together that some crisis would occur that would either have Leader-1 (the Guardians (the good guys) leader), or Optimus Prime calling for help from the other, and then have a team up. The thing is that even though my friend had very few TF, he did have Windcharger, and Trailbreaker (and maybe a couple cassettes). So, I didn't buy those, and we would play that those two Autobots were assigned by Optimus to be permanently stationed on Gobotron (the Gobots home planet). I really like Trailbreaker as he was the biggest Autobot besides Optimus. I did have a few Gobots too-I know I had Cy-Kill and Pyscho as Supergobots. And as I never had Megatron (I didn't play with guns), they rounded out the cast of Decepticons under Soundwave (my de facto Decepticon leader) We had such good times imagining scenarios with them-I just wish I wrote down some of our ideas!

[@Demondscott]

I really enjoy your retrospectives.Great job.I used to collect TF in the early 2000’s. I wish that toys r us or Walmart would bring back those retro models they had..at the time I had several of them. I had a brand new never opened smokescreen but it got left behind after hurricane Katrina. I had trailbreaker as a kid but my cousin threw him down the stairs.So this retrospective gave me fond memories of good ‘ol trailbreaker! Thanks again love your channel! “Till all are one!

[@bradleyconrad2141]

Trailbreaker is one of the most underrated characters in Transformers as he is the most important when it comes to battles. This guy can make Force Fields, especially in episodes where he was used whenever they went to Cybertron twice in Season 1 and in Megatron’s master plan, he was thankful to be in the situation after the ship blew up when he protected every Autobot. A true badass in Transformers and he needs more appearances in Transformers! Easily one of my favorites in Season 1!

[@aussieguy6908]

Didn’t realise how much Trailbreaker helped out and saved the day. I just got MP-56 Trailbreaker today. Awesome figure, and watching his exploits, I cherish him even more.

[@RodimusPrimal]

It's comments like these that make me glad I have covered original characters who are often overlooked in modern times. Till all are one!

[@FillmoreWax]

Great video because Trailbreaker has become my top favorite. I liked him when I was younger, but he wasn’t the most popular. I appreciate him more now because he was apart of dangerous missions that required going to Cybertron. Plus, he was another old guy besides Ironhide, Ratchet, and maybe Wheeljack that provided experience and wisdom for the Autobots. He was a truck, who probably was valued by Prime. He was with Optimus in the first episode when Jazz returned to report that Cybertron was in bad shape. Everything you said about him was what I would tell others about him on Instagram pics of his toys. Underrated and an unsung hero.

[@GeekBearReporter]

I absolutely loved how Megatron used his forcefield to take out the DJD. I feel it was a way to avenge him, which was very satisfying, given Trailcutter was my favorite character in the books.

[@sturner151]

One of my favorites, my dear late mom gave me him and Optimus Prime for my 10th birthday. Great video

[@SkywarpV]

For a guy who didn't get a lot of recognition or credit from fans...he really did play some important roles and in some cases actually saved the entire Autobot force on Earth.

[@dannyanderson632]

Season 1 in my mind was about as perfect as you can get. I only wish they could keep the seakers color right.

[@javiersantanaaviles5885]

The true Transfan have respect for every character

[@DredgeX97]

13:02 Yes, yes I can. Every single day, it's a struggle to try lift others up, while I'm constantly putting myself down. Honestly, there's been quite a few times I thought about, well... That thought we all have at some point... But by God's grace, I'm still here, I'm thanking Him daily through my internal battles.... Never thought I'd relate to Trailbreaker... Great video, sir!

[@michaelharris7445]

For some reason, one of my fav G1 characters. Love the cartoon bot design!

[@Huntanor]

I love trailbreaker. Eventhough he is a Honda he looks alot like the Chevy Trailblazer which is probably where he got his name and why poor Peter Cullen made that gaff.

[@t.y.talksbotsfiguresandgam3822]

Trailbreaker was based off a Toyota Hilux. They aren't sold in the US, but are popular in the SE Asian Markets.

[@quintinrehm2017]

Once again Rodimus another masterpiece

[@Brooks_Z]

Trailbreaker is one of my favorites

[@philippeterson1953]

Trailblazer gas always been one of my favorite Autobots ever since G1 cartoon. Hope to see him in action again.

[@Ezrimustheblackconvoy]

Tracilbreaker is the tough autobot who uses his force field to protect his fellow teammates from getting injured by the decepticons.

[@Gree187]

Takara Tomy is giving this guy his due justice with a Masterpiece figure ! Bout time he gets the Masterpiece treatment 🙌🏽

[@Adamski2004]

Even if Siege was LIGHTLY annoying, this WFC trilogy TOYLINE WISE, was a Cybertronian blessing

[@schmidington]

I've always liked Trailbreaker. His story arc in the IDW books as he evolved himself to Trailcutter was interesting. The G1 vehicle design always had a pleasing aesthetic to me. I would just pop the generator piece into the hole at the top of the cab and let him roll with it like that.

[@geechie-don7157]

Awesome! Always liked Trailbreaker and never confused him with Ironhide; they are different in so many ways. Also, a defensive strategist is like the brakes on a supercar. Figuring out how to stop the enemies offense (or slowing the car down lol) ensures a high rate of survival!

[@KilosFoxo]

trailbreaker is really relatable in the current day to many with him feeling like he is useless and using jokes to help cope

[@UltraMagnus3786]

That scene at 4:06, so serene. Always stuck in my head.

[@Fenrir72]

You really are a sincere straight to the point unpretentious fan!

[@bequiet5373]

Trailbreaker needs to be in earthspark, an underrated character, with a unique personality and a useful ability

[@superkiller4436]

I think Trailbreaker just might be my new favorite autobot, I like him he's cool

[@michaelpolston5240]

I just read that IDW Kup spotlight for the first time and it was fantastic. I get the impression that for the most part, the phase 1 IDW comics are really overlooked because of how highly regarded phase 2 is (most videos I watched when deciding to read the IDW comics said "nah just read the Wreckers story and then phase 2") but everything from phase 1 I've read so far has been completely top notch.

[@itree4]

Can't believe i found this channel. I'm an absolute nut of generation 1 Transformers. 💯 👍🏽

[@Xalerdane]

Besides reassigning him to Reconnaissance to match his name, I’m really not sure what to do with Trailbreaker. I was thinking that the large number of Autobots could be worked with by having multiple teams patrolling different places keeping a sensor out for Decepticon activity while the more specialized crew members wait at base until they’re needed in the field. So the story could justify jumping from one set of characters to the next.

[@Lazrael32]

Wow, you are always great at these. there is a lot of passion and hardwork, you always end up educating me on something I didn't know and/or giving me something new to consider. Thanks for these!

[@HORRIOR1]

Wasn't Trailbreaker also a drunk in MTMTE, and Megatron karate chopped him into permanent sobriety?

[@itsahostiletakeover]

Yeah I think that fixed his "fuel moderation" chip or something.

[@biennialfawn5524]

I miss this version of Trailbreaker/Trailcutter

[@cesarvidal3851]

When I saw the first live action movie I thought that Iron Hide was trailbreaker

[@Idkjustrandom2746]

Congratulations for reaching 80,000 subscribers. I do think Trailbreaker should appear in more Episodes

[@random_gamer_guy82]

I'm a simple man, I like transformers and this channel. And thats the only channel I need!!!

[@TheYoungDoctor]

It's funny we were just talking about Trailbreaker on Facebook earlier today and about how unlucky he was in Marvel UK ending with him becoming a wall decoration on Autobot City by the Quintessons in Space Pirates!.

[@TFfangeek]

I can relate so much to Trailbreaker!!!!! :D He's always been one of my favorite Autobots, especially from the original G1 1984 cast. :D Thank you for a retrospective video on one of my favorite Transformers characters RodimusPrimal, Double Thumbs Up. ;D

[@diegos7337]

I love Trailbreaker and Hoist! I wish they received some love as well! Both of their Spotlights were really good in IDW.

[@thethomasj1795]

I always wanted Trail Breaker........one of the few Transformers I never acquired.

[@jaykoblue172]

I think Trailbreaker should make more appearances on screen, his forcefield is very useful along with his jamming abilities. Also you forgot that the Cybertron character Overhaul was originally meant to be called Trailbreaker to fit his transformation into Leo breaker.

[@RodimusPrimal]

It's not that I forgot, but I want to use the fact that he resembles Brawn in the future.

[@jaykoblue172]

@@RodimusPrimal ok.

[@aaryarajmondal5532]

I really want trailbreaker to make a comeback in the new transformers series. He such a good character.

[@SwedishSeacon]

The name Trailbreaker was almost given to an Autobot in the Cybertron line. But instead he got a new name which was Overhaul. It is a little explainable why he calls himself Leobreaker after he got upgraded on Jungle Planet since both names end with the word *breaker*. But if he was named Trailbreaker instead of Overhaul, he would have been the first Trailbreaker figure that isn't black with red and yellow stripes

[@TheGundamsword]

Bayverse Ironhide was clearly based on Trailbreaker. But the weapons specialist thing clearly came from the Energon comics.

[@darthpaul99]

I love Trailbreaker, He’s one of the first toys I had as a kid.

[@Posit_Zero_Blue]

That's pretty much my case too lol

[@thehoopsobserver9078]

Nice video! Trailbreaker definitely needs to get a good role in the new IDW run!

[@fredricorosenfield9976]

Trailbreaker was a nice guy.

[@elijahblechman8633]

I haven't been the biggest fan of idw. But i love the spotlight trail breaker has had. I had his toy as a lad and he was like a top 5 most played with autobot for me. it's nice to see him get some love.

[@marleyhenry5616]

Thank you for doing Trailbreaker I like him he’s one of my favorites

[@kevintamas3309]

He was one my of my favorites.

[@sussy-sonic]

I quite like trailbreake,both him and hoist are very good characters imo,I first saw his combiner wars figure and thought he was a deception lol

[@kevinrexsavage8108]

Thank you for this overview. Under appreciated, and should be respected. For sure!

[@kenjones9326]

Still love watching the Combaticons/Bruticus A-Team parody! Keep going, Rodimus!!