Pretenders (Transformers) Pretenders (Transformers) Pretenders is a subline within the Transformers toy line, introduced in 1988. The concept behind the toy was that the Transformers were capable of disguising their robotic forms through the use of synthetic organic outer shells. While the Autobots' outer shells all resemble human beings clad in armor, the Decepticons' shells are all in the form of monstrous animalistic creatures. The robot figure is contained entirely within the shell, invisible to the outsider observer. After the shell splits apart to release it, the shell can be recombined for a second figure. Although the first set of Pretenders was
The Transformers: Spotlight by Megatron. Ramjet was introduced in the New Avengers/Transformers crossover <ref name="new avenger/transformers 2"></ref> with his Spotlight taking place concurrently with "Escalation". "Arcee" takes place concurrently with issue 5 of "", with Prime pulling the Autobots from Earth as a direct result of what happened in that issue. "Arcee" also acts as a sequel to "Optimus Prime", picking up on many themes introduced in that story, such as the fate of the Monster Pretenders and the introduction of Jhiaxus. "Grimlock" follows up on both Grimlock being recovered by Skywatch and the Machination plotline in "Devastation", as well as acting as