First of all, Happy (late) New Year! Sorry I couldn’t say it sooner, but it’s been pretty busy/hectic on my side. I hope you had a good New Years celebration, and I hope this year treats you well :)
My ask is more of an info dump/rambling, actually. Remember that time I called Swagger a Smokescreen expy? At first, it was a joke, since I do recognize him as a standalone character with his own unique characteristics that sets him apart from Smokescreen (ex. the fact he’s a Two–Wheeler, his signature weapon being his dual katanas, etc.)
But the more I think about it…I can’t help but feel that Swagger really is a Smokescreen expy (which made me think that Smokescreen might not be included in Transformers Universe after all...especially since Jagex already had designs of Team Prime and other Autobots like Hound, Perceptor, Warpath, etc. But hey, that’s just my speculation).
Believe it or not, these two have been in my mind lately. After reading through both of their wikis, it’s…hard to think that Swagger isn’t a Smokescreen expy. With that said, here’s the obvious and not–so–obvious similarities I found (I’ll be referring to your AU and I’d like to sprinkle a bit of my Headcanons/speculations, if you don’t mind!):
Their names start with “S”
I get that this one’s pretty obvious and all, but I had to include it.
I also think it’s pretty interesting how all the Arclight bots whose names start with “S” (read: Showdown, Sparkscape Swagger, as well as Smokescreen) are pretty much the boisterous types.
Paintjob/physical appearance
It goes without saying that their paintjobs mirror one another’s, and maybe it’s just me, but some placements were obvious (ex. the red on their helms and side of their face).
Plus, from what I see, they have the most biolights compared to other Autobots. Again, some of the shapes/placements are pretty obvious (ex. the three–lined biolights on Smokescreen’s forearm and Swagger’s shoulder, the ones on their thighs and legs, respectively, etc.)
This one’s a bit of a stretch, but they have “wings”. While Smokescreen’s doorwings are obvious, did you know Swagger also has his own? Granted, they’re pretty small and are hidden from view (and probably classify as winglets), but it’s visible from his back.
Not–so–good relations with Arcee
It’s obvious with Smokescreen in Prime, but while Universe hadn’t shown both Two–Wheelers’ dynamics/interactions, given Arcee’s (mis)treatment of Smokescreen…it’s safe to say that Swagger won’t be spared from her “comments”. (But as we discussed elsewhere, unlike Smokescreen, Swagger wouldn’t be as accepting/patient)
Had a rocky start with their respective teams
Even so, the circumstances of their situations are different; Team Prime collectively gave Smokescreen a hard time (with an unsatisfactory conclusion, to boot), while it was Swagger’s initial standoffishness that rubbed the Arclight crew the wrong way at first (before he’d eventually start to better himself)
Optimus and Arcee described Smokescreen and Swagger, respectively, as having bravado. Given the context of Swagger being a Smokescreen expy, and that the choice of words was too specific, I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
(Sidenote: if you look up the definition of “Bravado”, then…it really fits Swagger himself to a T. Now I can’t help but imagine the Arclight crew teasing Swagger at times by using his name as an adjective, much to his dismay, heh).
Having an “older figure” who is a Wrecker
In this case, Wheeljack is Smokescreen’s “uncle” figure, while Catapult is Swagger’s “older sister” figure.
Despite being boisterous ‘bots, they’re both very stealthy. We saw how Smokescreen was able to both escape from and navigate his way through the Nemesis with the help of the Phase Shifter. Meanwhile Swagger could “stealth like a shinobi”, which is also aided by his cloaking abilities. (Now just imagine them combining their stealth abilities, with Smokescreen’s Phase Shifter and Swagger’s cloaking…Decepticons better watch out!)
Assassin–like fighting styles
Let’s face it, they’re both (borderline) assassin class. Swagger himself, as a ninja/shinobi is described as a “hit–and–run warrior”, while Smokescreen’s fighting style, as you mentioned, involves him get in close, do damage, and bolt before shooting at the enemy. (In other words: Catapult would be proud!).
Isolation for a period of time and closeness with a mentor figure
In the Covenant of Primus, there was a line from Alpha Trion’s POV that stated the following: Even I, Alpha Trion, had Smokescreen attached to me for the duration—a position neither of us relished at first; me because I disliked a shadow, and he because his feisty spirit found itself inside a library where he had to pretend he didn’t exist.
I think the bolded part is really interesting, since, to an extent, it also applies to Swagger.
It’s implied here that Swagger may have lived a sheltered life under Drift’s tutelage, since I’m assuming that not a lot of bots(?) know of his existence. Not even Flamewar. Though, this makes sense knowing that Drift’s deliberately keeping a low–profile to ensure both her and Swagger’s safety. (Plus, despite his namesake, Swagger would actually know a thing or two about keeping a low profile from this experience).
There’s also a comparison to be made between the two having to pretend they didn’t exist. It’s canon that Smokescreen was initially pretty disappointed with being assigned to Alpha Trion…but even so, he accepted his new post. Meanwhile, following his father’s death and Cybertron’s evacuation, Swagger was left with no choice but to accept Drift’s servo, especially as he had nothing to lose.
Smokescreen may have had to pretend as if he didn’t exist when he became Alpha Trion’s bodyguard. But for Swagger himself under Drift’s tutelage? He never had to pretend, because that’s just the way things are.
(Quick question: do you think the two would live in a small house of sorts/dojo? Plus, do you think Swagger ever interacted with some of Drift’s Ronins?)
Abandoned by said mentor figures
It’s more evident on Swagger’s part, because he really was abandoned by his Sensei, Drift. Plus, we’ve also talked about how Smokescreen’s situation is alleviated since he has a support system from the get–go. Meanwhile, after he lost his father, Swagger had no one else to turn to but Drift. And when his Sensei eventually abandoned him…the young mech couldn’t help but feel that he was probably destined to be alone.
On to Smokescreen…while it wasn’t explicitly stated that he was abandoned by Alpha Trion, doesn’t it technically count as abandonment when, after Alpha Trion placed that key inside of Smokescreen, he allowed the Decepticons to capture Smokescreen…? Even if Smokescreen’s situation was more so him getting betrayed/taken advantage of by his own mentor figure…at the end of the day, Alpha Trion abandoned Smokescreen.
(And the two would, unfortunately, have abandonment issues. Though, it’s stronger in Swagger’s case).
Determined, resilient, and won’t give up
Both have a rough childhood, faced many challenges, lost loved ones, were abandoned by their respective mentor figures…and at the end of the day, still chose the path of good. Despite everything, fueled by their own motivations and end goals, they persevered and marched on.
Smokescreen’s situation doesn’t need any more explaining, so…I’d like to focus on Swagger. I don’t mean to turn this into a “who had it worse” competition, but, again, I feel he struggles so much more since he didn’t have a support system pre–Arclight. What I’m trying to say is that; he could’ve easily gone rogue or went down a dangerous path fueled by rage and grief (similar to that of his Sensei…and yet, he didn’t.
(Sidenote: I love What would you know about her because it encapsulates Smokescreen and Swagger’s different views on their Mother’s/Sensei’s actions. Smokescreen, despite his own grief, is more optimistic, while Swagger is pessimistic…and for obvious reasons.
I personally could imagine these different viewpoints also being part of their overall personalities, with Smokescreen being an optimist while Swagger’s more of a pessimist. Though, I don’t think Swagger would be the type to snark on others for being optimistic, but rather, he’d secretly appreciate/be inspired by it, all the while wondering if he could ever be like that).
Okay! I think that does it, especially since this has gotten pretty lengthy.
Please let me know if I missed anything, and, as always, thank you very much for reading my ramblings, Blade! I really appreciate it, and I’m looking forward to knowing/reading your thoughts :)
Happy New Year to you, too! I kinda figured it was wild on your end (which you don't have to apologize for!) - was pretty nuts-o for me, too. I had a good celebration all things considered, and I hope yours was good as well, Jazzi. I hope the new year treats you well!
I remember that...and you do make a valid point. In all honesty, while they're drastically different characters, there is overlap between Smokescreen and Swagger. You know, the game was released around 2014, right? Then...they might have been building it up since around 2010-2011, and so it's possible Jagex was gonna get Smokescreen at some point, though it's anyone's guess now.
You make a good case for this, and there certainly is a degree of similarities between the boys (FYI, I don't mind you adding in your HCs and speculations, and I'm honored that you referred to my AU/fanfics. That means a lot!)
There is the obvious S-naming theme, although I personally find it fascinating how many names in TFU start with S. We only really got something similar in G1 (Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Smokescreen, Skyfire, probably a few other 'Bots I'm forgetting.) Interesting point that the S-named 'Bots on the Arclight are all "boisterous/big personalities" - I didn't really notice that myself. Thanks!
Holy crap, you're cooking with gas, Jazzi. That's - by gum, even their legs/shins are similar. What were you planning, Jagex...?
(FYI, I love Swagger's doorwings/winglets. They're so cute, I wonder if they'll get bigger as he ages up...!)
Oh yeah, Arcee's attitude isn't just a red flag, but with how she abused Smokescreen, Swagger was guaranteed to get sniped at by her. But as you've noted/we've agreed on, Swagger won't take her crap lying down, and I really, REALLY, would have enjoyed seeing Swagger tear into her!
Indeed, that is a very...distasteful "initiation" and "resolution" into Team Prime that Smokescreen had. At least the Arclight crew had reason for them being annoyed by Swagger, since he was the aggressive one (with very understandable reasoning, whether it's my AU or not.)
Yeah, "bravado" was very likely intentional - though two things I want to note: one, Swagger fits the description more, as Smokescreen is primarily endless energy he directs into his objectives/goals with excess energy bleeding into his actions and words, and two, I appreciate Optimus' little smile at Smokescreen after he gives Smokey his well-earned praise. (Lol, Doubletake: "Please, don't either Swagger this situation any worse than it is, or pull a Swagger." Swagger: "So help me if I hear that ONE more time..." *laughter sounds*)
Oooooo, Swagger and Catapult friendship/sibling relationship is a fun idea I need to explore. And yes, both our boys have Wrecker pals!
Excellent point (and louder for the Smokescreen haters in the back!)! Smokey is stealthy and fast, as is Swagger. Put those two on a squad, plus Macro...and Decepticon bases are gonna fall! (Lol, I can see Flint either rubbing that in Arcee's face or otherwise making sure she can't avoid acknowledging it. Vince would definitely rub it in her face.)
Hehehehe, they absolutely share an "assassin-class" M.O., and Catapult would be so proud of them - Wheeljack, too!
Holy Toledo, I didn't know that there was a quote from Alpha Trion about Smokescreen - in and of itself, that's fascinating and a bit of a lore drop. What exactly were the writers implying? What did they mean by Smokescreen had to pretend to not exist in the Hall of Records? Probably so the 'Cons wouldn't know AT had a bodyguard, but my mind is curious...
It does apply a bit to Swagger, and he did have to keep his head down at times - his mouth just made it difficult until he hitched a ride with Drift. And in the "safe cities", the most struggles Swagger can recall experiencing are fights with other orphans and maybe one or two bad 'Bots. Through that and learning from Drift, he learned to keep a low profile, and you're correct: he's virtually an unknown until Swagger lands on Earth with the Arclight crew. That, like Smokescreen's status as an unknown, is gonna get the drop on the Decepticons.
Swagger lost all he ever had when his father died. After that, he basically had no one and then only had Drift. He didn't have to pretend he didn't exist when the universe hadn't given him a second thought. Meanwhile, Smokescreen is a perpetually shining beacon of light, so even though no one knows him from Adam and few from the Mithril Sea bothered to remember him, it's naturally hard for him to struggle with pretending to not exist. It's one thing to have others ignore you, but actively act like you aren't real outside of a combat situation is very suffocating for Smokey.
(You know, Drift probably made a dojo of sorts for the two of them hidden in the deep wilderness. Likely up north too, masking their presence under the magnetic poles. They did need a place to sleep/rest/make camp, and somewhere in nature would be ideal for grappling with the past and inner turmoil. Swagger may have met one or two of her Ronins, usually the scouts coming to make sure she's alright and to keep her informed.)
These two really would have abandonment issues because yes, Swagger has a more obvious case of it with Drift leaving (even though it was for his safety), but Alpha Trion just....freaking knocked out Smokescreen, performed impromptu and possibly unethical surgery on him, and just - let the 'Cons take Smokey. Sure he trusted Smokescreen to escape, sure he trusted him to keep the key safe, but.....
(Definitely. Arclight crew, the Mithril Sea gang, + Optimus and Wheeljack need to dog-pile these boys ASAP.)
Exactly. They each went through a lot, suffered alone for long periods, and experienced hardships that would have broken others, but still staggered up and chose the straight and narrow path. Swagger is especially impressive because he was in a position and of a similar disposition where he could have turned out like Drift. He even emulates her in some ways, although it's more her fighting style. But he and Smokescreen rose above and stayed good. (FYI not downplaying Smokescreen and his trials; just pointing out that Swagger's less strong will makes his determination to join the good guys impressive.)
(Thank you! I'm rather proud of that one [sidenote myself, please pray I can get the next what if fic done soon - Wheeljack is fighting me harder than Miko did in Fallout]. Smokescreen is indeed more of an optimist/hopeful than Swagger, who prefers to be pessimistic lest he get his hopes dashed, and this goes for them both with regards to Drift and beyond. He's been alone and disappointed a lot, and doesn't have the same will as Smokescreen - however, that does not mean he'll be trampled over. It just means he'll get worn out at times, then buck and rear like an angry horse when the time calls for it. Swagger won't shoot down someone else's hopes unless he's really in a mood, and even then it'll be more of a remark about the flip side of a situation. He definitely won't abuse someone into his pessimistic outlook, unlike his elder Two-Wheeler. It'll take him a long time to admit that he finds Smokescreen's optimism, and that of others, inspiring - but I think he'll take it to Spark.)
Lol yep! They need therapy, and Chromia too, though she won't admit it.
Thanks Jazzi, this was fun! It's always great to have you here, so don't be shy coming to either my inbox, my reblogs, or my comments section. I don't think you missed anything, but let me know if I overlooked something.
Take care, and I hope the New Year treats you well! :D
