Swindle is the shrewd, charismatic, and endlessly opportunistic wheeler-dealer of the Combaticons, first appearing in Transformers G1 Season 2, Episode 42: “Starscream’s Brigade.” Transforming into a yellow military jeep, he stands out as one of the most memorable Decepticons thanks to his fast talking, flexible morality, and relentless obsession with making a profit—even during the middle of a war.
Origin and Role in the G1 Storyline
Swindle is rebuilt by Starscream alongside his fellow Combaticons after Starscream discovers a set of imprisoned military criminal personality components and installs them into new bodies. From the moment he awakens, Swindle lives up to his name—seeking deals, shortcuts, and “business opportunities” everywhere he goes.
While the Combaticons are a military strike team, Swindle’s true specialty is profit, not combat. He scavenges parts from fallen Autobots, sells Decepticon weaponry on the side, and isn’t above betraying teammates if a sale is involved.
His most infamous act comes in Season 3, Episode 7: “B.O.T.”, where Swindle sells off the parts of Bruticus after the combiner is destroyed—forcing Megatron to threaten him into buying everything back.
Despite his shady behavior, Swindle remains an essential Combaticon, forming one of Bruticus’s limbs and contributing weapons, intelligence, and occasional battlefield support.
“Hey, business is business!” – Swindle
Key Traits and Personality
- Master salesman – Can sell anything to anyone, even during combat.
- Untrustworthy but charming – Friendly on the surface, but always looking for an angle.
- Highly intelligent – Expert in weapons, black-market trade, and battlefield salvage.
- Self-serving – Loyalty depends on the profit margin.
- Combiner limb – Forms an arm (usually the right arm) of Bruticus.
Swindle is the Decepticon most likely to cut a deal—and the least likely to honor it.
TV Episode Appearances
Season 2
- Episode 42: “Starscream’s Brigade” – First appearance; revived by Starscream.
- Episode 43: “The Revenge of Bruticus” – Helps form Bruticus during Starscream’s rebellion.
Season 3
Swindle plays a recurring and sometimes pivotal role:
- Episode 1–5: “Five Faces of Darkness” – Seen among Decepticon ranks during the Quintesson crisis.
- Episode 7: “B.O.T.” – Major role. Swindle sells the parts of Bruticus, leading to one of the most infamous comedic plots in G1 history.
- Episode 14: “Ghost in the Machine” – Present during Starscream’s spectral takeover of Scourge.
- Episode 16: “The Ultimate Weapon” – Appears in Decepticon operations led by Cyclonus.
- Episode 18: “Chaos” – Participates in the Decepticon strike on planet Dread.
Episode 28: “The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2” – Caught in the widespread chaos of the Hate Plague outbreak.
Appearance in Transformers: The Movie (1986)
Swindle does not appear in the 1986 film. Like the rest of the Combaticons, he debuts near the end of Season 2 after the movie’s timeline.
Associated Toylines
G1 Combaticons (1986)
- Transforms into a military jeep with a mounted cannon.
- Forms an arm of Bruticus.
- Known for its compact, functional design and bright yellow coloration.
Combiner Wars (2016)
- One of the most popular modern Swindle figures.
- Strong articulation, detailed jeep mode, and excellent compatibility with the modern Bruticus.
- Widely praised for its cartoon-inspired sculpt.
Unite Warriors (Takara)
- Premium paint and closer G1 accuracy.
- Highly sought after by collectors.
Special Edition Bruticus Box Sets
Includes improved paint, additional accessories, and collector-grade packaging.
Legacy and Impact
Swindle has become one of the most iconic and beloved Decepticons in G1—not for his firepower, but for his personality. His comedic greed, smooth-talking charisma, and willingness to double-cross anyone (Autobot or Decepticon) have made him a fan favorite. He’s often referenced in later Transformers media as the archetypal black-market arms dealer.
Collectors prize Swindle as a must-have component of Bruticus, and his modern releases rank among the best Combaticons ever produced.
Swindle’s legacy is simple: he’ll sell you anything… even if it already belongs to you.
