PUNCH / 
COUNTERPUNCH

Allegiance: Autobot (well, sort-of!)
Function: Double Agent

First Cartoon Appearance: The Rebirth, part 1
First Comics Appearance: none, other than Universe profile...(correct me if I’m wrong!)

“In my business there are no friends, 
only suspects.”

Profile:  On the surface Punch is as cool-headed and well-adjusted a character as you could wish to meet.  At times of crisis he keeps his head and takes command; his authoritative nature and imposing presence helping to calm those around him.  But Punch fools himself almost as completely as he fools others. He likes to think that he is a robot of few words because in his business, to say too much is to invite death.  In truth, Punch says little because he distrusts absolutely everyone!  His role as a double agent, constantly switching his appearance to Counter Punch so as to blend in with the Decepticons force, has left him a paranoid bundle of neuro-circuits.  He hides it well, but Punch is on edge, guarding against possible betrayal from his fellow Autobots and discovery by the Deceptions.  Only Autobot leader Optimus Prime suspects that Punch’s long undercover operations may be having an adverse effect.  He sees not the calm, aloof warrior others see.  He sees a power keg, about to explode.  Knowing how easily and confidently he walks with the Decepticons, Punch looks at his fellow Autobots, wondering if one of them is acutally a Decpticon double-agent!  Which is why very few besides Optimus Prime know of his secret alter-identity.  Despite all of this, there is no doubting Punch’s courage and dedication.

Punch has a dark side hidden from fellow Autobots and even himself.  Although fully aware of his alternate Decepticon mode and the role he plays with it, Punch is not aware that when he becomes Counter Punch, he not only changes his outer appearance his whole personality changes as well.  He maintains the quiet, keep-to-himself nature, but is more ruthless, volatile and bad-tempered.  The bizarre fact is, neither Punch nor Counter Punch are aware that there is any mental change.  Though even as Counter Punch, he retains his Autobot sensibilities and carries out his double agent duties infiltrating and reporting on Decepticon troop movements and capabilities…  The great fear is that one day, Counter Punch will take full control of the shared mind spelling disaster for the Autobots!

Abilities:  Punch/Counter Punch can transform into a sleek, aerodynamic car capable of reaching a maximum speed of 160 mph with a range of 1,200 miles. In Autobot mode, he uses a twin mortar launcher capable of firing its highly combustible firebombs a distance of 3,000 yards.  In Decepticon mode, he wields a photon cannon, which emits a high-density stream of circuit-scrambling energy, destroying enemies from the inside out.  In order to maintain Punch’s cover, all Autobots are fitted with a damper devise that reduces the cannon’s effect but produces enough fireworks to convince the Decepticons that they have been destroyed.  All the Autobots have to do is remember to fall down! 

Weaknesses:  Punch isn’t overly strong, fast or smart but certainly enough to get by.  Most of his apparent weaknesses stem from the constant danger that his cover will be blown and the Decepticons using this to their advantage. 

Other Appearances: Punch/Counterpunch is one of those very interesting characters that the story writers could have done SO much with.  What great plots, there could have been!!!  Alas, his only appearance was in the far too short fourth season of the G1 shows.  He has not appeared again in any other generation of the Transformers Universe.