One of the main features of the
Cybertron line were the
Cyber Planet Keys 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 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-esque level of messed up. Come to think of it, Shortround
is just like
Dark Helmet...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.
