One of the main features of the Cybertron (http://www.shmax.com/Database/238) line were the Cyber Planet Keys (http://www.shmax.com/Database/1915?part_filter=7&r=1&browse=1) that were packaged along with the figures. Not only did the keys unlock certain functions on the toy itself (allowing a gun to flip up here, a blade to pop out there), but they also "unlocked" something else. Each key had a unique code imprinted on the back and when that code was entered on-line, extra goodies such as a color guide image, additional information, and/or an extended biography were revealed. The biography provided a little additional insight about the Transformer that was either glossed over or not mentioned in the bio found on the back of the package. For example, according to Shortround's (http://www.shmax.com/part_details/186) package bio, we learn that he is a nerd, but at least he's a destructive nerd. But...why is he a nerd? Because he was obsessed with Thunderblast? That makes him a stalker, perhaps, but not necessarily a nerd. It was only when the code was entered on-line that we discovered why he is a
true nerd, at least by this fandom's toy-collecting standards. Courtesy of Hasbro:
"Shortround, in addition to being completely in love with Thunderblast, is also
completely obsessed with toys. This little Decepticon, when not annoying the slag out of his team-mates, or causing confusion on the battlefield is either on-line or shooting around the galaxy,
hitting all of the best collectible toy stores he can find. The prizes of his collection? Mint complete Generation 2 Defensor and Menasor."
So there you have it, he collects Transformers, something to which we all can relate. But...he's a
Transformer obsessed with collecting
Transformers toys. That's sort of messed up...approaching a Spaceballs (http://theswca.com/index.php?action=disp_item&item_id=77718)-esque level of messed up. Come to think of it, Shortround
is just like Dark Helmet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceballs)...both are short, bad-guy, toy-collecting nerds that chase after ladies that are way out of their league. The only difference being is that Dark Helmet travels in
Spaceball One, a spaceship that is a Transformer, while Shortround,
himself, is a Transformer.
I always thought he'd make a good Seaspray... with a repaint of course. Like for BotCon or something...